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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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 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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
LK12 presents an 18 minute tribute to Jordan. Background provided by Ishaan Mishra.
Invincible Part 1 (9:08) Invincible Part 2 (9:23)