Career Timeline of Michael Jordan: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Jordan made an impact.
Michael Jordan, often known as MJ, is a businessman and former professional basketball and baseball player. Dominating the NBA from 1984-2003, he secured six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players ever. He played a key role in globally popularizing the sport and the NBA in the 80s and 90s, becoming a global icon. As of 2025, he is also the world's richest athlete.
1980: Accepted 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, Michael Jordan was selected for the 1981 McDonald's All-American Game, where he scored 30 points.
1982: Game-Winning Shot
In 1982, as a freshman, Michael Jordan made the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, which he later described as a major turning point in his basketball career.
1982: National Championship
In 1982, as a freshman, Michael Jordan was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels' national championship team.
1983: Jordan Debuts for U.S. National Team, Wins Gold
In 1983, Michael Jordan made his debut 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 was selected to play for the United States national team and won a gold medal at the Pan American Games.
November 1984: Jordan Compared to Julius Erving
By November 1984, Michael Jordan was being compared to Julius Erving due to his talent in his first NBA season.
1984: Start of NBA Career
In 1984, Michael Jordan began his 15-season career in the NBA.
1984: Joined Chicago Bulls
In 1984, Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls as the third overall draft pick.
1984: Left North Carolina
In 1984, Michael Jordan left North Carolina a year before his scheduled graduation to enter the 1984 NBA draft.
1984: Jordan Wins Olympic Gold Medal
In 1984, Michael Jordan won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
1984: Nike Created Air Jordan
In 1984, Nike created a signature shoe for Michael Jordan, called the Air Jordan. One of his more popular commercials for the shoe involved Spike Lee playing the part of Mars Blackmon: Lee, as Blackmon, attempted to find the source of Jordan's abilities and became convinced that "it's gotta be the shoes".
1985: Rookie Season and All-Star Controversy
During his rookie 1984–85 season, Michael Jordan averaged 28.2 ppg and was voted an All-Star starter. Controversy arose before the 1985 NBA All-Star Game due to veteran players being upset by the attention he received, leading to a so-called "freeze-out".
April 20, 1986: Jordan Scores 63 Points Against Boston Celtics
On April 20, 1986, Michael Jordan established 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: Jordan Played Full Season
From 1986-87 to 2001-02, Jordan did not miss four or more games while active for a full season.
1986: Graduated from North Carolina
In 1986, Michael Jordan returned to North Carolina to complete his degree, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography.
1986: Recovery from Foot Injury
Michael Jordan completely recovered in time for the 1986–87 season after breaking his foot in the third game of the 1985-86 season.
1987: Scoring Title
During the 1987–88 season, Michael Jordan led the league in scoring, averaging 35.0 ppg and was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
1987: Jordan Wins Slam Dunk Contest
In 1987, Michael Jordan won one of his back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships.
1988: Jordan Achieves 50% Shooting
In 1988, Michael Jordan had one of his six seasons with at least 50% shooting.
1988: Jordan Wins Slam Dunk Contest
In 1988, Michael Jordan won one of his back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest championships.
1988: Led League in Scoring
In the 1988–89 season, Michael Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg on 53.8% shooting from the field, along with 8.0 rpg and 8.0 apg.
1989: Jordan Improves Three-Point Shooting
During the 1989–90 season, Michael Jordan showed improvement in his three-point shooting, achieving a percentage of 37%.
1989: Bulls entered as a 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: Second MVP award
In 1990, Michael Jordan won his second MVP award with averages of 31.5 points per game on 53.9% shooting, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game. The Bulls finished first in their division for the first time in sixteen years and set a franchise record with 61 regular season wins.
1990: Acquisition of Nissan Dealership
In 1990, Michael Jordan's automotive group acquired a Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina.
1991: Continued dominance and second consecutive MVP award
In 1991, Michael Jordan and the Bulls achieved a 67–15 record, surpassing their franchise record from the 1990–91 season. Jordan also secured his second consecutive MVP award, averaging 30.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game with a 52% shooting accuracy.
1991: First NBA Title
In 1991, Michael Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1992: Jordan Improves Three-Point Shooting
During the 1992-93 season, Michael Jordan showed improvement in his three-point shooting, achieving a percentage of 35%.
1992: Second NBA Title
In 1992, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their second NBA title.
1992: Jordan Achieves 50% Shooting
In 1992, Michael Jordan had one of his six seasons with at least 50% shooting.
1992: Olympics
In 1992, Michael Jordan was selected to play for the United States national team during his NBA career and won the Tournament of the Americas and Summer Olympics gold medals—while also being undefeated.
