: Jordan's poise after a 72-win year showed a leader's stamina; his two-way game made him the Finals' most complete weapon.
: The 1996 title was the hinge of Jordan's second act, proving a retired legend could return and rebuild a dynasty.
: Jordan's 27-6-4 in the 1996 Finals showed a more complete leader who lifted a 72-win team without forcing his scoring.
: After an 18-month retirement, Jordan returned to lead the 72-win Bulls past Seattle 4-2 and reclaim the Finals MVP.
: Jordan's fourth ring was the harvest of obsessive preparation after retirement; the FMVP honored a perseverance that refused to fade.
Inthesummerof1996,a17-year-oldfromPhiladelphiawhohadgrownupinItalyenteredthedraf
In the 1990s Jordan led Chicago to two three-peats (1991-93, 1996-98), six Finals, six titles, with Pippen and Jackson creating the decade’s brightest team.
In 1995-96, after returning, Jordan played a full season; the Bulls went 72-10 and beat Seattle 4-2. Jordan took his first post-comeback title and 4th FMVP.
The 1992 top pick reached two Finals with Orlando but won none; after moving to LA in 1996 he fulfilled the dream in 2000, evolving from stat-monster to champion center.
O’Neal joined in 1996; Phil Jackson’s triangle arrived in 1999; the 2000 title opened LA’s new-century dynasty.