Even if you’re not the most dedicated fan of basketball, chances are you’ll know who Michael Jordan is. He’s one of the greatest basketball players ever, on the court and on the movie screen, too…

1. He’s played alongside Bugs Bunny

Michael Jordan, also known as ‘His Airness’, is considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. A GOAT! He spent 15 seasons dominating the NBA, mostly with the Chicago Bulls, and led them to six championships in the 1990s. He also showed off his acting chops in what might be one of greatest basketball-themed films ever – Space Jam!

2. He was born in Brooklyn, New York

Born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, Michael Jordan moved to in Wilmington, North Carolina when he was a small child. He went to the Emsley A. Laney High School, where he began his basketball journey, although he was famously dropped from the varsity team at one point – their loss.

3. He made a name for himself playing at college

Jordan played college basketball for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1982, as a freshman, he made the game-winning shot in the NCAA Championship game, taking the Tar Heels to victory and launching his path to basketball stardom.

4. He joined Chicago Bulls in 1984

He was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft and quickly made an impact in the team. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1985 and never looked back!

5. He always, always practiced

Michael Jordan’s drive to become the best was the stuff of legend. He was known for his determination and relentless pursuit of brilliance, often shooting hoops late into the night. This dedication helped him become a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a 14-time All-Star. Hard work can really pay off!

6. He’s won a fair few trophies

Michael Jordan was not just a scoring machine but also a powerhouse in defence. In 1988, he was made NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team a staggering 9 times!

7. He once played with the flu and was still amazing

One of Jordan’s most famous games came during the 1997 NBA Finals which has gone down in history as the ‘Flu Game’. Despite being feeling poorly, he still managed to score 38 points and helped Chicago Bulls beat Utah Jazz!

8. He helped Nike make a LOT of money

Beyond his basketball achievements, Michael Jordan was also a merch machine. He worked with Nike to create the iconic Air Jordans, transforming the sports shoe industry and cemented his place as a global icon.

9. He quit basketball to play baseball

Jordan briefly retired from basketball in 1993 after winning three NBA championships, and told reporters he lost his desire to play. Not one to sit around and twiddle his thumbs, he pursued a career in baseball, playing for a minor league team called Birmingham Barons.

10. His comeback statement was very brief

Returning to the NBA in 1995, Jordan famously announced his comeback with a simple fax – a sort of printed email – that read: “I’m back.” Back on the court, he helped the Bulls will three NBA championships back-to-back in 1996, 1997, and 1998!

11. His scoring average is ridiculous

Michael Jordan’s career scoring average of 30.1 points per game is the highest in NBA history. He basically scored whenever he felt like it. Which was a lot!

12. His basketball number is iconic

Michael Jordan’s number 23 vest is one of the most famous garments in sports history. Both the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat retired his number in honour of his contributions to the game, even though Jordan never played for the Heat!

13. He’s won an Olympic gold medal

Jordan’s wasn’t just a NBA star. He was a member of the ‘Dream Team’, the USA basketball squad that showed the world how it’s done at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Predictably, the team – packed with NBA stars – won the gold medal and is considered one of the greatest line-ups ever assembled.

14. Jordan is in the Basketball Hall of Fame

Jordan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice. The first time was in 2009 for his individual career and again a year later for his role in the ‘Dream Team’.

15. He’s a true legend

Michael Jordan’s influence goes beyond just sport; he is a global cultural icon. His image – whether it’s his face or the iconic leaping silhouette on the Nike items – has appeared on everything from posters to video games and on the cinema screen!