Career Timeline of Michael Jordan: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Jordan made an impact.
Michael Jordan, or MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. He played 15 seasons in the NBA (1984-2003), securing six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever and played a crucial role in globally popularizing basketball and the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s, ultimately becoming a global cultural icon. He is currently a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
1976: ABA-NBA Merger
Since 1976, the year of the ABA–NBA merger, Jordan and Pippen are the only two players to win six NBA Finals playing for one team.
1980: First Playoff appearance since 1981
During his rookie 1984-85 season with the Bulls, Michael Jordan helped the Bulls improve from 27-55 to 38-44 and qualify for the postseason for the first time since the 1980-81 season
1981: Acceptance of basketball scholarship
In 1981, Michael Jordan accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in cultural geography.
1981: McDonald's All-American Game selection
In 1981, Michael Jordan, as a high school senior, was selected for the McDonald's All-American Game, where he scored 30 points.
1982: National Championship with UNC
In 1982, Michael Jordan, as a freshman, was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels' national championship team.
1982: Game-winning shot
In 1982, as a freshman, Michael Jordan made the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown.
1983: Debut in the Pan American Games
In 1983, Michael Jordan debuted as a college player for the U.S. national basketball team at the Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela, leading the team in scoring and winning the gold medal.
1983: Pan American Games Gold Medal
In 1983, Michael Jordan won a gold medal with the United States national team at the Pan American Games.
November 1984: Compared to Julius Erving
In November 1984, Michael Jordan's talent was clear from his first NBA season, and he was being compared to Julius Erving.
1984: Start of NBA career
In 1984, Michael Jordan began his 15-season career in the NBA.
1984: Joining the Chicago Bulls
In 1984, Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls as the third overall draft pick and quickly became a league star.
1984: Jordan wins gold at the Summer Olympics
In 1984, Michael Jordan won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics as part of the U.S. team, contributing as the team's leading scorer.
1984: Creation of Air Jordan Shoe
In 1984, Nike created a signature shoe for Michael Jordan called the Air Jordan, leading to popular commercials featuring Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon and eventually the establishment of the "Jordan Brand" division.
1984: Introduction of Air Jordan sneakers
In 1984, Nike introduced Air Jordan sneakers, which Michael Jordan fueled to success through endorsements.
1984: Olympic gold medal
Michael Jordan won an Olympic gold medal with the 1984 U.S. men's basketball team.
April 20, 1986: Sets single game playoff record against the Boston Celtics
On April 20, 1986, Michael Jordan established the single game playoff record of 63 points against the Boston Celtics, leading Larry Bird to describe him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan".
1986: One of the most prolific scoring seasons
During the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan had one of the most prolific scoring seasons in NBA history, and also became the first player in NBA history to record 200 steals and 100 blocked shots in a season.
1986: Start of full season streak
From the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan did not miss four or more games while active for a full season.
1987: Back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships
In 1987, Michael Jordan's athletic leaping ability, highlighted in his back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships influenced a generation of young players.
1987: MVP Award and Defensive Player of the Year
In 1987-88 season, Michael Jordan won his first league MVP Award and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
1988: Led league in scoring
During the 1988-89 season, Michael Jordan again led the league in scoring and expressed his frustration over the Bulls' offense.
1988: Start of consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting
From 1988 to 1992, Michael Jordan had five consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting.
1988: NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards
In 1988, Michael Jordan was honored with the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards, making him the first NBA player to win both awards in their career.
1988: Back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships
In 1988, Michael Jordan's athletic leaping ability, highlighted in his back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships influenced a generation of young players.
1989: Jordan improves 3 point shooting
In the 1989-90 season, Michael Jordan shot 37% from three, improving his three-point shooting.
1989: Bulls entered season on the rise
The Bulls entered the 1989-90 season as a team on the rise, with their core group of Jordan and young improving players like Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, and under the guidance of new coach Phil Jackson.
March 28, 1990: Career-high 69 points
On March 28, 1990, Michael Jordan scored a career-high 69 points in a 117–113 road win over the Cavaliers.
