23 Turns 50

Tomorrow is Michael Jordan's 50 Birthday. I only had the pleasure of actually watching Jordan during his Championship years with the Chicago Bulls and his return with the Washington Wizards. But the few games I did watch were memorable (as I wrote in a previous post).

Wright Thompson wrote a great (lengthy) article on Michael Jordan's life after basketball. In it were many obvious statements: Jordan is ridiculously competitive, still obsessed with the game of basketball, and all about his brand and Nike. But what is surprising is he does Sudoku fast and plays Bejeweled (old school). It was also interesting learning that he still watches old Western movies, as he did with his father, James Jordan. It's been almost 10 years since he ultimately retired with the Wizards, 15 years since his second retirement with the Bulls, and 17 years since his first retirement after his father's death. With each year passing by, it seems like the legend of MJ keeps on growing and feels more like a basketball folklore. Though he was no Bo Jackson in dual sports (Ichiro can vouch for that). This may be his memorable moment and I wasn't even born yet...:

Even though I didn't play basketball, Jordan had a huge influence in my life. I still have all my Michael Jordan cards separated from every other sports cards at my parents' house. He was in a different league than any other athlete in my mind (At least the athletes that had cards). He's probably the reason I love McDonald's so much. He is probably the inspiration for when I stick my tongue out when I play sports (I never dunk though). And who can forget about Space Jam?

He maybe the most ideal person to look up to for competitiveness and excelling at what he does. He still plays basketball ridiculous well; he beat Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (19 years old) whom was drafted by Michael Jordan's team, the Charlotte Bobcats, last year at number two. And outside of the game, he's a business and marketing master. What doesn't he excel at?

His Hall of Fame speech showed so much to admire about Michael Jordan as a player and more importantly as a person:

Did you know that Michael Jordan wore #45 during his 1994-1995 comeback season since his number was retired? Of course, the Chicago Bulls took down the banner and Michael Jordan returned to his infamous #23. He also wore the #12 (nameless) for one night against the Orlando Magic in 1990 after someone stole his jersey from the locker room (And a fan's replica jersey didn't fit). Jordan chose #23 because he idolized his brother, Larry who wore #45, and he wanted to be half the man his brother was.

Jordan also wore his UNC shorts under his Bulls uniform every game; this may be the reason he started  to wear longer and baggy-er shorts and it started the trend that we see now.

I can't get enough of Michael Jordan.

What a man.