Michael Jordan has done a lot for the National Basketball Association. Sadly as a 13-year-old myself, I have never really got to see him play. The great Michael Jordan, I know. The only time I ever remember watching him live was when the guy was on the Washington Wizards. I never really got to see the true him. But I have seen over millions of highlights, games, and clips of the best player in the league history. Here are the Top Five moments in Michael Jordan's career.

Honorable Mention: Final Farewell

This would be the last we would ever see of Michael Jordan, ever, playing the game of basketball in the NBA. Jordan made his final farewell as he ended this game and his career with the Washington Wizards.

The only reason I wouldn't rank this part higher is due to the fact that many would like it better to not remember Jordan when he was with the Wizards. He never had enough to guide the Wiz to the playoffs.

They came close at times, but Jordan was always hit by injuries and had terrible knees. Adding t that, despite Washington had young talent, they counted too much on No. 23. The Wizards had to rely on a 40-year-old man. Yet, he still had it in him, still putting up at least 20 points a night along with a career-high of 50-plus points. When do you ever see a 40-year-old guy do that?

5. Drafted in 1984

Why not really start of the list when Jordan was finally introduced into the NBA. He was drafted third overall by the Chicago Bulls. Jordan was a pretty underrated, but very great, prospect coming out of North Carolina.

But he showed himself up and had a great rookie season. Nobody knew, however, that this 6'6" shooting guard would become the best player in the game.

4. Career-High game

Against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Michael Jordan brought in a career-high 69 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists. He played just awesome. Many usually debate his performance against Los Angeles Lakers' shooting guard Kobe Bryant, who had 81 points. However, Jordan had way more rebounds and assists, which makes want to give the edge to Jordan. A great game played by a great player.

3. The Shot

Michael Jordan did something that the Cavaliers fans will never forget. Down by a point to Cleveland, Jordan made a quick shot over Craig Ehlo to deliver the game-winner as the Chicago Bulls beat the Cavs! Obviously, this has to be an amazing accomplishment. This shot would start telling people that Jordan was the absolute real deal.

2. First Finals' Win

It was finally time that Michael Jordan would bring the Bulls to their first NBA Finals' appearance. But it was going to be tough, considering the fact that it would be against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Jordan proved the naysayers and critics wrong, giving the Bulls their first NBA title along with burying the Lakers in six games.

1. Michael Jordan vs. Utah Jazz

This is my favorite moment of Michael Jordan. He showed true greatness here. He helped get two Finals' wins over the Utah Jazz, tallying up his total to six rings! There were many great stories coming from the games where Jordan met the Jazz in the Finals. One came when Jordan had the "Last Shot," delivering a game-winner of Russell. Fans knew this was much like the Cleveland game. When you look at the expression on their faces, it seems like they know what is coming to them. Then came the "Flu Game," where Jordan played with a terrible flu. Many were surprised that he actually was playing. Jordan play fantastic, but was exhausted completely after as you can see in the picture above.

Well, Jordan had a great career. What do you guys think? What were your favorite moments of Michael Jordan? Share your thoughts below in the comments!

TWolves Blog is the place to go for a fun slant on the Minnesota Timberwolves and the rest of the NBA. And of course, as a TWolves fan, you have to be able to take a light-hearted viewpoint on the NBA, don't you? On a weekly basis we are going to have some syndicated content from TWB here, taking a broad look at the NBA. Be sure to visit TWolves Blog for more.

