Career Timeline of Michael Jordan: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Jordan made an impact.
Michael Jordan, also known as MJ, is a celebrated American businessman and former professional basketball player. Renowned for his 15 seasons in the NBA (1984-2003), he secured six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan played a pivotal role in globalizing basketball and the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s. His outstanding athletic abilities and iconic status transformed him into a worldwide cultural phenomenon.
1975: Highest Nielsen rating game
In 1975, Michael Jordan's return to the court had the highest Nielsen rating of any regular season NBA game since 1975.
1976: ABA-NBA Merger
Since 1976, the year of the ABA–NBA merger, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are the only two players to win six NBA Finals playing for one team.
1981: Accepted Basketball Scholarship to UNC
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 was selected for the McDonald's All-American Game, where he scored 30 points.
1982: Game-Winning Shot in NCAA Championship
In 1982, 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 with North Carolina Tar Heels
In 1982, Michael Jordan, as a freshman, was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels' national championship team.
1983: Pan American Games Gold Medal
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 with 17.3 ppg and winning the gold medal.
1983: NCAA All-American First Team Selection
In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected by consensus to the NCAA All-American First Team.
1984: Joined Chicago Bulls
In 1984, Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls as the third overall draft pick and quickly became a league star.
1984: Summer Olympics Gold Medal
In 1984, Michael Jordan won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics, leading the team in scoring with 17.1 ppg.
1984: Creation of Air Jordan Shoe
In 1984, Nike created a signature shoe for Michael Jordan, called the Air Jordan. Hype and demand for the shoes even brought on a spate of "shoe-jackings".
April 20, 1986: 63 Points Against the Boston Celtics
On April 20, 1986, after Michael Jordan established the single game playoff record of 63 points against the Boston Celtics, Larry Bird described him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan".
1986: Returned from Injury for Postseason
After recovering from a broken foot, Michael Jordan returned in time for the 1986 postseason. Despite the Bulls' record, Jordan performed well, although the Celtics swept the series.
1986: Start of Full Seasons Without Missing Games
Starting in 1986-87, Michael Jordan did not miss four or more games in a full season until 2001-02, showcasing his durability.
1987: Led League in Scoring
In 1987, Michael Jordan led the league in scoring and won his first league MVP Award.
1987: Slam Dunk Contest championship
In 1987, Michael Jordan won the Slam Dunk Contest championship. His athletic leaping ability influenced a generation of young players.
1988: Led League in Scoring
In 1988, Michael Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg, along with 8.0 rpg and 8.0 apg. He had 10 triple-doubles in 11 games as a point guard.
1988: High Shooting Percentage Seasons
In 1988, Michael Jordan began a streak of five consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting.
1988: Back-to-Back Slam Dunk Contest Championships
In 1988, Michael Jordan secured his second consecutive Slam Dunk Contest championship. This display of athleticism influenced a generation of young players.
1988: NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 1988, Michael Jordan was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
1988: NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player
In 1988, Michael Jordan won both the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and the Most Valuable Player awards, becoming the first NBA player to win both in a career, let alone a single season.
1989: Improved Three-Point Shooting
In the 1989–90 season, Michael Jordan improved his three-point shooting, achieving 37%.
1989: Bulls entered season as a team on the rise
The Bulls entered the 1989 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: Acquisition of Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina
In 1990, Michael Jordan acquired a Nissan dealership in Durham, North Carolina, as part of his automotive group.
1990: Jordan wins second MVP award
In 1990, Michael Jordan won his second MVP award, averaging 31.5 points per game with a 53.9% shooting accuracy, alongside 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the regular season. The Bulls finished first in their division for the first time in sixteen years, achieving a franchise record of 61 wins. With Scottie Pippen's emergence as an All-Star, the Bulls' performance improved significantly.
1990: Bulls reach franchise record
In 1990, The Chicago Bulls set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season, marking a significant milestone in the team's history.
1991: Bulls dominate and Jordan wins second MVP in a row
In 1991, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls continued their dominance, establishing a 67–15 record. Jordan 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. The Bulls defeated the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs and advanced to the NBA Finals against Clyde Drexler and the Portland Trail Blazers.
1991: First NBA Title with the Chicago Bulls
In 1991, Michael Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1991: Appeared in Gatorade Commercials
Since 1991, Michael Jordan appeared in over 20 commercials for Gatorade, including the "Be Like Mike" commercials.
