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 an American businessman and former professional basketball player widely regarded as the greatest of all time. He played 15 seasons in the NBA, predominantly with the Chicago Bulls, leading them to six NBA championships. Jordan's impact transcended the sport, as he played a pivotal role in popularizing basketball globally and becoming a cultural icon in the 1980s and 1990s.

Sections (6)

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

1969: Willis Reed MVP Sweep

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

1981: McDonald's All-American Game

In 1981, Michael Jordan was selected for the McDonald's All-American Game, scoring 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.

1982: National Championship

In 1982, Michael Jordan was a freshman member of the North Carolina Tar Heels' national championship team.

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 won a gold medal while playing for the United States national team at the Pan American Games.

1984: Naismith and Wooden Awards

In 1984, Michael Jordan won the Naismith and the Wooden College Player of the Year awards before leaving North Carolina to enter the NBA draft.

1985: Rookie Season Success

During his rookie 1984-85 season, Michael Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game and became a fan favorite, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award, but also encountering controversy at the All-Star Game. The Bulls also made the playoffs for the first time since the 1980-81 season.

1987: Scoring Title

In the 1987-88 season, Michael Jordan led the league in scoring.

1988: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In 1988, Michael Jordan was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

1990: Bulls franchise record

In 1990, the Bulls established a new franchise record, setting the stage for their dominance in the upcoming season.

1990: Jordan's MVP Award

In the 1990-91 season, Michael Jordan won his second MVP award.

1991: Bulls Dominance and MVP Award

In 1991, Jordan and the Bulls established a 67–15 record and Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award, averaging 30.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, and 6.1 apg.

1991: First NBA Title

In 1991, Michael Jordan won his first NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.

1992: Second NBA Title

In 1992, Michael Jordan secured his second NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1992, Michael Jordan won a gold medal at the Tournament of the Americas and the Summer Olympics.

1993: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 1993, Jordan and the Bulls won their third NBA championship, with Jordan averaging a Finals-record 41.0 ppg and becoming 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 Bulls secured a three-peat, winning their third consecutive NBA title. Jordan abruptly retired from basketball to play Minor League Baseball.

November 1, 1994: Jersey Retirement and Sculpture Erection

On November 1, 1994, the Bulls retired Jordan's No. 23 jersey and erected a permanent sculpture outside the new United Center.

1996: Fourth NBA Title

In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to their fourth NBA championship and a record 72 regular season wins.

1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team

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

1997: Fifth NBA Title

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

1997: MVP Award and Scoring Title

In the 1997-98 season, Jordan led the league with 28.7 ppg, securing his fifth regular season MVP award, plus honors for All-NBA First Team, First Defensive Team, and the All-Star Game MVP.

1998: Sixth NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 1998, Jordan led the Bulls to their sixth NBA championship, earning his sixth Finals MVP award and solidifying the highest television rating for any Finals series.

1998: Sixth NBA Title

In 1998, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their sixth NBA championship.

1999: Greatest North American Athlete

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

2002: ACC 50th Anniversary Team Selection

In 2002, Michael Jordan was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball 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 Hall of Fame

In September 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He selected David Thompson to present him and gave an emotional speech, which was captured by the Associated Press, later becoming the "Crying Jordan" Internet meme.

2009: Hall of Fame Induction

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 20th-Most-Powerful Celebrity

In June 2010, Michael Jordan was ranked by Forbes as the 20th-most-powerful celebrity in the world.

2010: Hall of Fame Induction and North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

In 2010, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 'Dream Team'. He was also inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

June 2014: First NBA Player Billionaire

In June 2014, Michael Jordan was named the first NBA player to become a billionaire.

January 20, 2015: Business Person of the Year

On January 20, 2015, Michael Jordan was honored with the Charlotte Business Journal's Business Person of the Year for 2014.

2015: FIBA Hall of Fame Induction

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

2015: Highest Income Retired Athlete

In 2015, Michael Jordan's income was an estimated $110 million, the most of any retired athlete.

2016: First Billionaire Player and Presidential Medal of Freedom

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