Michael Jordan 20455 225636437 2008-07-14T17:48:09Z Giants2008 6689490 /* Media figure and business interests */ Remove comma {{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}} {{otherpeople}} {{Infobox NBAretired |image=Michael Jordan.jpg |width=200 |caption=<small>Michael Jordan</small> |position=[[Shooting Guard]] |height_ft=6 |height_in=6 |weight_lbs=216 |number=23, 45, 9 (Olympics) |birthdate={{birth date and age|1963|2|17}}<br />[[Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], [[New York]] |debutyear=1984 |finalyear=2003 |draftyear=1984 |draftround=1 |draftpick=3 |college=[[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|University of North Carolina]] |teams=<nowiki></nowiki> * [[Chicago Bulls]] (1984-1993, 1995-1998) * [[Washington Wizards]] (2001-2003) |stat1label=[[Point (basketball)|Points]] |stat1value=32,292 |stat2label=[[Rebound (basketball)|Rebound]] |stat2value=6,672 |stat3label=[[Assist (basketball)|Assists]] |stat3value=5,633 |stat4label=[[Steal (basketball)|Steals]] |stat4value=2,514 |letter=j |bbr=jordami01 |highlights=<nowiki></nowiki> * 6x [[NBA Finals|NBA Champion]] ([[1991 NBA Finals|1991]], [[1992 NBA Finals|1992]], [[1993 NBA Finals|1993]], [[1996 NBA Finals|1996]], [[1997 NBA Finals|1997]], [[1998 NBA Finals|1998]]) * 5x [[National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award|NBA MVP]] ([[1987-88 NBA season|1988]], [[1990-91 NBA season|1991]], [[1991-92 NBA season|1992]], [[1995-96 NBA season|1996]], [[1997-98 NBA season|1998]]) * 14x [[NBA All-Star Game|NBA All-Star]] (1985-1993, 1996-1998, 2002-2003) * 6x [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]] (1991-1993, 1996-1998) * 1x [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award|NBA Defensive Player of the Year]] (1988) * 10x [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA First Team]] Selection (1987-1993, 1996-1998) * 1x [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA Second Team]] Selection (1985) * 9x [[NBA All-Defensive Team|NBA All-Defensive First Team]] Selection (1988-1993, 1996-1998) * 1985 [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]] * 1985 [[NBA All-Rookie Team]] * 3x [[NBA All-Star Game MVP]] (1988, 1996, 1998) * 2x [[Slam Dunk Contest#Past NBA Slam Dunk Contest champions|NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner]] (1987, 1988) * [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team]] * 1x [[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|NCAA Men's Basketball Champion]] ([[1982 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament|1982]]) * 1982 [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] Freshman of the Year * 1x [[ACC Men's Basketball Player of the Year]] (1984) * 1x [[Oscar Robertson Trophy|USBWA College Player of the Year]] (1984) * 1x [[Naismith College Player of the Year]] (1984) * 1x [[John R. Wooden Award]] (1984) * 1x [[Adolph Rupp Trophy]] (1984) * 1991 [[Sports Illustrated]] ''[[Sportsman of the Year]]'' * 2000 [[ESPY]] Athlete of the Century * 1990s ESPY Male Athlete Decade Award * 1990s ESPY Pro Basketballer Decade Award |HOF= }} [[Image:MichaelJordanDeanSmith.jpg|150px|right|thumb|Michael Jordan and [[Dean Smith]] at the University of North Carolina game honoring the 1957 and 1982 men's basketball teams.]] '''Michael Jeffrey Jordan''' (born [[February 17]] [[1963]]) is an [[United States|American]] [[retirement|retired]] [[professional sports|professional]] [[basketball]] player and active businessman. His biography on the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA) website states, "By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time."<ref name="nbah">[http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_bio.html Michael Jordan], nba.com/history, accessed [[January 15]], [[2007]].</ref> Jordan was one of the most effectively marketed athletes of his generation, and was instrumental in popularizing the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s. After a stand-out career at the [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|University of North Carolina]], Jordan joined the NBA's [[Chicago Bulls]] in [[1984 NBA Draft|1984]]. He quickly emerged as one of the stars of the league, entertaining crowds with his prolific scoring. His leaping ability, illustrated by performing [[slam dunk]]s from the [[free throw line]] at [[Slam Dunk Contest]]s, earned him the nicknames "'''Air Jordan'''" and "'''His Airness'''". He also gained a reputation as one of the best [[defense (sport)|defensive]] players in basketball. In [[1991 NBA Finals|1991]], he won his first NBA championship with the Bulls, and followed that achievement with titles in [[1992 NBA Finals|1992]] and [[1993 NBA Finals|1993]], securing a "[[three-peat]]". Though Jordan abruptly left the NBA at the beginning of the [[1993-94 NBA season]] to pursue a career in [[baseball]], he rejoined the Bulls in [[1995-96 NBA season|1995]] and led them to three additional championships ([[1996 NBA Finals|1996]], [[1997 NBA Finals|1997]], and [[1998 NBA Finals|1998]]) as well as an NBA-record [[List of NBA teams by single season win percentage|72 regular-season wins]] in the [[1995-96 NBA season|1995–96]] season. Jordan retired for a second time in [[1998-99 NBA season|1999]], but he returned for two more NBA seasons in [[2001-02 NBA season|2001]] as a member of the [[Washington Wizards]]. Jordan's individual accolades and accomplishments include five [[National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award|MVP]] awards, ten [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA]] First Team designations, nine [[NBA All-Defensive Team|All-Defensive]] First Team honors, fourteen [[NBA All-Star Game]] appearances and three All-Star [[NBA All-Star Game MVP|MVP]], ten scoring titles, three [[steal (basketball)|steals]] titles, six [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP awards]], and the 1988 [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award]]. He holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average with 30.12 points per game, as well as averaging a record 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. In 1999, he was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by [[ESPN]], and was second to [[Babe Ruth]] on the [[Associated Press]]'s list of athletes of the century. He will be eligible for induction into the [[Basketball Hall of Fame]] in 2009. Jordan is also noted for his product endorsements. He fueled the success of [[Nike, Inc.|Nike's]] [[Air Jordan]] sneakers, which were introduced in 1985 and remain popular today. Jordan also starred in the [[American films of 1996|1996]] feature film ''[[Space Jam]]''. He is currently a part-owner and Managing Member of Basketball Operations of the [[Charlotte Bobcats]] in [[North Carolina]]. ==Early years== Jordan was born in [[Brooklyn, New York|Brooklyn]], [[New York]], the son of Deloris ([[married and maiden names|née]] Peoples), who worked in banking, [[James R. Jordan, Sr.]], an equipment supervisor.<ref>[http://www.filmreference.com/film/27/Michael-Jordan.html Michael Jordan Biography (1963-)], filmreference.com, accessed [[June 23]], [[2008]].</ref> His family moved to [[Wilmington, North Carolina|Wilmington]], [[North Carolina]], when he was a toddler.<ref>[http://www.23jordan.com/bio1.htm Michael Jordan biography], 23jordan.com, accessed [[November 23]], [[2007]].</ref><ref name=Alex>Sachare, Alex. ''The Chicago Bulls Encyclopedia''. Chicago: Contemporary Books, 1999. pgs. 172-3. ISBN 0809225158.</ref> Jordan attended [[Emsley A. Laney High School]] in Wilmington, where he anchored his athletic career by playing [[baseball]], [[American football|football]], and [[basketball]]. He tried out for the [[varsity team|varsity]] basketball team during his [[Tenth grade|sophomore]] year, but at 5&nbsp;feet 11&nbsp;inches (1.80&nbsp;m), he was deemed too short to play at that level and was cut from the team. The following summer, however, he grew four inches (10&nbsp;cm)<ref name="nbah"/> and trained rigorously. Upon earning a spot on the varsity [[roster]], Jordan averaged about 25 points per game over his final two seasons of high school play. As a [[Twelfth grade|senior]], he was selected to the [[McDonald's All-American Team]]<ref>Williams, Lena. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940CE2D6133CF934A35751C1A9679C8B63 PLUS: BASKETBALL; "A McDonald's Game For Girls, Too"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[December 7]], [[2001]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> after averaging a [[triple-double]]: 29.2 points, 11.6 [[rebound (basketball)|rebounds]], and 10.1 [[assist (basketball)|assists]].<ref>''[[Sportscenter]]'', ''[[ESPN]]'', air date [[February 2]], [[2007]].</ref> <ref>Lucas, Adam. [http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/021007aad.html Lucas: One Extraordinary Night], tarheelblue.cstv.com, [[February 10]], [[2007]], accessed on [[February 5]], [[2008]].</ref> [[Image:Michael Jordan UNC Jersey cropped.jpg|thumb|left|Michael Jordan's jersey in the rafters of The [[Dean Smith Center]].]] In 1981, Jordan earned a basketball scholarship to the [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|University of North Carolina]], where he [[College major|majored]] in [[cultural geography]]. As a freshman in coach [[Dean Smith]]'s team-oriented system, he was named [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] Freshman of the Year after he averaged 13.4 [[points per game]] (ppg) on 53.4% shooting ([[field goal percentage]]).<ref name="dbb">[http://www.databasebasketball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=JORDAMI01 Michael Jordan entry], databasebasketball.com, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> He made the game-winning jump shot in the [[1982 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament#The championship game|1982 NCAA Championship]] game against [[Georgetown Hoyas|Georgetown]], which was led by future NBA rival [[Patrick Ewing]].<ref name="nbah"/> Jordan later described this shot as the major turning point in his basketball career.<ref>qtd. in Lazenby, Roland. "Michaelangelo: Portrait of a Champion". ''Michael Jordan: The Ultimate Career Tribute''. Bannockburn, IL: H&S Media, 1999. pg. 128.</ref> After winning the [[Naismith College Player of the Year|Naismith]] and the [[John R. Wooden Award|Wooden]] College Player of the Year awards in 1984, Jordan left North Carolina one year before his scheduled graduation to enter the [[1984 NBA Draft]]. The [[Chicago Bulls]] selected Jordan with the third overall pick, after [[Hakeem Olajuwon]] ([[Houston Rockets]]) and [[Sam Bowie]] ([[Portland Trail Blazers]]). Jordan returned to North Carolina to complete his degree in 1986.