1992: Nike commercial during Super Bowl XXVI and Michael Jackson's "Jam" music video
In 1992, Michael Jordan appeared in a Nike commercial with Bugs Bunny during Super Bowl XXVI, playing basketball, and he also made an appearance in the music video for Michael Jackson's "Jam".
1992: High Shooting Percentage Seasons
In 1992, Michael Jordan ended a streak of five consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting.
1992: Game 7 versus New York Knicks
In 1992, Michael Jordan played in a Game 7 during the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks.
1992: Dream Team Career
In 1992, Michael Jordan was a part of the "Dream Team". Items from this career were displayed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2009.
1992: NBA Title with the Chicago Bulls
In 1992, Michael Jordan won another NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1992: Improved Three-Point Shooting
In the 1992–93 season, Michael Jordan improved his three-point shooting, achieving 35%.
October 6, 1993: Jordan announces retirement
On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball, citing a loss of desire to play. He later attributed the decision to the murder of his father.
1993: Jordan wins third NBA championship
In 1993, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their third NBA championship, defeating Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals. Jordan averaged a Finals-record 41.0 points per game during the six-game series and was named Finals MVP for the third consecutive time. Jordan scored more than 30 points in every game of the series.
1993: Jordan quits baseball
In 1993, Michael Jordan decided to quit baseball because he feared he might become a replacement player during the Major League Baseball strike.
1993: NBA Title and First Retirement
In 1993, Michael Jordan secured a three-peat with the Chicago Bulls and then abruptly retired from basketball to play Minor League Baseball.
November 1, 1994: Jordan's number retired by the Bulls
On November 1, 1994, Michael Jordan's No. 23 was retired by the Chicago Bulls in a ceremony that included the erection of a permanent sculpture known as The Spirit outside the new United Center.
1994: Bulls without Jordan
In 1994, the Chicago Bulls went 55–27 without Michael Jordan in the lineup and lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs.
1994: Return from First Retirement
Michael Jordan's 2001-02 season was the fewest he had played since returning from his first retirement during the 1994-95 season.
March 1995: Return to the Chicago Bulls
In March 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls after playing Minor League Baseball.
March 1995: Jordan returns to the court
In March 1995, Michael Jordan returned to the court with the Chicago Bulls to face the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, scoring 19 points. Jordan wore No. 45, his baseball number, instead of his original number.
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 in his next game after returning.
1995: Acquisition of Lincoln-Mercury dealership
In 1995, Michael Jordan acquired a Lincoln-Mercury dealership, which was part of his automotive group.
1995: Jordan trains for the next season
In 1995, Michael Jordan was freshly motivated by the playoff defeat, and he trained aggressively for the 1995–96 season.
1996: NBA Title and Record Season Wins
In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to another championship and a then-record 72 regular-season wins.
1996: Release of Space Jam film
In 1996, Michael Jordan played himself in the comedy film Space Jam, which became a box office success.
1996: Release of the movie Space Jam
In 1996, Michael Jordan starred alongside Bugs Bunny in the live-action/animated film "Space Jam," which was set during his first retirement from basketball.
1996: Bulls start on 69-11 record
In the 1996-97 season, the Chicago Bulls started with a 69-11 record but failed to win 70 games for the second year in a row.
1997: Filming of off-court activities for future documentary
During the 1997-98 NBA season, an NBA Entertainment crew filmed approximately 500 hours of off-court activities of Michael Jordan and his teammates, later used in the documentary "The Last Dance", released in 2020.
1997: NBA Title with the Chicago Bulls
In 1997, Michael Jordan secured another NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.
1997: "The Flu Game"
In 1997, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan played despite being feverish and dehydrated from a stomach virus, known as "The Flu Game". He scored 38 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining, leading the Bulls to a 90–88 victory.
1998: Finals-Winning Shot Against the Jazz
By 1998, during the season of his Finals-winning shot against the Jazz, Michael Jordan was well known throughout the league as a clutch performer, always asking for the ball at crunch time.
1998: Advised Wizards Owner to Sell if Unprofitable
During the labor dispute in 1998, Michael Jordan advised Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin to sell the team if he couldn't make a profit, a statement that later fueled accusations of hypocrisy during the 2011 lockout.
1998: Sixth NBA Championship
In 1998, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA championship.
1998: Played the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals
In 1998, Michael Jordan played the opening game of the NBA Finals. His jersey from that game was sold for a record amount in September 2022.
