Michael Jordan Honors Greats Before Him After Winning Basketball Player of the Century, Shows His Humble Side and True Greatness
When the title of Basketball Player of the Century was awarded to Michael Jordan, the world was hardly surprised. For more than two decades, his dominance on the court, his cultural impact, and his influence on generations of players cemented him as the face of basketball excellence. Yet what stood out most during the moment wasn’t Jordan’s long list of accolades—it was his humility, his perspective, and his heartfelt tribute to those who came before him.
Jordan’s name is synonymous with winning. Six NBA championships, five MVP awards, ten scoring titles, and countless unforgettable performances tell the story of a player who redefined what greatness in basketball looks like. But when he stepped to the podium after receiving the honor, Jordan chose not to center the conversation on himself. Instead, he reflected on the legends who paved the way for him, reminding the audience that no single player’s legacy is built alone.
He spoke of Bill Russell, whose unparalleled success in the 1950s and 60s established the very standard for winning in the NBA. Jordan acknowledged Russell’s resilience and leadership as the backbone of the Boston Celtics dynasty, noting that players like himself were standing on the foundation Russell created. He paid tribute to Wilt Chamberlain, whose dominance in scoring and rebounding redefined statistical possibilities, and to Oscar Robertson, the “Big O,” who first showed the world what it meant to be an all-around guard capable of controlling every aspect of the game.
Perhaps most movingly, Jordan recognized Julius Erving, “Dr. J,” the man who brought style, creativity, and artistry into the modern game. Jordan admitted that as a young player, he often tried to imitate Erving’s grace in the air, and that Dr. J’s flair inspired him to make the spectacular a normal part of his game. By honoring these giants, Jordan made it clear that his achievements were linked to the lineage of great players who pushed the sport forward.
This humility resonated with fans and athletes alike. It showed that true greatness is not just about records and trophies, but about respect for history and acknowledgment of influence. Jordan’s words revealed a man who, despite being hailed as the greatest, still saw himself as part of a broader story—one chapter in basketball’s ongoing evolution.
His speech also highlighted another important truth: greatness is never achieved in isolation. Behind every champion are mentors, rivals, and trailblazers whose contributions make new levels of excellence possible. Jordan’s recognition of that truth elevated the moment beyond personal triumph; it became a celebration of basketball itself.
In honoring the greats before him, Michael Jordan reinforced why he is so revered not just as a player, but as a figure of character and integrity. Winning Basketball Player of the Century was a fitting capstone to his career, but it was his humility, his gratitude, and his respect for those who laid the groundwork that truly defined the moment. Jordan showed that being the greatest is not only about what you achieve—it’s about how you honor those who helped make it possible.
