Basketball – Michael Jordan – A Sports Persona The Will Never Be Paralleled
There are few NBA stars that possess the ability to have there first names be recognizable above any other name in their sport.
Today's game boasts interesting names such as Kobe and LeBron but before they were even old enough to lace up sneakers one man separated basketball from sports.
Michael was, and remains, the most recognizable name in not just sports but in popular entertainment. His air-ness may share his name with the King of Pop and their achievements may be similar on a global stage but Michael Jordan's ability to combine his achievements as an athlete and his ability to bolster his public image with his successes in the business world undoubtedly separate him from the other Michael.
Jordan entered a league dominated by Magic, Doctor J., Larry, Kareem and Moses. Among those titans of basketball, Jordan managed to captivate the sporting world while playing for an untalented Bulls team.
Jordan's career seemed to reach new levels each season but his team was not always recognized as the second (behind Russell's Celtics) greatest dynasty in basketball history.
Though MJ led his Bulls to the 8th seed playoff spot his first several seasons, a feat that is underappreciated on Chicago teams that were untalented and under achieving, his early career was marred by injuries and controversies caused by jealous opponents.
The NBA's most jealous superstar, Isiah Thomas, unsurprisingly led the charge in 1984. Michael Jordan was voted as a starter, by the fans, to the all-star game in his rookie season. Isiah, feeling the attention Jordan was receiving was unjust, led a player revolt in the all-star game. In a move most forgotten for unsportsmanlike behavior, Isiah refused to pass Michael the ball throughout the game.
Jordan went on to win Rookie of the Year honors and his battles with Isiah had just begun.
His next two seasons were busted by foot and knee problems.
In 1986, Jordan returned from knee surgery in time to face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Though the Bulls were swept by Larry's Celtics, Jordan managed to set an unbroken playoff record of 63 points in game 2.
8. Oscar Robertson
Considered by many to be the perfect all around skilled player. In only his second NBA season he averaged a triple double for an entire season! Robertson won one NBA championship and had career averages of 25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG and 9.5 APG.
9. Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille also known as "Shaq" has dominated the Paint and dunked on opposing players at an alarming rate. At 7"1 and 325 pounds O'Neal is a physical force that can not be stopped. Shaq dominated the late 90's and into the new millenium Winning 4 NBA Championships with career averages of 24.7 PPG and 11.2 RPG with a .582 FG %.
An unstoppable Post up game he is the most feared big man to ever put on a NBA jersey. Poor free throw shooting and not much outside shooting range are some of his few weaknesses.
No professional athlete can boast such a claim.
I consider myself to be a somewhat astute NBA historian and yet I had to research all of Jordan's accolades online as to not forget any.
Above all of his personal and team achievements, perhaps Jordans most admirable contributions to professional sports was his ability to face defeat, adversity, world fame, and tremendous success with grace, maturity, sportsmanlike conduct, and humility
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