He'll Make You Forget Bird and Magic - How Jordan Became the NBA's New Face

Table of Contents

The End of an Era

In the twilight of his legendary career, Larry Bird had to endure the pain of his bad back. At that point, he knew he was on its way out. On the other hand, his counterpart Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV ahead of his 13th season in the NBA. Well aware that he and Johnson had been the faces of the league in the past decade or so, Bird understood why the NBA community was wondering who would take their place. It was perfect timing that, before Bird played his final season with the Boston Celtics and after Johnson tested positive for HIV, Michael Jordan had already won his first NBA championship.

For Larry, MJ's resume already presented a strong case to be the new face of the NBA. If anything, Larry Legend was even convinced that Jordan could play that role better than him and Earvin.

"Michael Jordan was going to be The Man. No question about it," Bird wrote in his 1999 book, "Bird Watching." "I said, 'Guys, here is your next superstar. He'll make you forget all about Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.'"

Magic’s Disagreement

Magic didn’t agree with Bird. Taking a quick trip down memory lane, it seemed like the stars had aligned for Jordan while Bird and Magic approached the end of their careers. After winning his second NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls, MJ was called up to join the Dream Team and represent the USA in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. It was monumental not only for Jordan's career but also for Bird and Johnson's. While in Barcelona, Larry Legend was openly talking about how MJ's time had come and that he and Magic were done.

For Bird, no other player deserved to be their successor but Jordan. However, according to Dream Team legend Chris Mullin, Earvin wasn't on the same page with Larry on that belief.

"A lot of times Larry was either riding the stationary bike or stretching, and he'd be like, 'It's over, dude,'" Mullin remembered via The Ringer. "But God bless Magic for hanging on, though."

"There was a respect factor with Magic, as well, like he was not going to just hand it over to Michael, but it was clear as day at that point in time who the best player in the world was, and it was not close," Mullin added.

MJ Proves He Deserved the Title

After the Dream Team took home the gold medal, Johnson didn't return to the NBA and stayed retired because of his condition. Bird, meanwhile, did not let anybody stop him from retiring from playing pro basketball for good. Only Jordan came back to play in the NBA.

Bird and Magic didn't have to do much vouching for MJ at that point. It became apparent that they had officially passed the torch to His Airness. For his part, Jordan did not fail to live up to his title. He went on and dominated an entire era just like his predecessors did. For many, that run established him as the undisputed greatest player the game has ever seen, a benchmark future generations continue to chase but rarely approach.

Legacy and Influence

The transition from Bird and Johnson to Jordan marked a significant shift in the NBA landscape. Jordan’s arrival brought a new level of intensity, skill, and charisma that captivated fans around the world. His ability to perform under pressure and his relentless drive to win set a new standard for excellence in the sport.

Jordan’s impact extended beyond the court. He became a global icon, influencing fashion, entertainment, and business. His brand, Jordan Brand, continues to thrive, and his legacy remains one of the most celebrated in sports history.

As the story of Bird, Johnson, and Jordan unfolds, it highlights the importance of passing the torch and the enduring impact of great athletes. Each of them left a lasting mark on the game, shaping the NBA into what it is today. Their contributions serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance, talent, and the spirit of competition.