I'll put it like this, basketball was HUGE in Australia in the 90s. When Michael Jordan retired, it basically died... and it's only just recovering now.
this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2023
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He made basketball the 2nd biggest sport in the world.
Yes, absolutely. Insanely so.
I'd imagine there are few figures in sporting history more beloved. Maybe none.
Beyond his cultural impact, was the fact he showed up and showed out for nearly every game he played. Like it is hard to explain now, but seriously, he not only almost never had bad games, he almost never had average/just above average games either.
So if you watched him on television or better yet were lucky enough to see him in person, you were almost guaranteed to see something amazing.
The amount of goodwill that buys with the viewing public cannot be underrated.
It created so many new fans as well. No load management, just blockbuster performances.
He was loved by many, but those of us who root for other teams were more just in awe of what we were witnessing.
I never liked him but I respected his game. I didn’t even have a good reason for not liking him, I just didn’t. Just being a dumb kid I guess.
He was loved everywhere outside of Indiana Detroit and NY.
I'm from San Diego. My friends and I were all Jordan fans. Used to pretend I was Jordan on the basketball court in middle school. Lol
The only person more popular in the 90’s than MJ (Michael Jordan) was MJ (Michael Jackson).
I will never be able to explain Michael Jordan and Michael Jackson to anyone who hasn't lived in that era. Just like my parents were never able to explain Beatlemania to me.
Gatorade made a damn song about being like Mike, and it’s a banger
The earth literally shook with two words, “I’m back.”
Michael Jordan had almost no haters except for some Knicks, Pistons, Pacers, and Jazz fans.
Being from Chicago It was a pleasure to go to school excited to talk about his aireness. But for the cities he played against I would imagine they were pissed he was so magical with his layup and fadeaway abilities against their favorite team. But eventually admired him against their rivals as well.
As a pistons fan I hated the man. Didn't stop me from buying the shoes every year though.
Michael Jordan was like the Beatles, like Ali, Jordan was the star of stars. Ur favorite actor/celebrity was nervous around MJ and Star struck. I don’t even know in that regards if there will ever be another player in the NBA that will achieve that level of fame. Whether u think he’s the GOAT or can’t stand him and think he’s overrated his fame isn’t debatable.