Wednesday, September 29th, 2010 at 6:32 pm  |  105 responses

SLAM Presents Jordan, 2010

Bigger, Gold and On Sale Now!

by Ben Osborne / @bosborne17

This may be the simplest thing I’ve ever written on here: Give the people what they want.jordan

In the summer of 2009, in honor of Michael Jordan’s induction into the Hall of Famewe put out our first 100% Jordan issue in more than a decade (the first one doesn’t really exist online, though I’ve tacked in a sort of faded jpeg at right; the ’09 one, which you should remember, was featured on this site and many other places, too.). To put it simply, the issue was a runaway success. Sold out of a bunch of stores, sold more copies than anything else we did in 2009, got love via snail mail, email and all over the internet. All of us here at SLAM were proud of the product, and proud of how well it was received.

The truth is, the sales figures alone might have been enough for the financial powers that be who run SLAM to put another MJ issue out. And I wouldn’t have had a say in the matter. But then the craziest thing happened. Or rather: what would have been the craziest thing for any athlete other than Michael Jordan happened. He went out and stayed arguably the biggest name in basketball.

In 2010 alone, Mike has: become majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, gone into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Dream Team, served as presenter for ex-teammate Scottie Pippen’s own entry into the Hall, and, most significantly from a pop-culture perspective, been put on the cover of NBA 2K11, an insane honor for a guy who hasn’t played in more than five years. With the recent announcement from EA Sports that release of their own ballyhooed game, NBA Elite, is on hold, Mike is going to have the video-game consumer on lock for at least the next month.

All this to say, why shouldn’t we put out another issue. So here’s the deal: you’ve got all the same feature stories that ran in our ’09 version, plus a new table of contents, a new Editor’s Letter, and 16 new pages of Mike, including stories on him as an owner and as a star for Team USA (which he’d been long before anyone uttered the phrase “Dream Team.”)

Plus, a sick twist on last year’s cover: shiny gold.

You know what to do…


jordan2010blog


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  • Atrain

    Nice

  • http://www.kb24.com The Seed

    Should have done a Mike/Kobe Issue, but I love MJ, but its overload now, but hey he is the greatest ever, but a 1992 Dream Team Issue is a good idea or a Mike/Scottie issue, since they are considered the greatest duo ever. Still a nice issue. Thanks Slam!!!

  • aotearaw

    Huge, was only recently flicking through the original MJ issue, undoubtedly SLAM’s special issue opus. Will international subscribers be receiving this?

  • http://www.slamonline.com Eboy

    Loves it!

  • Janks

    lol ok cmon now.. you guys just released one last year don’t you think this is a little too much now even if he is GOAT? how much new stuff is there in this one compared to recycled stuff?

  • hoodsnake

    I just hope the XXVI doesn’t look like something that was designed in an 80′s microwave

  • Statik

    That first MJ special issue was the first SLAM mag I ever bought, I wish I could get that one back so I gotta cop this one to kinda make up for it. I think most of all I enjoyed the interviews of his opponents and how they remember him way back in the late 80′s before he got the hardware and the progression they saw. Hope my local hookup got it in stock tonight…

  • The Philosopher

    To SLAM:
    You all know how I feel about this whole site, the company, everything involved with it. I rarely, if ever have anything negative to imply towards SLAM, and I hope this next statement is not going to be perceived as being indicative of negativity.
    Magic Johnson is The G.O.A.T.
    My bad.

  • http://dsfjklf.com Jukai

    LOVE IT!
    I hate it when you guys throw out outdated over over publicized players in your regular rotation, but if you guys want to throw out special issues of my favorite players, I’ll cop it, always.
    Hell, I have the original Jordan magazine and I’m still getting this one and putting it next to the old Jordan one.
    The Philosopher: Alright sir, your move. Why is Magic Johnson GOAT?

  • http://www.kylestack.com Kyle Stack

    Sick cover, love that gold.

  • BostonBaller

    My collection just got better…EVERY ish since #1 and growing.

  • ai come back

    this is bogus ur gonna give me 16 pages tahs it????? these 16 pages theyre the best thing ever written rite?

  • http://Slamonline.com Bryan Crawford

    If you think Magic is the GOAT, that’s fine. But put Magic on the front of a magazine and it won’t sell like putting MJ on the front of, well, anything. Sorry… MJ, the GOAT.

  • Sam

    MJ is starting to piss me off. I’ve been apart of SLAM for a little over a year and a half, and about 40% of the magazines have him on it. We should have left him back in the 90′s, and not bring him to the 21st century.

