Michael Jordan Biographies to Read in 2023

The Best Michael Jordan Biographies to Read in 2023!

When Michael Jordan was actively playing basketball, there wasn't a doubt that he was the best basketball player in the world. Of course, once anyone retires, they are immediately compared to players of other eras. We're not here to debate the greatness of Michael Jordan (but for the record, we think he's the best to ever do it.). ​

When The Last Dance was released in 2020, the debate only intensified. The cost of winning, and winning big, comes at a price for anyone. Jordan's maniacal competitive drive certainly rubbed some the wrong way, but there are others eternally grateful for what he brought to their careers. 

To really get to know Michael, you had to spend time with him, and the two authors below did. Sam Smith was around the entire 1991-1992 season as a columnist, and Roland Lazenby spent close to 30 years around him dating back to his college days at North Carolina. These guys saw and experienced things that nobody else did. While some writers tell legendary stories through hearsay, Smith and Lazenby probably had to edit out several simply because they saw it all. 

Of course, every story has its place, and it will be interesting if more tales about Jordan's off the court endeavors are every revealed to the public. If that happens, that book will promptly be added to this list! 

For now, if you want the 2 best Michael Jordan biographies, in our opinion, it's these 2 books: 

The Jordan Rules by Sam Smith

The Jordan Rules by Sam Smith

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Smith, a Chicago Tribune reporter, documents the 1991-1992 championship season of the Chicago Bulls, which was led by Michael Jordan. The book provides an in-depth look at Jordan's leadership style, his relationships with his teammates, and the strategies used by the team to win it all. It also includes interviews with players, coaches, and other members of the Bulls organization, providing a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the greatest basketball teams in history. This book has sold over a million copies for good reason. 

Michael Jordan: The Life by Roland Lazenby

Michael Jordan The Life by Roland Lazenby

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​While Smith's book is more about a single season, Lazenby writes a comprehensive biography on Jordan. The book chronicles Jordan's life from his childhood in North Carolina, through his college career at the University of North Carolina, and his incredible rise to NBA stardom with the Chicago Bulls. It covers in detail his multiple NBA championships, his struggles with retirement, and his return to the game. The book also delves into Jordan's personal life, including his relationships with family, friends, and teammates. Through extensive interviews with Jordan himself, as well as with those who knew him best, Lazenby paints a vivid and captivating portrait of a true sports legend.

Other Notable Books On His Airness

Driven From Within by Michael Jordan

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For The Love Of The Game: My Story by Michael Jordan

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Playing For Keeps by David Halberstam

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Final Thoughts

Jordan was a polarizing player; a guy that simply kept us all in awe with some of the things he could do on the basketball court. I'd love to get your thoughts if you've read any of the books above. Will there ever be another player with the ultimate mix of sheer talent and competitive drive? Only time will tell. 

For more of our favorite basketball books, check out our Best Basketball Books page here. We also have several sub-categories on that page detailing our favorite books for women's basketball, college basketball, and more!