<ref>Morris, Mike. "The Legend: A Highlight-Reel History of the NBA's Greatest Player". ''Michael Jordan: The Ultimate Career Tribute''. Bannockburn, IL: H&S Media, 1999. pg. 67.</ref> ==Professional sports career== ===Early career=== During [[1984-85 NBA season|his first season]] in the NBA, Jordan averaged 28.2 ppg on 51.5% shooting.<ref name="dbb"/> He quickly became a fan favorite even in opposing arenas,<ref name="Gross">Gross, Jane. [http://select.nytimes.com/search/restricted/article?res=FA0D10FB3F5D0C728EDDA90994DC484D81 "Jordan Makes People Wonder: Is He the New Dr. J?"], ''The New York Times'', [[October 21]], [[1984]], accessed [[March 7]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>Goldaper, Sam. [http://select.nytimes.com/search/restricted/article?res=F70F15FC3F5D0C7A8DDDA90994DC484D81 "Jordan dazzles crowd at Garden"], ''The New York Times'', [[October 19]], [[1984]], accessed [[March 7]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref name="Garden">Johnson, Roy S. [http://select.nytimes.com/search/restricted/article?res=FA0612FC3A5D0C7A8CDDA80994DC484D81 "Jordan-Led Bulls Romp Before 19,252"], ''The New York Times'', [[November 9]], [[1984]], accessed [[March 7]], [[2007]]. </ref> and appeared on the cover of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' with the heading "A Star is Born" just over a month into his professional career.<ref>[http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1984/1210.html SI cover search December 10, 1984], si.cnn.com, accessed [[March 9]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>[http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1984&lg=n Chicago Bulls 1984–85 Game Log and Scores], databasebasketball.com, accessed [[March 10]], [[2007]]. </ref> Jordan was also voted in as an [[All-Star]] starter by the fans in his rookie season.<ref name="nbah"/> Controversy arose before the All-Star game when word surfaced that several veteran players, led by [[Isiah Thomas]], were upset by the amount of attention Jordan was receiving.<ref name="nbah"/> This led to a so called "freeze-out" on Jordan, where players refused to pass him the ball throughout the game.<ref name="nbah"/> The controversy left Jordan relatively unaffected when he returned to regular season play, and he would go on to be voted [[NBA Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]].<ref name="nba.combio">[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan/bio.html Michael Jordan bio], nba.com, accessed [[January 20]], [[2007]]. </ref> The Bulls finished the season 38–44,<ref name="dbbulls">[http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teampage.htm?tm=CHI&lg=N Chicago Bulls], databasebasketball.com, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> and lost in the [[1985 NBA Playoffs|first round of the playoffs]] in four games to the [[Milwaukee Bucks]].<ref name="nba.combio"/> Jordan's [[1985-86 NBA season|second season]] was cut short by a broken foot which caused him to miss 64 games. Despite Jordan's injury and a 30–52 record,<ref name="dbbulls"/> the Bulls made the [[1986 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]]. Jordan recovered in time to participate in the playoffs and performed well upon his return. Against a 1985–86 [[Boston Celtics]] team that is often considered one of the greatest in NBA history,<ref name="topteams">[http://www.nba.com/history/toptenteams_index.html Top 10 Teams in NBA History], nba.com/history, accessed [[March 6]], [[2007]].</ref> Jordan set the still-unbroken record for points in a playoff game with 63 in Game 2.<ref name="nbagod">[http://www.nba.com/history/jordan63_moments.html God Disguised as Michael Jordan], nba.com/history, accessed [[January 17]], [[2007]]. </ref> The Celtics, however, managed to [[sweep#Sports|sweep]] the series.<ref name="nba.combio"/> Jordan had recovered completely by the [[1986-87 NBA season|1986–87 season]], and had one of the most prolific scoring seasons in NBA history. He became the only player other than [[Wilt Chamberlain]] to score 3,000 points in a season, averaging a league high 37.1 points on 48.2% shooting.<ref name="dbb"/> In addition, Jordan demonstrated his defensive prowess, as he became the first player in NBA history to record 200 steals and 100 [[block (basketball)|blocks]] in a season. Despite Jordan's success, [[Magic Johnson]] won the league's [[National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player Award]]. The Bulls reached 40 wins,<ref name="dbbulls"/> and advanced to [[1987 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] for the third consecutive year. However, they were again swept by the Celtics.<ref name="nba.combio"/> ===Mid-career: Pistons roadblock=== Jordan led the league in scoring again in the [[1987-88 NBA season|1987–88 season]], averaging 35.0 ppg on 53.5% shooting<ref name="dbb"/> and won his first league MVP award. He was also named the [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year|Defensive Player of the Year]]—a rarity for a [[Basketball#Positions and structures|guard]]—as he had averaged 1.6 blocks and a league high 3.16 steals per game.<ref name="MJ">[http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_stats.html Michael Jordan statistics], nba.com/history, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> The Bulls finished 50–32,<ref name="dbbulls"/> and made it out of the first round of [[1988 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] for the first time in Jordan's career, as they defeated the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] in five games.<ref>[http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1987&lg=n Chicago Bulls 1987–88 Game Log and Scores], databasebasketball.com, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> However, the Bulls then lost in five games to the more experienced [[Detroit Pistons]],<ref name="nba.combio"/> who were led by [[Isiah Thomas]] and a group of physical players known as the "[[Detroit Pistons#1980s: The Bad Boys Era|Bad Boys]]". In the [[1988-89 NBA season|1988–89 season]], Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg on 53.8% shooting from the field, along with 8 [[rebounds per game]] (rpg) and 8 [[assists per game]] (apg).<ref name="dbb"/> The Bulls finished with a 47–35 record,<ref name="dbbulls"/> and advanced to the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] Finals, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers and [[New York Knicks]] along the way. The Cavaliers series included a career highlight for Jordan when he hit a [[The Shot|series winning shot]] over [[Craig Ehlo]] in the closing moments of the deciding fifth game of the series. However, the Pistons again defeated the Bulls, this time in six games,<ref name="nba.combio"/> by utilizing their "[[Jordan Rules]]" method of guarding Jordan, which consisted of [[double team|double and triple teaming]] him every time he touched the ball.<ref name="nbah"/> The Bulls entered the [[1989-90 NBA season|1989–90 season]] as a team on the rise. With their core group of Jordan and young improving players like [[Scottie Pippen]] and [[Horace Grant]], they were becoming a more cohesive team under the guidance of new coach [[Phil Jackson]]. Jordan averaged a league leading 33.6 ppg on 52.6% shooting, to go with 6.9 rpg and 6.3 apg<ref name="dbb"/> in leading the Bulls to a 55–27 record.<ref name="dbbulls"/> They again advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals beating the Bucks and [[Philadelphia 76ers]] en route. However, despite pushing the series to seven games, the Bulls lost to the Pistons for the third consecutive season.<ref name="nba.combio"/> ===First three-peat=== In the [[1990-91 NBA season|1990–91 season]], Jordan won his second MVP award after averaging 31.5 ppg on 53.9% shooting, 6.0 rpg, and 5.5 apg for the regular season.<ref name="dbb"/> The Bulls finished in first place in their division for the first time in 16 years and set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season.<ref name="dbbulls"/> With [[Scottie Pippen]] developing into an All-Star, the Bulls elevated their play. The Bulls defeated the [[New York Knicks]] and the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] in the opening two rounds of [[1991 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]]. They advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals where their rival, the Detroit Pistons, awaited them. However, this time when the Pistons employed their "Jordan Rules" defense of doubling and triple teaming Jordan, he picked them apart with passing. Finally, the Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons in a surprising sweep.<ref name="1990-91">[http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1990&lg=n Chicago Bulls 1990–91 Game Log and Scores], databasebasketball.com, accessed [[March 7]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>Brown, Clifton. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE7DE133DF93BA15756C0A967958260 BASKETBALL; "Bulls Brush Aside Pistons for Eastern Title"], ''The New York Times'', [[May 28]], [[1991]], accessed [[April 8]], [[2008]]. </ref> In an unusual ending to the fourth and final game, Isiah Thomas led his team off the court before the final minute had concluded. Most of the Pistons went directly to their locker room instead of shaking hands with the Bulls.<ref>Kalb, Elliott. [http://www.nba.com/pistons/history/Isiah_Thomas_Leader_of_the_Bad_Boys.html Isiah Thomas: Leader of the Bad Boys], nba.com, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> The Bulls compiled an outstanding 15-2 record during the playoffs<ref name="1990-91"/>, and advanced to [[1991 NBA Finals|the NBA Finals]] for the first time in franchise history, where they beat the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] four games to one. Perhaps the best known moment of the series came in Game 2 when, attempting a dunk, Jordan avoided a potential [[Sam Perkins]] block by switching the ball from his right hand to his left in mid-air to lay the shot in.<ref>[[Michael Wilbon|Wilbon, Michael]]. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/jordan/articles/layup91.htm Great Shot! Jordan's Best Amazingly Goes One Better], ''[[Washington Post]]'', [[June 7]], [[1991]], accessed [[March 7]], [[2007]]. </ref> The play was the last in a sequence of 13 consecutive field goals made by Jordan. In his first Finals appearance, Jordan posted per game averages of 31.2 points on 56% shooting from the field, 11.4 assists, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/jordan/mj9091.html 1991 Finals stats], nba.com, accessed [[March 24]], [[2008]].