5 Players that changed the NBA

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan - The Global Icon

Michael Jeffery Jordan is the Greatest Player Of All Time. We all know his resume. 6 Time NBA Champion, 6 Time Finals MVP and 5 Time NBA MVP. But this is not about him being the best basketball player. It's about him taking basketball to new levels globally.

The explosion of popularity of basketball worldwide in the late 80's and 90's is due to Michael Jordan. Jordan had 40-foot murals in Barcelona with his picture on it. He was more than just a basketball genius. Michael was able to mainstream sports apparel into everyday apparel and make it a fashion statement with his brand "Air Jordan". His shoes are still the most popular shoes in the world and are essentially a playground necessity. People all around the world still buy the #23 Bulls Jersey and wear Air Jordans even if they have never played a game of basketball in their lives.

Jordan was the person who empowered the future basketball players to make a lot of money in return for what they do for the sport. He was in tv commercials, he was in movies, he was at fashion exhibitions. Michael Jordan was everywhere. Nobody will ever make more money, on the court and off the court than MJ has. Jordan was loved and adored by millions of people around the world. Every young player who grew up watching Jordan wanted to be him. Jordan was dunking from the free-throw line and taking on 5 defenders on his own. Let me put it this way. Your favourites players' favourite player is Michael Jordan.

To put things into perspective, Michael Jordan's legacy from the marketing and business side is going to outlast and have a more enduring impact than what he did on the court (and what he did on the court, has made him the Greatest Of All Time)