Michael Jordan - A Sports Persona The Will Never Be Paralleled

There are few NBA stars that possess the ability to have there first names be recognizable above any other name in their sport.

Today's game boasts interesting names such as Kobe and LeBron but before they were even old enough to lace up sneakers a single man separated basketball from sports.

Michael was, and remains, the most recognizable name in not just sports but in popular entertainment. His air-ness might possibly share his name with all the King of Pop and their achievements could be identical on a global stage but Michael Jordan's ability to combine his achievements as an athlete and his ability to bolster his public image with his successes with the business world unquestionably separate him from the other Michael.

Jordan entered a league dominated by Magic, Doctor J., Larry, Kareem and Moses. Among those titans of basketball, Jordan managed to captivate the sporting world even though playing for an untalented Bulls team.

Jordan's career seemed to reach new levels just about every season but his team was not constantly recognized as the second (behind Russell's Celtics) greatest dynasty in basketball history.

Though MJ led his Bulls with the 8th seed playoff spot his first several seasons, a feat that may be underappreciated on Chicago teams that were untalented and under achieving, his early career was marred by injuries and controversies caused by jealous opponents.

The NBA's most jealous superstar, Isiah Thomas, unsurprisingly led the charge in 1984. Michael Jordan was voted as a starter, by the fans, towards the all-star game in his rookie season. Isiah, feeling the attention Jordan was receiving was unjust, led a player revolt inside of the all-star game. In a move most forgotten for unsportsmanlike behavior, Isiah refused to pass Michael the ball throughout the game.

Jordan went on to win Rookie of your Year honors and his battles with Isiah had just begun.

His next two seasons were busted by foot and knee problems.

In 1986, Jordan returned from knee surgery in time to face the Boston Celtics with the first round with the NBA playoffs. Though the Bulls were swept by Larry's Celtics, Jordan managed to set an unbroken playoff record of 63 points in game 2.

In 1987, Jordan averaged an astonishing 37 points per game but was again swept by the Celtics.

It wasn't until 1988, perhaps Jordan's most successful season individually, the Bulls emerged from the first round of

Jordan holding on of his 6 Larry O'Brien Trophies
the playoffs. That season, Jordan averaged 35 points per game, 52 percent from the field. He won his first of five NBA Most Valuable Player award and the NBA Defensive Player of this Year award.

Its rare to have a player succeed within the offensive and defensive ends of one's court in such a dominant fashion.

In 1988, the first of 4 epic post season battles, Isiah Thomas and his Detroit Pistons eliminated the Chicago Bulls in five games.

The Pistons and Bulls would meet again in 1989 and the Pistons, now famous, "Jordan Rules" defense facilitated in once again eliminating the Bulls.

In 1990

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