Michael Jordan timeline: 123 key moments in the life and career of the Chicago Bulls legend

Michael Jeffery Jordan is born at Cumberland Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y., the fourth of five children of James and Deloris Jordan. The family lives there for 18 months while James Jordan studies airplane hydraulics on the GI Bill, then moves to Wilmington, N.C., before Michael's second birthday.

"I've got to believe one thing. One day, God was sitting around and decided to make the perfect basketball player. He gave him a little hardship early to make him appreciate what he would earn in the end and called him Michael Jordan."

- James Jordan

As a sophomore at Emsley A. Laney High School, Jordan is deemed too short and cut from the varsity basketball team. Coach Clifton "Pop" Herring selects 6-foot-8 sophomore Leroy Smith instead. Jordan would make the team the following year.

Commits to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Stars in the McDonald's All-American Game with Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin, setting a record with 30 points.

Listed as Mike Jordan in the team's 1981-82 media guide, Jordan scores 12 points against Kansas in his first game as a Tar Heel.

"I don't think Kansas respected my shooting ability. They thought I couldn't shoot."

- Michael Jordan

Scores a career-high 39 points against Georgia Tech.

Despite 26 points from Jordan, the No. 2 Tar Heels are upset by Georgia in the Elite Eight.

- Sporting News College Player of the Year.

- AP first-team All-American.

- Sporting News first-team All-American.

In a double-overtime game against Duke, Jordan scores 25 points. The victory marks the first time in 10 seasons an ACC team has gone undefeated in conference. In his seven games against the Blue Devils, Jordan scored a total of 159 points - the most he scored against any college team.

Duke was among the schools Jordan considered attending before committing to North Carolina.

Scores just 13 points as the Tar Heels are upset by Indiana in the Sweet 16.

- Sporting News College Player of the Year.

- AP first-team All-American.

- Sporting News first-team All-American.

Turns pro following his junior season at North Carolina. He finishes his college career averaging 17.7 points per game and 54% shooting.

Selected third behind Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie in the NBA draft.

"I don't think the Bulls will go undefeated next season."

- Michael Jordan, June 19, 1984

Arrives in Chicago to sign a contract worth more than $6 million. The first No. 23 jersey Jordan was given by the Bulls recently sold for more than $81,000 during an auction.

"It's good to be in Chicago, an athletic city where all the teams are starting to win. If the Cubs, Bears and White Sox can do it, why not the Bulls?"

- Michael Jordan, Sept. 12, 1984

Wearing a No. 23 Bulls jersey for the first time - in front of 13,913 fans at Chicago Stadium - Jordan scores 16 points in his NBA debut, a 109-93 victory against the Washington Bullets.

Runner-up to Atlanta's Dominique Wilkins - who is coached by Pistons star Isiah Thomas - in the Slam Dunk Contest. Jordan wins $7,000 for his efforts.

"This being the first time, I didn't know how to prepare my dunks and what the judges were looking for. Hey, $7,000 (second prize) is more money than I came with."

- Michael Jordan

Makes his All-Star Game debut. Controversy arises with talk of a "freeze out" supposedly led by Isiah Thomas to keep the ball away from the popular rookie. Thomas later denies this was intentional. Jordan shoots 2 for 9, scoring seven points in 22 minutes.

"I was nervous just about the whole first half. I kept going in and out and couldn't get into the flow."

- Michael Jordan

Scores 35 points in his first playoff victory, a 109-107 win in Game 3 of the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks. Two days later, however, the Bulls are eliminated by the Bucks three games to one.

Named NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 28.2 points and playing all 82 games. He receives the award the following month.

"Maybe I'll never have another season like this with all the hype and all the attention on my career."

- Michael Jordan

Breaks a bone in his left foot in the third game of his second season and misses 64 games. The Bulls win 30 games despite his absence and snag a playoff berth.

Returns to action, scoring 12 points in 13 minutes during a 125-116 loss to the Bucks. His minutes slowly increase through the remainder of the season.

Receives his bachelor's degree in geography after participating in a graduation ceremony at North Carolina earlier in the year. He was nine credits shy of graduating when he left for the NBA.

Soars to his first of back-to-back dunk-contest victories at the All-Star Game in Seattle.

After dropping 61 points in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Jordan becomes the only player other than Wilt Chamberlain to score more than 3,000 points in a season. He also sets a league record by scoring 23 straight points in the game and becomes the second player (after Chamberlain) to score 50 points or more in three consecutive games.

"I certainly would have traded the 61 points for a win."

