Things You Never Knew About Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan vaunts a fistful of rings, an airplane hangar's worth of NBA accolades and the most profoundly successful line of signature apparel in sports history. He's been in movies, commercials andโdespite retiring a decade agoโstill has a lasting influence throughout the world.
As a result, the stories and details of MJ's legendary career have been disseminated and talked about for more than three decades. Of course, a few be-like-Mike tidbits have fallen through the cracks. Get your dose of Jordan deep cuts with these things you didn't know about No. 23.
MJ's Long-Range Learning Curve
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When comparing the first three years of their careers,ย Blake Griffin vaunts a better three-point percentage than Michael Jordan.
MJ shot .176 percent (24 of 136) from three-point range during his first three seasons. In his early career, Blake Griffin is a decidedly more accurate (albeit, still pathetic) 17 of 77 from long range.ย
Nike's Sound Investment
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Jordanโs first shoe deal with Nike was for less than $3 million dollars over five years.ย
By comparison, LeBron James' first contract with Nike was seven-years,ย $90 million, whileย Derrick Roseโs current contract with Adidas is a reported 13-year, $185 million deal.
"The Shot" Decoded
3 of 14He didnโt see โThe Shotโ over Craig Ehlo go through the net. His iconic, arm-swinging celebration was based entirely on crowd reaction.ย
In case you had doubts about Jordan's precipitable self-confidence.ย
The Plight of a Two-Sport Athlete
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While playing for the Double-A Birmingham Barons in 1994, Jordan vaunted a .202 batting average, three home runs and struck out 114 times.ย
When quitting your day job goes horribly, horribly wrong.
The Sneaker Trade Is Getting out of Control
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His โFlu Gameโ sneakers, which he'd given to a Utah Jazz ball boy,ย recently sold at auction for more than $100,000.
The shoes that were close to being hurled on throughout Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals fetchedย $104,765.
High-Stakes Scrambles
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According to Richard Esquinasย (via the Los Angeles Times)ย Jordan once ran up a gambling debt of $1.25 million in a single day of golf.
Clearly, Air Jordan takes his Bingo Bango Bongo very seriously.
Adidas Misses the MJ Gravy Train
7 of 14If Adidas offered, MJ would have likely signed with Three Stripes instead of the Swoosh.
By his own admission, Jordan preferred Adidas to Nike and even offered his favorite shoe company at the time an opportunity to counter Nike's deal.
Michael Jordan: Good Samaritan
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Heโs been responsible for making more than 175 wishes come true for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Jordan is a true winner on and off of the court (unless it's divorce court).
Air Jordan's Dunk Contest Legacy
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Michael Jordan competed in three dunk contests and only lost one, an โ85 bout against Dominique Wilkins.ย
Remember when this event used to be cool?
MJ's Fight Against Institutionalized Conformity
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Citing the sneakerโs โgaudiness,โ the NBA originally threatened to fine MJ $1,000 for wearing his signature shoes and $5,000 for repeat offenses.ย
Thankfully for the marketing department at Nike, the company was able to negotiate the league off of its fashion high horse.
The Unintended Consequences of Incredible Trash Talk
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According to a Chicago Bulls source, MJ effectively ended Rodney McCrayโs career with savage trash talk during scrimmages.ย
Granted, McCray was on his last legs by the time he reached Chicago. Age probably had as much to do with McCray's departure as brutal Jordan digs in practice.
Free Big Macs for the Neighborhood
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During a Halloween in the mid-80s, Jordan prepared McDonald's cards with his name printed on them that trick-or-treaters could exchange for free Big Macs.ย
For those of you who think it's a good idea to give out Bit-o-Honey or Almond Joy miniatures, take notes.
Hitting the Sneaker Jackpot
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According to an article byย Sports Illustrated, Nike expected the Air Jordan line to do $10 million in business in its first year. It did more than $130 million, instead.ย
If X-Box Live time investments yielded similarly prosperous results, I'd be sailing on a yacht in Saint-Tropez with cast of Spring Breakers right now.
Can't Tell If Six-Time NBA Champion or Cary Grant...
14 of 14He has Academy Award-caliber acting chops.
Between this commercial and Space Jam, His Airness should have as many Oscars as he does title rings.
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