The REAL NBA GOAT Michael Jordan’s The First 4 Seasons

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The REAL NBA GOAT: Michael Jordan’s First 4 Seasons and His Unstoppable Rise

Michael Jordan, the name that echoes through the halls of basketball history, began his journey in the NBA with expectations that were sky-high, even for a player of his immense talent. Yet, what most fans didn’t know was that his early years—his first four seasons—were not just a series of remarkable performances but also an unforgettable journey of perseverance, resilience, and raw talent that would eventually cement his legacy as the greatest player to ever play the game.

The Rookie Season: A Star is Born

Coming out of the University of North Carolina, Michael Jordan was selected third overall in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. The NBA was already buzzing about his potential, but no one could have predicted the impact he would have in his rookie season. At just 6’6″ and 195 pounds, Jordan was quick, explosive, and driven—a combination that made him a nightmare for opposing teams. He was immediately compared to NBA legends like Dr. J (Julius Erving), not as a simple compliment but as a sign that he was ready to carve his own place in NBA history.

Despite playing on a Chicago Bulls team that was far from a championship contender, Jordan’s impact was immediate. His scoring prowess—averaging 28.2 points per game as a rookie—combined with his all-around play (5.9 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals) made him a force on both ends of the court. He also helped boost the Bulls’ attendance from a half-empty stadium to a packed house every game, which was a testament to his electrifying style of play.

Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. During his rookie season, Jordan faced the infamous “freeze-out” in the All-Star Game, where NBA veterans, including Isaiah Thomas, allegedly froze him out, trying to prevent him from showcasing his talents. Jordan took this personal, and it fueled his drive to prove himself even more. He had a score to settle with the league, and he did so by torching the Detroit Pistons later that season for 49 points and 15 rebounds in a game that would become a defining moment of his career.

The Second Season: The Struggle and the Triumph

Unfortunately, Michael Jordan’s second season in the NBA was marked by a serious foot injury that kept him sidelined for 64 games. The injury was devastating, and there was concern that it could derail his career. Jordan, however, was not a player to back down from adversity. He rehabbed hard, determined to return to the court. When he did, it was clear that his absence only increased his hunger and focus.

Despite the setback, Michael returned and quickly showed that he was still the player everyone expected him to be. He averaged an impressive 22 points per game, but he wasn’t fully healthy yet. Still, Jordan’s presence on the court changed everything for the Bulls, and his determination to return to full form was evident.

The Third Season: Dominance Reigns

In the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan proved without a doubt that he was the most dominant player in the NBA. He played all 82 games, averaged 37 points per game—just behind the all-time greats Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor—and continued to redefine what it meant to be an offensive juggernaut. But it wasn’t just scoring that made Jordan stand out; he also led the league in steals, was a key defensive force, and earned his first of many All-NBA First Team selections.

That season, the Bulls continued to improve, and Jordan’s efforts helped the team secure 50 wins, up from just 30 the year before. Despite the lack of supporting talent, with Charles Oakley being the only other consistent scorer, Jordan single-handedly pushed the Bulls to new heights. He would go on to average 40 points per game over 9 games, and his highest-scoring game came when he scored 58 points against the New Jersey Nets.

His most iconic performance of that season, however, came in the playoffs against the Boston Celtics. Despite the Bulls losing the series 3-0, Jordan’s performance was nothing short of legendary. He scored 63 points in a game—still the most points ever scored in a playoff game—showcasing his ability to perform under pressure, even against the most intimidating defense in the NBA at the time. Larry Bird, one of the game’s greatest players, called Michael “God disguised as Michael Jordan” after that game, solidifying Jordan’s place in the NBA’s pantheon.

The Fourth Season: The Beginning of a Dynasty

By Michael Jordan’s fourth season, the Chicago Bulls had begun to take shape as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. The addition of Scottie Pippen was a key moment in Jordan’s career. While Pippen wasn’t yet the player he would later become, his addition to the team gave Jordan the help he desperately needed. Pippen was an elite defender, a versatile forward, and someone who could take the pressure off Jordan on both ends of the floor. This pairing would go on to form one of the greatest duos in NBA history.

Jordan, now fully healthy and entering his prime, continued to dominate the league. He finished the 1987-88 season with 35 points per game, won his first MVP award, and also claimed his first Defensive Player of the Year award. Michael had firmly established himself not just as an offensive dynamo but also as an all-around player who could lock down opposing players with his defense. The 1987-88 season also marked the first time that the Chicago Bulls broke through in the playoffs, finally advancing beyond the first round after years of early exits.

The Legacy Begins

Through his first four seasons, Michael Jordan had already cemented himself as an NBA superstar, but more than that, he had redefined the standard for what a player could achieve. His scoring ability, work ethic, and drive for greatness were unparalleled. But what made Michael Jordan truly special was not just his physical gifts but his mentality—the relentless pursuit of perfection that fueled him to become the greatest player the game has ever seen.

Michael Jordan’s early years in the NBA were filled with challenges, setbacks, and triumphs that would lay the foundation for a career unlike any other. His story is one of overcoming obstacles, proving doubters wrong, and doing whatever it took to win. As the seasons passed, he would continue to elevate his game and lead the Bulls to the dynasty that would dominate the 1990s. But it all started with those first four seasons—seasons that set the stage for the legendary career that followed.

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