When Did Michael Jordan Return to the NBA?

Michael Jordan returned to the NBA on March 18, 1995, after a hiatus of almost two and a half years.

Michael Jordan’s First Retirement

Michael Jordan shocked the world when he announced his retirement from the NBA in October of 1993. At the time, Jordan was at the peak of his powers, having just led the Chicago Bulls to their third straight NBA championship. The reason for Jordan’s retirement was never fully clear, but it was speculated that he was tired of the grind of the NBA season and wanted to pursue a career in baseball.

Michael Jordan’s first retirement announcement

On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from basketball, saying he had lost his desire to play the game. His retirement came as a surprise to the basketball world because Jordan was only 30 years old and at the peak of his career. He had just won his third straight NBA championship and was named MVP of the finals for the third year in a row.

Jordan’s retirement sent shockwaves through the NBA because he was not only the best player in the league, but he was also the league’s biggest star. His loss would have a profound effect on the league both on and off the court.

In his retirement announcement, Jordan said that he had “no regrets” about his decision and that he was “at peace with himself.” He also said that he still loved basketball and would continue to follow the game.

Jordan’s first retirement lasted only 17 months. He announced his return to the NBA on March 18, 1995, saying that he was “hungry to play basketball again.” He went on to lead the Chicago Bulls to three more championships and was named MVP of the finals twice more before finally retiring for good in 1998.

Michael Jordan’s return to the NBA

In 1993, after winning three championships in a row with the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from professional basketball. He cited a loss of desire to play the game, and decided to pursue a career in baseball. Jordan played minor league baseball for one season before returning to the Bulls in 1995. He would go on to win three more championships with the team, before retiring again in 1999.

Michael Jordan’s Second Retirement

Michael Jordan announced his second retirement from the NBA on January 13th, 1999, just before the start of the NBA lockout. He had been out of the league for almost two years, and many speculated that he would never return. However, Jordan made a comeback in 2001 with the Washington Wizards.

Michael Jordan’s second retirement announcement

On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from the NBA in a press conference entitled “Declaration of Independence” held at the DePaul Athletic Center in Chicago. In his statement, Jordan cited a loss of desire to play the game and stated that he would be pursuing a career in professional baseball.

“I’m retiring from basketball because I have lost my love for the game,” Jordan said. “I’m not interested in playing basketball any more.”

Jordan’s first retirement announcement came as a surprise to many, as he had just completed one of the most successful seasons in NBA history. He had led the Chicago Bulls to their third consecutive NBA Championship and was named MVP of the Finals for the second time. Prior to his retirement, Jordan had also been named MVP of the league for a record-tying third time.

In the months following his retirement announcement, speculation began to mounting that Jordan would make a return to the NBA. These rumors were fueled by comments made by Bulls head coach Phil Jackson and general manager Jerry Krause that they would welcome Jordan back if he decided to come out of retirement.

On March 18, 1995, nearly two years after his initial retirement announcement, Jordan announced his return to the NBA in a two-word statement: “I’m back.” He went on to lead the Bulls to three more NBA Championships and was named MVP of the league for a fourth time.

Michael Jordan’s return to the NBA

In 1995, after a brief retirement from basketball, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA to play for the Chicago Bulls. His return was marked by several significant events, including a press conference in which he announced his decision to return to the sport.

During his second retirement, Jordan continued to be involved with the Bulls organization, serving as a special adviser and assistant to team general manager Jerry Krause. In 1996, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Jordan returned to the NBA in March 1995, wearing number 45 (his original number with the Chicago Bulls was 23), and he helped lead the team to victory in that year’s NBA Finals. His return was short-lived, however, as he retired from basketball again in January 1999.