</ref> Jordan won his first [[NBA Finals MVP]] award by a unanimous decision,<ref name="fnl">[http://www.nba.com/history/finalsmvps.html Finals Most Valuable Player], nba.com/history, accessed [[February 6]], [[2008]]. </ref> and he cried while holding the NBA Finals trophy.<ref name="classicbio">Schwartz, Larry. [http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/Jordan_Michael.html Michael Jordan transcends hoops], [[espn.com]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> Jordan and the Bulls continued their dominance in the [[1991-92 NBA season|1991–92 season]], establishing a 67–15 record, topping their franchise record from 1990–91.<ref name="dbbulls"/> Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award with a 30.1/6.4/6.1 season on 52% shooting.<ref name="MJ"/> After winning a physical 7-game series over the burgeoning New York Knicks in the second round of [[1992 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] and finishing off the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Finals in 6 games, the Bulls met [[Clyde Drexler]] and the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] in [[1992 NBA Finals|the Finals]]. The media, hoping to recreate a [[Lakers-Celtics rivalry|Magic-Bird rivalry]], highlighted the similarities between "Air" Jordan and Clyde "The Glide" during the pre-Finals hype. In the first game, Jordan scored a Finals-record 35 points in the first half, including a record-setting six [[three-point field goal]]s.<ref name="NBA1991-92">[http://www.nba.com/history/jordan_92_finals.html Jordan Blazes Away From Long Range], nba.com, accessed [[March 9]], [[2007]].</ref> After the sixth three-pointer, he jogged down the court shrugging as he looked courtside. [[Marv Albert]], who broadcast the game, later stated that it was as if Jordan was saying, "I can't believe I'm doing this."<ref>[http://www.nba.com/encyclopedia/finals/Memory_Lane.html A Stroll Down Memory Lane], nba.com/history, accessed [[February 23]], [[2007]].</ref> The Bulls went on to win Game 1, and defeat the Blazers in six games. Jordan was named Finals MVP for the second year in a row<ref name="fnl"/> and finished the series averaging 35.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 6.5 apg, while shooting 53% from the floor.<ref name="fnl"/> In [[1992-93 NBA season|1992&ndash;93]], despite a 32.6/6.7/5.5 campaign,<ref name="MJ"/> Jordan's streak of consecutive MVP seasons ended as he lost the award to his friend [[Charles Barkley]]. Fittingly, Jordan and the Bulls met Barkley and his [[Phoenix Suns]] in the [[1993 NBA Finals]]. The Bulls captured their third consecutive NBA championship on a game-winning shot by [[John Paxson]] and a last-second block by [[Horace Grant]], but Jordan was once again Chicago's catalyst. He averaged a Finals-record 41.0 ppg during the six-game series,<ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19921993.html Paxson's Trey Propels Bulls Into NBA History], nba.com/history, accessed [[January 20]], [[2007]]. </ref> and became the first player in NBA history to win three straight Finals MVP awards.<ref name="fnl"/> He scored more than 30 points in every game of the series, including 40 or more points in 4 consecutive games, a record which has never been threatened. With his third Finals triumph, Jordan capped off a seven-year run where he attained seven scoring titles and three championships, but there were signs that Jordan was tiring of his massive celebrity and all of the non-basketball hassles in his life. ===Gambling controversy=== During the Bulls' playoff run in 1993, controversy arose when Jordan was seen gambling in [[Atlantic City]] the night before a game against the New York Knicks.<ref>[[Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|Anderson, Dave]]. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE0DF1430F934A15756C0A965958260 "Sports of The Times; Jordan's Atlantic City Caper"], ''The New York Times'', [[May 27]], [[1993]], accessed [[April 8]], [[2008]]. </ref> In that same year, he admitted to having to cover $57,000 in gambling losses,<ref name="win">Thomas, Monifa. [http://web.archive.org/web/20070104004449/www.winningstreak.com/blog/2005/10/ "Jordan on gambling: 'Very embarrassing'"] (scroll down to see article), ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'', [[October 21]], [[2005]], accessed [[January 17]], [[2007]]. </ref> and author Richard Esquinas wrote a book claiming he had won $1.25 million from Jordan on the golf course.<ref name="win"/> In 2005, Jordan talked to [[Ed Bradley]] of the [[CBS]] evening show ''[[60 Minutes]]'' about his gambling and admitted that he made some reckless decisions. Jordan stated, "Yeah, I’ve gotten myself into situations where I would not walk away and I’ve pushed the envelope. Is that compulsive? Yeah, it depends on how you look at it. If you’re willing to jeopardize your livelihood and your family, then yeah."<ref name="EB">[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/19/60minutes/main955628_page3.shtml Michael Jordan Still Flying High], cbsnews.com, [[August 20]], [[2006]], accessed [[January 15]], [[2007]]. </ref> When Bradley asked him if his gambling ever got to the level where it jeopardized his livelihood or family, Jordan replied, "No."<ref name="EB"/> ===First retirement=== On [[October 6]], [[1993]], Jordan announced his retirement, citing a loss of desire to play the game. Jordan later stated that the murder of his father earlier in the year shaped his decision.<ref>Berkow, Ira. [http://partners.nytimes.com/library/sports/basketball/041194bkn-jordan.html "A Humbled Jordan Learns New Truths"], ''The New York Times'', [[April 11]], [[1994]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> [[James R. Jordan, Sr.]] was murdered on [[July 23]], [[1993]], at a highway rest area in [[Lumberton, North Carolina|Lumberton]], [[North Carolina]], by two teenagers, [[Daniel Green]] and [[Larry Martin Demery]]. The assailants were traced from calls they made on James Jordan's cellular phone,<ref>Mitchell, Alison. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE7D8103CF931A1575BC0A965958260 THE NATION; "So Many Criminals Trip Themselves Up"], ''The New York Times'', [[August 22]], [[1993]], accessed [[March 24]], [[2008]].</ref> caught, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison. Jordan was close to his father; as a child he had imitated his father's proclivity to stick out his tongue while absorbed in work. He later adopted it as his own signature, displaying it each time he drove to the basket.<ref name="nbah"/> In 1996 he founded a Chicago area [[Boys & Girls Club]] and dedicated it to his father.<ref name="WP">Walsh, Edward. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/jordan/articles/chicago14.htm "On the City's West Side, Jordan's Legacy Is Hope"], ''Washington Post'', [[January 14]], [[1998]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n14_v88/ai_17210279 Michael Jordan, family attend groundbreaking ceremony for James Jordan Center], ''Jet Magazine'', [[August 14]], [[1995]], available at findarticles.com, accessed [[April 16]], [[2008]].</ref> Those close to Jordan claimed that he had been considering retirement as early as the summer of 1992, and that the added exhaustion due to the [[Dream Team (basketball)|Dream Team]] run in the [[1992 Summer Olympics|1992 Olympics]] solidified Jordan's feelings about the game and his ever-growing celebrity status. Jordan's announcement sent shock waves throughout the NBA and appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world.<ref>Thompson, Ian and Ted Rodgers. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_n16_v216/ai_14218303 Europe loses a role model; even in countries where basketball is a minor pursuit, Jordan's profile looms large - includes related article on Jordan's stature in Japan], ''[[The Sporting News]]'', [[October 18]], [[1993]], available at findarticles.com, accessed [[April 25]], [[2008]].</ref> Jordan then further surprised the sports world by signing a [[minor league baseball]] contract with the [[Chicago White Sox]]. He reported to [[spring training]] and was assigned to the team's minor league system on [[March 31]], [[1994]].<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/1999/01/11/jordan_chronology/ Michael Jordan Chronology], sportsillustrated.cnn.com, [[January 12]], [[1999]], accessed [[March 15]], [[2007]].</ref> Jordan has stated this decision was made to pursue the dream of his late father, who had always envisioned his son as a [[major league baseball]] player.<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/jordan_retires/news/1999/01/12/jordan_legacy/ Michael Jordan A Tribute], sportsillustrated.cnn.com, accessed [[March 7]], [[2007]]. </ref> The White Sox were another team owned by Bulls owner [[Jerry Reinsdorf]], who continued to honor Jordan's basketball contract during the years he played baseball.<ref>Araton, Harvey. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE1D61331F933A25750C0A963958260 BASKETBALL; "Jordan Keeping the Basketball World in Suspense"], ''The New York Times'', [[March 10]], [[1995]], accessed [[March 24]], [[2008]].</ref> He had a brief professional baseball career for the [[Birmingham Barons]], a Chicago White Sox farm team, [[batting average|batting]] .202 with 3 [[home run|HR]], 51 [[runs batted in|RBI]], 30 [[stolen base|SB]], and 11 [[error (baseball)|errors]].<ref name="BB">[http://www.infoplease.com/ipsa/A0779388.html Michael Jordan: The Stats], [[Infoplease|infoplease.com]], accessed [[March 15]], [[2007]].</ref> He also appeared for the [[Scottsdale Scorpions]] in the 1994 [[Arizona Fall League]]. ==="I'm back": return to the NBA=== In the [[1993-94 NBA season|1993–94 season]], the Jordan-less Bulls notched a 55–27 record,<ref name="dbbulls"/> and lost to the [[New York Knicks]] in the second round of [[1994 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]]. But the [[1994-95 NBA season|1994–95]] version of the Bulls was a shell of the championship squad of just two years earlier. Struggling at mid-season to ensure a spot in the playoffs, Chicago needed a lift. The lift came in early 1995, when Jordan decided to return to the NBA for the Bulls. On [[March 18]], [[1995]], Jordan announced his return to the NBA through a two-word press release: "I'm back."