1990: Second MVP award and franchise record
In 1990, Michael Jordan won his second MVP award, averaging 31.5 points per game with a 53.9% shooting accuracy, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game for the regular season. The Bulls finished first in their division for the first time in sixteen years and set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season.
1990: Acquisition of Nissan Dealership
In 1990, Michael Jordan's automotive group acquired a Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina.
1990: Dominance and MVP award
In the 1990 season, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to a first-place finish in their division for the first time in sixteen years and set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season. Also, he won his second MVP award after averaging 31.5 points per game on 53.9% shooting, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game.
1991: Gatorade "Be Like Mike" Commercials
In 1991, Michael Jordan began a long relationship with Gatorade, appearing in over 20 commercials, including the "Be Like Mike" campaign featuring a song sung by children aspiring to emulate Jordan.
1991: First NBA title with the Bulls
In 1991, Michael Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1991: Continued Dominance and Second Consecutive MVP Award
In the 1991 season, Jordan and the Bulls continued their dominance, establishing a 67–15 record, topping their franchise record from the 1990–91 campaign. Jordan also won his second consecutive MVP award with averages of 30.1 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and 6.1 assists per game on 52% shooting.
1992: Super Bowl Commercial with Bugs Bunny
During the 1992 Super Bowl XXVI, a Nike commercial aired featuring Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny playing basketball together, marking the beginning of their association.
1992: Consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting
From 1988 to 1992, Michael Jordan had five consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting.
1992: Second NBA title with the Bulls
In 1992, Michael Jordan won his second NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1992: Increased three-point shooting percentage
In the 1992-93 season, Michael Jordan shot 35% from three, indicating improvement in his three-point shooting ability.
1992: Olympic gold medal
Michael Jordan won an Olympic gold medal with the 1992 U.S. men's basketball team.
1993: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award
In 1993, Jordan and the Bulls won their third NBA championship against Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns. Jordan averaged a Finals-record 41.0 points per game during the six-game series and became the first player in NBA history to win three consecutive Finals MVP awards.
1993: Third NBA title and first retirement
In 1993, Michael Jordan secured a three-peat with the Bulls and then abruptly retired from basketball to play Minor League Baseball.
November 1, 1994: No. 23 Retired by the Bulls
On November 1, 1994, Michael Jordan's No. 23 was retired by the Bulls in a ceremony that included the erection of a permanent sculpture known as The Spirit outside the new United Center.
1994: Improved three-point shooting percentage
From 1994 to 1997, Michael Jordan shot higher percentages from three, but in those years, the three-point line was temporarily moved inwards.
March 1995: Return to the Chicago Bulls
In March 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls after a stint in Minor League Baseball.
March 18, 1995: Jordan Announces "I'm back"
On March 18, 1995, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA with a two-word press release: "I'm back."
March 28, 1995: 55 Points Against the Knicks
On March 28, 1995, during his comeback, Michael Jordan scored 55 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
1995: Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
From 1995 until its closure in June 2009, Michael Jordan's automotive group operated a Lincoln–Mercury dealership.
1996: Fourth NBA title and record season wins
In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to their fourth championship and a then-record 72 regular season wins.
1997: Improved three-point shooting percentage
From 1994 to 1997, Michael Jordan shot higher percentages from three, but in those years, the three-point line was temporarily moved inwards.
1997: Fifth NBA title
In 1997, Michael Jordan secured his fifth NBA title.
1997: Filming for documentary
In 1997-98, an NBA Entertainment crew shot about 500 hours of candid film of Jordan's and his teammates' off-court activities for use in a documentary.
1998: Known as a clutch performer
By 1998, the season of his Finals-winning shot against the Jazz, Michael Jordan was well known throughout the league as a clutch performer.
1998: Advice to Wizards Owner
During the 1998 labor dispute, Michael Jordan advised then-Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin, "If you can't make a profit, you should sell your team."
