A Day That Changed Chicago Basketball Forever: The Drafting of Michael Jordan
June 19, 1984, was a pivotal day in Chicago sports history. The Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, setting the stage for the team’s dominance in the 1990s and cementing Jordan’s status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
The Coin Flip That Changed Everything
The Bulls’ selection of Jordan was largely influenced by a coin flip between the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers, who had the first and second overall picks, respectively. The Rockets won the coin flip, selecting Hakeem Olajuwon with the first pick. The Trail Blazers, who had the option to pick Jordan or Olajuwon, chose Sam Bowie instead, opting for a center to complement their existing talent.
Michael Jordan later revealed that if the Trail Blazers had won the coin flip, they would have selected Olajuwon, and he would have likely been drafted by the Rockets. Instead, Jordan fell to the Bulls at number three, a spot that would prove to be a godsend for the team ¹.
A New Era for the Chicago Bulls
The selection of Jordan marked the beginning of a new era for the Bulls. With Jordan on board, the team began to build around him, and his impressive rookie season was just the starting point. Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game and led the Bulls to the playoffs, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
The Bulls’ fortunes continued to change over the next few years, with Jordan leading the team to multiple championships and earning numerous accolades, including six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and six Finals MVP awards.
Impact on the NBA
The 1984 NBA Draft is widely regarded as one of the greatest drafts in NBA history, with four Hall of Famers selected in the first 16 picks. Jordan’s selection by the Bulls was a key factor in the team’s success, but it also had a significant impact on the league as a whole. Jordan’s competitive drive, athleticism, and skillset helped to popularize the NBA and bring it to a global audience.
The draft class of 1984 included other notable players, such as Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and Otis Thorpe, who all went on to have successful careers in the league.
Legacy of Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan’s legacy extends far beyond his playing career. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his impact on the game can still be felt today. Jordan’s success on the court was matched by his marketability and charisma, making him a global icon and helping to popularize the NBA around the world.
Today, Jordan’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of basketball players and fans. His influence can be seen in the game’s global popularity, and his impact on the Bulls’ franchise has been lasting ².
Key Moments from Michael Jordan’s Career
– *Rookie Season*: Jordan’s impressive rookie season, where he averaged 28.2 points per game and led the Bulls to the playoffs.
– *Six NBA Championships*: Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships, including two “three-peats” in the 1990s.
– *Five MVP Awards*: Jordan was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player five times during his career.
– *”Flu Game”*: Jordan’s iconic performance in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, where he scored 38 points despite being severely ill.