<ref name="nbah"/> The next day, Jordan donned jersey number 45 (his number with the Barons), as his familiar 23 had been retired in his honor following his first retirement. He took to the court with the Bulls to face the [[Indiana Pacers]] in [[Indianapolis]], scoring 19 points.<ref> [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n21_v87/ai_16820794 "Michael Jordan returns to Bulls in overtime loss to Indiana Pacers - Chicago Bulls"], ''[[Jet (magazine)|Jet Magazine]]'', [[April 3]], [[1995]], available at findarticles.com, accessed [[May 2]], [[2008]].</ref> The game had the highest [[Nielsen Ratings|Nielsen rating]] of a regular season NBA game since 1975.<ref>Hausman, Jerry A. and Gregory K. Leonard. "Superstars in the National Basketball Association." ''Journal of Labor Economics'', 15: 587, 1997.</ref> Although he had not played in an NBA game in a year and a half, Jordan played well upon his return, making a game-winning jump shot against [[Atlanta Hawks|Atlanta]] in his fourth game back and scoring 55 points in a game against the Knicks at [[Madison Square Garden]] on [[March 29]], [[1995]].<ref name="nba.combio"/> Boosted by Jordan's comeback, the Bulls [[1995 NBA Playoffs|made the playoffs]] and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals against the [[Orlando Magic]]. At the end of the first game of the series, though, Orlando's [[Nick Anderson]] would strip Jordan from behind, leading to the game-winning basket for the Magic; he would later comment that Jordan "didn't look like the old Michael Jordan",<ref>Lawrence, Mitch. [http://espn.go.com/nba/columns/lawrence_mitch/1250345.html Memories of MJ's first two acts], espn.com, [[September 10]], [[1999]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> after which Jordan returned to wearing his old number (23). Jordan averaged 31 points per game in that series, but Orlando prevailed in six games.<ref>[http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jordami01.html Michael Jordan], basketball-reference.com, accessed [[February 8]], [[2008]].</ref> ===Second three-peat=== Freshly motivated by the playoff defeat, Jordan trained aggressively for the [[1995-96 NBA season|1995–96 season]].<ref>Kerr, Steve. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/front_page/3166259.stm The greatest team in history - day four: Chicago Bulls], bbc.co.uk, accessed [[March 16]], [[2007]].</ref> Strengthened by the addition of rebound specialist [[Dennis Rodman]], the Bulls dominated the league, starting the season 41–3,<ref name="1995-96">[http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1995&lg=n Chicago Bulls 1995–96 Game Log and Scores], databasebasketball.com, accessed [[January 20]], [[2007]].</ref> and eventually finishing with the best regular season record in NBA history: 72–10.<ref name="topteams"/> Jordan led the league in scoring with 30.4 ppg,<ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/96bulls.html 1995–96 Chicago Bulls], nba.com/history, accessed [[January 15]], [[2007]].</ref> and won the league's regular season and All-Star Game MVP awards.<ref name="nbah"/> In [[1996 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]], the Bulls lost only three games in four series, defeating the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] in the [[1996 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] to win the championship. Jordan was named Finals MVP for a record fourth time,<ref name="fnl"/> surpassing [[Magic Johnson]]'s three Finals MVP awards. He also became only the second player (after [[Willis Reed]] in the [[1969-70 NBA season|1969–70 season]]) to sweep the MVP Awards in the All-Star Game, regular season and NBA Finals.<ref name="nba.combio"/> Because this was Jordan's first championship since his father's death, and it was won on [[Father's Day]], Jordan reacted very emotionally upon winning the title, including a memorable scene of him sobbing on the locker room floor with the game ball. In the [[1996-97 NBA season|1996–97 season]] the Bulls started out 69–11, but narrowly missed out on a second consecutive 70-win season by losing their final two games to finish 69–13.<ref name="1996-97">[http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1996&lg=n Chicago Bulls 1996–97 Game Log and Scores], databasebasketball.com, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> However, this year Jordan was beaten for the NBA MVP Award by [[Karl Malone]]. The team again advanced to [[1997 NBA Finals|the Finals]], where they faced Malone and the [[Utah Jazz]] team. The series against the Jazz featured two of the more memorable [[clutch (sports)|clutch moments]] of Jordan's career. He won Game 1 for the Bulls with a [[buzzer beater|buzzer-beating]] jump shot. In Game 5, with the series tied 2–2, Jordan played despite being feverish and dehydrated from a stomach virus. In what is known as the "[[1997 NBA Finals#Game 5: The Flu Game|flu game]]", Jordan scored 38 points including the game-deciding three-pointer with less than a minute remaining.<ref>Burns, Marty. [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/jordan_retires/news/1999/01/13/burns/ 23 to remember], sportsillustrated.cnn.com, [[January 16]], [[1999]], accessed [[February 23]], [[2007]].</ref> The Bulls won 90-88 and went on to win the series in six games.<ref name="1996-97"/> For the fifth time in as many Finals appearances, Jordan received the [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|Finals MVP award]].<ref name="fnl"/> During the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, Jordan posted the only [[triple double]] in All-Star Game history in a victorious effort, however he did not receive the MVP award. Jordan and the Bulls compiled a 62–20 record in the [[1997-98 NBA season|1997–98 season]].<ref name="dbbulls"/> Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game,<ref name="MJ"/> securing his fifth regular-season MVP award, plus honors for All-NBA First Team, First Defensive Team and the All-Star Game MVP.<ref name="nbah"/> The Bulls captured the Eastern Conference Championship for a third straight season, including surviving a grueling seven-game series with [[Reggie Miller|Reggie Miller's]] [[Indiana Pacers]] in the Eastern Conference Finals; it was the first time Jordan had played in a Game 7 since the 1992 series with the Knicks. After prevailing, they moved on for a rematch with the Jazz in [[1998 NBA Finals|the Finals]]. The Bulls returned to Utah for Game 6 on [[June 14]] [[1998]] leading the series 3–2. Jordan executed a series of plays, considered to be one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history.<ref name="clutch1998">[http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/greatest_finals_moments.html Greatest Finals Moments], nba.com, accessed [[February 6]], [[2007]].</ref> With the Bulls trailing 86–83 with 40 seconds remaining, coach Jackson called a timeout. When play resumed, Jordan received the inbound pass, drove to the basket, and hit a layup over several Jazz defenders.<ref name="clutch1998"/> The Jazz brought the ball upcourt and passed the ball to forward Karl Malone, who was set up in the [[low post]] and was being guarded by Rodman. Malone jostled with Rodman and caught the pass, but Jordan cut behind him and swatted the ball out of his hands for a steal.<ref name="clutch1998"/> Jordan then slowly dribbled upcourt and paused at the top of the key, eyeing his defender, Jazz guard [[Bryon Russell]]. With fewer than 10 seconds remaining, Jordan started to dribble right, then crossed over to his left, possibly pushing off Russell,<ref>Kerber, Fred. [http://www.nypost.com/seven/08172007/sports/former_nba_ref_blasts_officiating_sports_fred_kerber.htm Former NBA Ref Blasts Officiating], ''[[New York Post]]'', [[August 17]], [[2007]], accessed [[March 24]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>Knott, Tom. ''Someone has to win Eastern Conference'', ''[[The Washington Times]]'', [[December 8]], [[2006]], accessed [[April 29]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Deveney, Sean. [http://www.sportingnews.com/exclusives/20050314/607149.html Crying Foul], sportingnews.com, [[March 14]], [[2005]], accessed [[April 29]], [[2007]].</ref> although the officials did not call a [[Personal foul|foul]]. Jordan then released a shot that would be rebroadcast <!--in the US?-->innumerable times in years to come. As the shot found the net, announcer [[Bob Costas]] shouted "Chicago with the lead!"<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/sports/jan-june98/jordan_6-15a.html The Jordan Phenomenon], pbs.org, [[June 15]], [[1998]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> After a desperation three-point shot by [[John Stockton]] missed, Jordan and the Bulls claimed their sixth NBA championship, and secured a second three-peat. Once again, Jordan was voted the Finals MVP,<ref name="fnl"/> having led all scorers by averaging 33.5 points per game, including 45 in the deciding Game 6.<ref>Ryan, Jeff. [http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/nbafinals/1998.html History of the NBA Finals Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz - 1998], sportingnews.com, accessed [[March 25]], [[2008]].</ref> Jordan's six Finals MVPs is a record; [[Shaquille O'Neal]], [[Magic Johnson]], and [[Tim Duncan]] are tied for second place with three apiece.<ref name="fnl"/> The 1998 Finals holds the highest television rating of any Finals series in history, and Game 6 holds the highest television rating of any game in NBA history.<ref>Gorman, Bill. [http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/04/20/nba-postseason-broadcast-ratings-1987-2007/3413 Nielsen TV Ratings NBA Playoffs & Finals, 1987-2007], tvbythenumbers.com, [[April 20]], [[2008]], accessed [[April 28]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_/ai_21246934 NBA Finals Game 6 nets ratings record for NBC - Brief Article], ''Jet Magazine'', [[July 6]], [[1998]], available at findarticles.com, accessed [[April 28]], [[2008]].</ref> ===Second retirement=== Jordan's Game 6 performance seemed to be a perfect ending to his career. With [[Phil Jackson]]'s contract expiring, the pending departures of [[Scottie Pippen]] (who stated his desire to be traded during the season) and [[Dennis Rodman]] (who would sign with the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] as a free agent) looming, and being in the latter stages of an owner-induced [[lockout (industry)|lockout]] of NBA players, Jordan retired for the second time on [[January 13]], [[1999]]. On [[January 19]], [[2000]], Jordan returned to the NBA not as a player, but as part owner and President of Basketball Operations for the [[Washington Wizards]].