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 retired professional basketball player, considered one of the greatest of all time. He played 15 seasons in the NBA between 1984 and 2003, securing six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan played a key role in globally popularizing basketball and the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s. He currently holds a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. With a net worth of $4.3 billion as of 2026, he's also one of the world's wealthiest celebrities.
1976: ABA-NBA Merger Year
Since 1976, the year of the ABA–NBA merger, Michael Jordan and Pippen are the only two players to win six NBA Finals playing for one team.
1980: Accepts Scholarship to UNC
In 1980, 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
As a senior, in 1981, Michael Jordan was selected for the McDonald's All-American Game and scored 30 points.
1982: NCAA Championship Game-Winning Shot
In 1982, Michael Jordan made the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, marking a major turning point in his basketball career.
1982: National Championship
In 1982, Michael Jordan, as a freshman, was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels' national championship team.
1983: Jordan Debuts for U.S. National Team
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 to a gold medal with 17.3 ppg.
1983: NCAA All-American First Team
In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected by consensus to the NCAA All-American First Team.
1983: Pan American Games Gold Medal
In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected to play for the United States national team and won a gold medal at the Pan American Games.
1984: NBA Career Start
In 1984, Michael Jordan began his NBA career, marking the start of his professional basketball journey.
1984: Joins the Bulls
In 1984, Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls as the third overall draft pick and quickly became a league star.
1984: Air Jordan Signature Shoe Created
In 1984, Nike created a signature shoe for Michael Jordan called the Air Jordan. This led to popular commercials and the creation of the Jordan Brand division.
1984: Leaves UNC for NBA Draft
In 1984, after winning the Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year awards, Michael Jordan left North Carolina to enter the NBA draft.
1984: Drafted by Chicago Bulls
In 1984, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick of the NBA draft.
1985: Rookie Season
During his rookie 1984-85 season with the Bulls, Michael Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game and helped the Bulls improve and qualify for the postseason.
April 20, 1986: Jordan Scores 63 Points Against Celtics
On April 20, 1986, Michael Jordan set a single-game playoff record of 63 points against the Boston Celtics, leading Larry Bird to describe him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan".
1986: Prolific Scoring Season
In the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan had one of the most prolific scoring seasons in NBA history; he became the only player other than Wilt Chamberlain to score 3,000 points in a season.
1986: Jordan's Durable Period
Starting in 1986, Michael Jordan began a long streak of consistent play, avoiding missing four or more games in a full season.
1987: Jordan Wins Slam Dunk Contest
In 1987, Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest championship, showcasing his athletic leaping ability.
1987: First League MVP Award
In the 1987-88 season, Michael Jordan led the league in scoring and won his first league MVP Award and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
1988: League Scoring Leader
During the 1988-89 season, Michael Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg.
1988: Jordan's Field Goal Percentage
In 1988, Michael Jordan began a series of seasons with at least 50% shooting, part of his overall effective field goal percentage of 51%.
1988: Jordan Wins Defensive Player and MVP Awards
In 1988, Michael Jordan won both the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards, setting seasonal and career records for blocked shots by a guard.
1988: Jordan Wins Slam Dunk Contest
In 1988, Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest championship, showcasing his athletic leaping ability.
1989: Jordan Improves Three Point Shooting
In 1989, Michael Jordan improved his three-point shooting. During the 1989–90 season he shot 37% from three.
1989: Team 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: Jordan's Performance and Bulls' Success in 1990-91 Season
In 1990, Michael Jordan averaged 31.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 53.9%, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game, leading to his second MVP award. The Chicago Bulls finished first in their division for the first time in sixteen years and achieved a franchise record of 61 wins during the regular season.
1990: Acquisition of Nissan Dealership
In 1990, Michael Jordan's automotive group acquired a Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina, expanding his business ventures beyond sports.
1990: Bulls' franchise record in 1990
In 1990, the Chicago Bulls set a franchise record with 61 wins during the regular season.
1991: Bulls' Dominance and Jordan's Second MVP Award in 1991-92
In 1991, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls established a 67-15 record, surpassing their previous franchise record. Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award, averaging 30.1 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game and 6.1 assists per game.