1998: Chicago Bulls Playoff run featured in documentary
The 1998 NBA playoffs featuring Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were the focus of the IMAX documentary "Michael Jordan to the Max", released in 2000, and the later TV documentary "The Last Dance", released in 2020.
January 13, 1999: Second Retirement
On January 13, 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time due to Phil Jackson's contract expiring, the looming departures of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and an owner-induced lockout of NBA players.
January 1999: Second Retirement
In January 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time from the NBA.
January 1999: Interest in Another Comeback
In January 1999, despite claiming he was "99.9% certain" he would never play another NBA game, Michael Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback.
January 19, 2000: Return to NBA as Part Owner and President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards
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, controlling all aspects of the team's basketball operations and personnel matters.
2000: Release of IMAX documentary Michael Jordan to the Max
In 2000, Michael Jordan was the subject of an IMAX documentary, "Michael Jordan to the Max," about his career with the Chicago Bulls, especially the 1998 NBA playoffs.
September 25, 2001: Announcement of Return to NBA with Washington Wizards
On September 25, 2001, Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards, with the intention of donating his salary to a relief effort for the victims of the September 11 attacks.
2001: Hosted annual golf tournament
From 2001 to 2014, Michael Jordan hosted the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, raising money for various charities.
2001: Kwame Brown Drafted by Wizards
In 2001, Kwame Brown was drafted as the number-one pick by the Wizards.
2001: Return to NBA with Washington Wizards
In 2001, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA for two seasons as a member of the Washington Wizards.
2001: End of Full Seasons Without Missing Games
Starting in 1986-87, Michael Jordan did not miss four or more games in a full season until 2001-02, showcasing his durability.
2002: Potential Influence on Wizards Trade
In 2002, Michael Jordan's previous tenure may have influenced the Washington Wizards' trade of Richard "Rip" Hamilton for Jerry Stackhouse, though Jordan was not technically Director of Basketball Operations at the time.
2002: Jordan's Final Season Recognition
Throughout the NBA during the 2002-03 season, tributes were paid to Michael Jordan in recognition of it being his final season.
February 21, 2003: Jordan Scores 43 Points at 40 Years Old
On February 21, 2003, Michael Jordan became the first 40-year-old to tally 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, scoring 13 points and receiving a standing ovation as he left the court.
May 7, 2003: Fired by the Wizards
On May 7, 2003, Michael Jordan was fired from his role as Director of Basketball Operations with the Washington Wizards by owner Abe Pollin.
2003: Final NBA Season
In 2003, Michael Jordan played his final NBA season as a member of the Washington Wizards.
2004: Founded Michael Jordan Motorsports
Since 2004, Michael Jordan has owned Michael Jordan Motorsports, a professional closed-course motorcycle road racing team.
June 15, 2006: Bought 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 full control over 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 exceeds $40 million
In 2008, Michael Jordan's annual income from endorsements was estimated to be over $40 million.
2008: Named Chief Wish Ambassador
In 2008, the Make-A-Wish Foundation named Michael Jordan its Chief Wish Ambassador.
June 2009: Earned $55 million
Between June 2009 and June 2010, Michael Jordan earned $55 million.
June 2009: Closure of Lincoln-Mercury dealership
In June 2009, Michael Jordan's Lincoln-Mercury dealership closed.
February 2010: Sought Majority Ownership of the Bobcats
In February 2010, Michael Jordan sought and reached an agreement to buy the Charlotte Bobcats, pending NBA approval, eventually becoming the first former player to become the majority owner of an NBA team.
2010: Bought Controlling Interest in Charlotte Hornets
In 2010, Michael Jordan bought a controlling interest in the Charlotte Hornets.
2013: Michael Jordan Motorsports Ended Participation in AMA Superbike Championship
At the end of the 2013 season, Michael Jordan Motorsports ended its participation in the premier Superbike championship sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).
2013: Granted 200th wish for Make-A-Wish Foundation
In 2013, Michael Jordan granted his 200th wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2013: Charlotte Bobcats change name to Charlotte Hornets
In 2013, the Charlotte Bobcats were renamed to the Charlotte Hornets. Michael Jordan had bought a stake in the Bobcats in June 15, 2006.
June 2014: Named first NBA player to become a billionaire
In June 2014, Michael Jordan was named the first NBA player to become a billionaire after increasing his stake in the Charlotte Hornets from 80% to 89.5%.
