Quck answer
Michael Jordan is a retired professional basketball player widely regarded as the greatest of all time. He played 15 seasons in the NBA, primarily for the Chicago Bulls. Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships and earned five regular season MVP awards. Known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and competitiveness, he revolutionized the game with his acrobatic dunks and clutch performances. Jordan’s impact extended beyond basketball, as he became a global icon and brand ambassador. His legacy includes numerous records, including the highest career scoring average in NBA history. Jordan’s influence on the sport and pop culture remains unmatched.
If you had to select the most exceptional athlete in the world, who would come to mind? Usain Bolt? Serena Williams? Muhammad Ali? For many, one renowned basketball player would undoubtedly claim the title. Who is it? Michael Jordan!
You may be more familiar with him as Air Jordan. But before earning that nickname, Michael Jordan was an ordinary child. Born in New York and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, he was always driven by competition. He first learned to play baseball before venturing into the sport that would bring him fame—basketball.
However, Jordan’s path to becoming a basketball star was not a straightforward one. In fact, during his sophomore year of high school, he failed to make the varsity basketball team. Disappointed, he was placed on the junior varsity (JV) team by the coach. Despite this setback, Jordan had an outstanding year as a player on the JV team. He showcased his relentless spirit and work ethic. These qualities ultimately led him to make the varsity team in his junior year.
As a student athlete at the University of North Carolina, Jordan was twice named the NCAA College Player of the Year, in 1983 and 1984. During his time there, his team also emerged victorious in the NCAA Division I championship. Additionally, Jordan played an instrumental role in helping the U.S. Olympic basketball team secure the gold medal in 1984. He would achieve this feat once again in 1992.
Following his junior year in college, Jordan entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) and joined the Chicago Bulls in 1984. Despite his professional basketball career, he recognized the value of education and obtained his bachelor’s degree in geography in 1985.
In his debut year in the NBA, Jordan wore the iconic red #23 jersey and averaged 28.2 points per game. This remarkable performance earned him the title of Rookie of the Year, and he was selected to play in the League’s All-Star Game. Jordan’s achievements did not stop there. With him on the team, the Bulls secured NBA championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993, achieving a threepeat. Even today, the Bulls remain one of only three teams in the NBA to have won the championship three consecutive times.
In 1993, Jordan made a surprising announcement—he was retiring from basketball, at least for the time being. The tragic loss of his father prompted him to return to the sport they had bonded over initially. He traded his Bulls jersey for a minor league baseball uniform and spent a year as an outfielder for the Birmingham Barons.
Although Jordan’s baseball career was short-lived and unremarkable, it proved to be a humbling experience for the star athlete. He embraced it as an opportunity for personal growth and made his return to the NBA in 1995. Leading the Bulls once again, Jordan guided the team to championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998, achieving another threepeat. Subsequently, he retired from the sport for the second time.
However, Jordan’s passion for basketball persisted. In 2000, he became a part owner of the Washington Wizards. He even emerged from retirement in 2001 to play two seasons for the Wizards. Finally, in 2003, Jordan retired from basketball for the last time.
But was that the end of Air Jordan’s story? Absolutely not! He has remained an active figure in the NBA as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan also continues his partnership with Nike and hosted a charity golf tournament from 2001 until 2014. And, of course, who can forget his starring role in the 1996 film “Space Jam.”
Michael Jordan is renowned for being one of the most exceptional basketball players ever. However, his career has had numerous unexpected turns! Many individuals have been motivated by his unwavering determination to improve and his intense desire to win. Jordan’s experiences demonstrate that if you work hard enough, you can achieve success in various ways.
Give It a Try
Have fun and continue learning with the assistance of an adult and the following activities!
- Do you enjoy participating in any sports? Choose a sport that you have never played before and take some time today to learn about it. Ask a friend or family member to help you discover more information about the sport online. What are the rules? Who are the most famous athletes in that sport? Finally, give the sport a try yourself! You might just discover a new talent today.
- Many sports enthusiasts collect trading cards featuring pictures and information about their favorite athletes. Imagine that you have been tasked with designing a trading card for Michael Jordan. What interesting facts about Jordan would you include on the card? First, find a picture of Michael Jordan for the front of your card (or draw one yourself!). Then, list at least a few facts about this extraordinary athlete on the back. Make sure to proudly display your finished project!
- Do you enjoy learning about famous athletes? Read more about Muhammad Ali or Jackie Joyner-Kersee. What did these athletes achieve? What makes them fascinating? Summarize what you have learned for a friend or family member.
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.biography.com/athlete/michael-jordan (accessed 29 July 2020)
- https://www.nba.com/bulls/history/Chicago_Bulls_History-24393-42.html (accessed 29 July 2020)
- https://www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/michael-jordan (accessed 29 July 2020)
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