What Position Did Michael Jordan Play in NBA and MLB?
What Position Did Michael Jordan Play?
MJ was a total baller who could do it all on the court. In short, Shooting Guard (SG), Small Forward (SF) and Point Guard (PG) in the NBA. Outfielder in the MLB.
When he first came into the NBA with the Bulls, he made his name as the straight-up beast of a Shooting Guard. I mean, the man could score and defend with the best of ’em.
But as his career went on, Jordan showed he was way more versatile than just a regular 2-guard.
When he came back from retirement the second time with the Wizards, he switched things up and played more as a Small Forward. Even in his later years, he could still ball out and adjust his game to a new position.
And get this – there was even a short stretch early in his career when MJ stepped up as the team’s Point Guard! A 6’6″ PG running the offense – now that’s crazy to think about.
Beyond basketball, Jordan even took his talents to the baseball diamond when he played minor league ball with the Barons. Can you imagine being a Double-A pitcher and seeing MJ stepping into the batter’s box? Sheesh. Dude really could do it all as an athlete.
What Position Did Michael Jordan Play in NBA?
Shooting Guard (SG)
Michael Jordan is often seen as the greatest basketball player ever. During most of his amazing NBA career, especially his time with the Chicago Bulls, he played shooting guard.
Join Now and Enter to Win a FREE NBA Basketball Jersey! 👇
This position is perfect for a scoring machine like MJ. With his insane athleticism and ability to put the ball in the hoop, he became the quintessential shooting guard.
Jordan just dominated at that position for over 13 seasons, establishing himself as the undisputed best shooting guard of all time. Playing alongside Scottie Pippen at small forward in Chicago Bulls, Jordan flourished as the main scorer while Pippen took some defensive pressure off him. This combo was a nightmare for other teams!
Even before the NBA in college, Jordan was a beast shooting guard under Coach Dean Smith at UNC. He won Freshman of the Year, hit that crazy game-winner to win the ’82 NCAA championship, and it was obvious he’d be an NBA legend.
Once in the NBA, Jordan’s stats as a shooting guard are just silly. Averaging 30.1 points per game for his career, and having insane scoring ability no matter where he shot from. And who can forget him drilling that last-second shot over Craig Ehlo to beat the Cavs in ’89? Iconic MJ moments.
With 6 Finals MVPs and a pile of scoring titles, MJ is the gold standard for shooting guards. In his prime, he’d give defenses nightmares by averaging 32.5 points on 54% shooting – as a SG! It’s no surprise he owns records for most 40-point games in a career. Plus 37.1 points per game in 1986-87? Come on now.
Michael Jordan’s journey from college stud shooting guard to NBA scoring machine as a SG is just amazing. The way he mastered that position and took his game to the highest level is inspirational. MJ’s legacy as the greatest ever shooting guard is set in stone forever.
Small Forward (SF)
After his legendary run as a shooting guard with the Bulls, Michael Jordan took a break from basketball. But he returned in 2001 to play two seasons with the Washington Wizards – this time as a small forward.
With MJ getting older, moving from SG to SF made sense. He couldn’t fly around like in his younger days, but could still lean on his basketball smarts, passing, and his feared midrange fadeaway jumper. The SF position put less wear and tear on his body too.
As a Wizards small forward, Jordan wasn’t quite peak “Air Jordan” anymore, but still averaged a solid 21.2 points per game on 43.1% shooting. He could still get buckets, especially from midrange, reminding everyone his skills could translate to different positions.
In his first season back, Jordan led the Wizards in scoring with 22.9 points per game. He put up 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.4 steal too. Although they missed the playoffs, MJ showed he could still ball out. In his final NBA season at age 40, he played all 82 games while averaging 20 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists. Oh yeah, and he dropped 40+ points 3 times! Vintage MJ.
The move to a small forward was necessary for Jordan later in his career. It allowed him to keep contributing with skills like playmaking and that money midrange jumper, without his body taking as big a pounding.
Although not his glory years, his time as a SF Wizards added an interesting chapter to his story.
MJ’s run at small forward didn’t have the same aura of invincibility as his days as a Bulls shooting guard. But it showed his versatility, love for basketball and ability to adapt to his game as he aged.
Through every play as a SF, he displayed the resilience and evolution that great athletes need. The GOAT found a way to keep making his mark from a different position.
Point Guard (PG)
Michael Jordan is known for being the greatest shooting guard ever. But there’s an interesting time in the 1988-89 season when MJ actually played point guard for the Bulls! This happened when the Bulls were struggling on offense, so Coach Doug Collins slid Jordan to the point.
Even at 6’6″ – giant for a PG, especially back then – Jordan’s skill, IQ and athleticism allowed him to thrive running the point. This experiment started because Sam Vincent, the Bulls PG, was struggling. So MJ took over playmaking duties.
Jordan was unreal at PG. In the 24 games he played PG that season, MJ averaged 30.4 points, 10.7 assists, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals. Dude put up video game numbers. Those stats from March 24 to April 14 especially stand out – triple-doubles in 10 of 11 games! Legendary.
This wasn’t just a gimmick either. MJ showed his adaptability and desire to step up when the Bulls needed him at point guard. It showed MJ’s leadership too in embracing a new challenge for the team.
Jordan’s time at point guard, even though it was short, reveals his versatility and complete skill set. It was something different for him, but proved great players can thrive in any role.
MJ’s mastery of hoops went beyond positions. His run at PG, while not his main legacy, was an awesome showcase of his ability to adapt and dominate no matter where he lined up.
Vintage Jordan makes the most of an unfamiliar role.
What Position Did Michael Jordan Play in MLB?
Outfielder
When Michael Jordan first retired from the NBA in the 90s, he played as an outfielder during his MLB career, he wanted to give his dream of playing pro baseball a shot. His dad loved baseball, so MJ was determined to follow in those footsteps for a bit.
He joined the Birmingham Barons, a Double-A minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox in 1994 as a total newbie to the game. But with his insane work ethic, MJ practiced nonstop to improve his skills on the diamond. All those extra reps paid off big time on July 30, 1994 – MJ smashed his first dinger! An epic “Air Jordan” poster moment in baseball history.
Jordan only hit .202 overall, but his coaches and teammates loved the leadership and effort he brought day in, day out. The pitcher who gave up his first homer, Kevin Rychel, said he was honored to be part of MJ’s baseball story. High praise!
Numbers aside, MJ’s baseball run was special because of what it represented. It allowed him to reconnect with his passion for sports from square one. Despite all the critics, MJ put his head down and embraced learning a new game. Gotta respect the hustle!
His manager Terry Francona raved about how MJ was a total team player who respected the game. And MJ spent hours after games signing autographs for fans, showing love to all the supporters. Stand-up guy.
MJ’s baseball career got cut short by the MLB strike in 1995 unfortunately. Who knows what could’ve been! But his time in baseball refined MJ’s team leadership abilities that helped the Bulls on his return.
Overall, MJ’s baseball journey showcased his insane work ethic and will to master a new challenge. Though brief, it highlighted his athletic gifts, passion for competition, and respect for America’s pastime. MJ took his signature drive and competitiveness to the diamond and left his mark.
Before you go
Check out these articles below, they’ve got some cool stuff you might like:
Join Now and Enter to Win a FREE NBA Basketball Jersey! 👇
Kenya Lee
