February 6, 1988: Michael Jordan Slam Dunks History!

A Brief History

On February 6, 1988, Michael Jordan soared into basketball history with his unique slam dunk, taking off from the free throw line!

Digging Deeper

Digging deeper, we find this stunning feat earning him the moniker “Air Jordan” and the genesis of the Jumpman logo.

Although his incredible jumping ability commanded the attention of basketball fans, Jordan was much more than just a flashy slam dunk artist. A fine ball handler and one of the best defensive players of all time, “MJ,” as he was frequently called, was a complete player with no deficiencies in his game and a team player to boot, as evidenced by his teams winning 6 National Basketball Association championships (with the Chicago Bulls) and him personally winning 5 NBA Most Valuable Player Awards.

Incredibly, his list of accomplishments goes on and on: 14 times an All Star; 3 All-Star-Game MVP awards; 6 NBA finals MVP awards; 10 scoring titles; and more! He had even played for a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion University of North Carolina team before joining the NBA. In spite of his seemingly perfect fit into the role of greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan actually quit basketball in 1993 to play professional baseball! After 2 years of minor league ball, Jordan returned to the NBA where he finished his career as the player with the highest per game scoring average (30 ppg) and highest career playoff game scoring average (33 ppg).

Then, for the second time in the middle of his storybook career, Jordan again retired in 1999 but returned in 2001 to play for the Washington Wizards for 2 more years. Not yet finished with basketball, Jordan is now a majority owner of the NBA team the Charlotte Bobcats.

Forever associated with Nike athletic shoes and apparel, Air Jordan basketball shoes are highly coveted by young adults and teens across the world, with new and special editions sparking buying frenzies and often costing over $200 a pair! Nike certainly hit the advertising jackpot when they signed Michael Jordan! MJ, or “His Airness” as some call him is also associated with Hanes underclothing.

As a highly recognized and beloved sports celebrity, Jordan certainly sets a high standard for those who would be king. Are you listening Lebron?!

Question for students (and subscribers): Do you think Michael Jordan or Lebron James is the greater basketball player? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.

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