1991: First NBA Title
In 1991, Michael Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1992: Jordan's First Game 7 Since 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals
After winning, the Bulls moved on for a rematch with the Jazz in the Finals and was the first time Michael Jordan had played in a Game 7 since the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals with the New York Knicks.
1992: Second NBA Title
In 1992, Michael Jordan and the Bulls won their second NBA title.
1992: Jordan Improves Three Point Shooting
In 1992, Michael Jordan continued to improve his three-point shooting. During the 1992–93 season he shot 35% from three.
1992: Jordan's performance during the 1992-93 season
In 1992, Michael Jordan had a campaign with 32.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 5.5 apg, including a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
1992: Jordan's Field Goal Percentage
In 1992, Michael Jordan had consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting, contributing to his overall effective field goal percentage of 51%.
October 6, 1993: Jordan Announces His Retirement on October 6, 1993
On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball, citing a loss of desire to play. He later attributed the decision partly to the murder of his father.
1993: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP for Jordan in 1993
In 1993, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their third NBA championship. Jordan achieved a Finals-record 41.0 points per game during the six-game series and won his third consecutive Finals MVP award.
1993: Third NBA Title and First Retirement
In 1993, Michael Jordan won his third consecutive NBA title with the Bulls and then abruptly retired to play Minor League Baseball.
November 1, 1994: Jordan's Number Retired and Sculpture Erected on November 1, 1994
On November 1, 1994, the Chicago Bulls retired Michael Jordan's No. 23 in a ceremony that included the unveiling of a permanent sculpture known as The Spirit outside the new United Center.
1994: Jordan's three point shooting
In 1994, Michael Jordan had a period of improved three point shooting.
1994: Jordan's previous comeback
In 1994, Michael Jordan had previously returned from his first retirement.
March 18, 1995: Jordan Announces NBA Comeback on March 18, 1995
On March 18, 1995, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA with a two-word press release: "I'm back."
March 28, 1995: Jordan Scores 55 Points Against Knicks on March 28, 1995
On March 28, 1995, Michael Jordan scored 55 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
1995: Jordan Trains Aggressively for the 1995-96 Season
After the playoff defeat, in 1995, Michael Jordan trained aggressively for the 1995–96 season.
1995: Return to the Bulls
In 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls after his stint in Minor League Baseball.
1995: Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
In 1995, Michael Jordan's automotive group added a Lincoln-Mercury dealership to its portfolio, diversifying his business interests further.
1996: Fourth NBA Title
In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to their fourth NBA championship and a then-record 72 regular season wins.
1996: Release of Space Jam
In 1996, Michael Jordan starred as himself in the comedy film "Space Jam". Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, grossing $230 million worldwide and generating over $1 billion in merchandise sales.
1996: Bulls End Season with 69-13 Record in 1996-97
In the 1996-97 season, the Bulls concluded the season with a 69-13 record, narrowly missing a second consecutive 70-win season.
1997: Filming for The Last Dance
During the 1997–98 NBA season, an NBA Entertainment crew shot approximately 500 hours of candid film of Michael Jordan and his teammates' off-court activities for use in a future documentary, which eventually became "The Last Dance" released in 2020.
1997: Fifth NBA Title
In 1997, Michael Jordan and the Bulls secured their fifth NBA championship.
1997: Jordan's three point shooting
In 1997, Michael Jordan had a period of improved three point shooting.
1997: Bulls' 62-20 Record and Jordan's MVP Award in 1997-98
In the 1997-98 season, the Bulls achieved a 62-20 record. Michael Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game, earning his fifth regular season MVP award.
June 14, 1998: Jordan's Clutch Performance in Game 6 on June 14, 1998
On June 14, 1998, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan executed a series of plays that are considered to be one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history.
1998: Jordan's Clutch Performance
By 1998, Michael Jordan was well known throughout the league as a clutch performer, highlighted by his Finals-winning shot against the Jazz.
1998: Sixth NBA Title
In 1998, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their sixth NBA championship.
1998: Jordan's Game-Winning Shot and Sixth Championship in 1998
In 1998, Michael Jordan made the climactic shot of his Bulls career, a top-key jumper over Bryon Russell, securing the Bulls' sixth NBA championship. He was also voted Finals MVP for a record sixth time.
