I Wanna Be Like Mike - Michael Jordan that is (NBA)

Member Name: neba

Product:	NBA
Date:	18/10/01 (613 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: legend returns

Disadvantages: legend ends on a poor note, cannot meet expectations, age

The return of Michael Jordan to the NBA has been the root of controversy. Michael Jordan had a glorious career with the Chicago Bulls, and retired as one of the greatest players to ever have played the game (the first time). After his comeback, Jordan was touted by many as possibly the greatest ever. Jordan, the clutchman at the two also known as the shooting guard position, has proven both his offensive and defensive superiority.

Jordan Facts
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Jordan began playing the game in high school where he was a multisport athlete. Jordan's first experience with basketball was on the high school team, and didn't make the varsity squad until late in his career. At the time, he was heralded as a baseball star. The future superstar went off to college at North Carolina, and led the Tar Heels to a national championship. This is when his true flair for the game began to shine through.

Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, and the team went on to become the dynasty we've all heard about. Jordan won 5 MVP titles in his career along with 7 scoring titles. This is not a shabby number.

Jordan Now
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Jordan is now 38 years old. As he is reinstated, he will be one of the oldest players in the game at one of the positions with many young players. He will be competing against the likes of today's superstars in Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and Allen Iverson who have youth and agility on their side. Also on their side is a new style of the game. Jordan defined the game of finese; however, the slash and dash game of fellows such as Iverson cannot be ignored. So too, how will Jordan play against the teams in the west where the game is not run by the guards, but controlled by the big men?

Jordan's Return
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Jordan is returning to find an old fire and to save his image. Jordan owned a minority portion of the team he is to play for. He was quoted sa
ying some pretty horrible things about that team over the past year. Also, in agreeing to play, he has gone against his statement that he would play for no one other than Phil Jackson.

Jordan will not be the Jordan of old. His play will be a step slower than the younger members of the league. He may not even be selected for the All Star team. When one of the greatest players to ever lived chooses not to let his memory be of his spectacular play in the past, he is leaving room for those who believe that others before him have been better to criticize his play. Why should a man who created a style of play of his own, made amazing plays no other human could make, and spawned the phrase uttered by many American children - "I wanna be like Mike." return to the league? I hope Michael's return will not hinder his legend.

Update 22/10/01
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Michael scored 41 in a loss to the Nets. Maybe his form will return as his scoring has continued to progress with the preseason. The game before he scored 24 versus Detroit. If he returns to his old form, it will be interesting to see how long he can maintain it for.

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