Michael Jordan is considered by many to not only be the best basketball player in history, but one of the best athletes in sports history period, having played 15 seasons in the NBA. Thirteen of them were with the Chicago Bulls and two with the Washington Wizards. Most of Air Jordan's seasons were spectacular. However, there are some that were from another planet, some of the best individual seasons in the entire history of the National Basketball Association.

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All stats in this article are sourced from Basketball Reference.

UPDATE: 2024/03/18 21:00 EST BY ROBERTH PEREZ

As good as Michael Jordan was, he was also human. He had some seasons in which he was not a machine, and in which he could not lead his team to the championship, nor to the playoffs. Lack of experience, injuries, age, and perhaps the absence of good teammates caused Jordan to have his worst seasons in the NBA. However, keep in mind that a bad season for Jordan is a great season for any other player, because despite being far from his prime, he posted impressive statistics and was the best player on his team. Jordan is arguably the greatest NBA player of all time, and below we rank each of his seasons.

15 Michael Jordan's Worst Season Was 1985-1986

Michael Jordan Played Just 18 Games In The 1985-1986 Regular Season

Michael Jordan 1984

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

22.7

3.6

2.9

2.1

1.2

27.5

All-Star.

Playoffs

43.7

6.3

5.7

2.3

1.3

30.1

None.

Michael Jordan's worst NBA season was undoubtedly 1985-1986. He played just 18 games, due to a fractured left foot. The injury was in the third game of the season, so he was able to return in the final stretch. However, when he returned, it was difficult for him to get into his usual rhythm, and he closed the season with unusual numbers for him. But in the Playoffs, he averaged 43.7 points in three games, which was impressive.

14 Michael Jordan Returned To The NBA In 1995

Jordan Missed Almost Two NBA Seasons While Playing Baseball

Michael Jordan
RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

26.9

6.9

5.3

1.8

0.8

22.1

None.

Playoffs

31.5

6.5

4.5

2.3

1.4

24.8

None.

Michael Jordan retired from basketball to play professional baseball. While Jordan was playing Double-A baseball with the Birmingham Barons, he missed the entire 1993-1994 NBA season, and most of 1994-1995. Jordan got tired of baseball and decided to return to basketball, so he returned to the NBA on March 19, 1995, at the tail end of the season. He was a little rusty, but he still put up great numbers, especially in the Playoffs, scoring 31.5 points per game.

13 Michael Jordan's Last Season Was 2002-2003

Jordan Was 39 Years Old In His Last Season

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

20.0

6.1

3.8

1.5

0.5

19.3

All-Star.

The 2002-2003 season was the last one of Michael Jordan's NBA career. At 39, Jordan proved that he still got it, and he had some amazing performances, such as three 40-point games throughout the season. His Airness could not take the Washington Wizards to the playoffs, but he was the best player on the team. Jordan retired after a pretty good season, in which he was selected to the All-Star game.

12 Michael Jordan Returned To The NBA In 2001

Michael Jordan Came Out Of Retirement For The Second Time To Play With The Wizards

Michael Jordan wizards

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

22.9

5.7

5.2

1.4

0.4

20.7

All-Star.

Michael Jordan retired from basketball after the 1997-1998 NBA season. He spent three seasons at home, but came out of retirement for the second time in his career and returned to the NBA in 2001, but with a different team. For the first time in his career, Jordan would not play for the Chicago Bulls, but would play for the Washington Wizards.

Once again, Mike proved that inactive time does not affect his talent, and he had an excellent season. Obviously, his stats were not as great as when he played for the Bulls, but Jordan was still well above an average player.

11 Michael Jordan's Rookie Season Was Incredible

Michael Jordan Was Named Rookie Of The Year In The 1984-1985 NBA Season

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

28.2

6.5

5.9

2.4

0.8

25.8

Rookie Of The Year All-NBA, All-Star.

Playoffs

29.3

5.8

8.5

2.8

1.0

24.7

None.

Michael Jordan made his NBA debut in the 1984-1985 season. He met and exceeded expectations with his phenomenal performances throughout the season, and was named Rookie Of The Year, beating out Hakeem Olajuwon. Jordan made an immediate impact on the NBA, as his playstyle was spectacular, and he was an incredibly decisive player. It was one of the best rookie seasons in NBA history.

