Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His career achievements include five regular-season MVP awards, six NBA championships, and two Olympic gold medals. However, before he became a basketball legend, Jordan had to go through the draft process like any other player.
In 1984, Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. This draft is widely considered to be one of the most significant in NBA history, with several future Hall of Famers being selected. Jordan was the third overall pick, behind Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie. Despite being selected behind Olajuwon and Bowie, Jordan went on to have the most successful career out of the three players.
The 1984 NBA draft was a highly anticipated event, with many teams hoping to select a future star player. Jordan was highly touted coming out of college, and many teams were eager to select him. In this article, we will explore the circumstances surrounding Jordan’s draft, including his pre-draft achievements and scouting reports, the Chicago Bulls’ draft strategy, and the impact his selection had on his career.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA draft, which is widely considered to be one of the most significant drafts in NBA history.
- Despite being selected third overall, Jordan went on to have the most successful career out of the top three picks.
- The 1984 NBA draft was a highly anticipated event, with many teams hoping to select a future star player.
Michael Jordan’s Draft Overview
Michael Jordan was drafted into the NBA on June 19, 1984, during the 1984 NBA draft. The draft was held at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and was the first draft to be overseen by David Stern, who served as the commissioner of the league for the following 30 years.
Jordan was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls, after Hakeem Olajuwon was selected first overall by the Houston Rockets and Sam Bowie was selected second overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. Jordan’s selection by the Bulls was a turning point for the franchise, as he would go on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history, leading the Bulls to six championships during his tenure with the team.
Jordan’s draft position has been the subject of much debate over the years, with many wondering why he was not selected first overall. Some have suggested that Olajuwon’s impressive college career and potential as a dominant center made him the obvious choice for the Rockets, while others have pointed to Bowie’s size and potential as a versatile big man as the reason why he was selected ahead of Jordan.
Regardless of the reasons behind his draft position, there is no denying that Jordan’s selection by the Bulls was a stroke of luck for the team and a turning point for the NBA as a whole. His impact on the league and the game of basketball is still felt today, more than three decades after he was drafted.
Pre-Draft Achievements and Profile
Michael Jordan was already a basketball star before he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA draft. He played for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and helped them win the NCAA championship in 1982. Jordan was named the NCAA College Player of the Year in 1984.
Jordan’s impressive performance in college made him one of the most highly anticipated prospects in the 1984 NBA draft. He was known for his incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and high-flying dunks. Jordan’s college coach, Dean Smith, once said, “He’s the only player I’ve ever seen who could turn it on and turn it off, and still score 20 points.”
Jordan’s pre-draft achievements and profile made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 1984 NBA draft. He was ultimately selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls, after Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie. The Portland Trail Blazers had the second pick and passed on Jordan, opting for Bowie instead. This decision is often cited as one of the biggest draft mistakes in NBA history.
Jordan’s selection by the Bulls marked the beginning of a legendary career in the NBA. He went on to win six NBA championships, five NBA MVP awards, and 10 scoring titles. He was also a 14-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Jordan’s impact on the game of basketball is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike.
Scouting reports and expectations going into the 1984 draft
Michael Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. However, going into the 1984 NBA draft, there were some doubts about his potential. At that time, the Houston Cougars center Hakeem Olajuwon was the clear favorite to be the first overall pick, with the Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls holding the second and third picks, respectively.
Despite the doubts, Jordan’s talent was evident to many scouts and coaches. In his junior year at the University of North Carolina, he won the Naismith and Wooden awards for the best player in college basketball. He also led the Tar Heels to the NCAA championship in 1982 and hit the game-winning shot in the title game against Georgetown.
According to NBADraft.net, Jordan’s scouting report from 1984 noted his “outstanding quickness and leaping ability” and described him as “a very good ball-handler and passer.” However, the report also expressed concerns about his shooting range and noted that he “needs to improve his perimeter shooting to be a consistent scorer in the NBA.”
Despite these concerns, the Chicago Bulls selected Jordan with the third overall pick in the draft, and he quickly proved his worth. In his rookie season, he averaged 28.2 points per game and was named Rookie of the Year. He went on to win six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and ten scoring titles over the course of his career.
In conclusion, while there were some doubts about Michael Jordan’s potential going into the 1984 NBA draft, his talent was evident to many scouts and coaches. The Chicago Bulls took a chance on him with the third overall pick, and it paid off in a big way.
The 1984 NBA Draft Event
The 1984 NBA Draft was held on June 19, 1984, at the Felt Forum in New York City. It was a historic draft, considered one of the greatest drafts in NBA history. The draft consisted of 228 picks, with 58 of them playing in the NBA.
The first overall pick was Hakeem Olajuwon, who was drafted by the Houston Rockets. The second overall pick was Sam Bowie, who was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers. The third overall pick was Michael Jordan, who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan, who played college basketball at the University of North Carolina, was not the first pick in the draft, but he turned out to be the best player in the draft and one of the greatest players in NBA history. He won six NBA championships and five MVP awards during his career.
