A Smithsonian Curator Reevaluates the Incredible Legacy of Michael Jordan

Historian Damion Thomas speaks about what made the NBA All-Star ‘brilliant’



Michael Jordan, says Smithsonian sports curator Damion Thomas, "had a singular ability that distinguished him from all the other incredibly talented basketball players that always come to mind." (NMAAHC, gift of Walter Iooss, © Walter Iooss)By Patrick Sauer
SMITHSONIANMAG.COM
MAY 17, 2020



On Sunday night, “The Last Dance,” the ten-part ESPN documentary about Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls came to an end. For basketball fans, given there is no basketball to speak of, it’s been a hugely popular gift. Praised by most, criticized by a few, it’s allowed Gen-X fans to relive their younger days while introducing their kids to the utter brilliance of Jordan, the steady hand and smothering defense of Scottie Pippen, and the feather boas and insane rebounding instincts of Dennis Rodman. Even non-NBA fans were able to enjoy America’s favorite pastime, “try and figure out what the deal is with MJ’s whiskey glass?

Also on Sunday, “Michael Jordan: A Re-evaluation,” a virtual discussion produced by the Smithsonian Affiliations, was held with Damion Thomas, a sports curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, discussing the basketball genius, who became one of the most recognized people on Earth. (And beyond!)



A Smithsonian Curator Reevaluates the Incredible Legacy of Michael Jordan | At the Smithsonian | Smithsonian Magazine