Holding Court

Michael Jordan, indisputably the greatest basketball player of all time, returned to the spotlight earlier this year with the release of the remarkable, ESPN/Netflix docuseries The Last Dance, which follows the legendary Chicago Bulls as they strive for a sixth national championship during the 1997- 1998 season.

The documentary reminds us that it was Jordan’s drive to win at all costs and sheer talent juxtaposed with his wry humor and easy grin that have permanently imprinted his legend on the psyche of Americans, sports fans or not.

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” — Michael Jordan

Retired since 2003, Jordan has built a business empire worth an estimated $2.1 billion dollars, adding to his list of superlatives by making him the richest former professional athlete in the world.

But Jordan is also a philanthropist, and in June announced that he would be donating $100 million over 10 years to organizations promoting racial equality and social justice, making the old Gatorade slogan, “Be Like Mike,” more relevant than ever.

“If you look up the definition of greatness in the dictionary, it will say Michael Jordan.” — Elgin Baylor

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