1998: Sixth NBA title
In 1998, Michael Jordan won his sixth NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1998: 1998 NBA Playoffs
Michael Jordan's career with the Chicago Bulls, especially the 1998 NBA playoffs, was the subject of an IMAX documentary.
January 13, 1999: Second Retirement Announcement
On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time, citing Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the pending departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and the owner-induced lockout of NBA players.
January 1999: Claim of Never Playing Again
In January 1999, Michael Jordan claimed he was "99.9% certain" he would never play another NBA game.
January 1999: Second retirement
In January 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time from the NBA.
January 19, 2000: Joins Washington Wizards as Part Owner and President
On January 19, 2000, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA not as a player but as part owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards.
2000: Release of IMAX Documentary
In 2000, Michael Jordan was the subject of an IMAX documentary about his career with the Chicago Bulls, especially the 1998 NBA playoffs, titled "Michael Jordan to the Max".
September 25, 2001: Return to the NBA with the Washington Wizards
On September 25, 2001, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards. He stated his intention to donate his salary to a relief effort for the victims of the September 11 attacks.
2001: Jordan's criticizes Kwame Brown, the number-one draft pick
In 2001, Jordan openly criticized his teammates to the media, citing their lack of focus and intensity, notably that of Kwame Brown, the number-one draft pick.
2001: Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Begins
In 2001, Michael Jordan began hosting the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament.
2001: Return to NBA with Washington Wizards
In 2001, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA for two more seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards.
2001: Missed games due to knee injury
In the 2001-02 season, Michael Jordan missed games due to a right knee injury, ending his streak of full seasons played since 1986-87.
2002: Possible Influence on Wizards Trade
In 2002, Jordan's previous tenure may have influenced the trade of Richard "Rip" Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse, although Jordan was not technically the Director of Basketball Operations.
2002: Tributes paid to Jordan in his final season
In the 2002-03 season, many tributes were paid to Michael Jordan throughout the NBA, recognizing that it would be his final season.
February 21, 2003: First 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game
On February 21, 2003, Michael Jordan became the first 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game while playing for the Washington Wizards.
April 16, 2003: Jordan's final NBA game
On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played in his final NBA game in Philadelphia. He scored 13 points and received a three-minute standing ovation from the crowd.
May 7, 2003: Jordan Fired by Wizards
On May 7, 2003, Abe Pollin, the owner of the Washington Wizards, fired Michael Jordan from his role as Director of Basketball Operations.
2003: End of NBA career
In 2003, Michael Jordan completed his 15-season career in the NBA.
2004: Jordan Founded Michael Jordan Motorsports
Since 2004, Michael Jordan has owned Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional motorcycle road racing team.
June 15, 2006: Jordan Buys Stake in Bobcats
On June 15, 2006, Michael Jordan purchased a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, later known as the Hornets, becoming the team's second-largest shareholder and taking control of basketball operations.
2006: Part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats
In 2006, Michael Jordan became part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Bobcats (later named Hornets).
2008: Jordan's Endorsement Income
In 2008, Michael Jordan's yearly income from endorsements was estimated to be over $40 million, which contributed to his setting records in player salary and significantly increasing the market capitalization of his client firms.
2008: Chief Wish Ambassador
In 2008, the Make-A-Wish Foundation named Michael Jordan its Chief Wish Ambassador.
June 2009: Closure of Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
In June 2009, Michael Jordan's Lincoln-Mercury dealership closed.
February 2010: Jordan Seeks Majority Ownership of Bobcats
In February 2010, Michael Jordan sought majority ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats, and by February 27th, an agreement was reached for him to buy the team, pending NBA approval.
2010: Controlling interest in Charlotte Hornets
In 2010, Michael Jordan bought a controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets.
2011: Jordan's Role in NBA Lockout
During the 2011 NBA lockout, Michael Jordan led a group of hardline owners seeking to cap the players' share of basketball-related income.
2011: Bobcats Worst Season in NBA History
During the lockout-shortened 2011-12 NBA season, the Charlotte Bobcats had a 7-59 record, resulting in a .106 winning percentage, the worst in NBA history.