2014: Final year hosting annual golf tournament
From 2001 to 2014, Michael Jordan hosted the annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament, raising money for various charities. 2014 was the last year of the tournament.
January 20, 2015: Honored as Charlotte Business Journal's Business Person of the Year for 2014
On January 20, 2015, Michael Jordan was honored with the Charlotte Business Journal's Business Person of the Year award for his achievements in 2014.
2015: Jordan Brand income estimated at $110 million
In 2015, Michael Jordan's income from the Jordan Brand and endorsements was estimated at $110 million, the most of any retired athlete.
2015: 72-10 record broken
In 2015, The Bulls finished with the best regular season record in NBA history, 72–10, a mark broken two decades later by the 2015–16 Golden State Warriors.
2017: Funding of Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics
In 2017, Michael Jordan funded two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a $7 million donation.
2018: Closure of steakhouse in New York City
In 2018, the steakhouse owned by Michael Jordan in New York City's Grand Central Terminal closed.
2019: Raised more than $5 million for Make-A-Wish Foundation
As of 2019, Michael Jordan has raised more than $5 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2019: Jordan sold a minority piece of the 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: $1 million donation for Hurricane Dorian relief
In 2019, Michael Jordan donated $1 million to aid the Bahamas' recovery following Hurricane Dorian.
May 2020: Debut of "The Last Dance" TV documentary on ESPN
In May 2020, the 10-part TV documentary "The Last Dance," which covers the 1997-98 NBA season, debuted on ESPN, providing a detailed look at Michael Jordan's life and career during that period.
June 5, 2020: $100 million donation commitment for racial equality
On June 5, 2020, Michael Jordan and his brand announced a joint commitment to donate $100 million over 10 years to organizations focused on 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: Announced NASCAR Cup Series 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.
February 2021: Funding of Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinics in New Hanover County
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 Team Inaugural Season
In 2021, the 23XI Racing team, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, began competition in the NASCAR Cup Series with Bubba Wallace driving the No. 23 car.
2022: Appearance in "The Captain" miniseries
In 2022, Michael Jordan appeared in the miniseries "The Captain," which follows the life and career of Derek Jeter.
2022: 23XI Racing Added Second Car
In 2022, the 23XI Racing team added a second car, No. 45, driven by Kurt Busch, and also had Ty Gibbs, John Hunter Nemechek, and Daniel Hemric as substitute drivers.
August 2023: Finalized Sale of Hornets 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, concluding his 13-year tenure as majority owner while retaining a minority stake.
2023: 23XI Racing Fielded Third Car and Tyler Reddick took over No. 45
In 2023, 23XI Racing fielded a third car, No. 67, driven by Travis Pastrana in the Daytona 500 and Tyler Reddick took over the No. 45 car.
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: Sold Majority Stake in Charlotte Hornets
In 2023, Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets.
2024: Funding of Novant Health Clinic in Wilmington
In 2024, Michael Jordan funded the opening of another Novant Health Clinic in Wilmington.
2025: 23XI Racing acquired a third charter
In 2025, 23XI Racing acquired a third charter from the defunct Stewart-Haas Racing, the No. 35 driven by Riley Herbst.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
McDonald's is an American multinational fast food chain established in...
IMAX is a proprietary system utilizing high-resolution cameras film formats...
Christmas is an annual festival celebrated on December th commemorating...
Derek Jeter nicknamed the Captain is an American former professional...
A shoe is a protective and comfort-providing item of footwear...
Trending
29 minutes ago Angel Carter recalls tense final conversation with her twin, Aaron Carter, before death.
29 minutes ago Youngkin Declares Virginia Screen-Free Week: Encouraging Families to Unplug and Reconnect.
29 minutes ago Kathryn Hahn Reunion Hopes & 'The Office' Missed Roles Revealed: A Summary
29 minutes ago Mariah May's AEW Future Uncertain Amidst Speculation of a WWE Move
29 minutes ago Jeff Goldblum, Wife, and Sons Spotted at Italian Soccer Match with Other Celebrities.
1 hour ago Patriots trade down scenarios: Saints potential offer, Scheim's suggestion and unrealistic proposal
Popular
Doug Ford is a Canadian politician and businessman currently serving...
Justin Trudeau served as the rd Prime Minister of Canada...
The Real ID Act of is a US federal law...
Peter Navarro is an American economist and author known for...
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Bernard Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving...