Michael Jordan is one of the greatest ever to play in the NBA. He has had a long career in the League filled with trophies, awards, and worldwide recognition. Jordan has played with a diverse range of players who challenged him thoroughly. But he ultimately overcame all of them to win six NBA titles, which include two three-peats in the 1990s. He has faced some of the strongest and the fastest players in the game’s history; not to mention, some of the tallest as well.
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Jordan’s own career lasted for almost two decades, during which he faced several players. He played with them and took it upon himself to beat them.
Michael Jordan “climbing the mountains”
Michael Jordan has beaten some of the tallest men in the sport ever. Gheorghe Murasan, who stood at 7 feet 7 inches, played for the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) at that time. Jordan faced him multiple times from 1993 to 1998, overcoming him with some memorable dunks.
Another giant in the league then was 7’7 Manute Bol, who played for the Bullets as well. In the 80s and early 90s, 7’7 Manute Bol was the tallest player in the league and 6’6 Michael Jordan was the highest flying high flyer. Hence, they had their share of mid-air collisions, often with very different results. Jordan was the first to draw blood during Manute’s early days with the Bullets.
Jordan facing the shortest players
Michael Jordan has also faced some of the shortest players in the league. Muggesy Bogues had great handles and moved the ball rapidly onto the other end of the court. He had a very famous tangle with Jordan. Reportedly, Jordan once told him, “Shoot the ball, midget.” Some think this ruined his career, but Bogues rubbishes any such claims. Bogues further spent five years in the NBA, making a total of 14 seasons in all.
He played for the Washington Wizards, the Hornets, Golden State Warriors, and the Toronto Raptors, averaging 7.7 points a game. He eventually acted together with Jordan in ” Space Jam”.
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Another name that comes to mind is that of Spud Webb. Webb is known for dunking over Jordan during their college days. Visual of the same are truly a sight to see. He probably wowed the entire audience by dunking over a 6’6 Michael Jordan.
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