NBA: One Thing Michael Jordan Changed In Basketball That Became Trend For Decades

Michael Jordan once started a change in the NBA that became a trend for decades.

Although there are a few who has been claiming that “MJ” isn’t the GOAT, majority of the world is convinced that Jordan is the greatest player to ever play the game. As soon as he entered the league, Jordan already proved to everybody that he is about to become a special player. He managed to stay competitive and even dominated some of his peers during the early years of his career.

During those times, Jordan seemed to fit-in on different aspects of the game. This includes the uniform trend in the 80’s.

Back then, NBA players wore short, fitted shorts which are intended to allow their legs to move quicker. However, as Jordan continued to strive for greatness, he realized that the said type of shorts was starting to affect his game.

In the late ’80s, shorts were still rather short and tight. Jordan didn’t like these. Some may conclude that this preference was based on aesthetics or comfort, but there was a practical reason why Jordan wanted to change the standard short shorts.

The then soon to be GOAT’s reason was, he wanted something to grab onto during the grind of competition inside the court. Specifically, Jordan wanted to change the short shorts to “baggy shorts.”

Based on Jordan’s plea, the old shorts didn’t give NBA players any leverage as they tried to catch their breath during dead balls.

Jordan turned out to be right with his request. The baggy shorts he wore allowed the players to hold on to the bottom of each leg and catch their breath during dead balls. Champion, which made the uniforms in the late-eighties, obliged his request. And it did not take long before the longer shorts became the standard in the NBA.

In 1987, when Jordan was widely regarded as an up-and-coming NBA superstar who was beginning to have some sway over the game, people were buzzing about the revolutionary way he changed sneaker culture. But his impact on uniforms was also huge that it became a trend in the NBA for decades.

Looking back, it is quite safe to say that the standard baggy shorts Jordan requested somehow contributed to his legacy. After the request was granted, Jordan went on to win 6 NBA titles, 5 MVP awards and 14 All-Star appearances.

Nowadays, the NBA is starting to go back to rocking the 80’s style short shorts. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are among the most famous present day NBA players who are often seen wearing short shorts.