The Life of Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls from 1984-1993, and from 1995-1998, leading them to six NBA Championships
Timeline of Michael Jordan's Career
Early Life and College Career
- 1963: Born in Brooklyn, New York, but raised in Wilmington, North Carolina.
- 1981: Enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- 1982: Hit the game-winning shot in the NCAA Championship against Georgetown, cementing his status as a rising star.
NBA Career
- 1984: Drafted as the 3rd overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Draft.
- 1985: Won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award after averaging 28.2 points per game.
- 1986: Scored 63 points in a playoff game against the Boston Celtics, a record still unbroken.
- 1987-1993: Led the NBA in scoring for seven consecutive seasons.
- 1991-1993: Won three consecutive NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls (first "three-peat").
- Named NBA Finals MVP in all three years.
First Retirement and Baseball Career
- 1993: Retired from basketball following the tragic death of his father, James Jordan.
- 1994: Played minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons, a Chicago White Sox affiliate.
Return to the NBA
- 1995: Returned to the Chicago Bulls with a simple announcement: “I’m back.”
- 1996-1998: Led the Bulls to another "three-peat," winning NBA Championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
- Named NBA Finals MVP each time, bringing his total to six.
Second Retirement
- 1999: Retired for a second time, citing a desire to leave the game at his peak.
Washington Wizards Era
- 2001: Returned to the NBA, playing two seasons with the Washington Wizards.
- 2003: Played his final NBA game on April 16.
Post-NBA Career
- 2006: Became a part-owner and executive of the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets).
- 2010: Became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, making him the first former NBA player to become a majority owner in the league.
Accolades and Legacy
- 5x NBA MVP: Awarded in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, and 1998.
- 14x NBA All-Star: Played in every All-Star game from 1985 to 2003 (except for years missed due to retirement).
- 1988: Won Defensive Player of the Year.
- 2009: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- 2020: Delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Kobe Bryant, solidifying his role as a basketball legend and mentor.