And the Winner Is…

The NBA’s first season has concluded, and the real season starts this weekend. With that being said, it was an entertaining and fun NBA season. As my esteemed colleagues and I are all Wolves fans, please excuse us if we seem negative or antagonizeable (screw you spell check, I’m saying it is a word). It has been a painfully looong season for some of us. But, we will try to eliminate the pathetic Wolves from our minds, and focus on the stars and success stories from this stanza. Before I introduce the participants, here are some things I enjoyed immensely in the 09-10 season: Joakim Noah, the Zach Randolph resurrection, the continued fantasy agony of Nellieball and the Golden State Warriors, Brandon Jennings’ hairdo’s, NOT the dunk contest, Kenny making fun of Charles’ weird chest hair, Wolves in-game announcer Natalie Kane, Jo Noah’s hair, Ginobili’s streaks of brilliance, Turbo aka Corey Brewer’s dunks, Jeff Van Gundy, Kevin Harlan and Mike Tirico, NOT Hubie Brown, Rondo, gambling on the NBA w/ College Wolf, TNT Thursday’s, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Jo Noah’s sideburns.

Now on to the picks! I am very excited to share the forum with my distinguished panel of party animals and Wolves fanatics. We have The Don – College Wolf, the controversial Roundhouse, and the man known simply as Pants. Don’t let these foolish names fool you – these guys know their stuff. Now onto the Lebron James award…

Please click "Read More" for the rest of the weekly NBA Jam goodness and awards...

Without futher ado:

Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
1		1	-	56-15	1.1
		The cream of the crop, but will they be the last ones standing when the smoke clears?  - Hoop Heads North
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
2		2	-	52-18	2.0
		I keep looking for that signature win, but I think what's going to happen is a slow build, getting some steam up for the playoffs.  I'm satisified with that. The reality of the situation is that LA's not going to catch Cleveland for the #1 the NBA.  But nor are Denver & co. going to catch LA.  Relax, and play 'ball.  Get ready for the Playoffs. - With Malice...
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
3		4	1	50-21	3.3
		With all the Hedo and Vince talk, it still looks to be Dwight and the Magic vs LeBron and the Cavs to decide things out East. - Stepien Rules
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
4		3	1	47-24	4.7
		Yeah, I know. Dissing Dallas. But I still don't believe in their ability to beat pretty much ANY team across a seven game series. Hey, Denver are GOOD. - With Malice...
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
5		7	2	47-24	5.1
		Still the most legitimate contender that no one believes in. They're on everyone's short list, but I think they could beat the Lakers. Look for them to play very well in the playoffs. - Favre Dollar Footlongs
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
6		6	-	46-25	6.3
		The Jazz will be in for a tough play-off match up against Phoenix, should it all stay the same. - With Malice...
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
7		8	1	45-25	6.9
		What's the over/under on the Hawks catching/passing Boston? They'd better, do they want to face the Bucks in the first round? -  With Malice...
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
8		5	3	45-25	8.3
		AARP age is 65. 65 games is also about the time when the Celtics start showing their age. They are nowhere close to being contenders in the East. Look for an early exit. - Favre Dollar Footlongs
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
9		11	2	45-26	9.1
		Actually playing some VERY high octane basketball at the moment, but they STILL can't spell D-E-F-E-N-S-E... much less play it. -  With Malice...
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
10		10	-	42-27	10.3
		When the TWolves inevitably move to Las Vegas or Seattle, this is becoming my new favorite team. - TWolves Blog
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
11		12	1	42-27	11.1
		The whole Richard Jefferson experiment didn't work out too well, did it? - TWolves Blog
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
12		20	8	39-30	11.1
		I am loving this team! They are playing amazing over their last 20 games and they just keep finding ways to win. - Favre Dollar Footlongs
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
13		13	-	42-29	12.3
		Nicolas Batum is the man -- how long will it take for everyone outside of Portland to realise? - A Stern Warning
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
14		16	2	37-34	15.1
		One man show that'll be playing for a very short time in the playoffs. - With Malice...
anking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
15		14	1	36-34	15.3
		Cavs have seemed to have trouble with these Bobcats, but come playoff time, they'll be better than the 8, and the Cavs won't see 'em...so there. - Stepien Rules
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
16		19	3	38-33	15.4
		Z-Bo reignited his career with an MVP like season. But he still looks like he can down 5 Big Macs in one sitting. - Da Bulls' Eye
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
17		15	2	36-33	16.9
		This is more about other teams sucking than any improvement on Houston's part. - With Malice...
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
18		9	9	35-34	18.1
		Limping into the playoffs, the Raptors will be in tough even if they moved up to the 6th seed. But, the NBA is where 'improbable' happens... - Hoop Heads North
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
19		18	1	34-38	18.7
		Praying for Chris Paul. - With Malice..., TWolves Blog
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
20		17	3	33-37	19.1
		Rose and Noah are back...and with Rose putting up LeBron numbers in his 2 games back, the Raptors better look out. Where there's a Rose, there's a way. - Da Bulls' Eye
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
21		22	1	26-45	21.6
		Completely, and utterly disinterested. Will it get better? C'mon: the owner's Donald Sterling. - With Malice...
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
22		23	1	26-45	22.4
		What is going to happen to this team (city?) when they "lose" the LeBron sweepstakes? - TWolves Blog
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
23		26	3	24-47	23.0
		Yes, they have the Rookie-of-the-Year to be. Has anyone else noticed how awful his defense is? - With Malice...
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
24		25	1	25-46	23.6
		Another lowly year for the Pacers. This team really needs to catch a break in the draft, because I don't see them luring any potential free agents. EVER. - Da Bulls' Eye
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
25		21	4	24-47	25.4
		Elton Brand looks like a shadow of himself. And right now, Andre Iguodala couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat. Get that man some glasses. This team will be rebuilding for years. - Da Bulls' Eye
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
26		24	2	23-48	25.6
		Ben Gordon, Charlie Villenueva. What the hell were you thinking Joe? - With Malice...
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
27		29	2	19-51	26.7
		Anyone got a dollar to spare? They're available. What's that; you don't care? - A Stern Warning
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
28		27	1	21-48	27.9
		So much for the apparent resurgence. Gotta love the Andray Blatche era. - Da Bulls' Eye
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
29		28	1	14-58	28.7
		DARKO: FREED. - A Stern Warning, TWolves Blog, The Entire World.
Ranking	Team	Last poll	Change	Record	Avg Ranking
30		30	-	8-63	29.9
		Will John Wall stay in school just so he won't have to go to New Jersey? Who are we kidding, John Wall doesn't attend school. - Favre Dollar Footlongs