2013: End of Michael Jordan Motorsports
At the end of the 2013 season, Michael Jordan Motorsports, Michael Jordan's motorcycle road racing team, ceased operations.
2013: 200th Wish Granted
In 2013, Michael Jordan granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2013: Bobcats become Hornets
In 2013, the Charlotte Bobcats became known as the Charlotte Hornets.
June 2014: Jordan Becomes a Billionaire
In June 2014, Michael Jordan became the first NBA player to become a billionaire, after increasing his stake in the Charlotte Hornets.
2014: First billionaire NBA player
In 2014, Michael Jordan became the first billionaire player in NBA history.
2014: Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Ends
In 2014, Michael Jordan concluded hosting the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament.
January 20, 2015: Business Person of the Year
On January 20, 2015, Michael Jordan was honored with the Charlotte Business Journal's Business Person of the Year for 2014.
2017: Funding of Novant Health Clinics
In 2017, Michael Jordan funded two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, by giving $7 million.
2018: Closure of Steakhouse
In 2018, Michael Jordan's steakhouse in New York City's Grand Central Terminal closed.
2019: Money Raised for Make-A-Wish
As of 2019, Michael Jordan has raised more than $5 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2019: Minority Stake Sale in Hornets
During the 2019 NBA offseason, Michael Jordan sold a minority piece of the Charlotte Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim, while retaining majority ownership and his role as chairman.
2019: Hurricane Dorian Relief
In 2019, Michael Jordan gave $1 million to aid the Bahamas' recovery following Hurricane Dorian.
May 2020: Debut of The Last Dance
In May 2020, "The Last Dance", a 10-part TV documentary about Michael Jordan's life, debuted on ESPN.
June 5, 2020: Donation for Racial Equality
On June 5, 2020, Michael Jordan and his brand announced a joint statement that they would be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to racial equality, social justice, and education.
September 2020: Investor and Advisor for DraftKings
In September 2020, Michael Jordan became an investor and advisor for DraftKings.
September 21, 2020: Jordan Announces NASCAR Team
On September 21, 2020, Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin announced the formation of a NASCAR Cup Series team, named 23XI Racing, with Bubba Wallace as the driver, beginning in 2021.
February 2021: Funding of Novant Health Clinics
In February 2021, Michael Jordan funded two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in New Hanover County, North Carolina, by giving $10 million.
2021: 23XI Racing Begins Competition
In 2021, 23XI Racing, the NASCAR Cup Series team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, began competition with Bubba Wallace as the driver.
2022: Addition of Second Car to 23XI Racing
In 2022, 23XI Racing expanded by adding a second car, No. 45, initially driven by Kurt Busch.
2022: Appearance in "The Captain"
In 2022, Michael Jordan appeared in the miniseries "The Captain", which follows the life and career of Derek Jeter.
August 2023: Jordan Finalizes Sale of Hornets
In August 2023, Michael Jordan finalized the sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall for approximately $3 billion, ending his 13-year tenure as majority owner while retaining a minority stake.
2023: Donation to Make-A-Wish
In 2023, Michael Jordan donated $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his 60th birthday.
2023: Selling majority stake in Charlotte Hornets
In 2023, Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets.
2023: Tyler Reddick Joins 23XI Racing
In 2023, Tyler Reddick replaced Kurt Busch as the driver of the No. 45 car for 23XI Racing.
2024: Opening of Novant Health Clinic in Wilmington
In 2024, Michael Jordan funded the opening of another Novant Health Clinic, this time in Wilmington.
2024: Reddick Wins Regular Season Championship
In 2024, Tyler Reddick won the NASCAR Cup Series regular season championship, the first for 23XI Racing.
May 2025: Special Contributor for NBA on NBC
In May 2025, Michael Jordan was announced as a special contributor for the NBA on NBC commentary team.
2025: 23XI Racing Acquires Third Charter
In 2025, 23XI Racing will expand with a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing, with Riley Herbst driving the No. 35 car.
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