The draft class that changed Basketball: 1984

1. Michael Jordan; 1984-1998; 2001-2003 Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards

Career Averages: 30.1 ppg; 6.2 rebounds; 5.3 assists; 2.3 steals

There really isn’t anything I can say which will add to the glory of this incredible athlete. Jordan was truly one of a kind.

We all know about his incredible scoring ability, his astounding 48 inch vertical which earned him the nickname “His airness” and his multitude of individual accolades.

Jordan’s contributions to the game went beyond than that of a player. He was a brand ambassador. He was the face of the modern, revamped NBA. David Stern realised this early on and did whatever he could do to get Jordan to popularise the game.

His theatricality captured the minds of millions of people from around the world. While there have been many statistical marvels before Jordan and there will be many more after him, what makes Jordan so special is his attitude.

Name one other former player who rates how good the current players are, not based on their statistics but on whether he (Jordan) could beat them in their prime? It was this attitude, this “devil-may-care” approach which made Jordan this popular. Oh and also his atrocious, tongue waggling style of play and his numerous slam dunks.