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NBA legend Michael Jordan wrote his name into the history books during his time with the Chicago Bulls, but how many NBA rings did he win during his time in the league?
NBA fans often have a tough time discussing the greatest basketball player of all time. But without Michael Jordan in the conversation, that debate is rendered futile. The Chicago Bulls legend completed a three-peat twice in his career and had a stellar record of winning every NBA Finals that he took part in.
So, here we take a look at how many NBA rings Michael Jordan claimed during his time in the NBA and how he managed to win them during the dominant era of the Chicago Bulls. NBA rings are given to Championship winning team players, coaches, and members of the executive front office.
Michael Jordan was picked up by the Chicago Bulls in 1984. He was the third overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft that year. Jordan quickly emerged as one of the league’s top stars and judging by performances in his early days, he was bound to leave a legacy in the NBA.
But it took him time. In fact, Jordan had to wait for seven years before eventually winning an NBA Championship with the Bulls. The American superstar won his first NBA ring in 1991 with the Bulls, who beat the Lakers in that year’s NBA Finals. The Bulls then went on to win two more NBA championships in as many years as they completed a historic three-peat.
In the 1992 Finals, the Bulls beat the Portland Trail Blazers and the following year, they got past the Phoenix Suns at the final hurdle.
MJ’s career then took a hit when his father was murdered later in 1993 and he shockingly decided to retire from the sport. But Jordan returned to the NBA two years later and rejoined the Bulls in 1995. While the Bulls did not win the Championship in the two years that MJ was away from the sport, they did reach the zenith as soon as he returned.
Jordan and the Bulls won all 72 regular-season games in 1995 and clinched the NBA Championship by beating the Seattle Supersonics in the 1996 Finals. The Bulls then coasted to two more NBA Championships in 1997 and 1998, beating the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals on both occasions.
The Bulls and Jordan completed another sensational three-peat in the same decade to write their names in history. But Jordan announced his retirement for the second time in 1998.
Although he returned to the league in 2001 with the Washington Wizards, his two-year stint with the team did not result in any more NBA rings. Jordan quit the sport for the last time in 2003 with a glittering career many could only dream of having.
In total, Michael Jordan won six NBA rings. He played in six NBA Finals, all with the Chicago Bulls, and got his team across the line every time.
Michael Jordan won six NBA rings. He has more NBA Championships than LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. LeBron has got four NBA rings to his name until now. The late Kobe Bryant won five NBA rings during his 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Aside from winning six NBA Championships, Michael Jordan won 5 NBA MVP awards as well. He is a 14-time All-Star and won the 1998 Defensive Player of the Year award as well. His jersey No. 23 was also retired by the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan was also a 10-time NBA scoring champion, three-time steals leader, and two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion. He is also a two-time Olympic Gold medalist.
In total, Jordan racked up 32,292 points, 6,672 rebounds and 5,633 during his career in the NBA. His success was not only limited to the NBA as he also won the 1982 NCAA championship by hitting the game-winning shot.
Jordan was named the 20th century’s greatest North American athlete by ESPN. He did plenty to raise the status of the NBA in the US and across the globe as well. In fact, when Jordan retired for the second time, the popularity of the NBA in America declined rapidly.
Michael Jordan left behind a legacy in the NBA that will be unmatched by any future generations. He currently has a minority stake with the Charlotte Hornets and remains closely associated with the league.
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