Michael Jordan: Early Career and Rookie Year

Introduction

“I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed” (Jordan, n.d.). Michael Jordan is widely recognized as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) in basketball. His impact on the sport is multifaceted, influencing the game's evolution and increasing its popularity. This essay explores the early career and rookie year of this iconic figure, highlighting both his successes and challenges.

Early Life and High School Years

Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 17, 1963 (not 2003). His family soon relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina. Unlike the bustling city life of Brooklyn, Wilmington offered a quieter environment. Initially interested in baseball, a passion he shared with his father, Jordan followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Larry, and pursued basketball. He attended Laney High School, where he was initially cut from the varsity team as a 5’11” sophomore. However, after growing four inches before his junior year, he secured a spot on the team, marking the beginning of his journey to superstardom (LaFeber, 1999).

College Career

Jordan attended the University of North Carolina for four years. As a freshman, he played in the shadow of superstar players like James Worthy but soon made a name for himself. A defining moment was his performance in the NCAA Championship against Georgetown, where he played a key role in securing the victory for the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 1981-82 season (ESPN.com, n.d.).

In his sophomore year, he was named the college player of the year by The Sporting News. His junior year saw him receiving the same accolade, along with the prestigious Naismith Award and the Wooden Award. Jordan was drafted third by the Chicago Bulls, following two centers picked by the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers (Lazenby, 2014).

Rookie Year and Professional Beginnings

Jordan's rookie year was exceptional. He, along with Team USA, won a gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics (Britannica.com, n.d.). Averaging around 28 points per game, he ranked third in scoring for the season. His outstanding performance earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award and a spot on the All-NBA 2nd Team, a significant achievement for a newcomer. Jordan's influence was immediate, helping the Bulls reach the playoffs, though they were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks in a best-of-seven series (Smith, 1993).

Challenges and Controversies

In 1985, during the All-Star Game, media speculated that Eastern All-Star teammate Isaiah Thomas orchestrated a "freeze-out" to limit Jordan's scoring opportunities. Despite this controversy, Jordan maintained a performance level consistent with his previous season, demonstrating resilience and determination (Halberstam, 1999).

Conclusion

Michael Jordan's early career and rookie year set the stage for his legendary status in basketball. His journey from a high school underdog to a college champion and then an NBA star is a testament to his talent and perseverance. His influence on the game continues to be felt, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.

References

• Britannica.com. (n.d.). Michael Jordan. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Jordan
• ESPN.com. (n.d.). Michael Jordan: College career. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/1035/michael-jordan
• Halberstam, D. (1999). Playing for keeps: Michael Jordan and the world he made. New York: Random House.
• LaFeber, W. (1999). Michael Jordan and the new global capitalism. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
• Lazenby, R. (2014). Michael Jordan: The life. New York: Little, Brown and Company.
• Smith, S. (1993). Second coming: The strange odyssey of Michael Jordan. New York: HarperCollins.