1992: Jordan played in a Game 7
In the 1997–98 season, The Bulls won the Eastern Conference Championship for a third straight season, including surviving a seven-game series with the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals; it was the first time Jordan had played in a Game 7 since the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals with the New York Knicks.
October 6, 1993: Jordan Announces His Retirement
On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball, citing a loss of desire to play. He later stated that the murder of his father three months prior contributed to his decision.
1993: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award
In 1993, Michael 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 and the Chicago Bulls won their third consecutive NBA title, completing a three-peat. Jordan then abruptly retired before the 1993–94 NBA season to play Minor League Baseball.
November 1, 1994: Number 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: Jordan improves his three point shooting
From 1994 to 1997, Michael Jordan shot higher percentages from 3 points.
March 1995: Jordan Decides to Quit Baseball
In March 1995, Michael Jordan decided to quit baseball because he feared he might become a replacement player during the Major League Baseball strike and returned to the Bulls midway through the 1994–95 season.
March 18, 1995: Jordan Announces NBA Comeback
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, Michael Jordan scored 55 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, marking a significant moment in his comeback to the NBA.
1995: Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
From 1995, Michael Jordan's automotive group had a Lincoln-Mercury dealership.
1995: Jordan trains aggressively
In 1995 Michael Jordan was motivated by the playoff defeat and he trained aggressively for the 1995–96 season.
1995: Return to the Bulls
In 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls after a brief stint in Minor League Baseball.
1996: Fourth NBA Title and Record Wins
In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their fourth NBA championship and a then-record 72 regular season wins.
1996: The Bulls had a 69-11 record
In the 1996–97 season, the Bulls stood at a 69–11 record but ended the season by losing their final two games to finish the year 69–13, missing out on a second consecutive 70-win season.
1997: Jordan improves his three point shooting
From 1994 to 1997, Michael Jordan shot higher percentages from 3 points.
1997: Filming off-court activities
From 1997–98 NBA season, an NBA Entertainment crew shot about 500 hours of candid film of Jordan's and his teammates' off-court activities which was used in the documentary The Last Dance in 2020.
1997: Fifth NBA Title
In 1997, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their fifth NBA championship.
1997: "The Flu Game" and Fifth Finals MVP
In 1997, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan, despite being feverish and dehydrated from a stomach virus (known as "The Flu Game"), scored 38 points, including the game-winning three-pointer. He also received his fifth Finals MVP award.
June 14, 1998: The steal
On June 14, 1998, In Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan steals the ball from Malone.
1998: Jordan 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: Sixth NBA Title
In 1998, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA championship.
1998: Chicago Bulls NBA Playoffs
In 2000, Michael Jordan was the subject of an IMAX documentary titled "Michael Jordan to the Max" about his career with the Chicago Bulls, especially the 1998 NBA playoffs.
1998: Played in the NBA Finals
In September 2022, Jordan's jersey in which he played the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals was sold for $10.1 million, making it the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia in history.
January 13, 1999: Jordan's Second Retirement
On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time, citing Phil Jackson's expiring contract and the looming departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.
January 1999: Jordan Claimed He Would Never Play Another NBA Game
In January 1999, Michael Jordan claimed that he was "99.9% certain" he would never play another NBA game.
1999: Second Retirement
In 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time from the NBA.
January 19, 2000: Jordan Joins Wizards as Part Owner and President
On January 19, 2000, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA as part owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards.
2000: Subject of IMAX Documentary
In 2000, Michael Jordan was the subject of an IMAX documentary titled "Michael Jordan to the Max" about his career with the Chicago Bulls, especially the 1998 NBA playoffs.
September 25, 2001: Jordan Announces Return to NBA, Donates Salary to 9/11 Victims
On September 25, 2001, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards and stated his intention to donate his salary to relief efforts for the victims of the September 11 attacks.
2001: Hosted Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational
From 2001, Michael Jordan hosted the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, which raised money for various charities.
2001: Kwame Brown Drafted Number One
In 2001, Kwame Brown was drafted number one in the NBA draft.
2001: Return to NBA with Wizards
In 2001, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA for two seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards.
2001: Jordan expressed interest in comeback
In the summer of 2001, Michael Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback, this time with his new team, inspired by the NHL comeback of his friend Mario Lemieux the previous winter.
2002: Possible Influence in Wizards' Trade
In 2002, while not technically Director of Basketball Operations, Michael Jordan may have influenced the trade of Richard "Rip" Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse during his time with the Wizards.
