Michael Jordan: Top 10 Moments
Michael Jordan turns 50 years old tomorrow.
While it's an accomplishment to hit the half-century mark, Jordan has achieved so much more throughout his iconic career. His impact on the game of basketball is unprecedented but his celebrity status reached further than the court. MJ is a father, an entrepreneur, a 14x NBA All-Star, a Hall of Famer, a gold medal Olympian, a former Chicago White Sox player, millionaire and champion. Above all else, he is the greatest basketball player of all-time.
In celebration of Jordan's 50th birthday, VIBE put together a list of His Airness' Top 10 Moments -- in no particular order.
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Jordan's 1st Retirement
On October 6, 1993, MJ shocked the world by announcing his retirement from the game of professional basketball. He had decided to play professional baseball and many believed he had walked away from the NBA for good. When asked if there was a chance he would come back, Jordan said he was "99.9 percent" sure he would not.
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Jordan's Hall of Fame Speech
There was no question Michael would be a Hall of Famer when the time came. So in September of 2009, when MJ was inducted into the prestigious class, he took to the podium for one of the most memorable speeches in his career, proving he was still a fierce competitor.
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Passing the Torch
Kobe Bryant has heard the comparisons to Jordan since he first stepped into the league in 1996. Kobe would have to wait until he proved himself to his team first, before he could match-up with Jordan for the first time in 1997. Jordan recently told the media, he would pick Kobe Bryant over Lebron James if he had the choice.
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The Dream Team
In 1992, Jordan would help assemble one of the most dominating rosters the USA has ever put forth into Olympic competition. Joining NBA legends: Karl Malone, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley the "Dream Team" would not only bring home the gold, but increase the popularity of basketball overseas.
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Jordan and Nike
Jordan's sneakers have become just as iconic as the man who once wore them. His basketball shoes have become a fashion statement and each pair include that Jumpman logo recognized everywhere. It's hard to believe Jordan wanted to sign with Adidas as a rookie. Nike offered him $500,000 a year in cash for five years -- an offer Adidas could not match.
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Jordan's Game 6 shot
On his way to his sixth and final NBA championship, Jordan led his Chicago Bulls past the Utah Jazz in a triumphant manner. After crossing over Utah's Byron Russell, Jordan buried the game-winning shot with 5.2 seconds left, that gave the Bulls an 87-86 victory. MJ would finish with 45 points on the night and his sixth finals MVP. Jordan's "last shot" was voted the most memorable moment of the 90's by the NBA.
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Space Jam
In 1996, Jordan would give the big screen a shot, starring in the family film Space Jam. His co-stars, the Looney Tunes and Bill Murray, helped the film open up the box offices at No. 1.
The plot: Jordan was recruited to help save the Looney Tunes from becoming the newest attractions against their will, at an amusement park called Moron Mountain. R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" on the soundtrack secured this film's place in history.
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Jordan Memorialized
The Michael Jordan statue, also known as "the spirit" was unveiled on November 1, 1994 and is one of the most visited attractions in the city of Chicago. The statue is in front of the United Center, the arena home to his former Chicago Bulls.
According to its website, the statue measures 12 feet tall (17 feet from top to bottom) and weighs 2,000 pounds. Inscribed on the monument is Jordan's basketball achievements and the words: "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be."
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Air Jordan
On Feb. 6, 1988, MJ would end up in the final round of the slam dunk competition against Dominique Wilkins. Jordan had won the Slam Dunk contest the year before but needed a score of 49 to seal this year's victory. In a moment forever etched into sports fans minds, Jordan ran the full length of the court before soaring from the foul line to slam the ball into the basket. Perfect score -- Jordan logo.
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Jordan buys Bobcats
In February of 2010, Jordan reached a deal with Charlotte Bobcats owner Bob Johnson to become a majority owner of the franchise. He had initially bought a part of the team back in 2006 but increased his stake four years later. Jordan the owner has not been as successful as Jordan the player.
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