- Michael Jordan

The Bulls are swept in three games by the Boston Celtics for the second straight season.

Jordan wins the first of his 10 NBA scoring titles (37.1 points per game). He would go on to win the award the next six seasons - which matched Chamberlain's record.

Earns his first MVP award in his fourth All-Star Game, scoring 40 points in the East victory.

The Bulls beat the Cavs 107-101 - with Jordan scoring 39 points - to claim a first-round series victory, marking the first time Jordan advances to the conference semifinals.

"We were in the judgment seat. Would it be heaven or would it be hell?"

- Doug Collins, Bulls coach

Scores 25 points, but the Bulls' season ends with a 102-95 loss in Game 5 to the Detroit Pistons, who take the series 4-1 and become a roadblock for Jordan over the next few years.

"I told the guys before the game: 'If we're going to go out, let's go out shooting.' "

- Michael Jordan

Becomes the first player to be named league MVP and defensive player of the year in the same season after averaging 35 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 3.2 steals.

Signs a contract "restructuring" worth about $25 million over eight years.

Juanita Vanoy gives birth to Jordan's first child, son Jeffrey. The couple would have two more children, a second son, Marcus, and a daughter, Jasmine.

With 33 points in a 120-108 loss to the 76ers, Jordan surpasses 10,000 career points. He would go on to win his third straight scoring title, averaging 32.5 points.

Jordan nails what becomes known as "The Shot" for a 101-100 victory over the Cavaliers in the playoffs. The hanging jumper from the foul line over Craig Ehlo at the buzzer in Game 5 clinches the first-round series for the Bulls.

Scores 40 points in a 113-111 Game 6 victory against the Knicks and advances to the conference finals for the first time in his five-year career.

The Bulls lose grasp of their 2-1 series lead and fall 4-2 to the Pistons in the East finals.

"No one expected us to go anywhere, but here we were, just two games from the finals."

- Michael Jordan

Phil Jackson is elevated from assistant to head coach of the Bulls, replacing Doug Collins.

"We have a solid foundation."

- Phil Jackson

After dating four years, Jordan marries Juanita Vanoy at 3:30 a.m. in front of four guests in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas.

Wears No. 12 after his No. 23 jersey is believed to be stolen. Scores 49 points in an overtime loss to the Orlando Magic.

Scores a career-high 69 points against the Cavs in a 117-113 victory. He hits 23 of 37 field goals, goes 21 for 23 on free throws and grabs 18 rebounds.

"It was my best game ever, by far, especially because we won. I've been in those situations before, like in Boston (63 in the playoffs in 1986, his previous high) when we'd lost, but not tonight."

- Michael Jordan

The Bulls fall to the Pistons in the playoffs for a third straight season. The Pistons, who double- and triple-team Jordan, eliminate the Bulls in Game 7 in Detroit, 93-74.

Scores 18 points in the regular-season finale against the Pistons, having led the Bulls to a 61-21 season and earning another scoring title by averaging 31.5 points.

Named league MVP for the second time.

"I'm happy to receive this award, but I'd much rather be back here in June picking up a ring and having everybody celebrating."

- Michael Jordan

NBC play-by-play man Marv Albert announces "Oh! A spectacular move by Michael Jordan!" after he rose for a right-handed layup, encountered the long-armed Sam Perkins, then switched to his left hand and kissed the ball in off the glass on the other side of the rim.

With a catchy jingle, Gatorade's "Be Like Mike" commercial debuts.

At the free-throw line, Jordan smiles at Denver Nuggets rookie Dikembe Mutombo and tells him this shot is for him. Jordan closes his eyes and sinks the free throw.

Drops six 3-pointers en route to 35 first-half points during Game 1 of the NBA Finals - known as "The Shrug" game - versus the Portland Trail Blazers and Clyde Drexler, whom some thought should have won the regular-season MVP award that Jordan captured.

With 22 points from Jordan, the U.S. "Dream Team" wins a gold medal with a 117-85 victory against Croatia at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. During the medal ceremony, Jordan - a Nike pitchman - hides the Reebok logo on his warmups with an American flag.

Jordan's name surfaces during the drug and money-laundering trial of convicted cocaine dealer James "Slim" Bouler. Jordan initially says a check to Bouler for $57,000 was a business loan. Under oath, Jordan acknowledges the check was payment for gambling losses.

Reaches 20,000 career points, becoming the second-fastest to do so behind Chamberlain.