<ref>Sandomir, Richard. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E4D9153DF933A15752C0A9669C8B63 Jordan Sheds Uniform for Suit as a Wizards Owner], ''The New York Times'', [[January 20]], [[2000]], accessed [[March 24]], [[2008]]. </ref> His responsibilities with the club were to be comprehensive, as he was in charge of all aspects of the team, including personnel decisions. <!--Less than a month later, Jordan won four [[ESPY Awards]] at the annual ceremony: Athlete of the Century; Male Athlete of the 1990s; Pro Basketball Player of the 1990s; and Play of the Decade, for the famous shot against the Lakers in the 1991 Finals in which he switched the ball from his right hand to his left in mid-air.<ref>Bishop, Ted. [http://espn.go.com/espy2000/s/recap0214.html Crowning of the Bulls in Las Vegas], espn.com, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref>--> Opinions of Jordan as a basketball executive were mixed.<ref name="Pollin">[http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0507/1550445.html Pollin's decision to cut ties leaves Jordan livid], espn.com, [[May 7]], [[2003]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref name="Brady">Brady, Erik. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/wizards/2003-05-07-jordan-out_x.htm "Wizards show Jordan the door"], usatoday.com, [[May 7]], [[2003]], accessed [[February 23]], [[2007]]. </ref> He managed to purge the team of several highly-paid, unpopular players (such as forward [[Juwan Howard]] and point guard [[Rod Strickland]]),<ref>Associated Press. [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2001/02/22/mavs_wizards_trade/ Making his move], sportsillustrated.cnn.com, [[February 22]], [[2001]], accessed [[February 23]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>Matthews, Marcus. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/wizards/2001-03-01-strickland2.htm Losing never looked so good for Wizards], usatoday.com, [[March 1]], [[2001]], accessed [[February 23]], [[2007]]. </ref> but used the first pick in the [[2001 NBA Draft]] to select high schooler [[Kwame Brown]], who did not live up to expectations and was traded away after four seasons.<ref name="Pollin"/><ref name="Wilbon">[[Michael Wilbon|Wilbon, Michael]]. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/15/AR2005071501705.html "So Long, Kwame, Thanks for Nothing+], ''The Washington Post'', [[July 16]], [[2005]], accessed [[February 23]], [[2007]]. </ref> Despite his January 1999 claim that he was "99.9% certain" that he would never play another NBA game,<ref name="classicbio"/> in the summer of 2001 Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback, this time with his new team. Inspired by the [[National Hockey League|NHL]] comeback of his friend [[Mario Lemieux]] the previous winter,<ref>Associated Press. [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1258469&type=news Jordan watched Lemieux's comeback very closely], espn.go.com, [[October 2]], [[2001]], accessed [[March 7]], [[2007]]. </ref> Jordan spent much of the spring and summer of 2001 in training, holding several invitation-only camps for NBA players in Chicago. In addition, Jordan hired his old Chicago Bulls head coach, [[Doug Collins]], as Washington's coach for the upcoming season, a decision that many saw as foreshadowing another Jordan return. ===Washington Wizards comeback=== On [[September 25]], [[2001]] Jordan announced his return to professional play with the Wizards, indicating his intention to donate his salary as a player to a relief effort for the victims of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]].<ref>[http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/WSEedfund_011016.html Pollin Establishes Education Fund], nba.com, [[September 9]], [[2002]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9400E1DA133AF935A1575AC0A9679C8B63 News Summary], ''The New York Times'', [[September 26]], [[2001]], accessed [[April 8]], [[2008]]. </ref> In an injury-plagued [[2001-02 NBA season|2001–02 season]], he led the team in scoring (22.90 ppg), assists (5.2 apg), and steals (1.42 spg).<ref name="nbah"/> However, torn [[cartilage]] in his right [[knee]] ended Jordan's season after only 60 games, the fewest he had played in a regular season since a broken foot cut short his season in 1985–86.<ref name="dbb"/> Playing in his 14th and final NBA All-Star Game in 2003, Jordan passed [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] as the all-time leading scorer in All-Star game history. That year, Jordan was the only Washington player to play in all 82 games, starting in 67 of them. He averaged 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.<ref name="nbah"/> He also shot 45% from the field, and 82% from the free throw line.<ref name="nbah"/> Even though he turned 40 during the season, he scored 20 or more points 42 times, 30 or more points nine times, and 40 or more points three times.<ref name="nba.combio"/> On [[February 21]], [[2003]], Jordan became the first 40-year-old to tally 43 points in an NBA game.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/games/20030221/NJNWAS/recap.html Jordan Pours in History-Making 43], nba.com, [[February 21]], [[2003]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> During his stint with the Wizards, all of Jordan's home games at the [[MCI Center]] (and nearly all of his road games as well) were sold out, and the Wizards were the most-watched team in the NBA, averaging 20,173 fans a game at home and 19,311 on the road. However, neither of Jordan's final two seasons resulted in a playoff appearance for the Wizards, and Jordan was often unsatisfied with the play of those around him.<ref name="Rob">Maaddi, Rob. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/jordan/2001-11-29-frustration.htm Collins feels Jordan's pain], ''[[Associated Press]]'', [[November 29]], [[2001]], accessed [[March 11]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref name="Chemistry">Associated Press. [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/04/12/jordan_follow_ap/ Bad chemistry left MJ unable to win in Washington], sportsillustrated.cnn.com, [[April 12]], [[2003]], accessed [[March 11]], [[2007]]. </ref> At several points he openly criticized his teammates to the media, citing their lack of focus and intensity.<ref name="Rob"/><ref name="Chemistry"/> With the recognition that 2002–03 would be Jordan's final season, tributes were paid to him in nearly every arena in the NBA. In his final game at his old home court, the [[United Center]] in Chicago, Jordan received a prolonged standing ovation. The [[Miami Heat]] retired the number 23 jersey on [[April 11]], [[2003]], even though Jordan had never played for the team.<ref> [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/04/11/heat_jordan_ap/ Heat Retire Jordan's 23], sportsillustrated.cnn.com, [[April 11]], [[2003]], accessed [[March 8]], [[2007]]. </ref> At the 2003 All-Star Game, [[Vince Carter]] was originally selected to be the starter at shooting guard; however, he gave Jordan his spot out of respect, and the halftime ceremony was dedicated to Jordan's career. Jordan's final NBA game was on [[April 16]], [[2003]] in [[Philadelphia]]. Jordan scored only 13 points in the game and went to the bench with 4 minutes and 13 seconds remaining in the third quarter and with his team trailing the [[Philadelphia 76ers]], 75-56. Just after the start of the fourth quarter, the [[First Union Center]] crowd began chanting "We want Mike!". After much encouragement from coach [[Doug Collins]], Jordan finally rose from the bench and re-entered the game for [[Larry Hughes]] with 2:35 remaining. At 1:45, Jordan was intentionally fouled by the 76ers' [[Eric Snow]], and stepped to the line to make both free throws. After the second foul shot, the 76ers in-bounded the ball to rookie [[John Salmons]], who in turn was intentionally fouled by [[Bobby Simmons]] one second later, stopping time so that Jordan could return to the bench. Jordan received a three-minute standing ovation from his teammates, his opponents, and a crowd of 21,257 fans.<ref name="fg"> [http://www.nba.com/games/20030416/WASPHI/recap.html Sixers Prevail in Jordan's Final Game], nba.com, [[April 16]], [[2003]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> ==Olympic career== {{MedalTop}} {{MedalSport|Men's [[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|basketball]]}} {{MedalGold|[[1984 Summer Olympics|1984 Los Angeles]] | [[Basketball at the 1984 Summer Olympics|United States]]}} {{MedalGold|[[1992 Summer Olympics|1992 Barcelona]] | [[Basketball at the 1992 Summer Olympics|United States]]}} {{MedalBottom}} Jordan played on two [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[gold medal]]-winning American basketball teams. As a college player he participated, and won the gold, in the [[1984 Summer Olympics]]. Jordan led the team in scoring averaging 17.1 ppg for the tournament.<ref>[http://www.usabasketball.com/news.php?news_page=moly_1984 Games of the XXIIIrd Olympiad — 1984], usabasketball.com, accessed [[March 26]], [[2008]]. </ref> In the [[1992 Summer Olympics]] he was a member of the star-studded squad that included [[Magic Johnson]], [[Larry Bird]], and [[David Robinson (basketball)|David Robinson]] and was dubbed the "[[Dream Team (basketball)|Dream Team]]". Playing limited minutes due to the frequent [[Wiktionary:blowout|blowouts]], Jordan averaged 12.7 ppg, finishing fourth on the team in scoring.<ref>Dupree, David. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2006-07-25-new-dream-team_x.htm Is ''this'' U.S. roster the new Dream Team?], ''[[USA Today]]'', [[August 18]], [[2006]], accessed [[March 11]], [[2007]]. </ref> The team cruised to the gold medal, restoring the [[United States men's national basketball team|United States]] to the top of the [[basketball]] world. Jordan, [[Patrick Ewing]], and fellow Dream Team member [[Chris Mullin (basketball)|Chris Mullin]] are the only American men's basketball players to win Olympic gold as amateurs (all in 1984) and professionals. ==After retiring as a player== [[Image:MJ golf course.jpg|thumb|250px|Jordan on the golf course in 2007 in Signature of Solon, Ohio]] After his third retirement, Jordan assumed that he would be able to return to his front office position of Director of Basketball Operations with the Wizards. However, his previous tenure in the Wizards' front office had produced the aforementioned mixed results and may have also influenced the trade of [[Richard Hamilton (basketball)|Richard "Rip" Hamilton]] for [[Jerry Stackhouse]] (although Jordan was not technically Director of Basketball Operations in 2002).