  • http://dsfjklf.com Jukai

    I think it’s really hard to argue that Jordan wasn’t the best.
    Competed in what was known as the greatest era of basketball
    Has the tenth most rings of all time
    Has the highest scoring average of all time
    Has the third highest scoring total with 6 less seasons than the two guys infront of him
    Has impressive rebounding and passing averages for his position
    Was a lockdown defender, an all-time steals guy and an incredible shot blocker for the guard position
    Globalized the game
    Has a multiple of clutch/acrobatic/incredible moments which have captured the fans imagination and are constantly replayed, more than any other player in the history of the game
    Caused a massive populace to worship him, including two of the best players in our game today.
    Also won on the NCAA and Olympic level
    All-star almost every year he played, second most MVP awards, most Finals MVP awards, most consecutive times leading the league in scoring, nine time all defensive player, 10x all NBA first team…
    I mean, how can you argue that this guy isn’t the GOAT? It’s just too damn hard.

  • http://www.stonesthrow.com Michael NZ

    A new table of contents!

  • JTaylor21

    Neither MJ or Magic are the GOATs. Can’t you guys get it through y’all heads DAMN, there’s no one player that’s heads and shoulders above other all-time greats and I know that people on here going to pout but none of them will state facts or numbers as why to MJ or Magic or Kareem or the rest are better than each other. Until you guys convince me or prove otherwise, there’s NO GOAT.

  • str8 from samoa

    HAVE MIKE AND KOBE ON THE SAME ISSUE? ARE U SERIOUS?!HAHA WE TALKIN BOUT MIKE HERE! THE GREATEST! KOBE JUST ANOTHA KID ON DA SIDE HAHA. IMA COP ME THIS!

  • JTaylor21

    @Jukai, Kareem’s numbers are just as GOOD if not better the same with Magic. You also have to remember that both guys played in different positions apart from MJ and were required to play different roles. MJ’s role was strictly as a scorer; so his scoring numbers will obviously look better than Kareem who was job was to protect the rim and rebound (especially with LAL), also remember that Kareem put up GREAT scoring numbers with the Bucks and was avg. 30.5ppg for his career before he left for LA , and Magic primary job was distributing the rock. Magic excelled as a passer, MJ excelled as a scorer and Kareem excelled guarding the rim and rebounding. They all did dominated their respective positions but how can you say that one’s better than the other.

  • manuel gallegos

    HIS AIRNESS & KOBE IN THE SAME ISSUE?
    KOBE IS ONLY A JORDAN WANNA BE! JUST LIKE MANY OTHERS

  • Blackphantom

    Michael is the greatest, no doubt about it. 5-time MVP, 6-Time Finals MVP, 14-Time All Star, NBA Defensive Player Of The Year(1988), 10-time All NBA first team member. That’s not even all of his accomplishments and I’m not sure if I need any more proof that he’s the greatest.

  • http://slamonline.com tealish

    To those arguing against MJ being the GOAT– you are entitled to your incorrect opinion. We will love you all the same.

  • The Philosopher

    Magic Johnson, as I’ve stated before, is a Hall of Fame player at every position. If he isn’t, he is an all star at every position.
    @Bryan Crawford:
    Interesting points, but based on that criteria that was stated, wouldn’t Michael Jordan be the most popular of all time?
    Would being The G.O,A.T. be then a popularity contest?

  • http://dsfjklf.com Jukai

    JTaylor: Not sure you could say Kareem’s numbers are better…
    Jordan: 30.1, 6.2, 5.3, 2.3, 0.8
    Kareem: 24.6, 11.2, 3.9, 0.8, 2.6
    Now no doubt Kareem’s all TIME numbers are better… but he played 20 years! Jordan’s numbers are only through 15 years. One can give credit to longevity, but you also have to give credit to achieving so much in so little time.
    Kareem, in my mind, is third on the GOAT list. Magic is first.
    And I agree what you’re saying, no one is HEAD AND SHOULDERS above each other. Jordan was having trouble containing Magic one-on-one, perfect example. But Jordan IS the best, and technically GOAT means Greatest Of All Time… Not Greatest Of All Time By A Longshot. If you combine all of Jordan’s attributes, he’s the best.
    In my mind, it’s Jordan, Magic, Kareem, Chamberlain, Russell, Bird, Kobe, Oscar, Hakeem, Duncan… it’s opinion, and it’s not clear cut, but in my mind, Jordan is GOAT. Not by a lot. But he is.
    (Please note: the BEST is a little different… Jordan, Chamberlain, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Oscar, Kobe, Hakeem, West, Russell maybe?)

  • Double J

    Totally agree with Janks, I hated how the KOBE/LeBRON issue was all recycled material. For any SLAM lifer, it wasn’t too exciting to see the same articles we read 4-8 years prior. Freshen’ it up guys!

  • Blackphantom

    Co-sign Jukai

  • http://dsfjklf.com Jukai

    The Philosopher: Since all opinions are subjective, then yes.

  • http://slamonline.com Saviour

    JTaylor, you must be high to think Kareem can be regarded as GOAT.

    The title isn’t based on rings and stats, its about what they brought night in and night out, shot-selection, key plays, globally changing the game as we know it.

    Stop anyone in the street and say ‘name a player’….MJ will be the reply you get 95 out of a 100 times.

    He earnt that by being the GOAT.

