80s/90s Era (Michael Jordan & co) vs. Today's NBA

Warning: This is a long and very intense article. However, I highly recommend that you take some spare time to carefully go through the information for greater comprehension. For those thirsty for knowledge, this will keep you pretty busy.


If I had a dime for every time that I heard someone say that today's athletes (ex: LeBron James) are "bigger, stronger, faster", I would be a retired billionaire right now. Now if you think that is bad, get a load of this:


"Michael Jordan skated by in an easier era".
"Players today have it much harder" (Kobetard argument).
"Jordan played against midgets in his era".
"The defenses MJ faced were much weaker than what Kobe sees"
"If LeBron was in that era, he would destroy everyone".
"Players back then were too slow".
"If you think players don't hand check today you don't own a television"
"In terms of strictly pure basketball ability, give me LeBron over MJ.
"MJ and Kobe are Top 2 all-time. Respect is mandatory."
"LeBron will never catch Kobe or MJ's rings, but may still end up a better basketball player".
"The advancements in skill and athleticism can't be ignored. Too much for '92 to overcome"
"Dream Team can't guard speed. And there's no Easter Bunny. Sorry you're finding out like this"

These idiotic comments are from a combination of Kobetards, LeBrontards, and even fanboy ESPN analyst Chris Palmer. Yes, I said ESPN ANALYST! Much of this trash comes from a guy who works for the alleged "Worldwide Leader in Sports". As a basketball fan, it is downright criminally insulting to see someone getting paid to diminish what legends like Michael Jordan and others have done, just to blow smoke up the butt of today's players. Here, I will dissect these foolish ideas, and myths that are thrown out that today's players are more advanced. Follow me, as I take a journey like Marty McFly, as I go back to the 1980's and 1990's. During this journey, I will show you how that era was superior in every major category:

• Athleticism-Size (Height/Weight)
• Talent/Competition Level
• Achievements
• Basketball IQ/Chemistry
• Ratings

I will also explain the recent regression of the game.


First off, players back then were excellent athletes.

Athleticism

To those who deny that fact, here are some of the great athletic perimeter players that Michael Jordan has played with, and against:
Dominique Wilkins
Clyde Drexler
Julius Erving
Scottie Pippen
James Worthy
Penny Hardaway
Glen Rice
Mitch Richmond

Here are a number of big athletic guys that played in that era:
Charles Barkley (in-between, because of height)
Karl Malone
Hakeem Olajuwon
David Robinson
Shawn Kemp
Larry Johnson
Shaquille O'Neal
Patrick Ewing
Alonzo Mourning
Larry Nance

Drexler, Pippen, Barkley, Malone, Robinson, and Ewing played with Jordan on the 1992 Dream Team. Olajuwon, Richmond, Shaq, The Admiral, Pippen, and Barkley were all on the 1996 Dream Team. Many of these players were great at getting up and down the court, and could dominate on each side. David Robinson was built like a terminator, and could run the floor like a guard. When you look at the 2012 US Olympic Team, there were NO dominant big men on that team. It was a purely small ball team. Speaking of the Dream Team, Kobe was another person who fed into the myth that players back then were "too old, and slow". Now, time to dispel this garbage. Here are the ages of the Dream Team players:

Michael Jordan (29)
Charles Barkley (29)
Karl Malone (29)
Clyde Drexler (30)
David Robinson (26 going on 27)
Scottie Pippen (26 going on 27)
Patrick Ewing (29 going on 30)
John Stockton (30)
Chris Mullin (29)
Magic Johnson (32 going on 33)
Larry Bird (35)
Christian Laettner (22)

Larry Bird was the only player from the 92 Dream Team that was older than Kobe (33-34). Magic's career was cut short, and he still had 5 solid years left in him. That is another myth busted.

As far as today's players being "stronger" and "more advanced", that is so far from the truth. When you look at the different growth hormones in today's food and nutrition, naturally they will have more mass. Society as a whole is larger than before. Farmers, and meat producers all across the United States inject these same hormones in their animals, and meat, which impacts the weight of this country. They have also used high-volume ways to produce more crops with chemistry methods that are unheard of.  The end result is a food supply that has been distorted, and tainted by toxic, disease-causing chemicals. Unfortunately, the NBA's drug testing policy is an absolute joke. Human Growth Hormones (HGH) have been completely running wild in all areas of sports (high school, college, and pros). Studies have shown, that although HGH can increase muscle size, it does not increase strength. There is also a "Who's Who?" of performance enhancers that help the recovery rate, and endurance of players today. In fact, the very best players could be using these enhancers, but it is often swept under the carpet. Chicago Bulls 2011 MVP Derrick Rose even came out publicly, and admitted in ESPN magazine that PED's were a huge issue in the NBA. I believe there is more than enough evidence.

Size (Height/Weight):

The last 20 years alone have seen a major inflation in weight: (1991-2011)
Ideal weight: 171-181
Actual weight: 180-196


Weight of Perimeter Players (Jordan Era)
Michael Jordan: 195-215
Clyde Drexler: 215-222
James Worthy: 220-225
Magic Johnson: 215-220
Larry Bird: 220-230
Dominique Wilkins: 215-230
Michael Cooper: 175
John Stockton: 175

Weight of Perimeter Players (Modern Era):
Kobe Bryant: 200-210
Dwyane Wade: 212-220
Kevin Durant: 215-230
Carmelo Anthony: 220-235
LeBron James: 240-250
Danny Granger: 225
James Harden: 220
Derrick Rose: 190
Russell Westbrook: 187

Weight of Big Men (Jordan Era):
Shaquille O'Neal: 300-325
Hakeem Olajuwon: 250-255
David Robinson: 240-255
Patrick Ewing: 240-255
Karl Malone: 250-265
Alonzo Mourning: 240-250

Weight of Big Men (Modern Era):
Tyson Chandler: 240
Roy Hibbert: 278
Dwight Howard: 250-260
Andrew Bynum: 285
Marc Gasol: 265
Pau Gasol: 240-250

The lighter weights are what they were measure at during draft time.

