Nothing proves just how much of a trailblazer Michael Jordan was than how announcers treated him during his early playing days.
Back in 1988, before Jordan had won any championships, the Chicago Bulls star left commentators speechless after a remarkable move against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Jordan constantly had commentators mesmerisedCredit: GETTY
After the Cavaliers missed a three-pointer, Jordan picked up the ball, glided across the court and then dodged a steal from the defender with a wrap-around dribble.
The remarkable aspect of this move was that, while most players wrap the ball from one hand to the other, MJ moved the ball from his right, behind his body and then back to the same hand.
His Airness ended the possession by drawing a foul and then banking both free throws.
The six-time NBA champion’s dribble was initially met with silence from the announcers.
One of them eventually spoke as they were left stunned by what they just saw.
“I can’t explain what he just did,” he said while laughing.
“He wrapped it around from his right hand to his right hand. I’ve never seen that in all my days.
“I just saw Michael Jordan wrap a dribble around from his right hand to his right hand!”
Jordan ended the game with 39 points.
From that moment on, he went on to forge an unprecedented legacy in the NBA that still stands as the best resume in basketball history, 42 years on.
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Jordan was a master at creating spaceCredit: Timeless Sports
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Nobody could believe what they witnessedCredit: Timeless Sports
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His Airness is a six-time NBA championCredit: GETTY
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Jordan formed a remarkable trio with Scottie Pippen and Denis RodmanCredit: GettyMichael Jordan’s accolades
Jordan’s stunning six championships came from six NBA Finals as he ended his career having never lost a season-ending series.
Along with his rings, Jordan picked up six NBA Finals MVP awards and five more in the regular season, along with ten scoring titles and 14 All-Star selections.
In 1988, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year, an accolade that sums up the complete player he was when coupled with his offensive awards.
Jordan also picked up two Olympic gold medals and was part of the famous 1992 Dream Team that stormed to the top prize in Barcelona.
The great was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. cementing his legacy with many considering the former Bulls star as the best player of all-time.
His other honours include ten All-NBA First Team selections, nine All-Defensive First Team selections, three All-Star MVP awards and being a two-time Slam Dunk champion.
Cooper Flagg declares there’s only one answer in GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron JamesWhat does Michael Jordan do now?
While Jordan keeps his private life away from the media, his current interests include being a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
He has also created a business empire that saw him become a billionaire after his retirement.
Furthermore, it was revealed in May that Jordan will return to our screens as a special correspondent for NBC’s coverage of the NBA for the new season.
Announcing Jordan as a correspondent at a presentation at Radio City Music Hall, the broadcaster mimicked the famous press release the six-time NBA champion did when he un-retired from basketball in 1995, by flashing the words ‘I’m back’ on the screen.
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