  • 80y4n

    @JTaylor21 Let me try to explain in short why Mike is head n shoulders and imagined hair height better then the rest. Apart from the stats and accomplishments he achieved, he is appreciated for winning 6 titles without a dominant or even good big man.

  • http://www.dimemag.com Royal

    @Saviour: This day in age ,I believe more people would reply with Kobe or Lebron so thats not really a good point to make……

  • http://www.need4sheed.com Tarzan Cooper

    Im with michael nz! Oooweee a new table of contents, snap! New eds letter? Cant wait. U say 16 pages, but how much actual material is in those pages? 5? Maybe? This is just a slap in the face to anyone who bought it last year. Good job literally selling out

  • Blackphantom

    @Royal, that isn’t necessarily true, unless you’re talking about ignorant people. I’m 16, and I still Jordan’s the best

  • The Philosopher

    Kareem can be argued as being The G.O.A.T.
    Bird, too.
    And, of course, Jordan.
    But… trust and believe, we have never seen anything like Earvin. We never will again.
    We say that Kobe is or close to Jordan.
    Everybody is Jordan.
    No one is Magic.

  • The Philosopher

    Co-sign Jukai on subjectivity.

  • http://www.dimemag.com Royal

    Should read Magic is second*
    Double J: How can you hate on special issues that don’t ruin the issue coming out for the month? I’ve complained about things before (putting Jordan’s face on the MONTHLY issue because he was the owner of the Bobcats) but relax on the criticism for special issues. They are recap issues that people cop for collection and reminiscing.

  • Blackphantom

    *I still think Jordan’s the best

  • Blackphantom

    The closest thing to Magic is probably Lebron, but then again LBJ’s never lead a team to a championship so…..

  • JTaylor21

    The Philo is right, the reason why people say MJ’s the greatest is because he’s the MOST popular but it has NOTHING to do with what’s accomplished on the court. @Jukia, Yes I do give more props to a player like Kareem that dominated for a longer period of time than MJ. Let me show you his numbers to put that in perspective; 38,387 points, 17,440 rebounds (3rd all-time), 5,660 assists, 3,189 blocks (3rd all-time despite blocks not being recorded until his 4th year) 6 rings, 6 MVPs, 2 Finals MVP, 15 all-nba teams, record 19 NBA All-Star,and ROY with career averages of 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. Also throw up being #1 all time in offensive win shares and #2 in defensive win shares, talk about utter domination on both sides of the court. MJ’s and Magic’s numbers probably look just as good and that’s why it’s so IDIOTIC to just claim that one guy’s the clear cut GOAT.

  • http://www.dimemag.com Royal

    Blackphantom: He said “name a player” not name the best player and I believe that most people would reply with Kobe or Lebron. Not saying that Kobe and Lebron are better but they are more recent/relevant at this time.

  • http://www.dimemag.com Royal

    * 8:59 wasn’t me btw

  • The Philosopher

    We will never see anything like Kareem again, either.
    The single most dominant go – to move in the history of popular sports.

  • http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

    Wilt Chamberlain is still the GOAT, and I don’t mind if people say Kareem was better–but to me Chamberlain is still the GOAT of the hardwood. Obviously Jordan can be labeled the GOAT without any complaints but yeah… Chamberlain.

  • Blackphantom

    @Royal, oh i understand completely, i agree with you on that statement

  • the nerve

    bill russell

  • Blackphantom

    @Royal, oh i understand. And yes i agree with that statement

  • Blackphantom

    @the nerve what about Russell? He’s the greatest DEFENSIVE player of all-time yes. But GOAT?? No

  • http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

    Here is a breakdown of Wilt’s first few seasons in the league: 37.6 ppg/27 rpg/2.3 apg; 38.4 ppg/ 27.2 rpg/1.9 apg; 50 ppg/25.7 rpg/2.4 apg…… Wilt led the league in scoring 7 times (second only to Money), led the league in rebounding 11 times (most ever), and had 9 seasons scoring 30+ points a game, with 12 seasons averaging over 20 boards per game (!). His passing was incredible for a big man, with a stat line of 24 ppg/24 rpg/7.8 ASSISTS per game (!)–and then 24.3 ppg/23.8 rpg/and *8.6 ASSISTS PER GAME* (!!!) in the 1967-’68 season. Keep in mind that he was racking up 8.6 assists a game (more than almost any other point guard in the league) at a time when assists were harder to obtain… He won 2 championships and won MVP four times (!), once during his ROOKIE SEASON (obviously winning ROY as well), and the others coming THREE YEARS IN A ROW.
    And, what’s even scarier is that they hadn’t even started recording blocks during his playing days–oh, and he blocked Kareem’s sky hook twice… in the same game.
    Wilt Chamberlain played basketball like NBA 2K on rookie mode with full game-play sliders.

  • http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

    And I didn’t even have to mention the fact that he once scored 100 points in a game.

  • The Philosopher

    Shout out @Teddy-the-Bear.

  • Blackphantom

    Wilt was an absolute beast, but consider the size diff in people at that time compared to Wilt, not taking away from his skill, im just saying

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