Michael Jordan or more famously known as MJ is the owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan. however, was one of the greatest players to ever step foot on a basketball court. From a young rookie for the Bulls to a Netflix documentary, Michael Jordan was a reason many people were inspired to pick up a basketball. Throughout his entire career, MJ has been a part of two NBA franchises. He first started off with the Chicago Bulls and finished his career at Washington.
Chicago Bulls: The First Three-Peat
In the 1984 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls drafted Michael Jordan with the third pick. MJ announced his entry in the league with a phenomenal rookie season. Jordan finished the regular season with 28.2 points per game. He not only received love on his home court but was a fan favourite at away games as well. Jordan was also awarded the rookie of the year title.
The era from 1991-1993 saw the arrival of a fully developed superstar. Michael Jordan led the team to the playoffs with 61 wins in the 1990-91 regular season. The Bulls reached the NBA finals and were up against the Los Angeles Lakers. MJ was an absolute star in his first-ever NBA finals. The Chicago Bulls took home the championship.
In the 1991-92 season, MJ won his second consecutive MVP award. The Chicago Bulls were on the hunt for back to back championships. The Bulls locked horns with the Portland Trail Blazers in the finals. with 35.8 points per game in the series, Jordan gave the Bulls their back to back championship.
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In the 1992-93 season, the Chicago Bulls looked stronger than ever. MJ had the likes of Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant to support him. The hunt for a three-peat was up and running. The Bulls made the NBA finals yet again and faced the Phoenix Suns. MJ recorded an average of 41.0 points per game in the NBA Finals series. The Chicago Bulls had won a three-peat and Michael Jordan went on to become the first player in NBA history with three straight NBA Finals MVP awards.
Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan Comes Back For Yet Another Three-Peat
Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball in 1993. The reason for this was the loss of his father. The Bulls began the 1994-95 season without MJ. The team struggled through the season. However, in March 1995, Michael Jordan announced that he will be coming out of retirement to suit up for the Bulls yet again. Once MJ returned to the team, the Bulls looked scary yet again. Michael Jordan came back with a bang and put up 55 points at Madison square garden. The team advanced to the playoffs but were eliminated by the Orlando Magic.
The 1995-96 season was a season for redemption. MJ’s scars from the playoff loss were fresh. He came back in style to get his revenge and add yet another ring to his collection. The Bulls advanced to the NBA finals that season and were up against the Seattle SuperSonics. The Bulls came out on top 4-2 and Michael Jordan not only brought Chicago their fourth title but also gifted himself with his fourth NBA finals MVP award.
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The 1996-97 season was no different. MJ once again led the Chicago Bulls to another NBA Finals. This time they were facing the Utah Jazz. Michael Jordan did what he usually does best and took the Bulls across the line for back to back championships. MJ was also crowned with his fifth NBA Finals MVP award.
The 1997-98 season, was a season that made Michael Jordan one of the greatest players of all time. The Bulls were on the hunt for their second three-peat and all eyes were on MJ. Jordan managed to pull the Bulls to another NBA finals. The only thing standing between the Bulls and a second three-peat was the seven-game series against the Jazz. MJ however managed to help the Bulls to their second three-peat. Jordan was awarded his sixth Finals MVP setting the record for most number in the league. In 1999, Michael Jordan announced his second retirement.
Washington Wizards: The End Of Michael Jordan’s Legacy
In 2001, Michael Jordan came out of retirement once again. This time he suited up for a different team. MJ decided to play for the Wizards and donate his salary to the victims of the September 11 attacks. The 2001-02 season was affected by injuries, especially for the Wizards. MJ however managed to lead the team to be a contender for the playoffs. Injury however did not spare Jordan. He was affected by a torn cartilage in his right knee.
The 2002-03 season was Jordan’s last dance in the NBA. There were tributes being paid to Michael Jordan throughout the league. Michael had the perfect end to his final game at the place he began. He played in front of the Chicago crowd where he received a four-minute standing ovation for everything he had done for the Bulls.
The Miami Heat also went on to retire the number 23, even though Jordan had never played for them. Jordan played his last ever NBA game in Philadelphia. Even though it was not Jordan’s home court the fans wanted to see the GOAT on court the entire game. Chants echoed through the arena as Jordan took a bow to end his Last Dance. Michael Jordan’s career is a legacy that everyone in the basketball universe will look up to for years to come.
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