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Michael Jordan is widely considered the greatest NBA player of all-time. The Hall of Famer's combination of skill, athleticism, and work ethic led to six NBA championships, five NBA MVP awards, and six NBA Finals MVP awards. Take a look at how Jordan used his height to reach his lofty stature.
Throughout Jordan's career, he was listed as 6'6 weighing around 200 pounds. The 10-time scoring champion is known as one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.
Prior to his career, the NBA was known for games dominated by big men. However, Jordan was able to use his elite athleticism to influence the change to a wing-dominated league.
The 14-time All-Star's leaping ability made him must-watch television as the league's popularity had recently grown due Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Eventually, Jordan's stardom would surpass the two Hall of Famers.
Michael Jordan's athleticism at 6'6
Michael Jordan is known as one of the most athletic NBA players of all-time earning nicknames such as 'His Airness' and 'Air Jordan' for his incredible leaping ability. The superstar's athleticism was on full display as he won back-to-back Slam Dunk Contest titles in 1987 and 1988.
In addition to his jumping ability, Michael Jordan was also very quick and had great length for a shooting guard. That combination allowed Jordan to become one of the best defenders of all-time.
The 1988 Defensive Player of the Year made nine All-Defensive First Teams, which is tied for an NBA record. Additionally, Jordan led the league in steals in three seasons, averaging 2.35 steals per game for his career, the third-most in NBA history.
Jordan also holds the single-season record for most blocks by a guard with 131, while his 125 blocks rank second. His 828 blocks are the second-most by a guard in NBA history.
In his career, Jordan averaged an NBA record 30.1 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. His numbers with the Chicago Bulls were even more impressive. As a Bull, the 11-time All-NBA Team member averaged 31.5 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 50.5% from the field.
Jordan's combination of talent and elite athleticism inspired children all over to want to 'Be Like Mike', leading to many of the next generation of superstars citing him as their basketball influence. Nearly 20 years after playing his last game, Jordan remains the NBA's most popular player of all-time.
In the nearly 25 years since his last NBA Finals game, championship viewership has not reached the level of Michael Jordan's time. His 1998, 1993, 1997, and 1996 Finals runs are the four most viewed NBA Finals in league history, while his 1991 and 1992 runs rank sixth and ninth, respectively.
Watch the iconic 'Be Like Mike' Gatorade advertisement below:
Guess the Lakers players!