The 1984 NBA Draft also included other notable players, such as Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and Kevin Willis. Barkley was drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, Stockton was drafted sixteenth overall by the Utah Jazz, and Willis was drafted eleventh overall by the Atlanta Hawks.
Overall, the 1984 NBA Draft was a historic event that changed the NBA forever. It produced some of the greatest players in NBA history and set the stage for the future of the league.
Chicago Bulls’ Draft Strategy
The Chicago Bulls’ draft strategy for the 1984 NBA draft was to select the best player available. The team had the third overall pick in the draft, and they were hoping to add a talented player to their roster. The Bulls’ management had their eyes set on Hakeem Olajuwon, who was selected by the Houston Rockets as the first overall pick.
Despite missing out on Olajuwon, the Bulls still had a chance to draft a talented player. The team had their sights set on Sam Bowie, a 7’1″ center who played for the University of Kentucky. However, when the Portland Trail Blazers selected Bowie with the second overall pick, the Bulls were left with a tough decision.
The Bulls’ management team considered drafting a big man to fill a need on their roster. However, when Michael Jordan was still available at the third pick, they decided to take a chance on him. Jordan was a standout player at the University of North Carolina, and the Bulls believed he had the potential to be a star in the NBA.
The Bulls’ decision to draft Jordan was not without controversy. Some members of the team’s management were concerned that Jordan would not be a good fit for the team. However, Jordan proved them wrong, and he went on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history.
In summary, the Chicago Bulls’ draft strategy for the 1984 NBA draft was to select the best player available. Despite missing out on their top choices, the team decided to take a chance on Michael Jordan, who went on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Draft Selection and Order
Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1984 NBA draft. The draft was held on June 19, 1984, at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The draft is widely considered to be one of the greatest in NBA history, with several future Hall of Famers being selected.
The draft order was determined by a lottery system that was first introduced in 1985. In 1984, the draft order was based on the teams’ win-loss record from the previous season, with the worst team receiving the first pick. The Houston Rockets had the worst record in the league and were awarded the first overall pick. The Portland Trail Blazers had the second pick, and the Chicago Bulls had the third pick.
The Houston Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon with the first overall pick, and the Portland Trail Blazers selected Sam Bowie with the second pick. The Chicago Bulls then selected Michael Jordan with the third pick, a decision that would prove to be one of the greatest draft steals in NBA history.
Jordan’s selection by the Chicago Bulls was not without controversy. At the time, many analysts believed that the Bulls should have selected Sam Perkins or Charles Barkley instead of Jordan. However, Bulls general manager Rod Thorn was convinced that Jordan was the best player available and decided to take a chance on him.
In conclusion, Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1984 NBA draft. The draft order was determined by the teams’ win-loss record from the previous season, with the worst team receiving the first pick. The Houston Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon with the first overall pick, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Sam Bowie with the second pick, and the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third pick.
Post-Draft Impact on Michael Jordan’s Career
Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA draft as the third overall pick. His selection by the Bulls was a pivotal moment in the team’s history, as Jordan went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Jordan’s impact on the Bulls was immediate. In his rookie season, he averaged 28.2 points per game and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He continued to improve each year, leading the Bulls to their first NBA championship in 1991. Jordan’s scoring ability, athleticism, and competitive drive made him a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Off the court, Jordan’s impact was just as significant. He became a global icon, with his signature shoes and apparel becoming some of the most popular in the world. He also helped to popularize the NBA around the world, as his games were broadcast in countries across the globe.
Jordan’s success with the Bulls also had a significant impact on the NBA as a whole. His dominance on the court helped to raise the level of play across the league, and his popularity helped to increase the NBA’s fanbase. Jordan’s career helped to usher in a new era of basketball, as the sport became more popular than ever before.
Overall, Michael Jordan’s impact on the NBA and the Chicago Bulls cannot be overstated. His drafting by the Bulls in the 1984 NBA draft was the beginning of a legendary career that would change the sport of basketball forever.
Notable Players Drafted in 1984
The 1984 NBA Draft is considered one of the greatest drafts in NBA history. The draft produced several legendary players who went on to have successful careers in the NBA.
The first pick of the 1984 NBA Draft was Hakeem Olajuwon, a Nigerian-American basketball player who played center for the Houston Rockets. Olajuwon had a successful career in the NBA, winning two NBA championships with the Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
The second pick of the draft was Sam Bowie, a center who played for the Portland Trail Blazers. Bowie’s career was marred by injuries, and he is often remembered as the player who was selected ahead of Michael Jordan.
The third pick of the draft was Michael Jordan, a shooting guard from the University of North Carolina. Jordan went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time, winning six NBA championships and five MVP awards.
Other notable players drafted in 1984 include Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and Kevin Willis. Barkley, a power forward from Auburn University, went on to have a successful career in the NBA, winning the MVP award in 1993. Stockton, a point guard from Gonzaga University, is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, holding the NBA record for most career assists and steals. Willis, a power forward from Michigan State University, played for several teams during his career and was known for his rebounding ability.
Overall, the 1984 NBA Draft produced several legendary players who went on to have successful careers in the NBA. The draft is often remembered as one of the greatest in NBA history, and the players selected in the draft continue to be remembered for their contributions to the sport of basketball.
