Inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame
On September 11, 2009, Michael was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame alongside other prominent players, including John Stockton, David Robinson, and Jerry Sloan. His speed would go down in history, not just because he had so much to say, but the free-flowing tears and red eyes became the meme material.
While becoming a meme isn’t exactly an honorable feat, it meant that the world would continue to know about him and his unparalleled legacy in the league. Every time the Crying Jordan Meme appeared on meme sites, nobody had to wonder who the man behind the tears was. Even now, 12 years after his retirement, the Crying Jordan Meme is still used regularly.