<ref name="Pollin"/> On [[May 7]], [[2003]], Wizards owner [[Abe Pollin]] fired Jordan as Washington's President of Basketball Operations.<ref name="Pollin"/> Jordan later stated that he felt betrayed, and that if he knew he would be fired upon retiring he never would have come back to play for the Wizards.<ref name="EB"/> Jordan kept busy over the next few years by staying in shape, playing golf in celebrity charity tournaments, spending time with his family in Chicago, promoting his Jordan Brand clothing line, and riding motorcycles.<ref>Grass, Ray. [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,640188783,00.html "Michael Jordan is now riding superbikes"], deseretnews.com, [[June 22]], [[2006]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> Since 2004, Jordan has owned a professional closed-course motorcycle roadracing team that competes in the premier Superbike class sanctioned by the [[American Motorcyclist Association]] (AMA).<ref>Clarke, Dorina. [http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=562&Page=1 AMA SB: Michael Jordan's Team], motorcycle-usa.com, [[March 5]], [[2004]], accessed [[February 26]], [[2007]]. </ref> On [[June 15]], [[2006]], Jordan became a part-owner of the [[Charlotte Bobcats]] and was named "Managing Member of Basketball Operations". He has the largest individual holding in the team after majority owner [[Robert L. Johnson]].<ref>[http://www.nba.com/bobcats/release_jordan_060615.html Michael Jordan to Become Part Owner of the Charlotte Bobcats], nba.com, [[June 15]], [[2006]], accessed [[January 15]], [[2007]]. </ref> Despite Jordan's previous success as an endorser, he has made a conscious effort not to be included in Charlotte's marketing campaigns.<ref>Associated Press. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2771612 Jordan writes state of Bobcats letter to fans], espn.com, [[June 15]], [[2006]], accessed [[February 21]], [[2007]]. </ref> ==Player profile== [[Image:Jordan by Lipofsky 16577.jpg|thumb|upright|200px|Jordan going in for a slam dunk with his signature exposed tongue]] <!----THIS SECTION IS FOR DESCRIBING HIS PLAYING STYLE AND STRENGTHS AS A PLAYER. ACCOLADES AND OTHER AWARDS GO IN LEGACY OR UNDER CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS.--> Jordan was a [[shooting guard]] who was also capable of playing [[small forward]] (the position he would primarily play during his second comeback with the [[Washington Wizards]]). Jordan was known throughout his career for being a strong [[clutch (sports)|clutch]] performer. He decided numerous games with last-second plays (e.g., [[The Shot]]) and performed at a high level even under adverse circumstances (e.g., [[Flu game#Game 5: The Flu Game|Flu Game]]). His competitiveness was visible in his prolific [[trash-talk]]<ref>DeCourcy, Mike. [http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=110400 "A suspension for talking trash? Mamma mia!"], sportingnews.com, [[July 21]], [[2006]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> and well-known work ethic.<ref>Jackson, Phil. [http://www.nba.com/jordan/is_philonmj.html "Michael and Me"], ''Inside Stuff'', June/July 1998, available at nba.com, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref name="SBD">Donnelly, Sally B. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,956692-3,00.html "Great Leapin' Lizards! Michael Jordan Can't Actually Fly, But"], ''Time Magazine'', [[January 9]], [[1989]], accessed [[March 7]], [[2007]].</ref> Jordan had a versatile offensive game. He was capable of aggressively slashing<!--what's that?--> to the basket and drawing [[Personal foul|fouls]] from his opponents at a high rate; his 8,772 [[free throw]] attempts are the ninth highest total of all time.<ref>[http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fta_career.html Career Leaders for Free Throw Attempts], basketball-reference.com, accessed [[May 16]], [[2008]]. </ref> As his career progressed, Jordan also developed the ability to [[post up]] his opponents and score with his trademark [[fadeaway]] [[jump shot (basketball)|jumpshot]], using his leaping ability to "fade away" from block attempts. According to [[Hubie Brown]], this move alone made him nearly unstoppable.<ref>[[Hubie Brown|Brown, Hubie]]. [http://www.nba.com/jordan/hubieonjordan.html Hubie Brown on Jordan], nba.com, accessed [[January 15]], [[2007]].</ref> Despite media criticism as a "selfish" player early in his career, Jordan's 5.3 assists per game<ref name="dbb"/> also indicate his willingness to defer to his teammates. In later years, the NBA shortened its [[Three-point field goal|three-point]] line to 22 feet (from 23 feet, 9 inches), which coupled with Jordan's extended shooting range to make him a long-range threat as well -- his 3-point stroke developed from a low 9 / 52 rate (.173) in his rookie year into a stellar 111 / 260 (.427) shooter in the 1995–96 season.<ref name="dbb"/> For a guard, Jordan was also a good rebounder (6.2 per game).<ref name="dbb"/> On defense, Jordan's contributions were equally impressive. In 1988, he was honored with the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year Award and became the first NBA player to win both the Defensive Player of the Year and MVP awards in a career (since equaled by [[Hakeem Olajuwon]], [[David Robinson (basketball)|David Robinson]], and [[Kevin Garnett]]; Olajuwon is the only player other than Jordan to win both during the same season). In addition he set records for [[block (basketball)|blocked shots]] by a guard,<ref>Ladewski, Paul. [http://www.nba.com/jordan/hoop_86-87.html What Does He Do for an Encore?], ''Hoop Magazine'', December 1987, available at nba.com, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> and combined this with his ball-thieving ability to become a standout defensive player. His 2,514 [[steal (basketball)|steals]] are the second highest total of all-time behind [[John Stockton]], while his steals per game average is third all-time.<ref>[http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/stl_career.html Career Leaders for Steals], basketball-reference.com, accessed [[May 23]], [[2008]]. </ref> [[Jerry West]] often stated that he was more impressed with Jordan's defensive contributions than his offensive ones.<ref name="cnnsi">[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/jordan_retires/news/1999/01/13/jordan_greatest/ Michael Jordan: A tribute: Praise from his peers, NBA's 50 greatest sing MJ's praises], sportsillustrated.cnn.com, [[February 1]], [[1999]], accessed [[January 15]], [[2007]]. </ref> ==Legacy== Michael Jordan's basketball talent was clear from his rookie season.<ref name="Gross"/><ref name="Garden"/> In his first game in [[Madison Square Garden]] against the New York Knicks, Jordan received a prolonged standing ovation,<ref name="Garden"/> a rarity for a player in an opposing team's arena. After Jordan scored a playoff record 63 points against the [[Boston Celtics]] in 1986, Celtics star [[Larry Bird]] described him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan."<ref name="nbagod"/> {{pquote|By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time.|Introductory line of Jordan's NBA Encyclopedia biography|<ref name="nbah"/>}} Jordan led the NBA in scoring in 10 seasons (NBA record) and tied [[Wilt Chamberlain]]'s record of seven consecutive scoring titles. He was also a fixture on the NBA All-Defensive First Team, making the roster nine times (NBA record). Jordan also holds the top career and playoff scoring averages of 30.1 and 33.4 points per game,<ref name="nbah"/> respectively. By 1998, the season of his Finals-winning shot against the Jazz, he was well known throughout the league as a clutch performer. In the regular season, Jordan was the Bulls' primary threat in the final seconds of a close game and in the playoffs, Jordan would always demand the ball at crunch time. Jordan's total of 5,987 points in the playoffs is the highest in NBA history.<ref name="playoff history">[http://www.nba.com/history/records/alltime_playoffs_ind_career.html All-Time Playoffs Individual Career Leaders], nba.com, accessed [[March 5]], [[2007]].</ref> He retired with 32,292 points,<ref name="dbbp">[http://www.databasebasketball.com/leaders/leaderscareer.htm?stat=pts&lg=n Career Points], databasebasketball.com, accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> placing him third on the NBA's all-time scoring list behind [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] and [[Karl Malone]].<ref name="dbbp"/> {{pquote|There's Michael Jordan and then there is the rest of us.|[[Magic Johnson]]|<ref name="nbah"/>}} With five regular-season MVPs, six Finals MVPs (NBA record), and three All-Star MVPs, Jordan is the most decorated player ever to play in the NBA. Jordan finished among the top three in regular-season MVP voting a record 10 times, and was named one of the [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History]] in 1996. Many of Jordan's contemporaries label Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time.<ref name="cnnsi"/> An [[ESPN]] survey of journalists, athletes and other sports figures ranked Jordan the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century, above icons such as [[Babe Ruth]] and [[Muhammad Ali]].<ref>[http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/athletes.html Top N. American athletes of the century], espn.com, accessed [[May 3]], [[2007]]. </ref> Jordan placed second to Babe Ruth in the [[Associated Press]]'s list of 20th century athletes.<ref>Associated Press. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/ssat2.htm Top 100 athletes of the 20th century], ''USA Today'', [[December 21]], [[1999]], accessed [[March 15]], [[2007]].</ref> In addition, the Associated Press voted him as the basketball player of the 20th century. <ref>[http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/121199/pro_1211990096.shtml AP Basketball Player of the Century], lubbockonline.com, [[December 11]], [[1999]], accessed [[January 18]], [[2008]].</ref> Jordan has also appeared on the front cover of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' a record 49 times.<ref>Gagliano, Rick. [http://www.dtmagazine.com/magazineofweek9282006.html Magazine of the Week Sports Illustrated], dtmagazine.com, [[September 28]], [[2006]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> In the September 1996 issue of ''[[Sport magazine|Sport]]'', which was the publication's 50th anniversary issue, Jordan was named the greatest athlete of the past 50 years.