On this day, 60 years ago, a basketball legend was born.
Michael Jordan is undeniably a superstar, some even claim him to be “THE GOAT.” Surely not up for debate, however, is Jordan’s legacy. Six NBA championships (won in six trips to the Finals), six NBA Finals MVPs, five regular season MVPs, 14 All-Star appearances, 10 All-NBA first-team selections, and the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history.
Jordan also set a record by making the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times. He would go on to retire with 32,292 points under his belt, after averaging 30.1 points in 1,072 games, over 15 seasons. In addition to his points, he’s contributed 6,672 rebounds, 5,633 assists, 12,191 field goals, and 5,633 steals.
Taking a look back at all he’s accomplished, it’s hard to believe that a kid who was once cut from his high school basketball team would become the face of the sport years later. Even prior to his days in the NBA, Jordan’s game during his time spent at North Carolina – where he helped them win the 1982 national championship with a game-winning jumper – was all just a preview of his greatness.
The impact he left on the game of basketball is still felt to this day. And Jordan’s achievements also go well beyond the court, as we all know the influence he’s had on sneaker culture and his many philanthropic contributions. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, and having his No. 23 jersey retired by the Chicago Bulls, and even the Miami Heat (due to his association with Pat Riley), Jordan is, and will forever be, that dude. I mean, do we not also recall his epic match-up with the Monstars, as he suited up with the Tune Squad?
Even the Air Jordan brand by Nike uses his likeness (via the Jumpman logo) and it has become a worldwide icon in itself.
While many of today’s NBA stars are constantly being compared to MJ (who doesn’t want to be “like Mike?”), there can only truly be one. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite Michael Jordan highlights and moments as we celebrate his 60th birthday.
