If you’re a basketball fan over the age of 25, you’re likely a fan of Michael Jordan. If you’re a basketball fan over the age of 25 who grew up in Illinois, you likely worshiped the man.
When I see MJ, I see my childhood — countless hours in the driveway shooting hoops, covering my wall in MJ posters — so I get nostalgic. It’s exciting for this ‘kid’ from central Illinois that February 7 marks 30 years since MJ went from NBA superstar to global icon.
Today is the anniversary Jordan put on an absolute show unknown to man during the 1987 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
It wasn’t MJ’s first rodeo, but his carefully crafted and mesmerizing set of dunks not only became posters on countless walls across the world, but his freakin’ “Jumpman” logo for the entire Jordan brand.
Below is the raw TV video. Dominique Wilkins (arguably the best dunker of the decade) was sidelined due to an injury, so Jordan matched up with Jerome Kersey for the title.
*In my infomercial voice * BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!
February 7 also marks the 23rd anniversary of Jordan officially becoming a baseball player.
Thank God he would return to the Bulls and basketball less than two years later … even though he would retire two more times. But those Wizards years don’t count.
What can I say? I’m a Bulls kid. And mom still has those posters up in my old room.
Jordan would also go on to win the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest title … and basically every record and title known to the sport thereafter …
Josh Helmuth is the editor of Crave Sports.
Photo: Getty
