Michael Jordan was elected to the Hall of Fame on April 6, 2009. Read about his induction and the rest of 2009’s Hall of Fame Class.
I was fortunate to be in the US when Michael Jordan returned from his first retirement in 1995. The next season, Chicago Bulls went on to set a 72-10 record on their way to win their 4th NBA Finals. Besides, having phenomenal individual skills, what I admire most is how he could rally and boost the rest of Bulls’ performance. I had great times watching each Bulls’ game while I was in the state.
For those who don’t know Michael Jordan, well you have miss watching one of the greatest athletes in action. Here's my tribute to his airness taken from the NBA website.
Michael Jordan
By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time -- although a summary of his basketball career and influence on the game inevitably fails to do justice to the man. A phenomenal athlete with a unique combination of fundamental soundness, grace, speed, power, artistry, improvisational ability and an unquenchable competitive desire, Jordan single-handedly redefined the NBA superstar.
Full Name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan
Born: 2/17/63 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
College: North Carolina
Drafted by: Chicago Bulls, 1984 (third overall)
Honors:
- Six-time NBA champion (1991-93, 1996-98);
- NBA MVP (1988, '91, '92, '96, '98);
- 10-time All-NBA First Team (1987-93, 1996-98);
- All-NBA Second Team (1985);
- Defensive Player of the Year (1988);
- Nine-time All-Defensive First Team (1988-93, 1996-98);
- Rookie of the Year (1985);
- 14-time All-Star; All-Star MVP (1988, '96, '98);
- One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996);
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1984, '92).
Top Ten Memorable Moments:
1986: Michael Jordan’s 63 pts NBA playoff-record.
I've to disagree with what Boston's Larry Bird described he saw on the night Jordan scored an NBA playoff-record 63 points against the Celtics. MJ is still a human despites his phenomenal skills.
1988: Jordan and Wilkins Battle for Dunk Title
The 1988 Slam Dunk contest came down to the wire as Dominique Wilkins and hometown favorite Michael Jordan faced off for dunk title honors.
1989: Jordan Hits "The Shot"
It is known, in Chicago and especially in Cleveland, as "The Shot," and Michael Jordan's game-winning jumper was among the first of his numerous clutch shots.
1991: Michael's Most Amazing Move?
In Game 2 of the 1991 NBA Finals against the Lakers, Michael Jordan made a spectacular move that seemed even more unbelievable every time it was replayed.
1992: Jordan Blazes Away From Long Range
They said three-point shooting wasn't his forte, but Michael Jordan was 'in the zone' in Game 1 of the '92 Finals vs. Portland, burying six first-half treys.
1992: The Original Dream Team
Jordan teamed with legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird to form perhaps the greatest team ever assembled at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
1995: Jordan Back Big-Time; Drops 55 on Knicks
Five games into his comeback, Michael Jordan shook off the rust and showed he's still got big-time game by exploding for 55 points against the Knicks.
1996: Jordan Leads Bulls to League Record 70 Wins
The Bulls' 72-10 record during the 1995-96 regular season was the best in NBA history, and Chicago made its claim as one of the best sports teams ever.
1997: Flu Doesn't Stop Jordan in 1997 NBA Finals
Ravaged by the flu, Jordan scored 38 points in Game 5, including the tie-breaking three-pointer with 25 seconds left to lift the Bulls over the Jazz 90-88.
1998: Jordan Jolts Jazz in Game 6
With Chicago trailing by three points, Michael Jordan scored on a drive, stripped the ball from Karl Malone, and then buried the game-winning shot with 5.2 seconds to go.
Photo credits :
- MJ in Bulls’ center court. By Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
- MJ in 1987’s NBA All-Star Dunk Contest. By Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
- MJ’s “The Shot” against Cleveland in the first round NBA playoff in 1989. By Manny Millan/SI
- MJ’s playoff-record 63 points in the Bulls' 135-131 double-overtime loss against Boston in 1986. By Dick Raphael/NBAE/Getty Images
- MJ hugging Chicago Bulls first NBA championship trophy in 1991 while grabbing regular-season and Finals MVP awards on the way. By Ken Levine/Getty Images
- MJ’s first game against Indiana in May 19, 1995 after his first retirement, when he briefly donned the No.45. By Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
- MJ slammed from the free-throw line in what's widely regarded as the best dunk contest of all time in 1988. By Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
- MJ’s game winning shot before his second retirement. as the Bulls wrapped up their six title and second three-peat. By John Biever/SI
- Tantrum, a Predcon from TF Gen.1, trying to pass as a Chicago Bull.
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