Sparks controversy by gambling in Atlantic City, N.J., casinos, the night before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Knicks. He's criticized the next night for shooting 12 for 32 in a 96-91 loss, but the Bulls win the series 4-2.

"He has sacrificed to try to satisfy everybody, and after doing all of that, people still find a way of knocking him. And what he's doing now is saying, 'How much is enough? How much do I have to give?' "

- James Jordan, Michael's father

Posts an NBA Finals high of 55 points in a 111-105 Game 4 victory against the Phoenix Suns.

Competes in a celebrity home-run derby in Baltimore on the eve of baseball's All-Star Game. He doesn't hit any home runs, but Jordan earns $3,600 for charity - topping all other celebrity participants.

"Jordan's accomplishment was heralded on the scoreboard with a misspelled message praising Michael J-O-R-D-O-N, proving at least one person in the ballpark was unclear about the exact identity of the lanky slugger."

- Chicago Tribune, July 13, 1993

A decomposed body is found in Gum Swamp, about 60 miles southwest of Fayetteville, N.C. Two days later, a Lexus is found near Fayetteville with the vanity license plate UNC0023 missing.

Officials identify the body as that of James Jordan, Michael's father.

Daniel Andre Green and Larry Martin Demery are charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery as suspects in the slaying of Jordan's father.

Throws out the first pitch at a White Sox game. Later that night, sources confirm he will retire from basketball during a press conference the next day.

"I know some people will be shocked by the news ... I'm at peace with myself."

- Michael Jordan (in a paraphrased quote)

Announces his retirement from basketball.

"I have reached the pinnacle of my career ... I just feel I don't have anything else to prove."

- Michael Jordan

Receives his championship ring during his first appearance at Chicago Stadium since his retirement. The team wears black patches on their uniforms that season in honor of James Jordan.

Makes his intentions clear regarding the White Sox - he's committed to making the team.

"I want to go to spring training for one reason, and that's to make the team."

- Michael Jordan

Agrees to a minor league contract with the White Sox.

After an 0-for-14 start to spring training, Jordan notches his first hit, a grounder off the third-baseman's glove. It's also the date of a Sports Illustrated cover with the headline "Bag It, Michael: Jordan and The White Sox Are Embarrassing Baseball."

"Almost like a championship."

- Michael Jordan, on the excitement of his first hit

Just one day after playing for the White Sox against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Jordan debuts with the Double-A Birmingham Barons of the Southern League and plays right field. He goes hitless in three at-bats.

Gets his first hits as a baseball pro, singling twice.

Hits the first home run of his pro career, then points to the sky as he crosses home plate in a tribute to his deceased father, who would have celebrated a birthday the next day. For the season, Jordan hits .202 with 51 RBIs, 30 stolen bases and 114 strikeouts in 127 games. His presence boosts attendance throughout the Southern League.

"That's the best birthday present I could give him. It still makes me kind of emotional because I wish he was here to see it. But I know he saw it. It couldn't have happened on a better day."

- Michael Jordan

Plays in the Scottie Pippen All-Star Classic - the final game at Chicago Stadium - and scores 52 points. He kisses the Bulls logo on the floor at game's end.

Bats .252 in 35 games for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.

Day 1 of White Sox workouts during the players strike. Jordan, who supports the union, says he understands from Sox management that he will not be "put in the predicament" of playing in such games.

"I won't put myself in the middle of players and owners."

- Michael Jordan

Stuffs his stuff into a Bulls duffel bag and leaves White Sox spring training camp after the team is split into those who will play exhibition games and those who won't. Jordan had vowed earlier to stay out of the baseball strike.

Quits baseball citing the MLB labor dispute's effect on his development.

"As a 32-year-old minor leaguer, who lacks the benefit of valuable baseball experience over the past 15 years, I am no longer comfortable that there is meaningful opportunity to continue my improvement at a satisfactory pace."

- Michael Jordan, in a statement

A two-word fax announces Jordan's return to the Bulls.

"I'm back."

- Michael Jordan, in a fax

Wearing No. 45, the same number he wore for the Barons and as a basketball player in junior high school, Jordan plays 38 minutes, scoring 19 points on 7-for-28 shooting with six rebounds and six assists in an 103-96 overtime loss to Indiana.

Scores 55 points - hence the nickname "Double Nickel" game - and dishes the game-winning assist in a 113-111 win at Madison Square Garden.

Knocked out of the playoffs by the Magic in the Eastern Conference semifinals. It is the first time a Jordan-led Chicago team is bounced from the playoffs since 1990.

That summer, the NBA locks out its players.

