Michael Jordan

The greatest basketball player of all time, six-time NBA champion, and iconic global figure.

Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17, 1963), also known by his initials MJ, is an American businessman, former professional basketball player, and former baseball player. He played 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) between 1984 and 2003, winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan is regarded as one of the most influential sports figures in history and is considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time; he was integral in popularizing the sport and the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s.

Quick Facts

League: NBA
Born: 17 February 1963
Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
High school: Emsley A. Laney (Wilmington, North Carolina)
College: North Carolina (1981–1984)
Draft year: 1984
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 3

Lore & Background

Jordan played college basketball with the North Carolina Tar Heels. As a freshman, he was a member of the Tar Heels' national championship team in 1982. As a junior in 1984, he was named the national college player of the year and was selected by the Bulls with the third overall pick of the 1984 NBA draft. With the Bulls, he emerged as a league star known for prolific scoring, defensive prowess and vehement competitiveness. His leaping ability, demonstrated by performing slam dunks from the free-throw line in Slam Dunk Contests, earned him the nicknames "Air Jordan" and "His Airness". Jordan won his first NBA title with the Bulls in 1991 and followed that with titles in 1992 and 1993, securing a three-peat. Citing physical and mental exhaustion from basketball and superstardom, Jordan abruptly retired before the 1993–94 NBA season to play Minor League Baseball in the Chicago White Sox organization. He returned to the Bulls in 1995 and led them to three more championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998, as well as a then-record 72 regular season wins in the 1995–96 NBA season. Jordan retired for the second time in 1999, then returned for two NBA seasons from 2001 to 2003 as a member of the Washington Wizards. He was selected to play for the United States national team during his college and NBA careers, winning gold medals at the 1983 Pan American Games, 1984 Summer Olympics, 1992 Tournament of the Americas and 1992 Summer Olympics, while also being undefeated. Jordan's individual accolades include six NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, 10 NBA scoring titles (both all-time records), five NBA MVP awards, an NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, 10 All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honors, 14 NBA All-Star Game selections, and three NBA All-Star Game MVP awards. He holds the NBA records for career regular season scoring average (30.1 points per game) and career playoff scoring average (33.4 points per game). He is one of only eight players to achieve the basketball Triple Crown. In 1999, Jordan was named the 20th century's greatest North American athlete by ESPN and was second to Babe Ruth on the Associated Press' list of athletes of the century.

Reader's Guide

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, earned five NBA MVP awards, and holds records for career scoring averages. He also played Minor League Baseball and later became a businessman and majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Michael Jordan to the Charlotte Hornets?

He served as the franchise's majority owner and chairman, guiding its transition from the Bobcats back to the Hornets identity. His tenure bridged his legacy as a player with significant front-office control over the team.

When did Michael Jordan acquire controlling interest in the team?

While he joined as a minority partner in 2006, Jordan purchased full controlling interest in the franchise during 2010. This acquisition marked his entry into full ownership of the organization.

Did Michael Jordan change the team name back to Hornets?

Yes, he led the effort to restore the original Charlotte Hornets name and branding in 2014 after years of operating as the Bobcats. This change reconnected the team with its historical roots prior to the New Orleans relocation.

What specific role did Michael Jordan hold with the organization?

He acted as both the chairman and majority owner, overseeing basketball operations while holding a controlling financial stake. His leadership defined the modern era of the organization until his departure from ownership.

Is Michael Jordan still the owner of the Charlotte Hornets?

No, he sold his majority stake in 2023 to conclude his time as the team's principal owner. He is now listed as a former majority owner following this transaction.