Career Timeline of Michael Jordan: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Jordan made an impact.
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of basketball's greatest players, spent 15 seasons in the NBA (1984-2003). He led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and significantly boosted the sport's global popularity. Currently a businessman and minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan is also recognized as the wealthiest athlete and among the world's richest celebrities. His influence extends beyond the court, solidifying his legacy as a global icon.
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.
1980: Playoff Qualification
In 1980-81 season, Bulls qualified for the postseason for the first time since then after Jordan helped improve the team's standing during the 1984-85 season.
1982: Game-winning shot in NCAA Championship
In 1982, Michael Jordan made the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown, a moment he later described as a major turning point in his basketball career.
1982: National Championship with Tar Heels
In 1982, Michael Jordan, as a freshman, was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels' national championship team.
1983: Jordan debuts for the U.S. national basketball 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 in scoring and winning the gold medal.
1983: Pan American Games Gold Medal
In 1983, Michael Jordan won a gold medal playing for the United States national team at the Pan American Games.
1984: NBA Career Start
In 1984, Michael Jordan began his 15-season NBA career, marking the start of his journey to becoming a basketball legend.
1984: College Player of the Year and NBA Draft
In 1984, Michael Jordan was named the national college player of the year and was subsequently selected by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick in the NBA draft.
1984: Jordan wins gold at the Summer Olympics
In 1984, Michael Jordan won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics with the U.S. team, leading the team in scoring during the tournament.
1984: Introduction of Air Jordan Sneakers
In 1984, Nike introduced Air Jordan sneakers, which were endorsed by Michael Jordan and became a massive success.
1984: Drafted by Chicago Bulls
In 1984, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick in the NBA draft.
1985: Rookie Year Achievements
During his rookie 1984–85 season, Michael Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game and helped the Bulls qualify for the postseason. He was voted the NBA Rookie of the Year. In 1985, before the All-Star Game, veteran players were upset by the attention Jordan was receiving.
April 20, 1986: Jordan scores 63 points against the Boston Celtics
On April 20, 1986, Michael Jordan established the single-game playoff record by scoring 63 points against the Boston Celtics, leading Larry Bird to describe him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan."
1986: Jordan's durability
From 1986-87, Michael Jordan was noted as a durable player, rarely missing four or more games in a full season until 2001-02 when he injured his right knee.
1986: Playoff Career-High
In 1986, after missing most of the season due to injury, Michael Jordan scored a playoff career-high 63 points against the Boston Celtics on April 20 in Game 2 of the First Round.
1987: Scoring Leader and Defensive Prowess
In the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan led the league in scoring, averaging 37.1 ppg, and demonstrated his defensive prowess by recording 200 steals and 100 blocked shots. In 1987-88 season, he led the league in scoring, averaging 35.0 ppg, and won his first league MVP Award. He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
1988: Jordan's effective field goal percentage
In 1988, Michael Jordan began a stretch of consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting, highlighting his effectiveness on the court.
1988: Jordan wins Defensive Player of the Year and MVP awards
In 1988, Michael Jordan won both the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards, becoming the first NBA player to achieve this in their career.
1988: Leading the 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: Improvement in three-point shooting
In the 1989-90 season, Michael Jordan improved his three-point shooting to 37%, showcasing his evolving skills.
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 Cleveland Cavaliers.
1990: Second MVP Award
In 1990, Michael Jordan won his second MVP award, averaging 31.5 points per game with a 53.9% shooting accuracy. The Bulls finished first in their division for the first time in sixteen years, setting a franchise record with 61 wins.
1990: Acquisition of Nissan Dealership
In 1990, Michael Jordan's automotive group acquired a Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina.
1990: Record-Breaking Season
In the 1990 season, Michael Jordan and the Bulls established a new franchise record.
1991: Continued Dominance and Second Consecutive MVP Award
In 1991, Michael Jordan and the Bulls achieved a 67–15 record, surpassing their previous franchise record. Jordan secured his second consecutive MVP award, averaging 30.1 points per game. They progressed to the Finals after defeating the Knicks and Cavaliers.
1991: First NBA Title
In 1991, Michael Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
1992: Jordan's three-point shooting
During the 1992-93 season, Michael Jordan shot 35% from three-point range, continuing to improve his outside shooting.
1992: Jordan's effective field goal percentage
In 1992, Michael Jordan concluded a stretch of consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting, highlighting his effectiveness on the court.
1992: Last Game 7
In 1992, Michael Jordan last played in a Game 7 since the Eastern Conference Semifinals with the New York Knicks.
1992: Second NBA Title
In 1992, Michael Jordan secured his second NBA title with the Chicago Bulls, continuing their championship streak.
