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Michael Jordan vs Danny Anige

1984 - Drafted Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the third pick of the 1984 NBA Draft, held on June 19, 1984. He was 21 years old and had just finished his junior season at the University of North Carolina. The pick changed the Bulls, and the NBA, forever.

Background: the 1984 NBA draft class

The Bulls held the third pick behind Houston and Portland. The Houston Rockets selected center Hakeem Olajuwon first, and the Portland Trail Blazers chose center Sam Bowie second. Chicago took Jordan, a shooting guard. The Michael Jordan draft class is considered one of the best ever: it also included Charles Barkley, taken fifth by the Philadelphia 76ers, and John Stockton, taken 16th by the Utah Jazz. All four of Olajuwon, Jordan, Barkley and Stockton are in the Hall of Fame.

What happened in his rookie season

Before playing a game for Chicago, Jordan won an Olympic gold medal with the United States at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. As a rookie in 1984–85 he averaged 28.2 points per game, third in the league, and set franchise records for scoring and steals. He led the Bulls back to the playoffs, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in four games, and he was named NBA Rookie of the Year and to the All-NBA Second Team.

Why it mattered

Under new owner Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Jerry Krause, who took over in 1985, the Bulls decided to rebuild around Jordan. Portland’s choice of Sam Bowie over Jordan is still remembered as one of the most debated picks in sports history.

What came next

Jordan led Chicago to six NBA championships in two three-peats, 1991–1993 and 1996–1998, and won six Finals MVP awards. Read the whole story on our Chicago Bulls team history page.

Quick facts: when was Michael Jordan drafted?

  • Draft: 1984 NBA Draft, June 19, 1984
  • Pick: third overall, by the Chicago Bulls
  • Age when drafted: 21
  • College: University of North Carolina
  • Picked ahead of him: Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets), Sam Bowie (Trail Blazers)
  • Rookie season: 28.2 points per game, NBA Rookie of the Year