Cake for a Legend

"When your favorite team lands a transcendent player in your formative years... it really is like winning the lottery." -Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball

I wasn't around in 1984 for what is arguably the biggest draft day steal of all time, or for some of the early moments. But on this day 49 years ago, a boy was born in New York who would be that steal, and over the course of 15 years be cemented as the greatest to ever play the game.

Much like any kid born in Chicagoland in the 80's (I barely made it), if you were into sports, Michael Jordan captured your imagination. My parents had actually moved to the area just in time for MJ's arrival, and a few years later I would be around to only see one year of growing pains before the string of 6 titles. I don't remember any of the first 3-peat seasons, though apparently there is video evidence of me reciting the Bulls starting lineup at age 3 or so (probably why I love being a PA announcer... I miss Ray Clay.)

During the legendary '95-'96 season I was lucky enough that my parents got 3 tickets to a game at the United Center. We sat up in the 300 level behind one of the baskets. April 4, 1996 versus the Miami Heat. The Bulls won 100-92. I know those facts by memory. What I didn't remember until looking it up a couple years ago was that Michael went off for 40 points in that game. I will always treasure that game, even though I don't remember much of it other than the final score. I saw Michael Jordan play in person. I saw him drop 40 in a win.

My memories of that second three-peat are much better. I remember watching Game 6 of both the '96 and '98 Finals in my family room and going nuts after both. I'm not sure what happened in '97 that I missed that ending, because you'd figure I'd remember that one. But '96 was the first title I consciously remember. And what Bulls fan could ever forget The Last Shot?

The NBA hasn't been the same since MJ left. I went to a few other Bulls games in the years since, but it was never the same. There's been a renaissance in recent years with Derrick Rose, but he's nowhere near the level MJ was. No player is. It's my firm belief that no player ever will be. The closest to him among active players right now is Kobe. But even Kobe with his 5 rings has a long way to go to catch him. He's won 2 as the guy in LA, and at his age, I don't know that he could will the Lakers to 4 more. Best post-MJ player for now, though you could make an argument about guys like Shaq or Tim Duncan. We all know LeBron is talented, but is without a ring.

I'm lucky to have been around to see the Greatest of All Time. He gave me and Bulls fans everywhere great memories. As such, it is only fair to wish the legend a happy 49th birthday. If I could arrange it, I'd send him a gift of Bryon Russell so he could hit another jumper over him for old times sake.