1998: Focus of Michael Jordan to the Max
The 1998 NBA playoffs with the Chicago Bulls, which were covered in the 2000 IMAX documentary "Michael Jordan to the Max", became a significant focus of Michael Jordan's career retrospectives.
1998: Game-worn Jersey from 1998 NBA Finals
The game-worn jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals was eventually sold for $10.1 million dollars in September 2022, making it the most expensive game-worn memorabilia in history.
January 13, 1999: Jordan's Second Retirement on January 13, 1999
On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time due to Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the pending departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and an owner-induced lockout of NBA players.
January 1999: Jordan Claims He's Unlikely to Return to the NBA
In January 1999, Michael Jordan claimed he was "99.9% certain" he would never play another NBA game, indicating a seeming finality to his basketball career at the time.
1999: Second Retirement
In 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time from the NBA.
January 19, 2000: Jordan Returns as Part Owner and President of Basketball Operations on January 19, 2000
On January 19, 2000, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA as part owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards.
2000: Release of Michael Jordan to the Max
In 2000, Michael Jordan was the subject of an IMAX documentary, "Michael Jordan to the Max", focusing on his career with the Chicago Bulls, particularly the 1998 NBA playoffs.
September 25, 2001: Jordan Announces NBA Return with the Wizards
On September 25, 2001, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA, joining the Washington Wizards and pledging his salary to 9/11 relief efforts.
2001: Inaugural Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational
In 2001, Michael Jordan initiated the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, dedicated to raising funds for various charitable causes.
2001: Joins Washington Wizards
In 2001, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA for two seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards.
2001: Wizards Draft Kwame Brown in 2001
In 2001, as president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards, Michael Jordan used the first pick in the NBA draft to select high school student Kwame Brown.
2002: Possible Influence in Trade
In 2002, Michael Jordan's previous tenure had mixed results and may have influenced the trade of Richard "Rip" Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse, although Jordan was not technically the Director of Basketball Operations at the time.
February 21, 2003: Jordan Scores 43 Points at Age 40
On February 21, 2003, Michael Jordan became the first 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game.
April 16, 2003: Jordan's Final NBA Game
On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played his final NBA game in Philadelphia, receiving a three-minute standing ovation after being intentionally fouled so he could leave the game.
May 7, 2003: Jordan Fired by Wizards Owner
On May 7, 2003, Abe Pollin, the owner of the Washington Wizards, fired Michael Jordan from his position as Director of Basketball Operations after his third retirement from playing.
2003: Third Retirement
In 2003, Michael Jordan retired for the third and final time from the NBA.
2003: Retirement from NBA
In 2003, Michael Jordan retired from the NBA, ending his illustrious professional basketball career.
June 15, 2006: Jordan Buys Stake in Charlotte Bobcats
On June 15, 2006, Michael Jordan purchased a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats (later known as the Hornets since 2013), becoming the team's second-largest shareholder and taking control of basketball operations.
2006: Part-Owner of Charlotte Hornets
In 2006, Michael Jordan became part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Hornets (then named the Bobcats).
2008: Endorsement Income
In 2008, Michael Jordan's yearly income from endorsements was estimated to be over $40 million, demonstrating his continued marketability and brand power.
2008: Chief Wish Ambassador
In 2008, The Make-A-Wish Foundation named Michael Jordan its Chief Wish Ambassador, recognizing his long-standing support for the organization.
June 2009: Earnings Period
Between June 2009 and June 2010, Michael Jordan earned $55 million, contributing to his ranking as the 20th most powerful celebrity according to Forbes.
2009: Closure of Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
In 2009, Michael Jordan's Lincoln-Mercury dealership closed, marking a change in his automotive business ventures.
February 2010: Jordan Seeks Majority Ownership of Bobcats
In February 2010, it was reported that Michael Jordan was seeking majority ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats. Jordan and former Houston Rockets president George Postolos were the leading contenders for ownership of the team, and on February 27 an agreement was reached for Jordan to buy the team.
2010: Controlling Interest in Hornets
In 2010, Michael Jordan bought a controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets.
2013: 200th Wish Granted
In 2013, Michael Jordan granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, highlighting his continued involvement with the organization.