1993: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award
In 1993, Michael Jordan and the Bulls secured their third NBA championship, defeating the Phoenix Suns. Jordan achieved a Finals-record average of 41.0 points per game 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, achieving a three-peat. Citing exhaustion, he then abruptly retired to play Minor League Baseball.
1993: Bulls Season Record
In 1993, the Bulls went 55-27 without Michael Jordan in the lineup.
1994: Reference to Jordan's previous comeback
The text references Michael Jordan's return to basketball in 1994 after his first retirement, where he played only 17 games.
March 1995: Return to the Bulls
In March 1995, Michael Jordan decided to quit baseball and returned to the Bulls midway through the season.
March 18, 1995: Comeback Announcement
On March 18, 1995, Michael Jordan announced his comeback to the NBA with a two-word press release: "I'm back."
March 28, 1995: 55-Point Game at Madison Square Garden
On March 28, 1995, Michael Jordan scored 55 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden after his return to the NBA.
1995: Return to the Bulls
In 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls after a brief stint in Minor League Baseball.
1995: Aggressive Training and Team Strengthening
In 1995, Michael Jordan trained aggressively after the playoff defeat, and the Bulls strengthened their team with the addition of Dennis Rodman.
1995: Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
In 1995, Michael Jordan's company had a Lincoln-Mercury dealership.
1996: Fourth NBA Title
In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their fourth NBA championship, adding to his legacy of success.
1996: Release of Space Jam
In 1996, Michael Jordan played himself in the comedy film Space Jam. The film received mixed reviews but was a box office success, making $230 million worldwide, and earned more than $1 billion through merchandise sales.
1996: 69-13 Record
In the 1996-97 season, the Bulls ended the season with a 69-13 record.
1997: NBA Season Filming
During the 1997-98 NBA season, an NBA Entertainment crew shot candid film of Michael Jordan's and his teammates' off-court activities for use in a documentary, later released as 'The Last Dance'.
1997: Fifth NBA Title
In 1997, Michael Jordan and the Bulls won their fifth NBA championship, further solidifying their dominance in the league.
1997: "The Flu Game" and Fifth Finals MVP Award
In 1997, during Game 5 against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan played despite being sick, scoring 38 points in what is known as "The Flu Game." He won his fifth Finals MVP award. Also during the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, he posted the first triple-double in All-Star Game history.
1997: Fifth Regular Season MVP Award
In the 1997-98 season, Michael Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game and secured his fifth regular season MVP award.
June 14, 1998: Clutch Performance in Game 6
On June 14, 1998, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan executed a series of plays to bring the Bulls within one point of the Jazz.
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: Remarks to Abe Pollin During 1998 Labor Dispute
During the 1998 labor dispute, Michael Jordan reportedly told Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin, "If you can't make a profit, you should sell your team."
1998: Sixth NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award
In 1998, Michael Jordan made the climactic shot in Game 6 against the Jazz, leading the Bulls to their sixth NBA championship. Jordan was voted Finals MVP for a record sixth time.
1998: 1998 NBA Finals
In 1998, Michael Jordan played the opening game of the NBA Finals. A jersey worn from that game was sold at auction.
1998: Chicago Bulls Playoffs
In 1998, Michael Jordan was featured in the Chicago Bulls playoffs.
January 13, 1999: Second Retirement Announcement
On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time, due to Phil Jackson's contract expiring.
January 1999: Jordan claims he is unlikely to play another NBA game
In January 1999, Michael Jordan claimed he was "99.9% certain" that he would not play another NBA game, hinting at the end of his basketball career at the time.
1999: Second NBA Retirement
In 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time from the NBA, marking another pause in his illustrious basketball career.
January 19, 2000: Return to the NBA as Executive
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 Michael Jordan to the Max
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: Jordan announces his 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, stating that he would donate his salary to the victims of the September 11 attacks.
2001: Inaugural Celebrity Invitational
In 2001, Michael Jordan hosted the first annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, which raised money for various charities.
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 considers another comeback inspired by Mario Lemieux
In 2001, inspired by Mario Lemieux's NHL comeback, Michael Jordan expressed interest in returning to the NBA and spent the spring and summer training. He also hired Doug Collins as Washington's coach, further fueling speculation about his return.
2001: Drafting Kwame Brown
In the 2001 NBA draft, Michael Jordan used the first pick to select high school student Kwame Brown.
2002: Wizards Trade Hamilton for Stackhouse
In 2002, the Washington Wizards traded Richard "Rip" Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse, potentially influenced by Jordan's previous tenure, although Jordan was not officially the Director of Basketball Operations at the time.
February 21, 2003: Jordan becomes the first 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game
On February 21, 2003, Michael Jordan, at 40 years old, achieved a milestone by becoming the first player of that age to score 43 points in a single NBA game.
