John Lee / Chicago TribuneWith fans reaching for a touch, the Bulls' Michael Jordan steps into the spotlight as he's introduced at the teams' fifth NBA championships ring ceremony at the United Center in 1997,
Nancy Stone/Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan walks into the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Aug. 17, 2015, as his case continues against the defunct Dominick's supermarket chain.
Kent Smith, NBAE/Getty ImagesBobcats co-owner Michael Jordan reacts to a call during a game against the Celtics in 2009.
Chuck Burton / APHornets owner Michael Jordan watches the action in the second half against the Celtics on Oct. 29, 2016.
Associated PressNorth Carolina guard Michael Jordan, left, and Tar Heels coach Dean Smith are shown at a news conference in Chapel Hill, N.C., where Jordan announced he would forfeit his final year of college eligibility to turn pro in 1984.
Charles Cherney/Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan on a breakaway dunk against the Celtics on Nov. 6, 1990.
Mark Elias / Chicago TribuneHarry Caray interviews Michael Jordan before the Windy City Classic at Wrigley Field on April 7, 1994. Jordan was making his minor league debut with the Birmingham Barons.
Gerald Herbet, Associated PressMichael Jordan leaves the MCI Center after a meeting with team owner Abe Pollin in 2003. Jordan isn't welcome back with the Washington Wizards, who abruptly dumped him because he failed to turn them around in his 3 1/2 seasons on and off the court.
Chicago Tribune historical photoMichael Jordan and his wife Juanita at the Bulls' Grant Park rally in 1991.
Karl DeBlaker/Associated PressMichael Jordan laces up his shoes prior to the start of an exhibition game against the 76ers at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Jeff Siner / McClatchy-TribuneMichael Jordan smiles after being introduced by former Charlotte team owner Bob Johnson in 2010. The NBA board of governors voted unanimously to approve the purchase by Jordan of a majority interest in Bobcats Sports & Entertainment.
Andy Hayt/NBAE/Getty ImagesMichael Jordan shows emotion during a game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan after Bulls practice in Miami in 1997.
Nick Wass, Associated PressThe Wizards' Michael Jordan jokes with the Spurs' Steve Kerr during a 2002 game.
Reinhold Matay/Associated PressMichael Jordan, part owner of the Bobcats, watches workouts during the basketball pre-draft camp in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in 2008.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated PressMichael Jordan smiles as he answers questions from the media after the Wizards announced that Jordan will join the Wizards as part owner and head of basketball operations in 2000.
Charles Cherney / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan drives between the Bulls' Jalen Rose and Rick Brunson to put up a shot at the United Center in 2003.
Chicago Tribune historical photoMichael Jordan takes a break in 1984 while a member of the U.S. Olympic Team.
Eduardo Contreras / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan at a press conference after signing with the White Sox on February 7, 1994.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneThe Bulls starting lineup in 1998 are, from left, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Ron Harper and Toni Kukoc.
Val Mazzenga / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan attends a press conference to announce a contract extension in 1988 that will keep Jordan a part of the Bulls organization for the next eight years.
Jeff Haynes/AFP/Getty ImagesMichael Jordan gets a technical foul called on him for waving his finger at the Hawks' Dikembe Mutombo and Tyrone Corbin during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in 1997.
Chuck Burton / APHornets owner Michael Jordan and his wife, Yvette Prieto, laugh as they watch the action late in the second half against the Bulls. The Hornets won 130-105 in Charlotte, N.C.
Patrick D. Witty / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan is consoled by Tribune photographer Charles Cherney after missing a fadeaway jumper against the Knicks in 1998,
Jose M. Osorio/Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan watches the first group of the European and USA Ryder Cup Teams tee off on the 13th fairway on the first day of competition at the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan arrives with Yvette Prieto for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Symphony Hall in Springfield Hall in Springfield, Mass., in 2009.
Kent Smith, NBAE/Getty ImagesMichael Jordan works out with the Bobcats in 2007.
Chuck Burton / APHornets owner Michael Jordan answers a question during a news conference on June 23, 2015, to announce Charlotte, N.C., as the site of the 2017 NBA All-Star game.
Chuck Berman / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan holds up six fingers for each championship as he addresses the crowd at Grant Park in 1998.
Charles Cherney / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan holds onto the NBA Championship trophy after the Bulls won their second straight title after beating the Trailblazers on June 14, 1992.
Patrick D. Witty / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan heads up court during a game at the United Center in 1997.
