Michael Jordan and his greatness are unquestionable. His ability, the way he changed the game, the competitiveness. These are the terms that come up when we think about what made Jordan so great.
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Greatness isn’t just about the big things. There is also the drive and competitiveness. And more than that, the intangible stuff, staying fit, is what matters. Jordan stayed fit, and the numbers behind his longevity are mind-boggling.
From 1986-92, Michael Jordan missed just three games. From 1995-98 he missed none. After the 1985-86 season, where he had a broken foot, he would go on to play 99.79% of all games in the next six years.
Michael Jordan Had Astonishing Durability
You read that right. Jordan’s first stretch saw him miss just three games in six years. A statistic mind-boggling enough, but one which pales in light of what follows. Between 1995-98, Jordan played every game.
To be fair, in 1985-86, Jordan missed most of the season because he fractured his foot. That would be his second season. In his rookie season, he did play all 82 games. After the 1985-86 season, he would prove to be incredibly durable.
Remember, Michael Jordan was playing in the 80s and 90s, times when the level of physicality was much higher. The game was a lot rougher and Michael was constantly targeted every night. Being the best player meant people would try anything to stop you and that includes playing rough.
Didn’t realize this until a friend pointed it out, and just mentioning it for no reason other than it’s fairly remarkable:
* From 1986-92, Michael Jordan missed just THREE games. Six years … three games missed total.
* From 1995-98, he missed zero.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) January 21, 2023
The Final Seasons
Another astonishing detail is that when Michael Jordan made his second comeback, he would go on to do the same. It was the 2001 season and Michael would turn out for the Washington Wizards. In his final NBA season, 2002-03, Michael Jordan would go on to play every single game.
This was a 40-year-old man, still somehow durable enough to play at the highest level, night in and night out. In that season he would perform at a level that was still good, to say the least. He would average 20 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals.
What makes this statistic even more remarkable is that Jordan led a lifestyle that would be considered rather extravagant by today’s standards. In addition, he was playing in an era where most players simply didn’t get the medical attention and advice that players get today.
These small details make up the big picture. To have a career where one plays almost every match is to be incredibly consistent. Jordan’s greatness isn’t just the gravity-defying dunks or the iconic game-winning moments, it’s also the small things across his career.
Read more: “Michael Jordan Was a Killer LeBron James Isn’t”: When Floyd Mayweather Chose His GOAT in the NBA