Now, that I have explained the weight of today's athletes, let's move on to the height. During the Jordan era, there were many taller players at the time. In fact, 1987 is considered the tallest year in NBA history. (Average height: 6'8")

Here are a list of players at the time who were within that range:

Interior Defenders (Big Men) 6'9"-above:
Manute Bol (7'6")
Ralph Sampson (7'4")
Mark Eaton (7'4")
Artis Gilmore (7'4")
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (7'2")
Robert Parrish (7'1")
Bill Cartwright (7'1")
Sam Bowie (7'1")
Patrick Ewing (7'0")
Brad Daugherty (7'0")
Alton Lister (7'0")
Brad Sellers (7'0")
Kevin Willis (7'0")
Kevin Duckworth (7'0")
Joe Barry Carroll (7'0")
Hakeem Olajuwon (7'0") (Closer to 6'11")
Jack Sikma (6'11")
Caldwell Jones (6'11")
Bill Lambeer (6'11")
John Salley (6'11")
Rick Mahorn (6'10")
Tom Chambers (6'10")
Moses Malone (6'10")
Larry Nance (6'10")
Otis Thorpe (6'10")
Karl Malone (6'9")
Charles Oakley (6'9")
Terry Cummings (6'9")


Players 6'7"-above:
Larry Bird (6'9")
Magic Johnson (6'9")
James Worthy (6'9")
Dominique Wilkins (6'8")
Jerome Kersey (6'8")
Chuck Person (6'8")
Julius Erving (6'7")
Clyde Drexler (6'7")
Alex English (6'7")
Dennis Rodman (6'7")
Jerome Kersey (6'7")
Xavier McDaniel (6'7")
Chris Mullin (6'7")
Reggie Theus (6'7")

Players within Jordan's range (6'6"-under):
Mark Aguirre (6'6")
Gerald Wilkins (6'6")
Rolando Blackmon (6'6")
Michael Cooper (6'5")
Charles Barkley (6'5") (Barkley was a hybrid PF)
Michael Ray Richardson (6'5")
Joe Dumars (6'4")
Terry Porter (6'3")
John Stockton (6'1")

Here are the players to come since that time:
Shawn Bradley (7'6")
Rik Smits (7'4")
Dikembe Mutombo (7'2")
David Robinson (7'1")
Shaquille O'Neal (7'1")
Vlade Divac (7'1")
Tim Duncan (7'0")
Dirk Nowitzki (7'0")
Kevin Garnett (6'11")
Marcus Camby (6'11")
Alonzo Mourning (6'10")
Shawn Kemp (6'10")
Chris Webber (6'9")
Cliff Robinson (6'9")
Sean Elliott (6'8")
Grant Hill (6'8")
Jamal Mashburn (6'8")
Glen Rice (6'7")
Shawn Marion (6'7")
Calbert Chaney (6'7")
Steve Smith (6'7")
Dale Ellis (6'7")
Anthony Mason (6'7")
Larry Johnson (6'7") (Hybrid PF like Barkley)
Penny Hardaway (6'7")
Reggie Miller (6'7")
Bryon Russell (6'7")
Bruce Bowen (6'7")
Reggie Lewis (6'7")
Nick Anderson (6'6")
Dan Majerle (6'6")
Eddie Jones (6'6")
Mitch Richmond (6'5")
Ray Allen (6'5")
Adrian Dantley (6'5")
Gary Payton (6'4")
Vernon Maxwell (6'4")
Dennis Johnson (6'4")
Hersey Hawkins (6'3")
Kevin Johnson (6'1")
Allen Iverson (6'0")
Tim Hardaway (6'0")

*Note: Not everyone on this list necessarily played in the Jordan Era, but they are at least honorable mention.

Today's Average NBA Height: (6'6")

Big Men/Interior Defenders (6'9-above):
Roy Hibbert (7'2")
Tyson Chandler (7'1")
Marc Gasol (7'1")
Javale McGee (7'0")
Andrew Bynum (7'0")
Pau Gasol (7'0")
Brook Lopez (7'0")
Joakim Noah (6'11")
Nene Hilario (6'11")
LaMarcus Aldridge (6'11")
Andray Blatche (6'11")
Jeff Foster (6'11")
Chris Bosh (6'11")
Dwight Howard (6'10")
Al Jefferson (6'10")
Amare Stoudemire (6'10")
Kevin Love (6'10")
Serge Ibaka (6'10")
Kendrick Perkins (6'10")
Al Horford (6'10")
Blake Griffin (6'9")
David West (6'9")
Joel Anthony (6'9")

Perimeter Players:
Kevin Durant (6'10")
LeBron James (6'8")
Danny Granger (6'8")
Paul George (6'8")
Carmelo Anthony (6'7")
Kobe Bryant (6'6")
James Harden (6'5")
Dwyane Wade (6'4")
Derrick Rose (6'3")
Russell Westbrook (6'3")
Deron Williams (6'3")
Tony Parker (6'2")
Rajon Rondo (6'1")
Chris Paul (6'0")

Players at the time were very balanced in athleticism, and size. There were fewer hormones in the food and milk during the 1980s/1990s. Many players were leaner during that time, because there weren't so many different instant, fast food options during the time. Weight training was different, but not that much different from today's time. It is not like these players were from the George Mikan 40s/50s. Even though society has gotten taller, the NBA itself has gotten shorter and heavier than before. That is definitely not a good thing if you are a basketball player. With that said, the lack of height further negates that today's players are "bigger". Shaq was the one exception from that time, and you know how things went down when it came to his weight. (Side note: Add in the beating that Shaq took during that time) If LeBron was born in 1959, and was drafted in 1979, he would be at least an inch shorter and at least 25 pounds heavier. He would be built like Clyde Drexler. These advancements in medicine, weight training, etc HAVE NOT guaranteed today's players to be more athletic.

Talent/Competition Level:

The competition level was second to none at the time, with teams such as Magic & Kareem's Showtime Lakers, Bird's Celtics, Jordan's Bulls, and the Sixers of Dr. J & Moses leading the way. You also had blue collar teams in the East such as The Bad Boy Pistons, Ewing's Knicks, Shaq's Orlando Magic, and the Cleveland Cavaliers who were strong threats at the time. In the West, you had Hakeem's Rockets, David Robinson's Spurs, Payton's Supersonics, Drexler's Trailblazers, Stockton & Malone's Jazz, and the Suns led by Charles Barkley to name a few. Both conferences were loaded with contenders. The games were exciting, and left you with anticipation every single night that they were on. The talent pool was much deeper, with Hall of Fame talent all across the board. There were many more marquee players, whose production speaks for itself.