Chicago TribuneJerry Krause, Vice President of Basketball Operations, and Michael Jordan during a news conference in Chicago.
Val Mazzenga/Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan tips his hat after hitting a double to drive in two runs during the Windy City Classic game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in 1994.
Frank Polich, Associated PressMichael Jordan looks at the 1998 MVP award presented to him before a playoff game.
Bob Langer/Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan holds the 1988 NBA All-Star MVP trophy at Chicago Stadium.
Charles Bennett, Associated PressMichael Jordan picks volunteers for a free-throw demonstration at the Michael Jordan Basketball Camp at Elmhurst College in 1998.
Mark Elias/Associated PressMichael Jordan announces his retirement from basketball in 1993,
Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan poses for pictures as other members of the 1991 championship team stand behind him as the organization commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Bulls' first NBA championship. Beside Jordan is Michael Reinsdorf.
Chicago Tribune historical photoMichael Jordan, right, and Raymond Floyd were paired at the Western Open Pro Celebrity Skins Game at Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook on June 27, 1989.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan holds his MVP finals trophy while Phil Jackson holds the NBA championship trophy in 1998.
Chuck Berman/Chicago TribuneThe Bulls celebrate their sixth NBA title during a rally in Grant Park in 1998: Tony Kukoc from left, Ron Harper, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Mayor Richard M. Daley, coach Phil Jackson and Gov. Jim Edgar.
Lennihan/Associated PressEast All-Stars' Michael Jordan holds his MVP trophy at Madison Square Garden in 1998.
Mark Elias / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan is caught in a rundown during the seventh inning, as the White Sox take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 7, 1994.
Jeff Siner/McClatchy-TribuneBobcats owner Michael Jordan watches the team battle the Trail Blazers in 2014.
Jim Prisching / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan celebrates with his teammates as the Bulls won their third NBA title on June 20, 1993 in Phoenix.
Chicago Tribune historical photoMichael Jordan wipes his brow as he sits between teammates in a 1987 game.
Charles Cherney / Chicago TribuneDennis Rodman, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Ron Harper and coach Phil Jackson hold the five championship trophies in 1997.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan looks to defend against Sacramento's Mitch Richmond during the first quarter in 1998.
Robert Willett / Associated PressMichael Jordan, from left, Matt Doherty, Sam Perkins and North Carolina coach Dean Smith pose on Oct. 14, 1982.
John Kringas / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan walks away from a the Suns' Charles Barkley during an NBA Finals game in 1993.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan flies through the air to dunk against the Jazz in a playoff game in Utah on June 5, 1998.
Charles Cherney / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan pours champagne on Dennis Rodman inside the locker room after winning the 1998 NBA title.
Barry Jarvinen/Associated PressMichael Jordan kisses the basketball floor of Chicago Stadium as he leaves it for the last time on September 9, 1994.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan reacts after chatting with Phil Jackson with seconds on the clock and a Bulls victory in hand in 1998.
Charles Cherney / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan savors a cigar after the Bulls' 87-86 victory over the Jazz in Game 6.
Ed Wagner Jr. / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan reacts after hitting the game-winning basket over Cleveland's Craig Ehlo in Game 5 of the NBA playoffs on May 7, 1989.
Beth A. Keiser, Associated PressMichael Jordan smiles during Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers in 1998. Jordan scored 29 points in the win.
Vincent LaForet / Getty ImagesMichael Jordan and Scottie Pippen talk during the final minutes of a win in the Eastern Conference finals against the Heat in 1997.
Diedra Laird / APHornets owner Michael Jordan loads boxes with goods for Hurricane Florence victims as he makes an appearance at Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte, N.C. on Sept. 21, 2018. The Hornets NBA basketball team packed food boxes as part of hurricane relief efforts.
Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty ImagesMichael Jordan at a news conference at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris to present Palais 23, an event at the Palais de Tokyo from June 12 to 14 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jordan Brand.
Laurent Rebours, Associated PressMichael Jordan smokes a cigar as he watches the fourball match between Jim Furyk and Tiger Woods of the United States and Europe's Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood on the second day of the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club golf course, Straffan, Ireland.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan is not happy about the flight of his drive at the fourth hole of the LaSalle Chicago Open at Beverly Country Club in 1999.
Brian Nguyen/Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan speaks to the press after winning an $8.9 million settlement against Dominick's on Aug. 21, 2015.
Charles Cherney/Chicago TribuneFans go wild for Michael Jordan after his game-winning shot for the Bulls in a win over Atlanta.
Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame during an Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Mass., in 2009.
David T. Foster III / McClatchy-TribuneBobcats team owner Michael Jordan shakes hands with the Heat's LeBron James after the Heat defeated the Bobcats in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals in 2014.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan flies past the Hornets' Glen Rice in 1998.
Scott Strazzante / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan slaps talcum powder on Johnny "Red" Kerr during a tribute to Kerr at halftime in 2009.
Micahel Budrys / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan during a Bulls Christmas party in 1985.
Charles Cherney / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan gets emotional during an ovation after player introductions in his return to the United Center with the Wizards in 2002.
Bob Langer / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan claps for his Eastern Conference teammates during the 1988 NBA All-Star Game at Chicago Stadium.
Jeff Siner / TNSHornets owner Michael Jordan responds to a question during a news conference on Oct. 28, 2014, at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.
Bob Langer / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan flies to the hoop during the NBA Slam Dunk Contest Feb. 6, 1988, in Chicago. Jordan went to the wire against Dominique Wilkins to win the contest.
Jeff Siner/McClatchy-TribuneBobcats owner Michael Jordan watches a drive during the ninth annual HoopTee Celebrity Golf Classic at Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge in Charlotte, N.C.
Associated PressMichael Jordan watches his alma mater North Carolina play Georgia Tech in this Jan. 31, 1985 photo in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Phil Velasquez, Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan reacts after Isiah Rider's three-pointer keeps the Trail Blazers ahead late in the game.
Phil Velasquez, Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan works his magic as he shoots over Bryon Russell to seal the win and the Bulls' sixth NBA championship.
Ed Wagner Jr. / Chicago TribuneThe Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan trudges off the court after a playoff loss to Milwaukee in 1985.
John Lee / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan looks up as he sits during a timeout during a game against the L.A. Clippers at the United Center in 1996.
Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan has a chat with the Lakers' Kobe Bryant during free throws in 1997.
Getty Images for Jordan BrandMichael Jordan returned to Paris to mark the 30th anniversary of 1985's Air Jordan One.
Chuck Burton/Associated PressBobcats coach Larry Brown talks with managing partner Michael Jordan before a game in 2009.
Antonio Perez/Chicago TribuneMichael Jordan arrives for day two of his court hearing against Dominick's at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Aug. 12, 2015.
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesBobcats owner Michael Jordan sits beside fiance Yvette Prieto during a game against the Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena in 2012.
John Lee / Chicago Tribune
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With fans reaching for a touch, the Bulls' Michael Jordan steps into the spotlight as he's introduced at the teams' fifth NBA championships ring ceremony at the United Center in 1997,
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By Tim Bannon
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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Michael Jordan didn’t have a great game.
On Oct. 26, 1984, the third overall pick in that year’s draft made his NBA debut in front of 13,913 fans at Chicago Stadium, finishing with 16 points on 5-of-16 shooting in a 109-93 victory over the Washington Bullets.
Then-Bulls coach Kevin Loughery blamed Jordan’s shaky start on “first-night jitters.”
“Michael did not play that well,” Loughery said. “But he did the little things for us. The steals, tipped passes, clogging up the middle, passing off to his teammates. I think Michael’s presence helped the whole club.”
A $8.50 ticket to that game sold this week for $8,118, Huggins & Scott said Thursday.
The auction house said there are only eight tickets to that game that are graded good or better.
“This historically significant voucher features printed identifiers and a background illustration of the hallowed near-West Side venue,” Huggins & Scott wrote in its description of the ticket.
The back shows logos for the teams that then played at Chicago Stadium: the Bulls, Blackhawks and Sting, Chicago’s professional soccer team.
Chicago Stadium, which opened in 1929, closed in 1994 and was replaced by the United Center, across Madison Street.
On that October night in 1984, the Tribune wrote: “We’ll forgive you this time, Michael Jordan. …
“Jordan forgot to bring along his jump shot. But that’s OK. Jordan did something else instead. He brought back the fun to the Stadium.”
Jordan went on to win the 1984 Rookie of the Year award, averaging 28.2 points, 5.9 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals.
Then, of course, he won five league MVP titles, made 14 All-Star teams, won six NBA championships, named Finals MVP award in all six. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Finally, it’s worth noting, that with most sports teams (including the Bulls) now discontinuing paper tickets, this sort of sports memorabilia could soon be lost forever.
Twitter @timbannon
