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, or MJ, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. He played 15 seasons in the NBA (1984-2003), securing six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever and played a crucial role in globally popularizing basketball and the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s, ultimately becoming a global cultural icon. He is currently a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets.

Sections (6)

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

1976: ABA-NBA Merger

Since 1976, the year of the ABA–NBA merger, Jordan and Pippen are the only two players to win six NBA Finals playing for one team.

1982: National Championship with UNC

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

1982: Game-winning shot

In 1982, as a freshman, Michael Jordan made the game-winning jump shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown.

1983: Debut in the Pan American Games

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: NCAA All-American First Team selection

In 1983, Michael Jordan was selected to the NCAA All-American First Team.

1983: Pan American Games Gold Medal

In 1983, Michael Jordan won a gold medal with the United States national team at the Pan American Games.

1984: Jordan wins gold at the Summer Olympics

In 1984, Michael Jordan won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics as part of the U.S. team, contributing as the team's leading scorer.

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.

1984: Olympic gold medal

Michael Jordan won an Olympic gold medal with the 1984 U.S. men's basketball team.

August 26, 1985: Shattering the backboard

On August 26, 1985, Michael Jordan shattered the glass of the backboard with a dunk during a Nike exhibition game in Trieste, Italy.

April 20, 1986: Sets single game playoff record against the Boston Celtics

On April 20, 1986, Michael Jordan established the single game playoff record of 63 points against the Boston Celtics, leading Larry Bird to describe him as "God disguised as Michael Jordan".

1986: One of the most prolific scoring seasons

During the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan had one of the most prolific scoring seasons in NBA history, and also became the first player in NBA history to record 200 steals and 100 blocked shots in a season.

1987: MVP Award and Defensive Player of the Year

In 1987-88 season, Michael Jordan won his first league MVP Award and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

1988: Start of consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting

From 1988 to 1992, Michael Jordan had five consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting.

1988: NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award

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

1988: NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards

In 1988, Michael Jordan was honored with the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards, making him the first NBA player to win both awards in their career.

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 and franchise record

In 1990, Michael Jordan won his second MVP award, averaging 31.5 points per game with a 53.9% shooting accuracy, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game for the regular season. The Bulls finished first in their division for the first time in sixteen years and set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season.

1990: Dominance and MVP award

In the 1990 season, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to a first-place finish in their division for the first time in sixteen years and set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season. Also, he won his second MVP award after averaging 31.5 points per game on 53.9% shooting, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 5.5 assists per game.

1991: First NBA title with the Bulls

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

1991: Continued Dominance and Second Consecutive MVP Award

In the 1991 season, Jordan and the Bulls continued their dominance, establishing a 67–15 record, topping their franchise record from the 1990–91 campaign. Jordan also 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.

1992: Consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting

From 1988 to 1992, Michael Jordan had five consecutive seasons with at least 50% shooting.

1992: Dream Team Member

In 1992, Michael Jordan played for the "Dream Team" in the Olympics.

1992: Member of the 'Dream Team' at the Summer Olympics

In 1992, Michael Jordan was a member of the 'Dream Team,' winning gold at the Summer Olympics, starting in all eight games and averaging 14.9 ppg.

1992: Second NBA title with the Bulls

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

1992: Olympic gold medal

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

1993: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award

In 1993, 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 secured a three-peat with the Bulls and then abruptly retired from basketball to play Minor League Baseball.

November 1, 1994: No. 23 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.

March 28, 1995: 55 Points Against the Knicks

On March 28, 1995, during his comeback, Michael Jordan scored 55 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

September 1996: Named greatest athlete of the past 50 years by Sport magazine

In the September 1996 issue of Sport, Michael Jordan was named the greatest athlete of the past 50 years.

1996: Fourth NBA title and record season wins

In 1996, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to their fourth 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.

1996: David Thompson Selected to Present Jordan

In 1996, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member David Thompson was selected to present Michael Jordan during his induction.

1997: Fifth NBA title

In 1997, Michael Jordan secured his fifth NBA title.

June 14, 1998: Game 6 of the NBA Finals

On June 14, 1998, in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at the Delta Center, Michael Jordan executed a series of plays considered to be one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history, leading the Bulls to a victory over the Utah Jazz.

1998: Sixth NBA title

In 1998, Michael Jordan won his sixth NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.

1998: NBA Finals Jersey

In September 2022, Jordan's jersey worn at the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals was sold for $10.1 million.

December 1999: Ranked as the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century

In December 1999, an ESPN survey of journalists, athletes, and other sports figures ranked Michael Jordan the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century.

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: Greatest athlete in ACC history

In 2002, Michael Jordan was named the greatest athlete in ACC history.

2002: Tributes paid to Jordan in his final season

In the 2002-03 season, many tributes were paid to Michael Jordan throughout the NBA, recognizing that it would be his final season.

February 21, 2003: First 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game

On February 21, 2003, Michael Jordan became the first 40-year-old to score 43 points in an NBA game while playing for the Washington Wizards.

April 11, 2003: Miami Heat retired Jordan's 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, in recognition of his impact on basketball.

August 2009: Michael Jordan Exhibit Opens at Hall of Fame

In August 2009, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opened an exhibit dedicated to Michael Jordan.

September 2009: Jordan Inducted into Hall of Fame

In September 2009, Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, with former Bulls teammates and coaches in attendance. His emotional reaction during the speech spawned the "Crying Jordan" 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 United States Olympic Hall of Fame.

February 2010: Jordan Seeks Majority Ownership of Bobcats

In February 2010, Michael Jordan sought majority ownership of the Charlotte Bobcats, and by February 27th, an agreement was reached for him to buy the team, pending NBA approval.

June 2010: Forbes Ranking

In June 2010, Michael Jordan was ranked by Forbes as the 20th most powerful celebrity in the world, having earned $55 million between June 2009 and June 2010.

2010: Second 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 North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

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 into the FIBA Hall of Fame.

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Michael Jordan was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

2016: Jordan Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2017: Highest Career Earnings

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

2017: "Dream Team" member in Hall of Fame

In 2017, Michael Jordan was named as a 'Dream Team' member in Hall of Fame.

October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

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

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.

September 2022: Jersey Sold for Record Price

In September 2022, Michael Jordan's jersey from the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals was sold for $10.1 million, becoming the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia in history.

December 2022: NBA MVP Trophy Named After Jordan

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

August 2023: Jordan Finalizes Sale of Hornets

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 while retaining a minority stake.