Production/Achievements:

Here are just a few to name, with their accomplishments:

Michael Jordan: 14-time NBA All-Star, 6-time Finals MVP for 6 championship teams, 10-time Scoring Champ, 5-time NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, 1985 NBA Rookie of the Year, 10-time All-NBA 1st Team, 9-time All-Defensive 1st Team, 3rd All-Time in Career Total Points: 32,292, 1st All-Time in Career PPG: 30.12, 1st All-Time in Career Playoff PPG: 33.45. 2-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner (1984, 1992). Hall of Fame: Class of 2009.

Magic Johnson: 12-time NBA All-Star, 3-time Finals MVP on 5 championship teams, 3-time NBA MVP, 9-time All-NBA 1st Team, 2-time NBA All-Star MVP. Retired as All-Time Leader in Assists (10,141). Olympic Gold Medal Winner (1992), Hall of Fame: Class of 2002.

Larry Bird: 12-time NBA All-Star, 2-time Finals MVP on 3 championship teams, 3-time NBA MVP, 9-time All-NBA 1st Team, 1-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 3-time NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team. Career PPG: 24.3, 10.0 rpg, 6.3 apg. Olympic Gold Medal Winner (1992), Hall of Fame: Class of 1998

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 19-time NBA All-Star, 6-time NBA MVP, 2-time Finals MVP on 6 championship teams, 10-time All-NBA 1st Team, 5-time All-Defensive 1st Team, 6-time All-Defensive 2nd Team. NBA All-Time Leading Scorer, 3rd All-Time in Blocks, 4th All-Time in Rebounds. (Kareem was slightly past his prime, but still effective). Hall of Fame: Class of 1995

Shaquille O'Neal: 15-time NBA All-Star, 3-time Finals MVP on 4 championship teams, 1-time NBA MVP, 2-time NBA Scoring Champion, 8-time All-NBA 1st Team, 1-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 4-time All-NBA 3rd Team, 3-time All-Defensive 2nd Team. Olympic Gold Medal Winner (1996)

Hakeem Olajuwon: 12-time NBA All-Star, 2-time Finals MVP on 2 championship teams, 1-time NBA MVP, 2-time Defensive Player of the Year. 2-time Leader in Rebounds, 3-time Leader in Blocks. 6-time All-NBA 1st Team, 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 3-time All-NBA 3rd Team, 5-time All-Defensive 1st Team, 4-time All-Defensive 2nd Team. 1st All-Time in Blocks, 9th in Steals, 11th in Points, 13th in Rebounds. Olympic Gold Medal Winner (1996), Hall of Fame: Class of 2008.

Moses Malone: 13-time NBA All-Star, 3-time NBA MVP, 1-time Finals MVP, 6-time Rebounding Champ, 4-time All-NBA 1st Team, 4-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 1-time All-Defensive 1st Team, 1-time All-Defensive 2nd Team. 7th All-Time in Career Total Points, 1st All-Time in Offensive Rebounds, 3rd All-Time in Total Rebounds. Hall of Fame: Class of 2001.

David Robinson: 10-time NBA All-Star, 1990 Rookie of the Year, Leader in Rebounds (1991), Leader in Blocks (1992), Defensive Player of the Year (1992), 2-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner (1992, 1996) Scoring Champion (1994), NBA MVP (1995), 2nd Best Player on 2 championship teams, 4-time All-NBA 1st Team, 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 4-time All-NBA 3rd Team. 4-time All-Defensive 1st Team, 4-time All-Defensive 2nd Team. Hall of Fame: Class of 2009.

Karl Malone: 14-time NBA All-Star, 2-time NBA MVP, 11-time All-NBA 1st Team, 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 1-time All-NBA 3rd Team. 2nd All-Time in Career Points. 2-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner (1992, 1996). Hall of Fame: Class of 2010.

Charles Barkley: 11-time NBA All-Star, 1-time NBA MVP, 5-time All-NBA 1st Team, 5-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 1-time All-NBA 3rd Team. Rebounding Champ (1987). 2-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner (1992, 1996). Hall of Fame Class of 2006.

Julius Erving: 16-time All-Star (11-time NBA), 4-time MVP (1-time NBA MVP), 5-time All-NBA 1st Team, 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team. Member of 1 NBA championship team. Hall of Fame: Class of 1993.

Today's Players:


LeBron James: 9-time NBA All-Star, 3-time NBA MVP, 1-time Finals MVP, leader of 2012 championship team. 1-time Scoring Champion. 6-time All-NBA 1st Team, 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 4-time All-Defensive 1st Team. 2-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner (2008, 2012)

Kobe Bryant: 15-time NBA All-Star, 1-time NBA MVP, 2-time Finals MVP on 5 championship teams, 2-time Scoring Champion, 10-time All-NBA 1st Team, 9-time All-Defensive 1st Team. 2-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner (2008, 2012)

Dwyane Wade: 9-time NBA All-Star, 1-time Finals MVP on 2 championship teams, 1-time Scoring Champion. 2-time All-NBA 1st Team, 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team, 2-time All-NBA 3rd Team. Olympic Gold Medal (2008)

Kevin Durant: 5-time NBA All-Star. 3-time NBA Scoring Champion, 3-time All-NBA 1st Team. Olympic Gold Medal (2012)

Dwight Howard: 7-time NBA All-Star, 3-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. 5-time All-NBA 1st Team, 4-time All-Defensive 1st Team, 1-time All-Defensive 2nd Team, 1-time All-NBA 3rd Team. Olympic Gold Medal Winner (2008)

Basketball IQ/Chemistry:

You had a league with players, who took their craft seriously, and created their own brand without the media giving them things that they did not deserve. The 1992 Dream Team alone had 11 Hall of Famers. When you include Olajuwon from the '96 team, that makes 12, because players such as The Admiral, Barkley, Malone, Stockton and Pippen returned for that team. Reggie Miller was just inducted as well. Players like Shaq, Gary Payton, and Mitch Richmond are future HOF'ers. That is more than both the 2008, and 2012 teams together. When you consider Players had much more discipline, because of the systems that molded them in college. With that said, the game was built with great basketball IQ to match. Not only was there style, but there was plenty of substance to match. I highly doubt that teams like the Heat, and the Thunder would survive, with their one-on-one smallball style. Teams with great chemistry, perimeter defense, physicality, and interior players will eat them alive. Teams like the Portland Trailblazers, Seattle Supersonics, and Phoenix Suns would destroy them before they could even think of playing teams like Chicago, LA or Boston. During that era, you had teams and players shooting on average, between the mid-late 40s to the 50s from the floor. The only exceptions were the really sub-par teams. They never had to rely on the three-point shot as much, because at the time it was considered a "bail-out" shot. As far as crossovers, players from that time used them as well. (Look at Isiah Thomas & Tim Hardaway as examples) However, they knew when to keep it under control. Now, you have players with a deeper sense of entitlement, who think that the NBA owes them something, without even proving themselves.  For crying out loud, today's dunk contests are full of nobodies! The prima donna mentality has clearly polluted the NBA. Today's game has gone from a game from men to a game for boys.


