Michael Jordan has had a great effect on today’s world even after his retirement in the year 2003 from the Washington Wizards. In order to figure out how he impacted the modern world, we have to go back to the very beginning February 17, 1963.
Michael Jordan was born on the 17th of January 1963. Michael learned to play basketball from his older brother Larry Jordan. They used to play in their backyard all the time. In high school, a young Michael Jordan tried out for the varsity basketball team and was cut. Yes, the greatest Shooting Guard of all time was cut from his varsity basketball team. However, Michael Jordan was only 5’11 in sophomore year, which means that there is still a growth spurt on its way for Michael. Michael Jordan in his Junior year then became 6’6. After his high school career, Michael would end up going to play at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he would hit the game-winning shot to win the championship for his team.
This shot immediately raised Jordan to fame, which led to him being selected by the Chicago Bulls third overall in the 1984 draft. That same year, Jordan signed a five-year 2.5 million dollar deal with Nike which was banking on the young kid to be a star. Just a star was an understatement. This deal would change the shoe business forever, sales skyrocketed after Jordan’s success in the league. After the Chicago Bulls acquired All-Star ballot hall of famer small forward Scottie Pippen in 1987, the team under the mastermind head coach Phil Jackson was near unstoppable for the next couple of years. Michael would immediately win the League MVP in the year 1988. Cementing his place in the league’s history. This is just where things started for Michael Jordan.
Jordan in the year 1991 won his first NBA championship. Then another one in 1992. Then you can’t forget about the last championship in this 3-peat. After 3 consecutive years of being NBA Champions with Scottie Pippen, Michael was the most famous, praised, and feared individual on and off the court for his mentality and his success. His success also helped the NBA to grow their live audiences from not just America, but from around the world. Michael Jordan went on to get another 3 peat in the years 1996, 1997, and 1998. This would further cement Michael Jordan’s legacy into Basketball history and sports history.
In conclusion, Michael Jordan had a huge impact on the growth of The NBA into one of the top sports leagues it is today. The shoe industry would not be as huge with athletes if Michael never got signed to Nike.