This is part two of the round-table discussion that we began recently.

Bloguin NBA

A reminder of who is participating in the first round of discussion was Dave Kelsey (T-Wolves Blog), David Pustilnik (Da Bullseye), Gene Zarnick (Favre Dollar Footlongs), Mookie (A Stern Warning), Jeff Fox (The Hoops Manifesto) and Don (With Malice).

The topic?

With a little more than a month remaining of the NBA schedule, who do you see as the main contenders? Who's a dark horse? What teams do you think will surprise, and who will disappoint?

This is part 2, part 1 was here, and part 3 is to follow...

Don (With Malice)

Dave Pustilnik (Da Bullseye)

I think the Lakers are just in their own heads right now. It's that late-season lull that a great team always has to eventually put behind them before their intensity returns.

I remember the '98 Bulls went through the exact same thing, which prevented them from winning 70 games in back-to-back seasons. As soon as the playoffs are in sight, all this talk about being "soft" and not wanting it will be long-gone. The keys for LA are to just get out of their own heads and start to play consistent basketball leading into the playoffs (whether they win or lose is of minimal importance), and of course, stay healthy.

The NBA Playoffs are fast-approaching! Money time. The NBA writers of Bloguin have gathered and put together a discussion on what to expect on the path to June. We will be posting the results of the discussion here in three parts. Feel free to chime in with your views on the debate in the comments section. Don from With Malice has put together the following summation of the discussion.

