23 Ways NBA History Would Be Different Without Michael Jordan

His Airness changed the game in more ways than one.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The third overall pick of the 1984 NBA Draft, Michael Jeffrey Jordan, has come to personify not just winning and greatness, but the game of basketball itself. From his early days at Laney High School in Wilmington, NC, to his final ring with the Chicago Bulls in 1998, MJ has had a storied career that extends well beyond the confines of any basketball court.

A six-time champion, and six-time Finals MVP, Jordan was instrumental in popularizing the NBA around the world in the ‘80s and ‘90s. But, what if his Airness never suited up for the red and black? What if he chose to pursue baseball instead? While we shudder at the thought, a more thorough examination is necessary. From the No. 23 being just another jersey to the Bulls possibly still calling Chicago Stadium home, check out, 23 Ways NBA History Would Be Different Without Michael Jordan.

Written by Adam Silvers (@silversurfer103)

RELATED: 50 Things You Didn't Know About Michael Jordan

Nine-figure signature sneaker deals would be unheard of.

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There would be no argument against Bill Russell being the GOAT.

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We would have no "flu game" to compare a hobbled or sick player's epic performance.

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The Bad Boy Pistons would have a much different historical context within the NBA.

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Space Jam, and Kazaam, never would have been made.

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Kobe Bryant wouldn't be the Kobe Bryant we've come to know, love, and hate, today.

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Kwame Brown would have been drafted 45th overall and probably speant his career in Slovenia.

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The Bulls would still be playing in Chicago Stadium.

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The iconic number 23 would probably be associated with Calvin Murphy. Basically it wouldn't be iconic.

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Isiah Thomas would not only have made the "Dream Team," but he would've been a captain.

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A player sticking out their tongue when they drove the lane would just be regarded as rude.

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There would be absolutely no room for gambling amongst athletes.

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No one would be able to know what the scent of greatness was without the Michael Jordan cologne.

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The "highlight" style of play might never have become present in the NBA.

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The idea of the crossover celebrity/player would never have existed.

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No one would know who, or what, the Birmingham Barons are.

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$20 million+ yearly salaries would likely be non-existent.

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The Chicago Bulls would not be one of the NBA's most storied franchises.

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The formula for a winning team would still start with a dominant big, rather than a dynamic guard.

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The NBA wouldn't have expanded its global reach until Kobe and LeBron entered the league.

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Major networks would not be clamoring over NBA TV deals.

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Major athlete endorsement deals would not be nearly as prominent as they are today.

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Multiple Hall of Famers would have won championships.

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