The Worlds Greatest

With Michael Jordan turning fifty years old this year there has been homage to his greatness. His career has been tallied up and analyzed recently as to who measures up to him. People want to know who the next Michael Jordan is. What does that mean “who the next Michael Jordan is”? Jordan was rookie of the year when he entered into NBA in 1985. Throughout his career he was crowned league MVP 5 times, Finals MVP 6 times, an All Star 14 times and won 6 championships (Westrich, 2013). So is that all that the ‘Next MJ” will have to live up too?

When Jordan entered the league he was signed to NIKE and AIR JORDAN was born. Before AIR JORDAN basketball shoes were just basic white tennis shoes. Jordan wore the first pair of AIR JORDANs in 1985 and they were later banned because they did not meet the color standards of league regulations. Jordan was fined every time he wore those shoes in a game and NIKE, appreciating the added hype received for this, footed the bill (The air Jordan, 2013). With the years the stigma of the shoes grew and each year a new pair is released with a hefty price tag.

So what does this mean? Michael Jordan, the man himself, the brand that he made and all the sneakers, the sweatpants, the sweatshirt, even the socks are pieces of him. Little imprints that this one man has left on society because of his greatness. He is a popular icon and he will remain to be. Trough the game of basketball Michael Jordan has managed to become a legend of his time and will remain to be that legend until someone can top his greatness. Not only did he accomplish things on the court. He made himself a brand and was marketed to the masses. This too makes him an icon.

To be an icon is not only having to be great at a craft. It must mastered be riveting and leave the audience wanting more. One must appeal to all of the masses and be marketable. Michael stands apart from all other that have walked the path before him and that have followed.

The air jordan original - og 1. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.sneakerfiles.com/air-jordans/jordan-1/air-  jordan-original-og-1-i-black-red/

Westrich, J. (2013, February 15). The great debate: Jordan vs lebron james. Retrieved from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1530945-the-great-debate-michael-jordan-vs-lebron-james