Ratings:

To further cement how superior this era was, the ratings tell even more of a story:
1980 NBA Finals- Lakers vs. Sixers (Rating- 8.0) (Plot line- Magic saving the series in Game 6)
1981 NBA Finals- Celtics vs. Rockets (Rating- 6.7)
1982 NBA Finals- Lakers vs. Sixers II (Rating- 13.0)
1983 NBA Finals- Sixers vs. Lakers III (Rating-1 2.3) (Plot line-Redemption)
1984 NBA Finals- Lakers vs. Celtics (Rating- 12.1) (Plot line-Magic vs. Bird I)
1985 NBA Finals- Lakers vs. Celtics II (Rating- 13.7) (Plot line- Lakers finally defeat Celtics)
1986 NBA Finals- Celtics vs. Rockets (Rating- 14.1)
1987 NBA Finals- Lakers vs. Celtics III (Rating- 15.9) (Plot line- Magic vs. Larry- Final Showdown)
1988 NBA Finals- Lakers vs. Pistons I (Rating- 15.4) (Plot line- Lakers win back-to-back)
1989 NBA Finals- Lakers vs. Pistons II (Rating- 15.1) (Plot line- Rise of the Bad Boys)
1990 NBA Finals- Pistons vs. Blazers (Rating- 12.3) (Plot line- Motor City Madness)
1991 NBA Finals- Bulls vs. Lakers (Rating- 15.8) (Plot line- Bulls win 1st Title)
1992 NBA Finals- Bulls vs. Blazers (Rating- 14.2) (Plot line- Bulls win back-to-back)
1993 NBA Finals- Bulls vs. Suns (Rating- 17.9) (Plot line- Three-peat)
1994 NBA Finals- Rockets vs. Knicks (Rating- 12.4) (Plot line- Clutch City in Houston)
1995 NBA Finals- Rockets vs. Magic (Rating- 13.9) (Plot line- Dream leads repeat)
1996 NBA Finals- Bulls vs. Sonics (Rating- 16.7) (Plot line- Jordan returns to the throne)
1997 NBA Finals- Bulls vs. Jazz I (Rating- 16.8) (Plot line- Flu Game Series)
1998 NBA Finals- Bulls vs. Jazz II (Rating- 18.7) (Plot line- Jordan's Final Dance)

Each series was exciting not just because of the quality of play, but also because of the amazing story lines surrounding them. The initial story lines going on during those seasons built even more anticipation (Jordan's arrival & scoring, rise to MVP level, 1st 3-peat, retirement, 2nd 3-peat). Barkley leaving for Phoenix, and winning MVP. Chicago's 72-win season Unfortunately, Jordan's 1998 retirement and the 1999 lockout wounded the ratings. The Finals ratings dropped by seven points, from 18.7 in 1998 to 11.3 in 1999. In spite of how great Duncan's Spurs and Shaq's Lakers played during this time, fan interest was lost because of how David Stern curtailed the rules, taking away the integrity, and over-promoting singular players for the sake of a "Like Mike" figure. Even a LeBron vs Durant Finals series was only able to pull in a 10.1 rating.

As far as the rigging goes, you don't have to look any further than these examples:
2002 WCF- Lakers vs. Kings
2006 NBA Finals- Heat vs. Mavericks (Perfect example: Game 6)
2010 NBA Finals- Lakers vs. Celtics (Perfect example: Game 7)

Regression:

Once upon a time, the NBA stood for "No Boys Allowed". Now, David Stern has corrupted the game, and turned it into a soft, freestyle, skills circus show. Stern stripped away the ability to play real, physical defense, as well as the impact of the big men in the paint. Now, you don't have enforcers in the paint ready to knock you on your butt. Instead, you have a league full of cream puffs. Stern and the media have dumbed down the game. The game is no longer about team, but about singular players. How many times must we put up with "Kobe", "LeBron", "Carmelo", "Durant" being over saturated by ESPN? How many more times do I have to put up with the cherry picking that they do with today's players, by taking single games or streaks to compare them with the likes of Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Wilt Chamberlain? (Ex: In 2012, ESPN said LeBron was the 1st player since Wilt in 1964 to have a 45/15 game in the playoffs) Fortunately, the smart fans like myself see through the phoniness like glass. The smoke and mirror act does not fool us, which is why the NBA has lost so many viewers.


Conclusion:

In Conclusion, the evolution theory does not work for the NBA. In fact, things also have a tendency to devolve, and regress over time. That is exactly the case with the NBA. Over time since the Era of Jordan/Magic/Bird, the game has devolved. (The Shaq/Duncan era in between was the only bright spot) The devolution of the game has become dramatically worse even since then, with the changes in the rules to favor one specific area of the game (perimeter). I am not here to come across as a hater or cynic, but as a passionate NBA fan who has been exposed to the very best that the game has ever seen. As I have said before, their production speaks for itself. The work they put in to put up those numbers while playing the game the way that it should be played. If you have watched the game for as long as I have, and have studied the history of it the way that I have, you will understand with a better sense of appreciation. However, naive new school fans will believe what they want to, and make excuses to diminish what players like Jordan have done. Whatever. I do this for educated, hardcore fans that care. This is not just about Old School, but about real recognizing real, and game recognizing game. Check the games for yourselves, and it is clearly obvious how drastic the change has been. Players from the past earned their keep. The game had the perfect balance between perimeter players and interior players. It was a much more even game. (Interior players were just that good)

Greatness is EARNED, not given!


