Jordan's Pro Debut Disguised True Greatness

CLEVELAND - Michael Jordan became an ethereal giant in the game of basketball. From glittering statistics, spectacular flourishes to the hoop and a mountain of awards, MJ was the most stunning mix of ambition and accomplishment in NBA history.

You would have never known it from his first game.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Jordan's debut with the Chicago Bulls. On October 26, 1984, the 21-year old mega athlete played his first-ever regular season game, an ironic match-up with the Washington Bullets (he played two seasons for that franchise 17 years later). Playing in Chicago Stadium, he appeared a bit nervous, hyper and very competitive. Sporting the Bulls' home white uniform with red numbering and lettering, Michael looked every bit the sleek and high-octane athlete that he was, however the poise and polish of his game wasn't yet apparent.

Even his shoes were just basic white and red Nikes.

He finished with a poor shooting, 5-of-16 performance from the floor, though nailed 6-of-7 free throws for 16 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. With the exception of his shooting and scoring, his overall game was on the money, though it would only get better in the coming games.

And years.

The Bulls won, 109-93 which was the most important stat to the obsessed-with-winning Jordan. Even though the game offered tantalizing glimpses of his future brilliance, it concealed the true scope of what the man was destined to become. He became the best player in history with a colossal portfolio of legendary and heroic moments on the court. Given the incredible nature of his legend, it's understandable that it wasn't obvious at such an early date.

When Jordan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last month, he repeatedly spoke of how every naysayer and doubter real or perceived fueled his relentless will and drive. It was an amazing and riveting speech that left some angered, but left others like myself in deeper admiration for the man and all of his achievements. That first game wasn't step one of his evolution.

But it was America's first glimpse of what became a love affair with an indelible genius.