<ref name="Sport">"Final Out: 1996", ''[[Sport magazine|Sport]]'', volume 90, issue 7, July 1999, pg. 96.</ref> Jordan's athletic leaping ability, highlighted in his back-to-back [[slam dunk contest]] championships in 1987 and 1988, is credited by many with having influenced a generation of young players.<ref name="Hoop">Hubbard, Jan. [http://www.nba.com/jordan/hoop_mjonmj.html Michael Jordan interview], ''Hoop Magazine'', April 1997, via nba.com, accessed [[March 6]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>Fitzpatrick, Curry. [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/flashbacks/jordan/871109/ "In An Orbit All His Own"], ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', [[November 9]], [[1987]], accessed [[March 6]], [[2007]]. </ref> Several current NBA All-Stars have stated that they considered Jordan their role model while growing up, including [[LeBron James]]<ref>Associated Press. [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/04/16/james_pro_ap/ James says he'll decide his future soon], sportsillustrated.cnn.com, [[April 16]], [[2003]], accessed [[April 22]], [[2007]]. </ref> and [[Dwyane Wade]].<ref>Ginsbrug, Steve. [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/2006/06/21/wade_scoffs_at_jordan_comparisons/ Wade scoffs at Jordan comparisons], ''[[Reuters]]'', [[June 21]], [[2006]], accessed [[May 2]], [[2007]]. </ref> In addition, commentators have dubbed a number of next-generation players "the next Michael Jordan" upon their entry to the NBA, including [[Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway]], [[Grant Hill (basketball)|Grant Hill]], [[Kobe Bryant]], [[LeBron James]], [[Vince Carter]], and [[Dwyane Wade]].<ref>Stein, Mark. [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1270487&type=columnist Kobe, Hill deal with being the next Michael], espn.com, [[October 29]], [[2001]], accessed [[March 6]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>Isidore, Chris. [http://money.cnn.com/2006/06/23/commentary/column_sportsbiz/sportsbiz/index.htm The next 'next Jordan'], money.cnn.com, [[June 23]], [[2006]], accessed [[March 6]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>Araton, Harvey. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E01E0DF1330F93BA15751C1A9639C8B63 "Sports of The Times; Will James Be the Next Jordan or the Next Carter?"], ''The New York Times'', [[December 28]], [[2005]], accessed [[April 8]], [[2008]]. </ref> Although Jordan was a well-rounded player, his "Air Jordan" image is also often credited with inadvertently decreasing the jump shooting skills, defense, and fundamentals of young players,<ref name="Hoop"/> a fact which Jordan himself has lamented. {{cquote|I think it was the exposure of Michael Jordan; the marketing of Michael Jordan. Everything was marketed towards the things that people wanted to see, which was scoring and dunking. That Michael Jordan still played defense and an all-around game, but it was never really publicized.<ref name="Hoop"/>}} Although Jordan has done much to increase the status of the game, some of his impact on the game's popularity in America appears to be fleeting.<ref name="cash in">Rovell, Darren. [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1254606&type=story NBA could cash in if TV ratings soar with Jordan], espn.com, [[September 23]], [[2001]], accessed [[March 10]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref name="askmen">Helfand, Lewis. [http://www.askmen.com/sports/business_100/108_sports_business.html The NBA After Jordan: Is There Hope?], askmen.com, accessed [[March 10]], [[2007]]. </ref> Television ratings in particular increased only during his time in the league and have subsequently lowered each time he left the game.<ref name="cash in"/><ref name="askmen"/> ==Personal life== Jordan is the fourth of five children. He has two older brothers, Larry Jordan and James R. Jordan, Jr., one older sister, Deloris, and a younger sister, Roslyn. Jordan's brother James retired in 2006 as the [[Sergeant Major|Command Sergeant Major]] of the 35th Signal Brigade of the [[XVIII Airborne Corps (United States)|XVIII Airborne Corps]] in the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]].<ref>Associated Press, [http://web.archive.org/web/20060529123711/http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/local/14588539.htm Michael Jordan's big brother ends Army career], charlotte.com, [[May 16]], [[2006]], accessed [[April 18]], [[2008]].</ref> He married Juanita Vanoy in September 1989, and they have two sons, [[Jeffrey Jordan|Jeffrey Michael]] and [[Marcus Jordan|Marcus James]], and a daughter, Jasmine. Jordan and Juanita filed for [[divorce]] on [[January 4]] [[2002]], citing [[irreconcilable differences]], but reconciled shortly thereafter. They again filed for divorce and were granted a final decree of dissolution of marriage on [[December 29]] [[2006]], commenting that the decision was made "mutually and amicably".<ref name="Divorce">Associated Press. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2714217 Jordan, wife end marriage 'mutually, amicably'], espn.com, [[December 30]], [[2006]], accessed [[January 15]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>[http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20005580,00.html Michael Jordan, Wife to Divorce After 17 Years], people.com, [[December 30]], [[2006]], accessed [[January 15]], [[2007]].</ref> It is reported that Juanita received a $168 million settlement, making it the largest celebrity divorce settlement in history on public record.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,266343,00.html Forbes: Michael Jordan's Divorce Most Costly Ever], foxnews.com, accessed [[May 24]], [[2007]].</ref> On [[July 21]], [[2006]], a [[Cook County, Illinois|Cook County]], [[Illinois]] judge determined that Jordan did not owe a former lover, Karla Knafel, $5 million.<ref name="KaK">Associated Press. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/jordan/2003-06-12-jordan-knafel_x.htm "Judge says Jordan not obligated to pay ex-lover"], usatoday.com, [[June 12]], [[2003]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> Jordan had allegedly paid Knafel $250,000 to keep their relationship a secret. Knafel claimed Jordan promised her that amount for remaining silent and agreeing not to file a [[Paternity (law)|paternity suit]] after Knafel learned she was pregnant in 1991. A [[Genealogical DNA test|DNA test]] showed Jordan was not the father of the child.<ref name="KaK"/> As of 2007, Jordan lives in [[Highland Park, Illinois]], <ref name="Divorce"/> and both of his sons attended [[Loyola Academy]], a private [[Roman Catholic]] [[high school]] located in [[Wilmette, Illinois]].<ref>Associated Press. [http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/8502294 Heir Jordan out to prove he can play like Mike], nbcsports.msnbc.com, [[July 9]], [[2005]], accessed [[April 9]], [[2008]].</ref> Jeffrey graduated as a member of the 2007 Graduating Class, and played his first collegiate basketball game on [[November 11]] [[2007]] for the [[Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball|University of Illinois]]. Marcus transferred to [[Whitney Young High School]] after his sophomore year and will graduate in 2009. ==Media figure and business interests== Jordan is one of the most marketed sports figures in history. He has been a major spokesman for such brands as [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], [[Coca-Cola]], [[Chevrolet]], [[Gatorade]], [[McDonald's]], [[Ball Park Franks]], [[Rayovac]], [[Wheaties]], [[Hanes]], and [[MCI Communications|MCI]].<ref name="rov">Rovell, Darren. [http://espn.go.com/sportsbusiness/s/2003/0216/1509936.html "Jordan's 10 greatest commercials ever"], espn.com, [[February 17]], [[2003]], accessed on [[January 16]], [[2007]]. </ref> Jordan has had a long relationship with Gatorade, appearing in over 20 commercials for the company since 1991, including the "Like Mike" commercials in which a song was sung by children wishing to be like Jordan.<ref name="rov"/><ref>Vancil, Mark. [http://www.nba.com/jordan/hoop_phenomenon.html "Michael Jordan: Phenomenon"], ''Hoop Magazine'', December 1991, accessed [[March 7]], [[2007]]. </ref> Nike created a signature shoe for him, called the ''[[Air Jordan]]''. One of Jordan's more popular commercials for the shoe involved [[Spike Lee]] playing the part of [[Mars Blackmon]]. In the commercials Lee, as Blackmon, attempted to find the source of Jordan's abilities and became convinced that "it's gotta be the shoes".<ref name="rov"/> The hype and demand for the shoes even brought on a spate of "shoe-jackings" where people were robbed of their sneakers at gunpoint. Subsequently Nike spun off the Jordan line into its own division appropriately named the "Jordan Brand". The company features an impressive list of athletes and celebrities as endorsers.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/53/UGGU.html "Michael Jordan"], forbes.com, accessed [[February 23]], [[2007]]. </ref><ref>[http://www.nike.com/jumpman23/home/index.html Team Jordan], nike.com, accessed [[June 9]], [[2008]].</ref> The brand has also sponsored college sports programs such as those of [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|North Carolina]], [[University of Cincinnati|Cincinnati]], [[University of California, Berkeley|Cal]], [[St. John's University (New York City)|St. John's]], [[Georgetown University|Georgetown]], and [[North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University|North Carolina A&T]]. [[Image:JJam.JPG|thumb|Jordan and the Looney Tunes in ''Space Jam''<!-- FAIR USE of JJam.JPG: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:JJam.JPG for rationale -->]] Jordan also has been connected with the [[Looney Tunes]] cartoon characters. A Nike commercial shown during the 1993 [[Super Bowl XXVII]] featured Jordan and [[Bugs Bunny]] playing basketball against a group of Martian characters. The Super Bowl commercial inspired the 1996 live action/animated movie ''[[Space Jam]]'', which starred Jordan and Bugs in a fictional story set during his first retirement. They have subsequently appeared together in several commercials for MCI. Jordan's income from the endorsements is estimated to be several hundred million dollars. In addition, when Jordan's power at the ticket gates was at its highest point the Bulls regularly sold out every game they played in, whether home or away.