(Special thanks to Internet Sports legend Mr. Bruce Blitz, along with Clutch 23 Productions):

Here are glimpses of the great athleticism from that Golden Era (80s/90s):

Michael Jordan: Flying High at 50

As we celebrate All-Star Weekend, it is only appropriate that we also celebrate another major milestone: NBA Royalty Michael Jordan turns 50! Jordan certainly created many great moments during the All-Star Weekend (87-88 Slam Dunk Battles with Dominique, 40 points in '88 ASG in Chicago, etc) What else is there to be said about Michael Jordan that has not been said? He is the ultimate prototype of a total package player. Jordan was a jack of all-trades, and master of all in a number of categories:

• Basketball IQ
• Scoring
• Defense
• Playmaking
• Leadership
• Team Play
• Competitive Drive
• Consistency
• Athleticism
• Agility
• Innovation
• Individual Brilliance
• Clutch Play 
• Ultimate Regular Season/Playoff Performer

 Jordan's first flash of brilliance took place at the University of North Carolina, under Coach Dean Smith. People assume that Jordan first learned team basketball under Phil Jackson, but that is far from the truth. This is the place where Jordan ultimately blended within the team concept, because his numbers in college tell the story (17.7/5.0/1.8 FG%-54, 3pt%-45, FT%-75). In his freshman year (1981-82), Jordan helped lead the Tar Heels to a National Title, with his signature game winning shot over Patrick Ewing & the Georgetown Hoyas. Here are Jordan's accomplishments from his great NCAA career

• 1982 NCAA Champion
• 1982-83 NCAA AP All-American 1st Team
• 1983-84 NCAA AP All-American 1st Team
• 1983-84 AP Player of the Year
• 1983-84 NCAA John Wooden Award
• 1983-84 Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Award

Jordan achieved this while being in a toned down system. After his fantastic junior season, Jordan would go on to take his game to the pros, where he was drafted 3rd Overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft. As a rookie, Michael immediately set the league on fire, averaging 28.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.9 apg, and 2.4 spg, while shooting 51% from the floor. This production not only earned Michael Rookie of the Year, but also a place as the starter for the Eastern Conference All-Stars, All-Rookie 1st Team, and All-NBA 2nd Team. Jordan also led the league in Total Points that season. (2,313) He also finished 6th place in MVP Voting. Jordan's momentum was temporarily put on hold the following season (1985-86), because of foot injury, which limited him to only 18 games. However, the playoffs were only a sign of things to come from Michael in the future. In the first round of the 1986 Playoffs against the Celtics, MJ unleashed a playoff record 63 points on the future champion Boston Celtics, who had the #1 Defense that season. (By the way, this Celtics team is widely considered to be there very best, and that speaks even more volumes about Michael's greatness) With that game, MJ put the league on further notice, that he was next in line after Magic & Larry. That fire from the playoffs extended into the next season. In 1986-87, Jordan went on a scoring rampage. That season, he averaged a career-high in points (3,041), and scoring average (37.1), snatching his first of 10 future scoring titles. Michael became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain ('61, '62, '63) to score at least 3,000 points, while averaging at least 37 ppg. ('60, '61, '62, '63). That season, Jordan also had a 9-game streak of 40 points or more:

41- Nov. 28, 1986 @ L.A. Lakers

40- Nov. 29, 1986 @ Golden State

40- Dec. 2, 1986 @ Seattle

45- Dec. 3, 1986 @ Utah

43- Dec. 5, 1986 @ Phoenix

43- Dec. 6, 1986 @ San Antonio

40- Dec. 9, 1986 @ Denver

41- Dec. 10, 1986 @ Atlanta

41- Dec. 12, 1986 @ Milwaukee

That season, Michael would go on to have at least 37 games of 40 or more points. What is even more astonishing is the fact that Michael NEVER had a game with 81 points, but yet he STILL scored over 3,000 points that season. He also earned his 3rd straight All-Star appearance (1987 Slam Dunk Champion), along with his first All-NBA 1st Team appearance. This was such a breakout season, that Jordan finished 2nd in MVP Voting, only to Magic Johnson. The Lakers also had Michael Cooper as their DPOY, but Jordan still found a way to drop 41 on him. This was truly a benchmark season, because this was the OFFICIAL start of Michael Jordan's Prime. (1987-1993) Michael also became the first player in NBA history to record 200 steals (236), and 100 blocks (125). Unfortunately, he was never given credit for his defense that year. 

Here is a look at some of the other 40+ point games MJ had back in 1987:


                                           Jordan's first 50-point game VS. Knicks at MSG:

Michael Jordan's 53 pts. vs. Clyde Drexler's Blazers:

                                         MJ drops another 53 vs. Pacers (70% FG): (Long before LeBron)

                                                MJ vs. Dominque (61 points vs. Hawks):

                                    MJ drops 44 on Akeem's Olajuwon's Houston Rockets 

                                     Michael delivers 61 on Detroit Pistons (Bad Boys): 5th Ranked Defense

                                                   
In 1987-88, Michael would leave a mark even bigger than the one he left the previous season. That season, he captured his 2nd straight scoring title (35.0 ppg), while leading the league in steals for the first time (3.2). He also recorded at least 200 steals, and 100 blocks for the second consecutive season. (259 steals, 131 blocks) Jordan made his 2nd straight All-NBA 1st Team, and his first All-Defensive 1st Team. During All-Star Weekend, Michael engaged in the greatest Slam Dunk battle of all-time Vs. Dominique Wilkins. Jordan won his 2nd Straight Dunk Contest in his Battleground of Chicago, while also winning ASG MVP the following night. With his incredible season, Jordan won his 1st of 5 NBA MVP Awards, where he beat out Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in another strong race. He also won Defensive Player of the Year. However, Michael's success was short-lived, because the Bulls would run into a brick wall named "The Bad Boy Pistons" during the Eastern Conference Semis, 4-1. In 1988-89, Jordan was forced to take on even more of a utility role, filling in at Point Guard for an injured John Paxson. Michael was able to display another dimension to his game as an all-around player. That season, he won his 3rd straight scoring title (32.5 ppg), while averaging career-highs in both rebounds, and assists (8.0 rpg, 8.0 apg). Jordan also had 7 straight games with at least a Triple-Double. Today's fans are so fascinated with LeBron's all-around game, that they tend to forget about the versatility of MJ. That season was also most notable for the game against the Cavs in the playoffs, where Jordan hits "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo, saving Chicago's postseason. The Bulls would go on to play the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time, ultimately falling to them 4-2. During this time, Pistons Coach Chuck Daly devised a set of defensive rules specifically for Jordan called "The Jordan Rules". This was instituted right after Jordan's 59 point game against them on April 3, 1988.

