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Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had a great time destroying opposition back in the 90s. No one could argue about their sheer dominance on the court. Jordan is considered the greatest ever to play the game.?Back in 2013, Ahmad Rashad interviewed the 6-time NBA Champion on the occasion of his 50th birthday.?

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In the hour-long interview, Ahmad Rashad mentioned the earliest nickname that the Bulls legend had gotten, ‘Captain Marvel’.

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Michael Jordan addressing his nicknames

As it turns out, Michael Jordan wasn’t a big fan of his first nickname. And he even detailed the reasons for his dislike.

Jordan chuckled and replied, ? It just didn?t seem right, Captain sounded like I?m on the top of the league and I considered myself at the bottom you know at that time.?? He further added, ?I am walking into arenas playing Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, and you call me ?Captain Marvel?, puts a big dot on my back?.?

Despite being widely regarded as the greatest player ever, Michael Jordan had the humility to acknowledge his position in the totem pole in his early years. He deferred to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s dominance when they ruled the NBA world. However, he would later go on to establish his own monopoly in the league for the Chicago Bulls.

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The nickname ?His Airness? was a direct sign of love, adulation, and respect for the Bulls no. 23. This nickname was derived from the basketball legend?s ability to hang in the air while dunking from the free throw line.

READ MORE: Michael the famous trash talker, still won hearts.

Combined with the royal status that he exuded, by making the Bulls the most formidable team of the 90s. It was a perfect nickname.

The Bulls legend against Larry Bird and Magic Johnson

The Bulls legend stated that was at the bottom of the NBA hierarchy in his early seasons. Also motivating him more to be at par with the legends of the game.?

The 1986 NBA Playoffs had the Bulls and Larry Bird?s? Boston Celtics pitted against each other. The Boston Garden saw a game like no other when the home team won 135-131. Despite that, Michael Jordan scored 63 points, which is to this day still a playoff record. Larry Bird famously said, ?I think he’s God disguised as Michael Jordan?.

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In the 1991 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls faced Magic Johnson and the legendary LA Lakers. The Lakers were appearing in their 9th NBA final in 12 years. Nobody could question their status as a team.

Watch this story:? Jordan surpasses Late Kobe Bryant and Bill Russell in jersey sales

The Chicago bulls defeated LA Lakers 4-1 in the finals, with Jordan averaging 31.2 PPG on 56% shooting.

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Shankha Shuvra Das

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Shankha Shuvra Das is an NBA writer whose expertise lies in the intricacies of the league's business side. With a Master's Degree in Economics, he is well-equipped to analyze the complex commercial aspects of the world's third-richest sports league. As a writer at EssentiallySports, Shankha has demonstrated remarkable proficiency, particularly in his coverage of the FTX debacle that implicated several NBA stars. His in-depth analysis and transparent reporting have earned him a reputation for delivering high-quality content that fans and industry professionals alike can trust. Shankha's extensive coverage of Shaquille O'Neal and his various ventures outside of basketball also showcases his ability to provide insight into the business side of sports. His writing is engaging, informative, and always well-researched, making him a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the NBA's commercial landscape. When he's not busy writing, Shankha can be found hitting pads at a kickboxing gym or trying his hand at writing screenplays for movies. This passion for both sports and creative endeavors is reflected in his work, which always showcases a unique perspective and attention to detail. Overall, Shankha is a skilled writer whose transparency and commitment to quality make him a trusted authority on the business of the NBA.

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