Rod Thorne is widely celebrated in NBA lore as the man who drafted Michael Jordan.
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Michael Jordan was drafted #3 in the 1984 NBA draft and went on to be the face of the new NBA. MJ went on to be arguably the most recognizable name to arise from the world of basketball.
A cultural icon, Michael Jordan was also the premier superstar on the court, winning titles for fun. MVP, DPOY, ROTY, Finals MVP, name it – he’s won it. Oh, and with 6 championships in two three-peats.
Jordan was also a winner at college level, winning the NCAA tournament with the University of North Carolina. However, Jordan was second fiddle to future Hall of Famer James Worthy.
Due to a combination of factors including the above, the status of Jordan in a stacked 1984 draft was unclear. While people still saw him as a player with good potential, he wasn’t quite a can’t miss talent yet.
While the Bulls selected him at No.3, it has been since revealed that he wasn’t their first choice. And it wasn’t even a close shove!
Who did the Bulls have on top of their wishlist in the 1984 draft?
Bulls GM Rod Thorn admitted that Hakeem Olajuwon would have been on top of the wishlist of “anybody who picked, including me”. Olajuwon was the reigning NCAA tournament player of the year and had flashed incredible two-way potential.
In an era where centers dominated the league, Olajuwon presented a franchise centerpiece at the position. The Nigerian phenom’s potential touched the roof and was a surer shot at NBA success with his physical gifts.
Ultimately, the Bulls did not have a record bad enough the previous season to earn them the #1 pick. After Houston got Olajuwon and Portland went Sam Bowie’s way, the Bulls picked Michael Jordan.
The ailing franchise had a savior. Just not the one their GM had in mind.
What would the state of the league be had MJ and Olajuwon switched teams? Would they have improved or left longing for in their careers?
The story of these arch rivals in NBA contention almost crossed paths shall remain a big what-if forever.
