Rookie Michael Jordan vs Norm Nixon, Derek Smith – Air Jordan Takes Flight In His Air Jordan 1’s

Derek Smith, was one of the many talented opponents of the Jordan era, but his career and life story ultimately became a tragedy. Derek Smith played a key role in Louisville’s 1980 NCAA championship, before entering the NBA. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1982 but was ultimately waived, leading to his acquisition by the San Diego Clippers. It was with the Clippers where Smith truly shined, particularly during the 1984-1985 season, when he averaged an impressive 22 points per game, establishing himself as a dynamic scorer. He did it with limited touches too. Derek Smith was not a volume player. He only had 43 games that season where he took 16 shots or more. He scored within the offense and showed great star potential. However, his promising career trajectory was severely impacted by injuries, the most significant being a knee injury in 1986, which drastically affected his performance and limited his playtime.

After his stint with the Clippers, Smith continued his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics. Despite brief moments where he recaptured his former skill, the lingering effects of his injuries hindered his performance leading to his retirement from the NBA. Post-retirement, Smith transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant for the Washington Bullets (now Wizards). Tragically, his life was abruptly cut short at the age of 34 due to a heart attack in 1996 while on a cruise ship with his family. Smith’s legacy in the NBA is remembered for his explosive early seasons, his impressive ability to score the basketball against tight defense, the resilience he showed in the face of career-altering injuries, and his dedication to basketball both on and off the court.

Also of historic note, Junior Bridgeman played in this game, coming off the bench for the Clippers. After retiring from the NBA, Junior Bridgeman transitioned into business. He started with fast-food franchises, specifically Wendy’s and Chili’s, eventually owning over 450 outlets. Later, he sold his restaurant franchises and bought a Coca-Cola bottling company, becoming the CEO of Heartland Coca-Cola, running a production plant in Lenexa, Kansas, and 18 distribution centers with over 1,000 employees.

The Announcers discussed that earlier during Michael Jordan’s rookie season, that he drew a sell out crowd at the Coliseum at Richfield where the Cleveland Cavaliers played. That is significant because the Cavs ranked dead last for NBA attendance, and would routinely draw 2,000 – 5,000 fans in the Coliseum at Richfield in Richfield, Ohio. Every once in a while, they’d draw more than 10,000 fans, if the opponent was interesting enough. On December 4, 1984 Magic Johnson & Kareem drew 11,298 fans to the Coliseum at Richfield. On December 1, 1984 Larry Bird & the Celtics drew 12,503 fans to the Coliseum at Richfield. On January 15, 1985 Michael Jordan drew 18,074 fans to the Coliseum at Richfield which was the most fans drawn to a Cleveland Cavaliers home basketball game since March 27, 1981 when Dr J drew 20,175 fans to watch him play the Cavaliers as Dr J, Darryl Dawkins & the Philadelphia 76ers secured their 62nd victory during the 1980-81 Season. The announcer’s point emphasizes how much people couldn’t wait to see Jordan, for themselves!

If you like close-up quality camera shots of Rookie Michael Jordan wearing his Air Jordan 1’s, in action, this is the game for you. Multiple close-ups of Rookie Jordan’s legendary shoes!

Jordan came out in the 1st quarter & made it a point to draw the defense, looking to free up shots & lanes to the basket for his teammates. As the game went on, Michael continued to assert himself more. Air Jordan put on a show as only he can!

(1984-85 Season)
TIMESTAMPS: (Please go to comments for full timestamps)
1:57 – Michael Jordan battles with & blocks Derek Smith
2:42 – Michael Jordan assist to Orlando Woolridge layup
4:40 – Michael Jordan assist to Woolridge dunk
7:21 – Michael Jordan assist to Woolridge dunk
10:58 – Michael Jordan put back dunk on Bill Walton
12:47 – Jordan near steal & corner close-out
13:15 – Announcer talks about Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan shoe deal
13:47 – Close-up #1 of Michael Jordan’s Nike Air Jordan 1’s
15:28 – Michael Jordan steal
15:54 – Michael Jordan free throws
16:57 – Michael Jordan post-up tomahawk power dunk
18:19 – Michael Jordan free throws
19:50 – Michael Jordan incredible hang time 1 hand Statue of Liberty layup
20:22 – Michael Jordan driving layup
22:12 – Replay of Michael Jordan dunking on Bill Walton
22:20 – Replay of Michael Jordan tomahawk dunk
23:23 – Michael Jordan 3 point jumper
24:06 – Michael Jordan free throws
24:15 – Close-up #2 of Michael Jordan’s Nike Air Jordan 1’s
25:01 – Michael Jordan free throws
25:39 – Michael Jordan finger roll layup
26:27 – Dave Corzine gets booed, up by 19
28:31 – Michael Jordan free throws
32:25 – Announcer tells Charles Barkley story about his playing weight
35:25 – Game ends