From life’s tragedy to becoming a legend, the touching story of the immortal NBA legend
The tragic death of his father in 1993 almost ended Jordan’s career, if he did not have enough strength and extraordinary determination to return to the NBA.
If Michael Jordan’s career is divided into two phases, the first phase is the image of a fulfilled superstar, while the second phase is the image of a warrior rising to become a legend.
Michael Jordan with his parents when he first joined the NBA
Michael was born and raised in a good family, in one of the well-off neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York. His mother, Mrs. Deloris, is a banker. The father, James Jordan, is an equipment monitoring expert.
Michael has two older brothers, an older sister and a younger sister. One of Michael’s two brothers worked to the position of Regimental Commander of a US Air Force regiment. The remaining people are well educated and have stable careers. But Michael is a special member of the family.
Revealing his basketball talent early on, Michael received his father’s full support. Mr. James, although he loves baseball, is always willing to spend a few hours every day to take his son to play basketball. He was also the one who encouraged Michael when the boy was criticized for being short on the Laney High School football team. At that time, Michael was still hesitating between his options of pursuing a career in basketball, football or baseball.
When Michael was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft, Mr. James cried with joy because he knew how hard his son had to work to both earn a degree from the University of North Carolina and pursue a basketball career. In response, Michael did not disappoint his father. America still remembers the photo of Michael and James Jordan embracing each other with joy after winning the first NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls in 1991.
Jordan and his son celebrate after winning their first NBA championship in 1991
Michael won two more NBA titles and became the face of American sports two seasons later. Perhaps even in his wildest fear, Michael did not anticipate the 1993 NBA Cup to be his last joyous moment with his beloved father.
Because tragedy ensued…
While returning from a friend’s funeral in late July 1993, Mr. James disappeared. His family thought he was visiting distant friends, so they didn’t tell the police. Michael and his Chicago Bulls colleagues trained before the season.
In early August, authorities recovered Mr. James’s remains near a forest bog. The body decomposed, making identification impossible. Before Michael acquired DNA proof that it was his father, police had to cremate the body three days later.
Construction worker Hal Locklear discovered James Jordan’s body in a wooded area nearly 200km south of Charlotte.
The two offenders and Mr. James face legal trouble. They had the cap and two NBA championship rings Michael gave his father as keepsakes when arrested.
Michael’s worst tragedy was 1993’s summer. He avoided the media, never spoke to reporters, and never attended the trial. The two brothers accomplished those hard things for Michael. Michael cowered and crumbled, making a shocking decision for the US.
The top NBA player retired on October 6, 1993, to play baseball, his father’s favorite sport. Soon after, Michael played for the Chicago White Sox and Birmingham Barons. In honor and sadness, the Chicago Bulls retired his number 23 shirt permanently.
Michael’s basketball obsession continued.
Michael survived his worst psychological shock and one of the NBA’s worst tragedies a year after leaving the league. He returned to Chicago, signed a second deal, and helped the Bulls win three straight titles from 1996-1998.
Michael refused to celebrate with his teammates on Father’s Day 1996 when the Chicago Bulls won the NBA title. He returned to the dressing room and cried for his father. This remains one of the most poignant and empathetic NBA photos.
Michael face down on the floor and cried for his father, after winning the championship in 1996.
Michael continued to play well for the Wizards until he was 40. The greatest American athlete ended nearly 20 years of NBA competition in magnificent fashion.
Many athletes are inspired by Michael Jordan’s return. NBA stars are burdened by expectations, achievements, and large paychecks, making personal tragedy harder to handle.
Tournament history shows that not everyone can perform miracles like Michael Jordan. His fame goes beyond NBA titles and basketball shots.
