NBA all-time great Michael Jordan was a force to be reckoned with on the court. He was one of the fittest athletes during his career. Because of his exceptional fitness, he could play great at both ends of the court. Jordan was not just a great scorer; he was also a great defender. He won the Defensive Player of the Year in 1988. His athleticism brought him the nickname ‘Air Jordan’, ‘His Airness’, etc. because of his explosiveness and vertical leap.

Because of this, MJ could hang in the air and finish his layups around taller defenders as well. During Jordan’s playing years, there was no defensive 3 seconds rule. So centers wait in the paint for opponents driving in to protect the rim. Jordan and players in that era had to almost always face a rim protector when they are driving to the basket.

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But that didn’t stop the Bulls legend. He consistently finished at the rim with ease and has given us fans some extraordinary finishes over the years. His athleticism also helped him play at full throttle for so many years.

A stronger Michael Jordan ran ragged

Michael Jordan joined the NBA after helping the Tar Heels win the National championship in 1982. Initially, he was a bit lanky, and that helped him with his quickness and speed. Even though he was very fit, he was not as strong to take the physical defense from his opponents. A resurfaced photo of MJ’s ripped physique is doing the rounds now. And it could make anyone jealous.

MJ struggled with the physical defense of the Detroit Pistons. The ‘Bad Boys’ Pistons used the ‘Jordan Rules’ to stop him from helping the Bulls. For two straight years, in 1989 and 1990, the Pistons eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs. Isiah Thomas and the Pistons proved as a huge roadblock for Jordan and the Bulls’ desire to reach the NBA Finals. The Pistons also won the NBA title on both occasions.

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A motivated Jordan wanted to be stronger than ever. So he worked as hard as he can in the offseason. And he appointed Tim Grover as his personal trainer. With his help, MJ became stronger each day. Grover went on to train Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade later in his career. And was waiting for his chance to go against the Pistons.

As fate would have it, the Bulls and the Pistons faced each other in the 1990 Eastern Conference Finals. Michael Jordan showed the world what he was capable of as he got his revenge. The Bulls thrashed the Pistons and swept the series. The Bulls then went on to win the NBA title as well.

Do you think Michael Jordan was one of the fittest ever? Let us know in the comments.