Free Essay Sample: The Impact of Michael Jordan on the NBA

Michael Jordan is respectively one of the greatest NBA basketball players of all time. Many know him as being the fifth all time leading scorer, or for having six championship rings. But others see Michael as for the difference he made in the NBA. Jordan was able to innovate the game of basketball, on top of changing how viewers outlooked the National Basketball Association. Through his ethics of hard work and dedication, Michael was capable of influencing other players to play to their full ability to better their game. Jordan also introduced the American way of basketball all around the world, making it possible for everybody to learn the profession. As well as changing the way of the game, he was also able to build the name of the NBA up. On the whole, Michael Jordan was able to change the face of the NBA through his style of playing, ability to globalize the game, and through his capability to expand his brand.

All throughout his career, Michael was constantly introducing new moves, changing the ability and style of the game. Before his arrival in the NBA, “the center was the most important position in basketball. Now it's become so obsolete…” (Scaleta). After Michael Jordan made his way into the league he ultimately decreased the need for a center in the game. Through his capability to attack the rim, Michael became more reliably in the paint than most centers. The way he was able to move the ball around his defenders to create an open shot was insane. Michael was doing it all, practically playing every position. Additionally, he introduced the “jelly” lay-up to the game, making it easier for short guards to get an easy open look at the rim. He created a new way for the smaller players to go against the taller players. In all things considered, with the bringing of his new style to the NBA, Michael Jordan was able to change how the game of basketball was and will be played forever. 

Michael Jordan did not only change the game of the NBA, but he also changed how the game was played all over the world. In the 1992 Olympics, Michael Jordan led the U.S. to a gold medal against Croatia. The “Dream Team'' demolished them in the first game as it was a breeze for them. Toni Kukoc remarks they played strict defense and, “he did not expect [Michael Jordan] to be next to him the whole game,” (The Dream). Before Kukoc got to face up against Jordan, and the Dream Team of the nineties, he was expecting the game to go a lot easier than it did. From where he was from, the game of basketball was played and focussed primarily on the basics of the sport. Toni was not used to the highly competitive game that was played in the NBA. All throughout the game he was cut off from scoring because he could not figure out how to play against a man on man defense; he was used to going up against weaker defenders. But after just one game, Kukoc was able to adjust to the game, the way Michael Jordan played. From there on he learned the NBA way of game. After just playing up against Michael Jordan for a couple of games, Toni Kukoc became a stronger player. Jordan opened up a new door for Toni, as he showed him a different way of game that was played back in the NBA. 

In addition to expanding the game and name of the NBA all over the world, Michael Jordan was also able to expand the reputation of the NBA through his Air Jordan brand of shoes. Before Jordan created his basketball shoe, the shoes of the NBA were converse. But when the Air Jordan’s were released they took over the NBA, as they were a huge advance in the basketball shoe industry. They even became the best selling shoes in history; and, “because Jordan’s name is… attached to his shoes… we connect the signature shoe… [to his] performance,” in the NBA (Jackson). With Michael creating his brand, it became the new brand of the league during his and the oncoming eras. In addition, his shoes caught the eye and attention of the nation, as they were very different compared to the others on the market. Everybody wanted a pair of Jordans because they wanted to “be-like Mike.”  Altogether, Michael Jordan was able to heighten the popularity of the NBA through his expertise of expanding the name of his brand, Air Jordan.

From his style of playing to his capabilities of stretching the Jordan brand and the game of basketball all around the world, Michael Jordan was able to change the face of the NBA.  He brought many new strategies and moves, changing how each position contributed to the process of the game. On top of, populating basketball by introducing the NBA way of the game all over the world. As well as, creating his own shoe brand, which led to an increase in views in the NBA. To bring it all together, Michael Jordan had the capabilities to amplify the way people looked at the NBA.