10 Michael Jordan's 1992-1993 Season Was Great

He Won The NBA Championship With The Chicago Bulls

Michael Jordan NBA Finals 1993
MPS-USA TODAY Sports

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

32.6

6.7

5.5

2.8

0.8

29.7

Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star,

Playoffs

35.1

6.7

6.0

2.1

0.9

30.1

NBA Champion, Finals MVP.

It was Jordan's ninth season in the NBA, averaging 32.6 points per game, 5.5 assists per game, 6.7 rebounds per game and 2.8 steals per game in the regular season. In the playoffs that season, he did what he wanted. No one could stop him, and he led the Chicago Bulls to their third consecutive championship. That year, Mike was the scoring champion, went to the all-star game, and was also the most valuable player in the finals.

9 Michael Jordan Was Amazing In The 1989-1990 Season

He Couldn't Win The Championship, Though

Michael Jordan 1989
Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

33.6

6.9

6.3

2.8

0.7

31.2

Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star,

Playoffs

36.7

7.2

6.8

2.8

0.9

31.7

None

This season, Jordan scored 33.6 points per game (NBA Leader), 6.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.8 steals (NBA Leader), plus had 10.6 Value over replacement players (NBA leader). Despite the fact that his team was eliminated from the postseason, he demonstrated an unmatched ability to score points, and once again surprised everyone in basketball.

In this season, "Mr. June” was frustrated that he had not yet obtained a championship ring. But at that moment, he was one step closer to achieving maximum glory.

8 Michael Jordan's 1986-1987 Season Impressed All

It Was His Third Year In The NBA

Michael Jordan

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

37.1

5.2

4.6

2.9

1.5

29.8

Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star,

Playoffs

35.7

7.0

6.0

2.0

2.3

28.1

None

It was just Michael Jordan's third year in the NBA, but that didn't stop his transition to greatness. He led the league in points per game (37.1) and in total points (3041). It was also the top of his career.

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At that moment, it became clear that this guy would be special. This was a huge year because from there we did not see an ordinary basketball player, we saw an indomitable beast that seemed to fly every time he jumped. The most important thing was he did not fail.

7 In The 1988-1989 Season, Michael Jordan Continued To Show His Unique Talent

Jordan Was The Scoring Champion For The Third Consecutive Year

Michael Jordan 1989

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

32.5

8.0

8.0

2.9

0.8

31.1

Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star, Sporting News MVP

Playoffs

34.8

7.0

7.6

2.5

0.8

29.9

None

MJ was the NBA leader in points per game (32.5), in total points (2633) this year, and in value over replacement (11.4) for the third consecutive year. People were already beginning to accept that he was the best.

That year, he obtained his fifth selection in a row to the All-Star Game, where he scored 28 points and stole 5 balls. In the playoffs, he scored 34.8 points per game, 7.6 assists, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals. However, he still could not be crowned champion. That year, he won the Sporting News MVP award.

6 Michael Jordan Was The MVP & Defensive Player Of The Year In The 1987-1988 Season

Michael Jordan Recorded The Highest VORP Ever

Michael Jordan 1988

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

35.0

5.5

5.9

3.2

1.6

31.7

MVP, Defensive Player Of The Year, Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star Game MVP, Sporting News MVP

Playoffs

36.3

7.1

4.7

2.5

1.1

28.4

None

This season, Michael Jordan was absolutely insane. He was the MVP of the season, the Defensive Player of the Year, and he was also the most valuable player in the All-Star game. His Value Over Replacement Player was 12.5 (the highest in NBA history) to lead the league. Likewise, he was the maximum scorer with 2868 points, and he was also the leader in steals with 259 (3.5 per game).

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But in the postseason, he was still unsuccessful and, for people, that was, perhaps, the most important thing to be the best player.