"The way some people were praising me it was like I was some religious cult. That was embarrassing. I'm just a human being."

- Michael Jordan

Scores 22 points in 20 minutes and earns game MVP honors in his first All-Star Game since 1993, though some believe Orlando Magic center Shaquille O'Neal deserved the award for his impressive slam dunk.

The Bulls end the regular season with 72 wins - an NBA record - with Jordan scoring 26 points. Jordan (30.4 ppg) leads the NBA in scoring for a record eighth time.

Wins his fourth MVP award, getting 96.5% of the first-place votes, the highest percentage since media began voting in 1980-81.

On Father's Day, Jordan wins his fourth NBA title with the Bulls - the first since the death of his father.

"It was Father's Day the last time the Bulls won the world championship, too. But in 1993, Jordan had his father James to help celebrate. It has been almost three years since the tragic death of James Jordan, and his son says not a day goes by that he is not in his thoughts."

- Chicago Tribune, June 17, 1996

Agrees to a one-year contract with the Bulls worth $30 million - the biggest single-season contract ever in American team sports.

Posts the first triple-double in All-Star Game history - 14 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists - but Glen Rice is named MVP after scoring 26 points.

Dunks over Hawks big man Dikembe Mutombo, then displays Mutombo's signature finger wag.

Scores 39, grabs 11 boards, dishes to Steve Kerr for the game-winning jumper and then dances on the scorer's table after the Bulls win their fifth NBA title. Jordan is named Finals MVP for the second straight season.

"There has to be some sense of loyalty. To me, to Phil to Scottie, even to Dennis ... You want to look at this from a business standpoint? Then have some respect for the people who laid the groundwork."

- Michael Jordan

Signs a one-year, $36 million deal after coach Phil Jackson signs a one-year contract.

Earns All-Star Game MVP honors.

In his last game at Madison Square Garden, Jordan wears the original Air Jordan model from 1984. Though the shoes are small, he drops 42 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals on the New York Knicks in the victory.

The largest crowd in NBA history - 62,046 people - watches Jordan score 34 points in the Bulls' 89-74 win over the Atlanta Hawks at the Georgia Dome.

The ticket demand for the game was so great that the Hawks put an extra 8,000 seats on sale, even though they offered no view of the court.

Drops 44 points on the Knicks to seal his 10th NBA scoring title with 28.7 points per game.

Announces his second retirement.

"I never say never, but 99.9 percent. I am very secure with my decision."

- Michael Jordan

Joins the Washington Wizards as part owner and president of basketball operations.

"Quite honestly I never was offered this situation in Chicago. That's not to blame Jerry (Reinsdorf). When I retired I wasn't looking for this platform. It just evolved."

- Michael Jordan

Hires Doug Collins, his former coach with the Bulls, to coach the Wizards.

Juanita Jordan files for divorce the same day Michael scores his 30,000th career point against the Bulls. One month later, the Jordans jointly withdraw the divorce case.

Scores two points - the lowest scoring game of his career - in 12 minutes in a loss to the Lakers. The next day he's placed on the injured list, ending his season.

Announces he will retire for a third time after the 2002-03 season, saying there is "zero" chance of another return.

The Miami Heat retire Jordan's No. 23 even though he never played for the team.

In the final NBA game of his career, Jordan scores 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting in a 107-87 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. He leaves the floor with 1 minute, 45 seconds left after a fourth-quarter curtain call.

"I have given everything I could to the game. It's time. I know it. I feel it."

- Michael Jordan

Fired by the Wizards as president of basketball operations.

Becomes part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats and becomes, according to the team, "managing member of basketball operations."

Jordan and wife, Juanita, divorce after 17 years of marriage. Juanita reportedly receives a $168 million settlement.

Jordan is the first former player to become a majority owner in the NBA when the league's Board of Governors approves his $275 million purchase of the Charlotte Bobcats. Today, the team is known as the Hornets.

"I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to build a winning team in my home state of North Carolina."

- Michael Jordan

Marries Yvette Prieto. He becomes the father to twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel, the following year.

Reaches a settlement with supermarkets Jewel-Osco and Dominick's over a pair of ads in a 2009 commemorative edition of Sports Illustrated that allegedly contained unauthorized use of his name, according to spokespeople for both sides.

Jordan donates the net proceeds of the multimillion-dollar settlement to 23 charities.

"The Last Dance," a 10-part documentary on Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls, premieres.

The series was scheduled to launch in June, but its release was hastened due to the cancellation of games as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.