When did Michael Jordan start playing basketball in the NBA? Looking at his first game statline, box score, and more
Few players are as synonymous with basketball as Michael Jordan. He is widely regarded as the greatest player in NBA history. However, he was not always considered a legendary talent.
After spending three seasons at the University of North Carolina, Jordan was selected third overall in the 1984 NBA Draft, behind Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie.
From that point forward, Jordan exceeded everyone's expectations. He played a key role in building the Chicago Bulls into the legendary franchise it is today.
A look at Michael Jordan's NBA debut
While he wasn't expected to be the greatest player ever, there were still high hopes for Jordan. He played with Team USA in the Olympics prior to his rookie season. He averaged a team-high 17.1 points and helped the United States win a gold medal in the men's basketball tournament.
Michael Jordan also flashed extreme self-confidence during one of his first press availabiliities with the Bulls. His soon-to-be-famous charm was on full display. The stage was set for Jordan, who kicked off his rookie season in the starting lineup. He remained a starter for the majority of his career. Out of the 1072 NBA games he played, MJ started 1039.
In Michael Jordan's NBA debut, the Bulls took on the Washington Bullets (now Wizards). Jordan played 40 minutes and recorded 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds, four blocks and two steals. He shot 5-16 from the field and connected on six of his seven free-throw attempts. The Bulls won the game 109-93. Orlando Woodridge led the team in scoring with 28 points.
36 years ago today, Michael Jordan made his NBA debut 🐐
The rest was history.
(via @NBAHistory)
https://t.co/sjXyPlmq6o
Jordan's dominant performance laid the groundwork for a successful career. Just two games later, he scored 37 points in a 116-110 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He stood out in the Rookie of the Year race and secured the award at the end of the season.
Michael Jordan finished the 1984-85 season averaging 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He led the Bulls to the playoffs for the first time in four years.
He continued his career-long chase of one-upping his own spectacular performances and cemented his legacy as one of the most impressive talents of all time.
Even with a brief hiatus in the middle of his career, Michael Jordan ended his career as a 14-time All-Star, 10-time scoring champion, and six-time NBA champion. The Hall of Famer changed the game and left some near-impossible shoes to fill. His legacy remains a topic of conversation among NBA fans.