February 21, 2003: Jordan Tallies 43 Points at 40 Years Old
On February 21, 2003, Michael Jordan became the first 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game, marking a significant achievement during his time with 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, scoring 13 points and receiving a standing ovation from teammates, opponents, and fans.
May 7, 2003: Jordan Fired by Wizards
On May 7, 2003, Wizards owner Abe Pollin fired Michael Jordan from his role as Director of Basketball Operations.
2003: End of NBA Career
In 2003, Michael Jordan ended his 15-season career in the NBA.
2004: Jordan Founded Michael Jordan Motorsports
Since 2004, Michael Jordan has owned Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional closed-course motorcycle road racing team.
June 15, 2006: Jordan Buys Stake in Charlotte Bobcats
On June 15, 2006, Michael Jordan bought a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, 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: Named Chief Wish Ambassador
In 2008, the Make-A-Wish Foundation named Michael Jordan its Chief Wish Ambassador.
2009: Closure of Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
In 2009, Michael Jordan's Lincoln-Mercury dealership closed.
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. On February 27, an agreement was reached with Johnson, pending NBA approval. On March 17, the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved Jordan's purchase, making him the first former player to become the majority owner of an NBA team, and the league's only African-American majority owner.
2010: Bought Controlling Interest in Hornets
In 2010, Michael Jordan bought a controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets.
2013: Granted 200th Wish
In 2013, Michael Jordan granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2013: Charlotte Bobcats become the Hornets
In 2013, the Charlotte Bobcats became known as the Hornets.
2013: Michael Jordan Motorsports Ends
Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional closed-course motorcycle road racing team, competed with two Suzukis in the premier Superbike championship sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) until the end of the 2013 season.
June 2014: Named First NBA Billionaire
In June 2014, Michael Jordan was named 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: Hosted Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational
Until 2014, Michael Jordan hosted the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, which raised money for various charities.
2017: Donated $7 Million for Family Clinics
In 2017, Michael Jordan donated $7 million to fund two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2018: Closure of Steakhouse in New York City
In 2018, Michael Jordan's steakhouse in New York City's Grand Central Terminal closed.
2019: Raised Over $5 Million for Make-A-Wish Foundation
As of 2019, Michael Jordan had raised more than $5 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2019: Jordan Sells Minority Piece of Hornets
During the 2019 NBA offseason, Jordan sold a minority piece of the Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim, retaining the majority for himself, as well as the role of chairman.
2019: Donated $1 Million for Hurricane Dorian Relief
In 2019, Michael Jordan gave $1 million to aid the Bahamas' recovery following Hurricane Dorian.
June 5, 2020: Donation for Racial Equality
On June 5, 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Michael Jordan and his brand announced a joint donation of $100 million over 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 and Hamlin Announce NASCAR Team
On September 21, 2020, Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin announced they would be fielding a NASCAR Cup Series team with Bubba Wallace driving, beginning competition in the 2021 season.
2020: Debuted in The Last Dance
In 2020, The Last Dance, a 10-part TV documentary about Michael Jordan's life, debuted on ESPN.
February 2021: Funded Novant Health Family Clinics
In February 2021, Michael Jordan funded two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in New Hanover County, North Carolina, with a $10 million donation.
2021: 23XI Racing Begins Competition
In the 2021 season, 23XI Racing began competition in the NASCAR Cup Series with Bubba Wallace driving car No. 23.
2022: 23XI Racing Adds Second Car
In 2022, 23XI Racing added a second car, No. 45, driven by Kurt Busch.
2022: Appeared in The Captain
Michael Jordan appeared in the 2022 miniseries The Captain, which follows the life and career of Derek Jeter.
August 2023: Jordan Finalizes Sale of Hornets Majority Stake
In August 2023, Michael Jordan finalized the sale of his majority stake in the Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, ending his 13-year tenure as majority owner, although he kept a minority stake. The sale was officially completed for approximately $3 billion.
2023: 23XI Racing Fields Third Car
In 2023, 23XI Racing fielded a third car, No. 67, driven by Travis Pastrana in the Daytona 500.
2023: Donated $10 Million 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 2023, Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets.
2024: Funded Novant Health Clinic Opening
In 2024, Michael Jordan funded the opening of another Novant Health Clinic in Wilmington.
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
23XI Racing acquired a third charter from the defunct Stewart-Haas Racing, the No. 35 driven by Riley Herbst beginning in 2025.
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