There are only a few athletes that are as iconic as Chicago Bulls’ legend Michael Jordan. So, it was only fitting that a fellow American icon would usher His Airness into the franchise’s inaugural Ring of Honor ceremony.
Former President Barack Obama, a Chicago native himself, penned a short essay praising Jordan’s talent and impact on the game during his reign with the Bulls.
From being good to becoming the greatest of all time
A lot of people already knew how good Jordan was, especially after his stint with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels—a team he led to an NCAA championship in his first season in the league. However, Obama said that not a lot of people—or even Jordan himself—knew of the potential he had to become the greatest of all time.
“When Michael Jordan arrived in Chicago in 1984, a skinny kid with a full head of hair and a winning smile, everyone knew he was going to be good. After all, here was a player who, as a freshman, had hit the game-winning shot to propel the North Carolina Tar Heels over the Georgetown Hoyas in a national championship game, and had gone on to be a two-time first team All-American, an Olympic Gold Medal winner, and a national player of the year,” Obama wrote.
“What people didn't realize at the time - what maybe even Michael didn't realize at the time - was that the same young man would become the greatest player the game had ever seen, a transcendent athlete who would fundamentally change the face of sports, commerce and American culture,” Obama continued.
The greatest show in sports
When Jordan was at the peak of his powers, he was more than just a basketball player; he was a cultural phenomenon that drew mammoth crowds wherever he went. His name was synonymous with excellence, and his trademark moves, like the fadeaway jumper and his jaw-dropping aerial moves, captivated audiences around the world.
“No other player before or since has possessed Michael's combination of dazzling athleticism and flawless fundamentals; such a tireless work ethic and an unmatched competitive fire. Not only did he win with ruthless efficiency, but his performances displayed a grace and imagination that made the Chicago Bulls the greatest show in sports,” Obama shared.
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