April 16, 2003: Jordan plays his final NBA game
On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan played his final NBA game in Philadelphia, where he received a standing ovation from teammates, opponents, and fans after making two free throws in the final minutes.
May 7, 2003: Fired from Wizards
On May 7, 2003, Abe Pollin, the owner of the Wizards, fired Michael Jordan from his position as Director of Basketball Operations.
2003: NBA Career End
In 2003, Michael Jordan concluded his 15-season NBA career, leaving behind a legacy as one of the sport's greatest players.
June 15, 2006: 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 Charlotte Bobcats
In 2006, Michael Jordan became part-owner and head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Bobcats (later renamed the Hornets).
2008: Endorsement Income
In 2008, Michael Jordan's annual income from endorsements was estimated to be over $40 million.
2008: Chief Wish Ambassador
In 2008, The Make-A-Wish Foundation named Michael Jordan its Chief Wish Ambassador.
June 2009: Earnings Period
Between June 2009 and June 2010, Michael Jordan earned $55 million.
2009: Closure of Lincoln-Mercury Dealership
In 2009, Michael Jordan's Lincoln-Mercury dealership closed.
February 2010: Seeks Majority Ownership of Bobcats
In February 2010, Michael Jordan sought and reached an agreement to become the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, pending NBA approval.
2010: Controlling Interest in Charlotte Hornets
In 2010, Michael Jordan bought a controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets, further solidifying his involvement with the team.
2011: Leads Hardline Owners During 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 Post Worst Record in NBA History
During the lockout-shortened 2011–12 NBA season, the Charlotte Bobcats posted a 7–59 record, resulting in the worst winning percentage (.106) in NBA history.
2013: 200th Wish Granted
In 2013, Michael Jordan granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
June 2014: First NBA Billionaire
In June 2014, Michael Jordan became the first NBA player to become a billionaire, after increasing his stake in the Charlotte Hornets from 80% to 89.5%. He was also named the Charlotte Business Journal's Business Person of the Year for 2014.
2014: First Billionaire NBA Player
In 2014, Michael Jordan became the first billionaire player in NBA history, marking a significant financial milestone.
2014: Final Celebrity Invitational
In 2014, Michael Jordan hosted the final Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, which raised money for various charities.
2015: Highest Retired Athlete Income
In 2015, Michael Jordan's income from his Jordan Brand and endorsements was estimated at $110 million, the most of any retired athlete.
2015: Bulls Record Broken
Two decades later, in 2015, the Bulls record for best regular season was broken by the Golden State Warriors.
2016: Donations to NAACP and Institute for Community-Police Relations
In 2016, amidst public unrest about police shootings and attacks against police officers, Michael Jordan made $1 million donations to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Institute for Community-Police Relations to "build trust and respect between communities and law enforcement."
2017: Highest Career Earnings
In 2017, Forbes designated Michael Jordan as the athlete with the highest career earnings.
2017: Donation to Novant Health Clinics
In 2017, Michael Jordan gave $7 million to fund two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, his biggest donation to that point.
2018: Steakhouse Closure
In 2018, Michael Jordan's steakhouse in New York City's Grand Central Terminal closed.
2019: Funds Raised for Make-A-Wish Foundation
As of 2019, Michael Jordan has raised more than $5 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2019: Sells Minority Stake of Hornets
During the 2019 NBA offseason, Michael Jordan sold a minority piece of the Charlotte Hornets to Gabe Plotkin and Daniel Sundheim, while retaining the majority stake and the role of chairman.
2019: Hurricane Dorian Relief Donation
In 2019, Michael Jordan gave $1 million to aid the Bahamas' recovery following Hurricane Dorian.
June 5, 2020: $100 Million Pledge 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 "ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education" following the murder of George Floyd.
September 2020: Investor and Advisor for DraftKings
In September 2020, Michael Jordan became an investor and advisor for DraftKings.
February 2021: Funding of Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics
In February 2021, Michael Jordan funded two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in New Hanover County, North Carolina, by giving $10 million.
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: Finalizes Sale of Hornets Majority Stake
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 but retaining a minority stake.
2023: $10 Million Donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation
In 2023, Michael Jordan donated $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his 60th birthday.
2023: Selling Majority Stake in Hornets
In 2023, Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, ending his tenure as the team's primary owner.
2024: Opening of Novant Health Clinic
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 revived NBA on NBC, with his role later revealed to be MJ: Insights to Excellence.
December 31, 2025: Highest Paid Athlete in History
As of December 31, 2025, Sportico ranked Michael Jordan as the highest-paid athlete in history, with estimated earnings of $4.5 billion adjusted for inflation.
April 2026: Net Worth Estimate
As of April 2026, Forbes estimated Michael Jordan's net worth at $4.3 billion, making him the fourth-richest African-American and one of the richest celebrities.
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