                                                        Here is that very game:
                                    Michael Jordan 59 points vs. Pistons (4/3/88)

The system was designed to double and triple-team Michael every time that he had the ball in his hands. The Pistons knew that Michael's teammates were not a threat. However, things would change in Chicago's favor. The Bulls hired Phil Jackson as head coach, along with Tex Winter as assistant coach. Jackson's first move was to implement the "Triangle Offense". Under this new system, everyone was occupied and involved. Initially, Jordan didn't understand, because he thought Phil was trying to take the ball away from him. However, the system was built to move the ball around for everyone else, so that Jordan would not get swarmed so easily with double-teams. In this Offense, Michael also sacrificed his ball-in hand game to help Scottie Pippen develop as more of a ball-handler. Not only did Scottie improve, but so did others like Horace Grant, Paxson and so on. Not much changed in Michael's production. In 1989-90, Jordan had a season very similar to the previous one. That season, he averaged 33.6 ppg (1st), 7 rpg, and 6 apg, shooting 54% from the floor. Jordan also led the league in steals for the second time in his career. With the new Triangle Offense, Detroit's "Jordan Rules" became less effective. In the postseason, the Bulls made their second straight trip to the ECF vs. Detroit. This time, The Bulls took The Pistons to their limit. Although  Chicago would fall 4-3, they found what it ultimately took to defeat their blood rivals. The Bulls regrouped for the following season. In 1990-91, Michael earned his 2nd MVP Award (31.5/6.0/5.5), while leading the Bulls to a 61-21 record. (1st in Eastern Conference) Finally, the pieces fell together in the proper places for the Bulls. In the playoffs, Chicago swept the Knicks off the court (3-0), demolished Philadelphia (4-1), and murdered the Isiah & Bad Boy Era in a sweep. (4-0) The Bulls would make their 1st Finals Appearance in Franchise history against the Los Angeles Lakers. (Team of the '80s) Michael would finally have the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage, against the best player from the previous decade, Mr. Earvin Magic Johnson. Magic was the king of the mountain during the '80s, being the leader/co-leader of the Lakers leading them to 5 Championship. He was the consummate team leader, who made everyone around him better. During this series, Jordan dismantled the Lakers, and matched Magic in playmaking.

1991 NBA Finals (Michael vs. Magic):

Total Points:
Jordan: 156
Magic: 93

Game-High:
Jordan: 36
Magic: 22

PPG:
Jordan: 31.2
Magic: 18.6

Field Goal Percentage:
Jordan: 55%
Magic: 43%

3-Point Percentage:
Jordan: 50%
Magic: 29%

Free-Throw Percentage:
Jordan: 85%
Magic: 95%

Rebounds:
Jordan: 33
Magic: 40

RPG:
Jordan: 6.6
Magic: 8.0

Assists:
Jordan: 37
Magic: 62

APG:
Jordan: 11.4
Magic: 12.4

Steals:
Jordan: 14
Magic: 6

SPG:
Jordan: 2.8
Magic: 1.2

Blocks:
Jordan: 7
Magic: 0

BPG:
Jordan: 1.4

Michael AVERAGED 11 Assists, IN THE FINALS! Come back to me when LeBron does that! With this outstanding performance, Michael not only won his first ring, but also his 1st Finals MVP. In this series, Jordan snatched the torch from Magic, and dethroned him as the King of the NBA Castle. This was the official changing of the guard, as Michael proved that even a scoring champion can win an NBA Championship. The NBA landscape changed even more from this moment. The thing that made this even more significant, is the fact Jordan won his first title, by conquering Magic's Lakers. That adds even greater value to his first championship run.


In 1991-92, Michael Jordan won his second straight MVP Award (30.1/6.4/6.1), while leading the Bulls to a 67-15 record. (franchise best at the time) Chicago's record improved, in large part because of the emergence of Scottie Pippen, along with B.J. Armstrong, & co. However, the road to the playoffs became even tougher for the Bulls. After sweeping the Miami Heat (3-0), the Bulls faced a very strong Knicks team in a seven-game series that had its fair share of controversy. Chicago emerged (4-3), and advanced to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the ECF. (4-2) In the NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls would face a powerhouse Portland Trailblazers Squad. Michael would face yet another NBA Superstar. This time, it was Clyde "The Glide" Drexler. During the season, Drexler finished 2nd place in MVP Voting behind Jordan. This caused the media to draw numerous comparisons between the two, because they played the same position, similar size, and playing style. The Finals was billed as "Jordan vs. Drexler", and the series did not disappoint. This was the ultimate way for Michael to make the distinct separation between himself and Clyde, as he emerged victorious over his contemporary.