<ref>Rovell, Darren. [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1538744&type=story "Cashing in on the ultimate cash cow"], espn.com, [[April 15]], [[2003]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> Due to this, Jordan set records in player salary by signing annual contracts worth in excess of $30 million [[United States dollar|US dollars]] per season.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n17_v92/ai_19783684 "Michael Jordan signs deal with Bulls worth more than $30 million"], ''Jet Magazine'', [[September 15]], [[1997]], available at findarticles.com, accessed [[May 9]], [[2008]].</ref> Most of Jordan's endorsement deals, including the first deal with Nike, were engineered by his agent, [[David Falk]].<ref name=executiveofyear>Powell, Shaun. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_13_223/ai_54296737 "Executive privilege - sports agent David Falk"], ''[[The Sporting News]],'' [[March 29]], [[1999]], available online at findarticles.com, accessed [[July 25]], [[2007]].</ref> Jordan has said of Falk that "he's the best at what he does", and that "marketing-wise, he's great. He's the one who came up with the concept of 'Air Jordan.'"<ref>[http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Profiles/People_Profile/0,2540,115,00.html "Making Millions for NBA Stars: the High-Powered World of Super Agents David Falk, Curtis Polk and Mike Higgins"], cigaraficionado.com, accessed [[June 22]], [[2007]].</ref> An academic study found that Michael Jordan’s return to NBA resulted in an increase in the market capitalization of his client firms of over $1 billion.<ref>Mathur, Lynette Knowles, Ike Mathur and Nanda Rangan. "The Wealth Effects Associated with a Celebrity Endorser: The Michael Jordan Phenomenon." ''Journal of Advertising Research'', May, 67–73, 1997.</ref> ==Career achievements== {{main|List of career achievements by Michael Jordan}} [[Image:Michael Jordan Achievements.jpg|thumb|250px|Plaque at the United Center chronicling Jordan's career achievements.]] Jordan won numerous awards and set many records during his career. The following are some of his achievements:<ref name="nbah"/><ref>[http://www.nba.com/games/20011227/WASIND/recap.html Jordan's Streak Crashes and Burns at Indy], nba.com, [[December 27]], [[2002]], accessed [[March 3]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/2000/sportsman/covers/jordan/main/911223/ Cover of December 23, 1991 issue of ''Sports Illustrated], sportsillustrated.cnn.com, [[December 23]], [[1991]], accessed [[January 16]], [[2007]].</ref> '''Select awards''' *14-time All-Star *Olympic Gold Medalist&mdash;1984, 1992 *Five-time MVP&mdash;1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998 *Six-time NBA Finals MVP&mdash;1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998 *Seven-time ''[[The Sporting News]]'' MVP&mdash;1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998 *Rookie of the Year&mdash;1985 *Defensive Player of the Year&mdash;1988 *11-time All-NBA&mdash;10 times first team, 1 time second team *Nine-time All-Defensive First Team *''Sports Illustrated'' "[[Sportsman of the Year]]"&mdash;1991 *Named one of the [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History]] in 1996 *Two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion&mdash;1987, 1988 '''Select records''' *Most scoring titles&mdash;10 *Most All-Defensive First Teams&mdash;9 *Most NBA Finals MVP awards&mdash;6 *Highest career scoring average&mdash;30.12 *Highest career scoring average playoffs&mdash;33.45 *Most consecutive games scoring in double figures&mdash;866 *Highest single series scoring average NBA Finals&mdash;41.0 (1993) ==See also== *[[Michael Jordan's Restaurant]] *[[Michael Jordan Steaks]] *[[List of individual National Basketball Association scoring leaders by season]] *[[List of National Basketball Association players with 60 or more points in a game]] ==References== {{reflist|3}} ==External links== {{Wikiquote}} {{Commons}} *[http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_bio.html NBA History: Jordan bio] *[http://www.nba.com/historical/playerfile/index.html?player=michael_jordan NBA.com historical playerfile] *[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan NBA Player Stats] *{{imdb name|0003044|Michael Jordan}} *[http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jordami01.html Basketball-Reference.com: Michael Jordan] *{{Baseballstats |cube=J/Michael-Jordan}} {{clear}} {{Navboxes|list1= <span/> {{start box}} {{succession box|title=[[ACC Athlete of the Year|ACC Male Athlete of the Year]]|before=[[Ralph Sampson]]|after=[[BJ Surhoff]]|years=1984}} {{succession box|title=[[ACC Men's Basketball Player of the Year]]|before=Ralph Sampson|after=[[Len Bias]]|years=1983–84}} {{succession box|title=[[Naismith College Player of the Year#Award Winners - Men|Naismith College Player of the Year]] (Men)|before=Ralph Sampson|after=[[Patrick Ewing]]|years=1984|}} {{succession box|title=[[John R. Wooden Award#Men|John R. Wooden Award Winners Men]] (Men)|before=Ralph Sampson|after=[[Chris Mullin (basketball)|Chris Mullin]]|years=1984|}} {{succession box|title=[[Adolph Rupp Trophy]]|before=Ralph Sampson|after=Patrick Ewing|years=1983–84}} {{succession box|title=[[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]]|before=Ralph Sampson|after=Patrick Ewing|years=[[1984-85 NBA season|1984–85]]}} {{succession box|title=[[NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award|NBA Defensive Player of the Year]]|before=[[Michael Cooper]]|after=[[Mark Eaton (basketball)|Mark Eaton]]|years=[[1987-88 NBA season|1987–88]]}} {{succession box|title=[[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]]|before=[[Magic Johnson]]<br />Magic Johnson<br />[[David Robinson (basketball)|David Robinson]]<br />[[Karl Malone]]|after=Magic Johnson<br />[[Charles Barkley]]<br />Karl Malone<br />Karl Malone|years=[[1987-88 NBA season|1987-88]]<br />[[1990-91 NBA season|1990–91]] and [[1991-92 NBA season|1991-92]]<br />[[1995-96 NBA season|1995-96]]<br />[[1997-98 NBA season|1997–98]]}} {{succession box|title=[[NBA Finals]] [[NBA Finals MVP Award|Most Valuable Player]]|before=[[Isiah Thomas]]<br />Hakeem Olajuwon|after=[[Hakeem Olajuwon]]<br />[[Tim Duncan]]|years=[[1991 NBA Finals|1991]], [[1992 NBA Finals|1992]] and [[1993 NBA Finals|1993]]<br />[[1996 NBA Finals|1996]], [[1997 NBA Finals|1997]] and [[1998 NBA Finals|1998]]}} {{succession box|title=[[National Basketball Association All-Star Game|NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player]]|before=[[Tom Chambers]]<br />[[Mitch Richmond]]<br />[[Glen Rice]]|after=Karl Malone<br />Glen Rice<br />[[Shaquille O'Neal]]/Tim Duncan|years=[[1988 NBA All-Star Game|1988]]<br />[[1996 NBA All-Star Game|1996]]<br />[[1998 NBA All-Star Game|1998]]}} {{succession box | before = [[Joe Montana]] | title = [[Associated Press Athlete of the Year|Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year]] | years = 1991&ndash;1993 | after = [[George Foreman]]}} {{end box}} {{1982 North Carolina basketball}} {{1984 NBA Draft}} {{Footer 1984 Olympic Champions Basketball Men}} {{Footer 1992 Olympic Champions Basketball Men}} {{Chicago Bulls 1990-91 NBA champions}} {{Chicago Bulls 1991-92 NBA champions}} {{Chicago Bulls 1992-93 NBA champions}} {{Chicago Bulls 1995-96 NBA champions}} {{Chicago Bulls 1996-97 NBA champions}} {{Chicago Bulls 1997-98 NBA champions}} {{NBA50}} {{NBA Finals MVPs}} {{NBA MVPs}} {{NBA Defensive Players of the Year}} {{NBA Rookies of the Year}} {{NBA All-Star Game MVP Award}} {{SI Sportsman of the Year}} {{Slam Dunk Contest Winners}} }} {{featured article}} {{Persondata |NAME=Jordan, Michael Jeffrey |ALTERNATIVE NAMES=MJ; Air Jordan |SHORT DESCRIPTION=Professional [[National Basketball Association]] player and businessman |DATE OF BIRTH=[[17 February]] [[1963]] |PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Brooklyn]], [[New York]], [[United States]] |DATE OF DEATH= |PLACE OF DEATH= }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Jordan, Michael}} [[Category:1963 births]] [[Category:ACC Athlete of the Year]] [[Category:African American sportspeople]] [[Category:Arizona Fall League]] [[Category:Basketball players at the 1984 Summer Olympics]] [[Category:Basketball players at the 1992 Summer Olympics]] [[Category:Basketball players from North Carolina]] [[Category:Birmingham Barons players]] [[Category:Chicago Bulls draft picks]] [[Category:Chicago Bulls players]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:McDonald's High School All-Americans]] [[Category:Michael Jordan| ]] [[Category:Minor league baseball players]] [[Category:National Basketball Association executives]] [[Category:NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award winners]] [[Category:NBA Slam Dunk Contest champions]] [[Category:North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball players]] [[Category:Olympic basketball players of the United States]] [[Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States]] [[Category:People from Brooklyn]] [[Category:People from Chicago, Illinois]] [[Category:People from Highland Park, Illinois]] [[Category:People from Wilmington, North Carolina]] [[Category:Shooting guards]] [[Category:Sportspeople of multiple sports]] [[Category:United States men's national basketball team members]] [[Category:Washington Wizards players]] {{Link FA|es}} {{Link FA|hu}} [[ar:مايكل جوردان]] [[bn:মাইকেল জর্ডান]] [[bs:Michael Jordan]] [[bg:Майкъл Джордан]] [[ca:Michael Jordan]] [[cs:Michael Jordan]] [[da:Michael Jordan]] [[de:Michael Jordan]] [[et:Michael Jordan]] [[el:Μάικλ Τζόρνταν]] [[es:Michael Jordan]] [[eo:Michael Jordan]] [[eu:Michael Jordan]] [[fa:مایکل جردن]] [[fr:Michael Jordan]] [[ga:Michael Jordan]] [[gl:Michael Jordan]] [[ko:마이클 조던]] [[hy:Մայքլ Ջորդան]] [[hr:Michael Jordan]] [[io:Michael Jordan]] [[id:Michael Jordan]] [[is:Michael Jordan]] [[it:Michael Jordan]] [[he:מייקל ג'ורדן]] [[la:Michael Jordan]] [[lv:Maikls Džordans]] [[lt:Michael Jordan]] [[hu:Michael Jordan]] [[ml:മൈക്കെല്‍ ജോര്‍ഡന്‍]] [[nl:Michael Jordan]] [[ja:マイケル・ジョーダン]] [[no:Michael Jordan]] [[om:Michael Jordan]] [[pl:Michael Jordan]] [[pt:Michael Jordan]] [[ro:Michael Jordan]] [[ru:Джордан, Майкл]] [[sq:Michael Jordan]] [[simple:Michael Jordan]] [[sk:Michael Jordan]] [[sl:Michael Jordan]] [[sr:Мајкл Џордан]] [[fi:Michael Jordan]] [[sv:Michael Jordan]] [[ta:மைக்கல் ஜார்டன்]] [[th:ไมเคิล จอร์แดน]] [[vi:Michael Jordan]] [[tg:Майкл Ҷордан]] [[tr:Michael Jordan]] [[yo:Michael Jordan]] [[zh-yue:米高佐敦]] [[zh:迈克尔·乔丹]]