History on This Day: Michael Jordan was named the Rookie of the Year

Jordan averaged 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.4 steals in 82 games played with the Bulls.

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After an incredible first year in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, Hall of Famer Michael Jordan was named the 1984-85 NBA Rookie of the Year on May 16, 1985.

Jordan averaged 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.4 steals in 82 games played with the Bulls. He earned the first of 14 All-Star appearances in his career that season, one of just 45 players in history to become an All-Star as a rookie.

Jordan established his dominance early on as a rookie with the Bulls.

During “The Last Dance” documentary, Jordan recalled a game early that year in which he became the leader of the team. He helped lead the Bulls to a comeback victory over the Milwaukee Bucks and knew at that time it was his team moving forward.

Pat Riley, the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers at the time, offered high praise for Jordan as a rookie during the documentary. Riley said that Jordan didn’t act like a rookie and didn’t play like one either because he proved to be so dominant early on.

The last two episodes of “The Last Dance” will air Sunday night beginning at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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