1992 NBA Finals (Michael "Air" Jordan vs. Clyde "The Glide" Drexler):

Total Points:
Jordan: 215
Drexler: 149

Game-High:
Jordan: 46
Drexler: 32

PPG:
Jordan: 35.8
Drexler: 24.8

Field Goal Percentage:
Jordan: 52%
Drexler: 40%

3-Point Percentage:
Jordan: 42%
Drexler: 15%

Free-Throw Percentage:
Jordan: 89%
Drexler: 89%

Rebounds:
Jordan: 29
Drexler: 47

RPG:
Jordan: 4.8
Drexler: 7.8

Assists:
Jordan: 39
Drexler: 32

APG:
Jordan: 6.5
Drexler: 5.3

Steals:
Jordan: 10
Drexler: 8

SPG:
Jordan: 1.7
Drexler: 1.3

Blocks:
Jordan: 2
Drexler: 6

BPG:
Jordan: 0.3
Drexler: 1.0

The highlight of this series was Jordan setting a then-record 6 three pointers in one game. (35 points in one half) Michael was rewarded his second straight NBA Finals MVP Award. During the summer, Michael also won his 2nd Olympic Gold Medal, as a member of the 1992 Dream Team. 1992 was a brilliant year for Michael Jordan. He achieved a Triple-Crown, (NBA MVP, Finals MVP, Olympic Gold Medal) becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve this feat. Jordan's explosion in popularity expanded the league's fan market. He took the game Magic & Larry saved, and brought it to even greater heights, which no one thought could be seen. Larry Bird & Magic Johnson raised the league's popularity & revenue from a national standpoint. Jordan made it even more acceptable from an international standpoint, as an American player. Ratings flew even higher, and the brands of other players received greater exposure as well. (Barkley, Karl Malone, David Robinson, Drexler, and others) The 1992-93 Season got off to a slow start for the Bulls, because of the lack of rest for Jordan & Pippen after the Olympics. Chicago finished the season with a record of 55-27. In spite of the early hurdle, Jordan still played at the highest level in the NBA. (32.6/6.7/5.5) MJ captured his 7th straight scoring title (tying Wilt Chamberlain), while leading the league in steals for the 3rd time. (2.8 spg) However, Jordan finished 3rd in MVP Voting, behind Defensive Player of the Year Hakeem Olajuwon (2nd), and Charles Barkley (1st). The media felt that they needed to promote another star as the MVP. They chose Barkley, because of his production, with a better team. (Phoenix Suns: 62-20) This only fueled Michael's competitive fire even more, to show who the REAL MVP was. After two straight sweeps (3-0 vs. Atlanta, 4-0 vs. Cleveland), Chicago would go on to face Phoenix, led by Charles Barkley.

1993 NBA Finals (Michael Jordan vs. Charles Barkley):

Total Points:
Jordan: 246
Barkley: 164

Game-High:
Jordan: 55
Barkley: 42

PPG:
Jordan: 41.0
Barkley: 27.3

Field Goal Percentage:
Jordan: 51%
Barkley: 47%

3-Point Percentage:
Jordan: 40%
Barkley: 25%

Free-Throw Percentage:
Jordan: 69%
Barkley: 75%

Rebounds:
Jordan: 51
Barkley: 78

RPG:
Jordan: 8.5
Barkley: 13.0

Assists:
Jordan: 38
Barkley: 33

APG:
Jordan: 6.3
Barkley: 5.5

Steals:
Jordan: 10
Barkley: 7

SPG:
Jordan: 1.7
Barkley: 1.2

Blocks:
Jordan: 4
Barkley: 3

BPG:
Jordan: 0.7
Barkley: 0.5

Jordan went on an absolute rampage, torching Phoenix for an NBA Finals record in scoring (41.0 ppg), which earned him his 3rd straight Finals MVP Award. Michael carried a tremendous amount of weight during this first 3-peat. This is weight that even Shaq had not carried. This first Bulls teams had Michael's DNA all over it. Jordan's first run (84-93) was beyond legendary. It was straight ICONIC! This was Michael at his apex, because he clearly mastered EVERYTHING during this time. (Physically, Athletically, Statistically, etc) He had the perfect combination of top speed, full strength, agility, all rolled into one. Jordan finally put the icing on his cake, with his team achievements. (championships) Even during this time, Michael was widely considered to be the greatest of all-time, by the likes of Magic Johnson, and others. Then, at the age of 30, he decided to walk away to play baseball, following the death of his father. For years, there has been speculation about this. I firmly believe that he left, because he wanted to pay tribute to his Dad, by playing baseball. (something he wanted him to do) Plus, the psychological damage was too strong after something that devastating. Unfortunately, too many new school fans want to bash him for leaving, in their agenda to praise Kobe for playing 17 years, without a break. They want to use this as an excuse to say Kobe is tougher. Now, I will take the time to address this nonsense: Michael achieved MUCH MORE, against tougher competition than Kobe & co. WITHOUT being stopped by an injury. Michael played through pain, so that was not an issue for him. It would make absolutely no sense for Jordan to be the greatest ever, but have a physical problem playing 10+ seasons. It was purely personal. When Michael retired in 1993, his body of work was much more impressive. He achieved MORE before baseball, than what Kobe, & LeBron have achieved in their entire careers. (20k + points, 7 scoring titles, 3 League MVP's, 3 Finals MVP's, in 9 seasons) He was still active, and working hard even in baseball.

In the middle-to-end of the 1994-95 season, Jordan made a MAJOR announcement with two words: "I'm Back!". MJ returned in a very large way as well. In his first game back, the Bulls took on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Michael wore his number from baseball (45), and delivered a classic 55-point game in a win against New York. This will always be remembered as the "Double-Nickel" game. Chicago would go to the ECF, where they were swept by the Orlando Magic. (Led by the NBA's new blood, Shaquille O'Neal & Penny Hardaway) Nick Anderson made a comment after the series, saying "Jordan was not the same", because he was out of basketball shape. In hindsight, I agree, because Jordan lost at least a slight step from before, because his body had become bulkier since he came back. Initially, Jordan was still not in basketball shape, and it showed during the 1995 ECF vs. Orlando. (Magic swept Bulls, 4-0)

