Stoked 4 Web Presents

'His Airness' Michael Jordan

An era that will be remembered when dunking evolved into flying

Stoked For Web pays tribute to the greatest basketball player of all time. Michael Jordan has had an epic career. His Airness is a timeline which showcases major milestones of Michael Jordan's basketball career and is meant to inspire through his words.

Credit for the images must be given to Getty Images, Sports Illustrated, NBA, Nike, Flickr Users (garmil, labels_30), Upper Deck and Ishan Mishra

Making the Cut

Greatness springs from humble beginnings

His basketball career began by being cut from the Varsity High School team his sophmore year. After growing another 4" and a lot of practice Michael would make the team the next year and lead to Laney's first conference championship.

"I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come."
michael jordan laney high school michael jordan grabbing rim at laney high school

Jordan becomes a Tarheel

Michael comes into his own

A 1982 NCAA title in his rookie year with UNC gave Michael a taste of stardom. Making the cover of Sports Illustrated was just the beginning.

"I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win."
michael jordan unc drive michael jordan unc free throw michael jordan unc title shot michael jordan unc sports illustrated cover

The Pro
Debut

A draft class like no other

On June 19, 1984 Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie take 1st and 2nd overall in the 1984 NBA draft. The greatest player of all time was passed on twice before being selected 3rd overall by the Chicago Bulls. With hall of famer names like Olajuwon, Barkley and Stockton coming into the league the same year Jordan emerged as rookie of the year.

"You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them."
michael jordan smile michael jordan drafted michael jordan 1984 nba star draft class

His Airness Rises

When dunking became flying

After witnessing Michael win two Slam Dunk Contests in 87' and 88' it is hard to put anybody close to his greatness. Michael did not use props or showmanship to win the crowd and judges. He just plain flew through the air with style.

"Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."
michael jordan rock the cradle dunk air jordan one shoe air jordan takes flight michael jordan takes home first slam dunk title in 87'

Rivalries Emerge

The target rises with stardom

The Celtics, Pistons and Lakers were not going to let Jordan fly so easily. Boston's teamwork was unparalleled. Detroit's hard nosed defense was a like a brick wall. Los Angeles had star power.

"My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength."
michael jordan vs joe dumars michael jordan vs danny ainge michael jordan vs magic johnson

Doubt Settles into Chicago

Chicago hit a brick wall

Michael Jordan was a proven multi-dimensional player with the 88' Defensive Player of the Year Award but Joe Dumars and the Detroit Pistons seemed to be too much. The Chicago Bulls had lost to the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs 3 consecutive years. (88'-90')

"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."
michael jordan at dunk contest michael jordan flying high over lakers michael jordan vs julius erving michael jordan vs charles barkley michael jordan celebrates after taking the winning shot against cleveland michael jordan takes the winning shot against cleveland

A Weight
Off His Back

Michael brushes the doubters off his back

In 1991 Michael led the Bulls to an NBA championship title while sweeping Magic Johnson and the LA Lakers in the finals.

"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed."
michael jordan rock hugs magic johnson michael jordan stares down magic johnson michael jordan vs magic johnson

Olympic
Gold

A two time olympic champion

In 1992 Michael co-captained the USA Dream Team along side Larry Bird and Magic Johnson at the Barcelona Olympics and took home gold. The 1992 games were the first to allow professional players to participate. This was Michael's second time bringing home the gold as he was part of the 1984 winning squad.

"Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game."
michael jordan cherishing the moment of victory larry bird, michael jordan, magic johnson michael jordan in the 1992 olympic dream team uniform michael jordan takes a jumpshot for the 1984 usa olympic team

Third Times
A Charm

What is left for Jordan to accomplish?

After winning three NBA titles in 91',92' and 93' Michael hung up the basketball jersery to attempt a career in professional baseball.

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
michael jordan celebrates 3rd nba title michael jordan playing baseball michael jordan vs clyde drexler michael jordan vs charles barkley

Forty Five Equals Six

I'm back and I still got it...

When Michael came back from retirement he didn't want to play with the last number his father had seen him wear. Michael chose the number 45, the number his older brother wore as a kid. Another three-peat of NBA titles in 96', 97' and 98' would give Michael his 6th championship title.

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships."
michael jordan one handed dunk michael jordan celebrates his 4th nba title with a cigar dennis rodman, scottie pippen and michael jordan michael jordan vs shawn kemp michael jordan vs reggie miller

Pulling Off Wizardry

Time to teach my magic...

On January 13, 1999 Michael elected to retire from the game again but he could not fill the void. On September 25, 2001 Michael Jordan signed with the Washington Wizards. At the tender age of 38 and 39 he was still putting up allstar type numbers.

"The game is my wife. It demands loyalty and responsibility, and it gives me back fulfillment and peace."
michael jordan vs kobe bryant michael jordan vs shaquille o'neal michael jordan vs ben wallace

The
Jumpman Lifestyle

Passing down the torch

There comes a time when every leader must step aside and leave things in the hands of another. After retiring for the last time Jordan became a team owner for the Charlotte Bobcats and still is part of the lifestyle Jumpman brand.

"Even when I'm old and grey, I won't be able to play it, but I'll still love the game."
michael jordan reflecting michael jordan and spike lee michael jordan jumpman poster michael jordan the businessman michael jordan, allen iverson, stephon marbury