Bulls were hoping for Akeem Olajuwon or Sam Bowie, but had to settle for MJ after those two were taken first and second in the 1984 NBA draft.
Jordan signs a seven-year deal worth $6.15 million in 1984 to join the NBA. Jordan's contract is extraordinary for more than its compensation. His love of the game of basketball and his phenomenal skills and potential led to the Chicago Bulls agreeing to include a "love of the game" clause in his contract allowing him to play whenever and wherever he wants. Why is this extraordinary? He's the only one to have it, and in the days where millions can ride on a single injury, the teams try to have complete control over when and under what conditions each player takes the court.
Jordan established himself quickly and undeniably. After two of his first 8 games saw him score 33 or more points, he blew away the crowd with a 45-point performance in game number nine.
Jordan's first year was noteworth, leading the Chicago Bulls in scoring (28.2 points per game, third in NBA), rebounding (6.5 per game), assists (5.9 per game) and steals (2.39 per game, fourth in NBA). He rounded it off by taking the Bulls into the playoffs.