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Why is Michael Jordan Day celebrated today?
If you didn’t know, today (February 3, 2023) is Michael Jordan Day. If you’re wondering why Michael Jordan Day is being celebrated today, it has everything to do with the significance of the date and numbers.
In the US, 2/3/23 is essentially two number 23s. 23 is the number MJ wore throughout most of his career with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. February 3, 2023 is as good a date as any to celebrate Jordan. Fans outside the United States can celebrate Michael Jordan day to be on March 2, 2023 due to displaying dates in a different format (2/3/23).
Jordan’s mindset
It’s hard to believe that Jordan was cut from his high school team as a sophomore. Just a few years later, North Carolina claimed the 1982 national championship after he made the game-winning jumper against Georgetown. That shot was the beginning of Jordan’s legend. MJ then won six NBA championships in six trips to the NBA Finals, as well as ten scoring titles, five regular season MVP awards, six NBA Finals MVP awards, three NBA All-Star game MVP awards and one Defensive Player of the Year award.
Jordan set a record by making the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team nine times and he was a 14-time NBA All-Star and a former NBA Rookie of the Year (1985). MJ finished his career with 32,292 points, averaging 30.1 points in 1,072 games over 15 seasons. He also had 6,672 total rebounds, 5,633 assists, 12,192 field goals and 5,633 steals.
The iconic guard averaged 31.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 930 games over 13 seasons with the Bulls and he was the star of their legendary teams in the 90s.
Jordan transcends basketball
MJ is considered the greatest athlete ever by many, not just because of his achievements on the court or his perfect resume. It’s also because of what he means to the culture. Jordan’s greatness had perfect timing, as he transcended professional sports and made individual brands a thing. Not to mention how everyone wanted to Be Like Mike!
When talking about being the greatest of all time, countless accomplishments are just a part of the story. Jordan had an aura to him, a fire in his eyes, love for the game and dominance. Jordan’s legacy, his impact on the culture, his brand, his vibe, his excellence and what he meant to the game are unmatched. Other players can win awards and numerous championship rings, but it will be impossible to ever overshadow MJ.
