Michael Jordan is a name that is synonymous with the game of basketball and perhaps, even in the sneaker world, his last name is a bit of legend. But before all that, before his 6 NBA championships, before his 5 MVP awards, before his NCAA title, MJ was just another player. So when did the supernova finally explode for the world to see?
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For that, we have to go all the way back to his early days with UNC. And in particular, a game against another prospect, Len Bias.
When we hear that name, the word tragedy comes to our mind. Len Bias is the reason that sent the NBA into a dark world during the 1980s and the early 1990s.
Despite how that story unfolded, the precursor to the journey and a tale of how MJ clashed with Len is the crux of this story. In particular, how a legendary ESPN announcer had the opportunity to see the show unfold in front of his eyes.
“Which Was… Holy *#@!.”: When Michael Jordan Did the “Rock the Cradle Dunk” in Win Over ‘Drug Addict’ Len Bias
As per Scott Van Pelt of ESPN, MJ’s first big moment came about when he performed a famous dunk. Which one do you think we are talking about?
Yes, his “Rock the Cradle” dunk was perhaps the first glimpse into what MJ could become. And Scott was more than thrilled about having the opportunity to watch it unfold.
Scott recalled, “I was in Cole Field House the night MJ first unleashed that rock-the-cradle dunk. He and Leonard Bias had a great duel that night, but UNC was going to win. There was an odd sound in Cole after it happened; a buzz that made it clear everyone had the same reaction. Which was….Holy *#@!.
“How many times did he make us feel that way?
“He remains the ruler, the yardstick, the benchmark by which all others are judged. And nobody measures up.”
Scott’s words resonate with the emotions and feeling that Jordan almost always manages to evoke in us. Even to this day, there is barely any argument he is the greatest.
That remains true even to this day. And sadly, the other big name he mentioned, Len Bias remains a stain on the NBA’s and the sport’s legacy.
Len Bias could have been great, alas he was a “drug addict”
Len Bias was a promising young player drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1986. Tragically, he died of a cocaine overdose just two days after being drafted, before he could play in the NBA.
Bias’ death shocked the basketball world and raised awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Although their careers took very different paths, Jordan and Bias left a lasting legacy in basketball.
Albeit in different directions. One remains the shining light, the prodigal son, the other an outcast and a fallen angel.
