Michael was happy being drafted to the Bulls. Credits: Twitter.
In 1984, Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick. Selected behind Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie, both the Rockets and the Trailblazers decided to pass on him. Jordan was happy in Chicago, but ideally, there were two cities he would have loved to play in. One was Charlotte who didn’t have a team at the time, and the other was New York, where he was born. Although in a 2005 interview with the Cigar Aficionado, he revealed he never had a preference.
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While Olajuwon was the surefire No.1 overall pick, many were astounded by the Trailblazers’ decision to pick Sam Bowie. After all, while Bowie was a decent player coming out of college, he was no MJ. As such, a timeline where Jordan played in Portland is considered by many to be one of the biggest “what ifs?” in NBA history.
Michael Jordan never considered playing for the Knicks despite being born in New York
Michael Jordan was undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time. A player who revolutionized the game of basketball, and turned the Chicago Bulls into a dynasty in the 1990s. He was a generational talent and one that every player wished they had drafted once his career came to an end.
In 2005, MJ sat down with Marvin R. Shaken, the publisher of the Cigar Aficionado. While discussing his career extensively, the two began discussing the topic of NBA teams. In particular, the two spoke about what teams he would have preferred to play for. But, to his surprise, Jordan claimed he was just happy to be drafted.
Shaken then jokingly reminded His Airness that he was born in the great city of New York. And, after they shared a laugh, Jordan dismissed such notions. He commented that he was excited about entering the NBA, and even suggested that the New York Knicks were nowhere in the picture when the Draft rolled around.
Shaken: “Did you have a preference for which city you wanted to play in?”
Jordan: “Not really. At that time, I just wanted to be drafted.”
Shaken: “You were born in Brooklyn, New York. I just want to remind you.”
Jordan: “I don’t think New York was in the picture. I don’t think they had a pick that year. But at that time, you just want to get in the league. I didn’t watch much pro basketball until I got into college, so I just wanted to play in the NBA.”
It certainly would have been quite the twist in fate if Jordan ended up on the Knicks. After all, over the course of his 14 years in the NBA, the city of New York grew to hate him, as they formed an intense rivalry with the Chicago Bulls.
MJ and the Chicago Bulls were he hated rivals of the New York Knicks for years
The 1990s were dominated by one team and one team only, the Chicago Bulls. Led by Michael Jordan, the Bulls were easily the best team in the Eastern Conference. But, if there was one team that challenged them on a consistent basis, it was the New York Knicks. With Patrick Ewing on the team, they tried to foil the Bulls on several occasions.
Unfortunately, the greatness of His Airness proved too much for them, as he had a 19-8 record against them in the Playoffs. Making him and the Bulls one of their most hated rivals.
It’s safe to say, the Knicks and their fanbase were happy to see Jordan retire for good in 2003. There are just too many bad memories for them associated with him.