The Chicago Bulls regrouped for the 1996-96 season, better than ever as a team. In his first full season, Michael Jordan recaptured the NBA scoring title for the 8th time (30.4/6.6/4.3), breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record for most scoring titles. Michael also led the revamped Bulls team to an historic 72-10 record. (best in NBA History) For this fantastic return, Michael was named the NBA MVP for the 4th time. In his All-Star Game return, he was also named ASG MVP. With newly acquired Tony Kukoc, former Pistons rival Dennis Rodman (San Antonio), Ron Harper (Clippers), and perennial sidekick Scottie Pippen, Chicago picked up right where they left off from when MJ first retired. The Bulls stomped out perennial whipping boy Miami (3-0 1st round), along with New York (4-1), before going to the Eastern Conference Finals to take care of unfinished business from the previous year. Remembering the embarrassing way their season ended, Chicago turned the tables, by sweeping Orlando, 4-0. This was their way of letting the young guns like Shaq know "We're back!". In the Finals, the Bulls would face a defensive force in the Western Conference, the Seattle Supersonics, who were led by "The Glove" Gary Payton. Payton was named the 1995-96 Defensive Player of the Year, while leading the league in steals. (2.9 spg) Along with premier PF "The Reign Man" Shawn Kemp, & co., the Sonics were 1st in the West (64-18). It was the Beast from the East (Chicago) vs. the Best from the West (Seattle). This series was clearly a defensive struggle to say the least. Both teams were powerhouses on defense. The contributions of Rodman, and Kukoc were vital in this series. This was clearly not Jordan's finest performance in the NBA Finals. (27.3/5.3/4.2) However, because he was the leader of the team, he won his 4th Finals MVP Award. Michael joined Willis Reed, as the second player in NBA history to win All-Star Game, Regular Season, and Finals MVP in the same season. The 1996-97 season was not much different from before. The Chicago Bulls finished the season 69-13 (tied w/1972 Lakers), with Jordan winning his 9th scoring title. (29.6/5.9/4.3) Clearly, Jordan was the best player in the league, with the best team! However, once again the media gets tired of naming MJ the MVP just like in '93. This time, they give the award to Karl Malone. After sweeping the Bullets in the 1st round (3-0), Chicago would overcome New York in another 7-game series (4-3). For the first time ever, the Bulls would face the Miami Heat (led by Alonzo Mourning & Tim Hardaway), in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Chicago made short work of them, putting out the Heat, 4-1. Jordan would get his revenge in the Finals, as the Bulls took on the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals. The signature game for the series, was the "Flu Game". This was an example of how Michael had to rely on his heart, determination, and will to win like never before. Jordan returned to form in the Finals (32.3/7.0/6.0), while leading the Bulls to their 5th title. MJ was named Finals MVP for the 5th time, while the Mailman could not deliver. 1997-98 would be Jordan's farewell as a Chicago Bull. This season was a great way to go out for him, too. Michael won his 10th scoring title (28.7/5.8/3.5), along with his 5th MVP Award. During this same time, the media started building Kobe Bryant to compare him with MJ. Jordan would silence the critics in the All-Star Game, by winning the game's MVP Award. In the playoffs, Chicago would go on to dethrone the New Jersey Nets (1st round, 3-0), and Charlotte Hornets (4-1, 2nd round), before a grueling series with the Pacers. Michael's decline was on full display during the series, but the Bulls prevailed (4-3) because of the supporting cast. The Bulls and Jazz would have a rematch in the Finals. The signature moment of the series, was Michael's iconic game-winning shot over Bryon Russell, after stealing the ball from Karl Malone. This was the ULTIMATE storybook ending to a career. No other way to go out. For years, younger players and fans dream about that shot, and fantasize about taking that dramatic game-winner. When the series was over, Jordan was named Finals MVP for the 6th time (33.5/4.0/2.3), while leading the Chicago Bulls to their 6th championship. The supporting cast for the second three-peat was extremely crucial, because they covered up Jordan's deficiencies during that time. Michael was declining, not just athletically, but it also showed up in his production. He was less efficient, averaged fewer points, steals, etc, and shot a lower field-goal percentage. That is a FACT! With that being said, the team from 96-98, covered up those flaws in his game.

Michael decided to give a final encore, when he returned to play for the Washington Wizards. Although he was more than a shell of his former self, Michael still showed signs of dominance against the premier players at the time: Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, to name a few. In his return, Michael sparked a new interest in the Wizards. Attendance soared through the roof, with Jordan in a Wizard uniform. Michael also made the All-Star team in both seasons with Washington. In 2001-02 at age 39, Michael finished 13th in MVP Voting.

Michael Jordan was the closest thing to perfection on the basketball court. He was the greatest combination of athleticism with fundamentals. It is hard to find a great, talented athlete who understands, and uses technique. Many talented athletes just coast off of their natural abilities. Michael was the player who knew how to execute both equally. When his athleticism and speed diminished with age, he still had the IQ, and fundamentals to fall back on.

The legacy of Michael Jordan is unlike any other before, or after. For years, the media has constantly searched, and still searches for a "Like Mike" player. They will look for any form of flash, and charisma to match with MJ. Each player that has been compared to him has fallen under the pressure & burden: Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, were all destroyed by the injury virus. Kobe has gone the farthest, because of how he has ripped Jordan's style 100%, and smart people see through it. Even he has felt the pressure, and it has hindered his legacy as well. If it weren't for playing with a wealthy franchise (Lakers), he would fall in line with everyone else. LeBron James has decided to carve out his own identity, so he avoids it. (Plus, he changed his number) Although Dwyane Wade has been a member of 2 championship teams, injuries have plagued him as well. None of these players achievements, and level of play meet or exceed the enormous Jordan standard in any way. (Not even Kobe)

Michael's ability to raise his game is unmatched. His body of work speaks for itself. With that said, here are his accomplishments:

15-year career (1984-93, 95-98, 2001-03)

• 14-time NBA All-Star
• 5-time NBA MVP (1988, '91, '92, '96, '98)
• Second-Place for MVP 3 times ('87, '89, '97)
• Third-Place twice ('90, '93)
• Top 5 ten times ('87-'93, '96-'98)
• Top 10 (1985)
• 10-time Scoring Champion (1987-'93, '96-'98- 1st All-Time)
• Consecutive Scoring Titles (7- tied for 1st w/Wilt Chamberlain)
• 8 Seasons of 30+ ppg
• 5 Seasons of 32+ ppg
• 3-time Steals Champion (1988, '90, '93)
• Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
• 10-time All-NBA 1st Team Selection ('87-'93, '96-'98)
• 9-time All-Defensive 1st Team Selection ('88-'93, '96-'98)
• All-NBA 2nd Team Selection (1985)
• All-Rookie 1st Team Selection (1985)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
• 6-time NBA Finals MVP ('91-'93, '96-'98,- 1st All-Time)
• Undefeated in NBA Finals as leader (6-0)
• 3-time All-Star Game MVP ('88, '96, '98)
• Olympic Gold Medal Winner (1984, '92)
• Member of 1992 Dream Team
• 32,292 Career Total Points (3rd in NBA History)
• 1st All-Time in Career Player Efficiency Rating (27.91)
• Regular Season: 30.12 PPG (1st All-Time), 6.2 rpg, 5.3 apg, 49.7% FG, (round-up to 50%) (51% as a Bull) 83.5% FT (1,072 Career Games)
• Playoffs: 33.45 PPG (1st All-Time), 6.4 rpg, 5.7 apg, 48.7% FG, 82.8% FT (179 Games)
• 24 Scoring Records (Regular Season/Playoffs combined-1st All-Time)
• 34+ ppg in 7 Different Playoff Series
• Highest Scoring Average in Finals history (41.0 ppg, 51% FG- '93 Finals vs. Phoenix)
• Most Points in a Playoff Game (63)
• Most Points in one half, Finals game (35)
• 2,514 Career Steals (3rd All-Time)
• 2.3 Steals Per Game (5th All-Time)

Here is a mini-tribute for Jordan's birthday. Enjoy!
                                                     
                                                         

Happy Birthday to His Airness! Flight 23!

(Special Thanks to Hoopsencyclopedia, and Clutch 23 Productions for the videos)