Complete First Round Draft Results
Here are the complete results of the first round of the 1984 NBA Draft:
| Pick | Player | Team | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets | 2x NBA Champion, 2x NBA Finals MVP, 12x All-Star, 6x All-NBA First Team, 2x Defensive Player of the Year |
| 2 | Sam Bowie | Portland Trail Blazers | Career cut short by injuries, played for 10 seasons, averaged 10.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game |
| 3 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls | 6x NBA Champion, 6x NBA Finals MVP, 5x NBA MVP, 14x All-Star, 10x All-NBA First Team, 10x NBA scoring champion |
| 4 | Sam Perkins | Dallas Mavericks | NBA Champion, played for 17 seasons, averaged 11.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game |
| 5 | Charles Barkley | Philadelphia 76ers | NBA MVP, 11x All-Star, 5x All-NBA First Team, Hall of Famer |
| 6 | Melvin Turpin | Washington Bullets | Career cut short by depression, played for 4 seasons, averaged 9.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game |
| 7 | Alvin Robertson | San Antonio Spurs | NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Second Team |
| 8 | Lancaster Gordon | Los Angeles Clippers | Played for 2 seasons, averaged 7.2 points and 1.8 rebounds per game |
| 9 | Otis Thorpe | Kansas City Kings | NBA Champion, 1x All-Star, 1x All-NBA Third Team |
| 10 | Leon Wood | Philadelphia 76ers | Played for 9 seasons, averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 assists per game |
| 11 | Kevin Willis | Atlanta Hawks | NBA Champion, 1x All-Star, played for 21 seasons, averaged 12.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game |
| 12 | Tim McCormick | Cleveland Cavaliers | Played for 8 seasons, averaged 5.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game |
| 13 | Jay Humphries | Phoenix Suns | Played for 11 seasons, averaged 10.4 points and 5.3 assists per game |
| 14 | Michael Cage | Los Angeles Clippers | 2x NBA rebounding leader, played for 15 seasons, averaged 7.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game |
| 15 | Terence Stansbury | Dallas Mavericks | Played for 5 seasons, averaged 7.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game |
| 16 | John Stockton | Utah Jazz | NBA all-time leader in assists and steals, 10x All-Star, 11x All-NBA, Hall of Famer |
| 17 | Jeff Turner | New Jersey Nets | Played for 10 seasons, averaged 6.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game |
| 18 | Vern Fleming | Indiana Pacers | 1x All-Star, played for 12 seasons, averaged 11.3 points and 5.1 assists per game |
| 19 | Bernard Thompson | Portland Trail Blazers | Played for 2 seasons, averaged 3.0 points and 1.1 rebounds per game |
| 20 | Kenny Fields | Milwaukee Bucks | Played for 2 seasons, averaged 4.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game |
| 21 | Tony Campbell | Detroit Pistons | Played for 11 seasons, averaged 11.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game |
| 22 | Earl Jones | Los Angeles Lakers | Played for 2 seasons, averaged 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game |
| 23 | Tom Sewell | Golden State Warriors | Played for 1 season, averaged 2.0 points and 1.0 rebounds per game |
Michael Jordan was drafted third overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft. Despite being selected behind Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie, Jordan went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won six NBA championships, five NBA MVP awards, and was a 14-time NBA All-Star. Jordan was also a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection and a 10-time NBA scoring champion. His career highlights and accolades are a testament to his incredible talent and work ethic.
The 1984 NBA Draft is widely regarded as one of the best drafts in NBA history, with four Hall
Historical Significance of the 1984 NBA Draft
The 1984 NBA draft is considered one of the most significant events in the history of professional basketball. It was held on June 19, 1984, at the Felt Forum in New York City, and it featured some of the most talented basketball players of all time. The draft is notable for producing some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton.
The order of the 1984 NBA draft was determined by a lottery system that was introduced in 1985. The Houston Rockets won the first overall pick and selected Hakeem Olajuwon. The Portland Trail Blazers had the second overall pick and selected Sam Bowie, while the Chicago Bulls had the third overall pick and selected Michael Jordan. The rest of the draft followed in order, with the teams selecting players based on their needs and the talent available.
Michael Jordan’s draft is widely regarded as one of the most significant moments in NBA history. Jordan, who played college basketball at the University of North Carolina, was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick. He went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time, winning six NBA championships and five MVP awards.
The 1984 NBA draft also produced other notable players, including Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and Kevin Willis. Barkley, who was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the fifth overall pick, went on to become one of the most dominant power forwards in NBA history. Stockton, who was selected by the Utah Jazz with the sixteenth overall pick, became one of the greatest point guards of all time. Willis, who was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the eleventh overall pick, had a long and successful career in the NBA.
In conclusion, the 1984 NBA draft was a significant event in the history of professional basketball. It produced some of the greatest players of all time, including Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. The draft order was determined by a lottery system, and the teams selected players based on their needs and the talent available. The draft is a testament to the importance of talent evaluation and the impact that a single player can have on a team and the league as a whole.