5 Michael Jordan Had Another Fantastic Season In 1996-1997

Another Scoring Title, Another Ring

Michael Jordan Bulls

© USA TODAY Sports

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

29.6

5.9

4.3

1.7

0.5

27.8

Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star, Sporting News MVP

Playoffs

31.1

7.9

4.8

1.6

0.9

27.1

NBA Champion, Finals MVP

It didn't have the taste of the season that preceded it or the drama of 'The Last Dance,' but everything Jordan did this year was amazing. He led the Bulls to 69 wins, earn his ninth scoring title en route to his fifth ring, and also his fifth MVP of the finals. In the regular season, he recorded 29.6 points per game, 5.9 rebounds, and in the playoffs, 31.1 points per game and 7.9 rebounds per game. MJ being MJ.

4 In 1991-1992, Michael Jordan Established Himself As The Best Player In The NBA

He Won Everything For The Second Straight Year

Michael Jordan vs Portland
MPS-USA TODAY Sports

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

30.1

6.4

6.1

2.3

0.9

27.7

MVP, Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star, Sporting News MVP

Playoffs

34.5

6.2

5.8

2.0

0.7

27.2

NBA Champion, Finals MVP

The Chicago Bulls had their most dominant season thus far with 67 wins, the best record in the NBA. Jordan won his sixth consecutive scoring title, his second MVP in a row, and his second most valuable player of the finals.

He increased his production in the Finals, averaging 35.8 points per game at 52.6 FG% against the Portland Trail Blazers in a series that included the famous 'Shrug' when he scored six triples in the first game of the Finals. "His Airness" had established himself as the best player in the NBA, and everyone knew it.

3 In 1997-1998, Michael Jordan Had The Last Dance With The Chicago Bulls

He Ended His Stint With Another Championship Ring

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

28.7

5.8

3.5

1.7

0.5

25.2

MVP, Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star Game MVP, Sporting News MVP

Playoffs

32.4

5.1

3.5

1.5

0.6

28.1

NBA Champion, Finals MVP

This was Jordan's last season in Chicago, 'The Last Dance.' His Airness played the first part of the campaign without Scottie Pippen (his best partner on the court), who missed the first 35 games after undergoing surgery on his left foot. Jordan put the team on his back, scoring 40 or more points five times before Pippen's return.

The 'crossover' from right to left to Bryon Russell, the slight push, promotion and liberation, and the key basket for the sixth ring. This season was one of the best for what it meant, without a doubt an ideal time for sports lovers.

2 Michael Jordan Won His First Championship In The 1990-1991 Season

Jordan Led The Chicago Bulls With Several Amazing Performances

Michael Jordan 1991

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

31.5

6.0

5.5

2.7

1.0

31.6

MVP, Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star, Sporting News MVP

Playoffs

31.1

6.4

8.4

2.4

1.4

32.0

NBA Champion, Finals MVP

During this season, Michael Jordan was interviewed by then NBC analyst Pat Riley, who asked if he would consider his career disappointing if he never won a title. Jordan said he would not. After all, he had five scoring titles, two 'MVPs', and a Defensive Player of the Year award at the age of 27.

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However, soon after, MJ led the Bulls to their first title. He had proven to be the most dominant scorer in the league, but in these finals his performance (11.4 assists per game) stands out even more than his 31 points per game.

1 Michael Jordan Had Arguably Had His Best Season In 1995-1996

After Playing Baseball, Jordan Returned To The NBA & Proved That He Was Still The Best

Michael Jordan vs Supersonics
MPS-USA TODAY Sports

Round

Points per game

Rebounds per game

Assists per game

Steals per game

Blocks per game

Player Efficiency Rating

Accolades

Regular

30.4

6.6

4.3

2.2

0.5

29.4

MVP, Scoring Champion, All-NBA, All-Star Game MVP, Sporting News MVP

Playoffs

30.7

4.9

4.1

1.8

0.3

26.7

NBA Champion, Finals MVP

This is considered as one of the best individual seasons in the entire history of basketball. After the death of his father, Michael demonstrated that his talent had no limits. The Bulls set an NBA record with 72 wins, still the most for a champion. Jordan received the most votes for the MVP thus far. That award value places Jordan at the top of his many excellent seasons in these rankings. That season, he was also the MVP of the finals and most valuable player in the all-star game. Michael Jordan had a formidable career, and this was its peak.