The Chicago Bulls drafted Michael Jordan back in 1984. Though no one knew that the man would turn the franchise’s future around. Coming out of North Carolina, Jordan had been a top-five pick in the draft. Michael came into the league just after his championship run with his team, the UNC. Even with all things in play, MJ wasn’t considered the game changer as he became later on. Jordan was a 6’6 shooting guard who had been the most versatile player in college.
Jordan should’ve asked his old friend circle for a drink, these guys don’t even share a thing. At the time, Jerry Krause wasn’t the Bulls’ general manager. Rod Thorn was the person at the job back in 1984. Around MJ’s draft, his height wasn’t considered tall enough. Though following his draft, things started to turn around for the Bulls as well as Michael. His numbers would go down in history.
The Bulls were in need of a big man, instead drafted 6’6 Michael Jordan
In 1984, the Bulls were looking for a big man. Entering the draft, they needed a solid rim protector, though the third overall pick in their hand stood just around 6’6. Rod Thorn never really thought that Jordan would become the face of the franchise.
“We wish Jordan were seven feet, but he isn’t. There just wasn’t a center available. What can you do? Jordan isn’t going to turn this franchise around. I wouldn’t ask him to. He’s a very good offensive player, but not an overpowering offensive player,” Thorn said as per Roland Lazenby’s book, Michael Jordan: The Life.
In his rookie season, MJ averaged 28 points a game, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. He became Rookie of the Year and had not missed a single game that season. In his third season, Jordan went on to average 37 points a game while shooting 48% from the field and just 18% from the three-point line.
It’s pretty amazing to see how MJ did not have the need to attempt five threes a game or be as efficient as shooting 40% from beyond the arc to become the best player in the league.
His offensive force couldn’t be more overpowering. MJ was joined by Scottie Pippen in 1987, after which the duo would lead the team to its first championship. In the early ’80s, the game was played around the team’s big man, who would be the scorer for the team. Though this traditional style of play was changed by Michael, as his dominant offensive force was one of a kind, and indeed overpowering over his opponent.