Legend lives on

永远的飞人，不老的战神。

HE is a basketball legend (传奇人物) and many people believe he's the greatest NBA player of his era (时代).

Michael Jordan, who turns 40 on February 17, had planned to retire (退役) this year. But in his final lap of the NBA tour, the five-time NBA Most Valuable Player continued to delight his enthusiastic (热情的) fans and give his young opponents (对手) a scare (惊恐).

He was honoured as the NBA Eastern Conference Player (东部联盟最佳球员) of the Week on January 6 after scoring a season-high 41 points for the Washington Wizards (奇才队) against the Indiana Pacers (步行者队). It was the 24th time he won the award throughout his remarkable career — more than any other player.

"Being on the court with him is an intimidation (威胁) factor for a lot of guys. You're kind of like a deer in headlights," said Portland Trail Blazers (开拓者队) guard Bonzi Wells.

Jordan left college in 1984 to play with the Chicago Bulls (公牛队) and led the team to six NBA championship titles. He was also a member of the US Olympic basketball team, known as the Dream Team, which took the gold medal in the 1992 Olympics.

When he retired from professional basketball in 1998, he said that he had nothing left to prove.

But in 2001, he decided to return to the game and play for the not-so-great Washington team. Some people said he was risking his reputation (名声).

But he has shown the world that he is always the unconquerable (不可战胜的) Michael Jordan who can give dazzling (眼花缭乱的) performance and lead his team to win.

Jordan is better at the most basic basketball skills than almost anyone else. The 1.98-metre guard also possesses the most desired skill of all — speed! This speed enables him to outshine (胜过) other players. He can play basketball for long periods of time without needing to rest.

The burning desire to win motivates (激发) Jordan to be the best. By being competitive not only against the competition, but against himself, he makes himself a better player.

Initially (最初) noted for his scoring, his courageous defensive play made him one of the greatest all-round basketball players in NBA history. Washington coach Doug Collins praised the player for his determination.

"I don't know where his spirit and energy come from. He's amazing," he said.