SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: Early recognition for Michael Jordan

When basketball guard Michael Jordan entered the NBA in the 1984-1985 season, people were intrigued by his abilities. Jordan wanted to show the Chicago Bulls that they did not make a mistake, so he went to work as soon as he got in the NBA. Jordan would average 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.

The Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan, left, receives the NBA's Rookie of the Year trophy from an unidentified NBA official during the NBA award ceremony in San Francisco, June 24, 1985.  Photo credit: Paul Sakuma, The Associated Press
The Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan, left, receives the NBA’s Rookie of the Year trophy from an unidentified NBA official during the NBA award ceremony in San Francisco, June 24, 1985. Photo credit: Paul Sakuma, The Associated Press

And in putting up such eye-popping numbers for a rookie, Jordan was named the 1985 NBA Rookie of the Year on May 16, 1985. Who knew that this was the precursor for the
greatness that was to come with his career?

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