Michael Jordan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Michael Jordan. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1969: Jordan sweeps MVP awards

In 1969, Michael Jordan achieved only the second sweep of the MVP awards in the All-Star Game, regular season, and NBA Finals after Willis Reed in the 1969–70 season.

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: 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: Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year Awards

In 1984, Michael Jordan won the Naismith and the Wooden College Player of the Year awards and entered the NBA draft.

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.

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: 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.

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.

1992: Jordan loses MVP streak

In 1992, Michael Jordan had a strong season with 32.6 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game. Despite his performance, Jordan's streak of consecutive MVP seasons ended as he lost the award to his friend Charles Barkley.

1992: Participation in Dream Team and Gold Medals

In 1992, Michael Jordan was part of the "Dream Team" alongside Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, winning gold medals at the Tournament of the Americas and the Summer Olympics.

1992: "The Dream Team" Olympic Gold Medal

In 1992, Michael Jordan won a gold medal playing for the United States men's Olympic basketball team known as "The Dream Team".

1992: NBA Title with the Chicago Bulls

In 1992, Michael Jordan won another NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal

Michael Jordan won a gold medal with the 1992 U.S. men's basketball team.

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: 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.

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.

September 1996: Named Greatest Athlete of the Past 50 Years

In the September 1996 issue of Sport, which was the publication's 50th-anniversary issue, Michael Jordan was named the greatest athlete of the past 50 years.

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: Named One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History

In 1996, Michael Jordan was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team Selection

In 1996, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team.

1997: NBA Title with the Chicago Bulls

In 1997, Michael Jordan secured another NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.

1997: Jordan's fifth MVP award

In 1997, Michael Jordan secured his fifth regular season MVP award, leading the league with 28.7 points per game, and earning honors for All-NBA First Team, First Defensive Team, and the All-Star Game MVP.

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.

June 14, 1998: Game 6 of NBA Finals

On June 14, 1998, Michael Jordan executed a series of plays in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, considered one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history.

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: Sixth NBA Championship

In 1998, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA championship.

December 1999: Ranked Among the Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century

In December 1999, Michael Jordan was ranked as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century by ESPN and the Associated Press, solidifying his legacy as a basketball icon.

1999: Greatest North American Athlete of the 20th Century

In 1999, Michael Jordan was named the 20th century's greatest North American athlete by ESPN.

2002: Named to ACC 50th Anniversary Men's Basketball Team

In 2002, Michael Jordan was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team, honoring the 50 greatest players in ACC history.

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 11, 2003: Miami Heat Retires No. 23 Jersey

On April 11, 2003, the Miami Heat retired Michael Jordan's No. 23 jersey, even though he never played for the team.

2008: Named Chief Wish Ambassador

In 2008, the Make-A-Wish Foundation named Michael Jordan its Chief Wish Ambassador.

September 2009: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In September 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Hall of Fame, selecting David Thompson to present him. His emotional reaction during his speech, when Jordan began to cry, was captured by Associated Press photographer Stephan Savoia and later went viral as the "Crying Jordan" Internet meme.

2009: Induction into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.

June 2010: Ranked as the 20th-most-powerful celebrity by Forbes

In June 2010, Forbes ranked Michael Jordan as the 20th-most-powerful celebrity in the world, estimating his earnings between June 2009 and June 2010 at $55 million.

2010: Hall of Fame Induction

In 2010, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team and also into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

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: FIBA Hall of Fame Induction

In 2015, Michael Jordan was inducted as an individual member of the FIBA Hall of Fame.

2016: First Billionaire Player in NBA History

In 2016, Michael Jordan became the first billionaire player in NBA history and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

2016: Honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, President Barack Obama honored Michael Jordan with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2017: Designated as athlete with highest career earnings

In 2017, Forbes designated Michael Jordan as the athlete with the highest career earnings.

2017: FIBA Hall of Fame Induction as "Dream Team" Member

In 2017, Michael Jordan was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame as a "Dream Team" member.

October 2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection

In 2021, Michael Jordan was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2021: Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Michael Jordan was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

December 2022: NBA MVP Trophy Named in Jordan's Honor

In December 2022, the NBA unveiled a new MVP trophy named in Michael Jordan's honor, replacing the original trophy to be awarded beginning with the 2022–23 season.