Bloguin NBA

There are some amazing NBA blogs within this network. Don't believe me? Visit a few of them via the Bloguin Roll button. A few of us decided to draw on that talent, and have a round-table discussion... of course - not everyone participated, a lot of people are too busy, or not buzzed by the topic. But participating in the first round of discussion was the wise Dave Kelsey (T-Wolves Blog), the fantastic David Pustilnik (Da Bulls' Eye), the esteemed Gene Zarnick (Favre Dollar Footlongs), the inestimable Mookie (A Stern Warning), the wonderful Jeff Fox (The Hoops Manifesto) and the ever-inspiring Don (With Malice).

The discussion was conducted via email, and was VERY informal.  It's worth noting that it was started about a week ago and took several days, thus some of the information in it is a little dated (yes, the NBA does change that quickly!).

The topic?

With a little more than a month remaining of the NBA schedule, who do you see as the main contenders? Who's a dark horse? What teams do you think will surprise, and who will disappoint?

Or you can view it as:

1. Who do you see as the main contenders?

2. Who's a dark horse?

3. What teams do you think will surprise;

4. and who will disappoint?

If that's easier for you.

This is part 1, parts 2 & 3 are to follow...

Don (With Malice)

Ok, from my perspective in the Wild Wild West, it's still the Lakers then others.

Yes, Denver are tough.

Sure, Dallas have a win streak going that's pretty damn impressive.

Utah? I think LA have a mortgage on their soul. Forget about them.

But I still think that over a 7 game series LA beats all comers out West. I think at the moment they're still searching to regain something of the swagger they had at the beginning of the season. Where they were considered "hard". LO's come out and said that they're perceived as soft, and that he hates that. I'm beginning to sense a bit of anger coming out of the team, and to be honest - I like that more than chasing wins. If they focus on "getting wins", they aren't focused on the right thing. Focus on playing hard, and the wins will come.

Denver & Dallas are there, but I'd throw it out there that if they beat the Lakers over 7, that'd be a bigger upset than if say Orlando beat Cleveland. I'd have them as my "dark horses"... and maybe Utah - but on that I have a caveat: for Utah to get to the Finals, they'd have to avoid any contact with LA.

Surprises/disappointments could come out of the West too.

Tags:

• bobcats
• bucks
• bulls
• cavaliers
• celtics
• hawks
• lakers
• magic
• mavericks
• nuggets

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Welcome to the mid-March edition of the NBA Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year rankings. Writers across the Bloguin network have entered their ballots, along with commentary. Take a look at who the favorites are to take out the hardware at season end.

Contributors: Mookie (A Stern Warning); Pace Miller (Pacers Pulse); College Wolf (TWolves Blog); Don (With Malice); Jeff Fox (The Hoops Manifesto); Lives (Knicks Fanatics Blog); Joe Spencer (Barkley's Mouth); Jeff Garcia (Project Spurs); Brendan Bowers (Stepien Rules); Dave Pustilnik (Da Bull's Eye); and Sean François (Hoop Heads North).

Most Valuable Player (MVP)

Voters allocated 10 votes for their first choice, through to 1 vote for their tenth choice.

1. LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) - 110 votes

"When you ride a player to the point where you have the luxury to actually sit him by choice because of how far he's taken you in the season, and then promptly lose the 1st game he sits...I think we have a winner.  The best team in the league is nothing without arguably the best player in the league." (Da Bull's Eye)

2. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) - 87 votes

"Even many former Kobe-haters have converted their ways in the past couple of years. Perhaps "greatest of the past decade" is a title he is undeserved of, but "most dangerous scorer in the league today" is definitely deserved. He is a leader on both ends of the court for a lethal title contending team." (A Stern Warning)

3. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) - 80 votes

"He very well could lead the league in scoring, and really, he does it all.  The Thunder might have home-court advantage in the playoffs, in the West.  That's just sick." (TWolves Blog)

4. Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) - 74 votes

5. Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets) - 66 votes

"Most efficient scorer in the NBA on the only team in the West with a legitimate chance of knocking off the Lakers." (Pacers Pulse)
"Nuggets winning three in a row and Melo dropped 30 points in each of those." (Project Spurs)

6. Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) - 56 votes

"I don't feel like he's getting any love from anyone this year... media or bloggers. All he's done is lead the league in rebounding and blocks, while scoring almost 20 points per game on the team with the third best overall record.  Chump." (TWolves Blog)

7. Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) - 32 votes

"Heat are mediocre at best but Wade has been the constant for this team." (The Hoops Manifesto)
"He could have let this year slip by, but he continues to achieve even with a.500 team." (Knicks Fanatics Blog)

8. Deron Williams (Utah Jazz) - 23 votes

"Yes, Boozer's playing well, but Deron Williams is the man behind Utah's renaissance." (With Malice)
"For some reason he always seems to be overlooked, but Deron Williams is having a tremendous year and has lead the Jazz to a place among the elite teams this year." (The Hoops Manifesto)

9. Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns) - 21 votes

"Turning back the hands of time, playing the best ball since his back-to-back MVP seasons." (Pacers Pulse)
"17 points and 11 assists per game. The dude still has it." (Project Spurs)

10. Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks) - 13 votes

"The Hawks look legit and they have a clutch player and a true go-to guy in Joe Johnson.  He manages to put them on his back in late game situations and they have come out on top more often than not this season.  The Hawks have their first chance in years to make some serious noise in the playoffs, and it's mostly due to their best player, Joe." (Da Bull's Eye)

Others receiving votes (in order of finish): Zach Randolph (Memphis Grizzlies), Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Brandon Roy (Portland Trail Blazers), Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs), Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz), Andrew Bogut (Milwaukee Bucks), Chris Kaman (Los Angeles Clippers), Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets).

Rookie of the Year (ROY)

Voters allocated 5 votes to their first choice, through to 1 vote for their fifth choice.

1. Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings) - 54 votes

"The LeBron James of rookies.  This dude is ill." (TWolves Blog)
"Carry's himself like a vet when rookies are usually recoiling into fetal position." (Knicks Fanatics Blog)

2. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) - 39 votes

"Prolific scorer and made a late run, but Evans has been on all year.  Regardless, Curry is a beast." (Da Bull's Eye)
"I'd only separate Curry/Jennings by a mere hair, but there's no denying Curry has the greater impact on his team.  Thus the nod at 2nd." (With Malice)

3. Brandon Jennings (Milwaukee Bucks) - 33 votes

"If indeed he turns out to be an Allen Iverson-esque player, then the massive ups and subsequent downs of his rookie season might be representative of his career ahead. Either way, a massive talent." (A Stern Warning)

4. Darren Collison (New Orleans Hornets) - 18 votes

"No Chris Paul, no worries for the Hornets. Collison stepping in nicely for this New Orleans team." (Project Spurs)
"If he had his current minutes all season, he'd be a lock for ROY."  (Pacers Pulse)

5. Jonny Flynn (Minnesota Timberwolves) - 7 votes

"JUST gets the nod ahead of other notables..." (With Malice)
"This is tough because of the playing time issue.  Rooks on lousy teams get plenty of burn while guys like Ty Lawson have been superior players without sufficient opportunity to prove it." (Barkley's Mouth)

Others receiving votes (in order of finish): Taj Gibson (Chicago Bulls), DeJuan Blair (San Antonio Spurs), Ty Lawson (Denver Nuggets), Omri Casspi (Sacramento Kings), James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder), Jonas Jerebko (Detroit Pistons).

The final MVP and ROY rankings poll will come at the end of the regular season when the writers of Bloguin tip who the real award winners should be. NBA Base Line brings you the choicest cuts of Bloguin NBA news and opinion. To keep up with NBA Base Line including our regular BaseLineCut posts, subscribe to our RSS feed and follow @ASternWarning on twitter.