Michael Jordan was a freak like we have never seen before in basketball, and we might never see someone like him again. He effortlessly dominated the court on both sides of the ball. He could shoot a mid-range fadeaway over anyone. If not that, he could charge down the lane and finish with a spectacular poster dunk or a skillful layup.
What separated Jordan from his peers and even the players that have come since is his sheer fearlessness. He knew he was better than everyone and would go out of his way to prove it, especially against the best players.
Jordan’s dunking is one of his most defining skills. After all, the logo for his billion-dollar brand is him jumping up for a dunk. He proved this through his multiple dunk contest wins and an incredible highlight reel of dunks over some of the most formidable shot-blockers in NBA history.
Michael Jordan dunked on more Top 10 All-Time Blocks leaders and DPOYs than anyone else in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/2UalXsbv9B
— BossHogg (@6Hogg6) April 13, 2022
The video features highlight Jordan plays against Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson, Alonzo Mourning, and many others. All of these players have incredible rim-protecting skills, but Jordan found a way to get past all of them.
Nowadays, many argue that LeBron James is the greatest drive-and-finish player in the history of the NBA. There is some truth to that, with LeBron outscoring centers at the rim for most of his peak in the NBA. However, LeBron is 40 pounds heavier than Jordan and three inches taller.
The elegance and grace with which Jordan could throw down thunderous dunks was incredible to watch. His dunk contest exploits are known to the entire world, but to execute the moves he did against some of the greatest in the middle of games? That takes a different mindset. We all know, MJ was built differently and we may not see anyone else perform like how he did at his peak.
