Michael Jordan documentary 'The Last Dance' on ESPN moved up to April

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Tuesday, March 31, 2020
FILE: Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan holds the trophy after the Bulls won over the Los Angeles Lakers, 108-101, in game five of the NBA championship, June 12, 1991.
AP Photo/Reed Saxon-AP

ESPN is moving up the release of its Michael Jordan documentary "The Last Dance" from June to April.



The 10-part series will now begin April 19. The move was announced on Good Morning America Tuesday, in response to fans asking for more programming while sports are on hold because of the coronavirus. The series will be available outside the United States on Netflix.





The coronavirus pandemic has halted sports leagues around the world, leaving a giant hole for fans. April should have been the stretch run of the NBA season, with teams jockeying for playoff positioning. It's now not clear when NBA games will resume.



"The Last Dance" takes an in-depth look at the the Chicago Bulls' dynasty through the lens of the final championship in 1997-98. Talking to over 100 people close to the team and personalities who experienced the run, the documentary explores all angles of the Jordan phenomenon.



Many consider Jordan, or MJ, to be the greatest basketball player of all time. He won six title with Chicago in two separate three-peats. He played 15 seasons in the league, and the only year he wasn't an All-Star was the partial season when he returned from a hiatus playing minor league baseball. He won the scoring title a record 10 times, was the league MVP five times and Finals MVP a record six times.



Jordan wasn't just about scoring, however. He was named to the all-defensive team nine times. And he did it all with a unique style that combined showmanship and respect for the game. His early years were known more for his athletic drives to the hoop -- he won the dunk contest in 1987 and '88. But the hyper-competitive Jordan didn't let his game stall. He evolved to the point that in Game 1 of the 1992 Finals against the Blazers, Jordan hit six 3-pointers in the first half to put Portland on its heels on the way to a Bulls win.



Taking over the mantle of the NBA after Larry Bird and Magic Johnson put it back on the map, Air Jordan took the league to new heights and his popularity transcended the game. His line of shoes with Nike became must-have in the '80s and '90s and are still popular today. In 1992, he teamed with Bird and Magic on the "Dream Team" to crush the competition at the Olympics.



Many current NBA players -- such as LeBron James -- cite Jordan as the player they looked up to when they were starting their basketball journeys.



Jordan, 57, is the currently the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.

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