2013: Charlotte Bobcats Rebranded as Hornets
In 2013, the Charlotte Bobcats were renamed to the Charlotte Hornets. Michael Jordan was a shareholder in the team at the time.
June 2014: Billionaire Status
In June 2014, Michael Jordan became the first NBA player to achieve billionaire status after increasing his stake in the Charlotte Hornets to 89.5%.
2014: Final Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational
In 2014, the final Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament was held, concluding a series of events that raised money for charities from 2001 to 2014.
2016: Donations to NAACP and Institute for Community-Police Relations
In 2016, amid public unrest, Michael Jordan made $1 million donations each to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Institute for Community-Police Relations to foster trust between communities and law enforcement.
2017: Funding for Novant Health Clinics
In 2017, Michael Jordan donated $7 million to fund two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking his biggest donation to that point.
2018: Steakhouse Closure
In 2018, Michael Jordan's steakhouse located in New York City's Grand Central Terminal closed, ending his venture in the restaurant industry at that location.
2019: Funds Raised for Make-A-Wish
As of 2019, Michael Jordan had raised more than $5 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, demonstrating his significant contribution to the charity.
2019: Jordan Sells Minority Stake in Hornets
During the 2019 NBA offseason, Michael Jordan sold a minority piece of the Charlotte Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim, retaining the majority stake for himself, as well as the role of chairman.
2019: Hurricane Dorian Relief Donation
In 2019, Michael Jordan donated $1 million to aid the Bahamas' recovery following Hurricane Dorian, supporting disaster relief efforts.
June 5, 2020: $100 Million Pledge
On June 5, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Michael Jordan and his brand announced a joint commitment to donate $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations focused on racial equality, social justice, and access to education.
September 2020: Investment and Advisor for DraftKings
In September 2020, Michael Jordan became an investor and advisor for DraftKings, marking his entry into the sports betting industry.
February 2021: Novant Health Clinic Funding
In February 2021, Michael Jordan provided $10 million to fund two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in New Hanover County, North Carolina.
October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
September 2022: Jersey Sold for Record Price
In September 2022, Michael Jordan's jersey from the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals was sold for $10.1 million, setting a record as the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia in history.
August 2023: Jordan Finalizes Sale of Majority Stake in 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: $10 Million Donation to Make-A-Wish
In 2023, Michael Jordan donated $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his 60th birthday, furthering his commitment to the organization.
2023: Sells Stake in Hornets
In 2023, Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets.
2024: Novant Health Clinic Opening
In 2024, Michael Jordan funded the opening of another Novant Health Clinic in Wilmington, further expanding access to healthcare.
May 2025: Special Contributor for NBA on NBC
In May 2025, Michael Jordan was announced as a special contributor for the revived NBA on NBC, with his role later revealed to be a segment called MJ: Insights to Excellence featuring excerpts from an interview.
2026: Net Worth Estimate
As of 2026, Forbes estimated Michael Jordan's net worth at $4.3 billion, making him the fourth-richest African-American and one of the wealthiest celebrities.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
Barack Obama the th U S President - was the...
McDonald's Corporation is a globally recognized American fast-food chain As...
IMAX is a high-resolution cinema system distinguished by its large...
Derek Jeter the Captain is a retired American professional baseball...
Trending
8 minutes ago IonQ's Q1 Earnings Report and Bullish Stock Forecast: Quantum Computing Sector Overview
1 hour ago Aaron Judge emulates Babe Ruth's achievement with a record-equalling home run for Yankees.
2 hours ago Pluto TV Evolves into Premium Streamer, Relaunching on Paramount Plus This Summer.
3 hours ago Venus Williams shines at the 2026 Met Gala with bold fashion choices.
4 hours ago Massive Belleville, New Jersey Warehouse Fire: State of Emergency Declared, Families Evacuated.
4 hours ago Djokovic Returns to Rome for Italian Open After Missing Monte Carlo and Madrid
Popular
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
Graham Cunningham Platner is an American oyster farmer and Marine...
Rudy Giuliani is an American politician and disbarred lawyer best...
Elizabeth Warren is a prominent American politician currently serving as...
Melania Trump is a Slovenian-American former model who served as...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...