Michael Jordan’s retirement from basketball wasn’t a single event, but a series of decisions that shaped his career. The legendary player stepped away from the game multiple times, each for different reasons.
Jordan retired three times: first in 1993, then in 1999, and finally in 2003.
His first retirement in 1993 came as a shock to fans and the sports world. Jordan had just led the Chicago Bulls to their third straight NBA championship. He lacked motivation and wanted a break from the intense spotlight.
This retirement was short-lived, as he returned to the Bulls in 1995.
Jordan’s second retirement came in January 1999, after winning his sixth NBA title with the Bulls. He came back again in 2001 to play for the Washington Wizards.
His final retirement took place in 2003, marking the end of his 15-season NBA career.
Key Takeaways
- Jordan retired three times: in 1993, 1999, and 2003
- His first retirement in 1993 came after winning three straight NBA championships
- Jordan’s final retirement in 2003 ended his 15-season NBA career
Early Life and NBA Beginnings
Michael Jordan’s path to basketball stardom began in his youth and took off during college. His early professional career set the stage for his legendary status in the NBA.
University of North Carolina
Jordan was born in Brooklyn but grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. He played basketball at the University of North Carolina from 1981 to 1984.
As a freshman, Jordan hit the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA championship game against Georgetown.
He averaged 17.7 points per game in his three seasons at UNC. Jordan won the Naismith and Wooden College Player of the Year awards in 1984.
His stellar play in college caught the eye of NBA scouts.
1984 NBA Draft
The Chicago Bulls selected Jordan with the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA draft.
He quickly made an impact as a rookie, averaging 28.2 points per game.
Jordan won the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 1984-85 season. He also earned a spot on the All-Star team.
His high-flying dunks and scoring ability made him an instant fan favorite in Chicago.
Jordan’s early success with the Bulls laid the foundation for his rise to superstardom in the NBA. He showed the skills and competitiveness that would define his career.
Rise to Fame and First Retirement
Michael Jordan’s journey to basketball stardom was marked by incredible success and personal tragedy. His dominance on the court led to multiple championships, but family loss would ultimately lead to his first retirement from the NBA.
Championship Success
Jordan’s rise to fame began when he joined the Chicago Bulls in 1984. His amazing skills and competitive drive quickly made him a star.
Jordan led the Bulls to their first NBA championship in 1991. They won again in 1992 and 1993, earning a “three-peat.”
During these years, Jordan won six NBA championships with the Bulls. He became known for his clutch performances in big games.
Jordan’s scoring ability and defensive skills made him nearly unstoppable on the court.
His fame grew beyond basketball. Jordan became a global icon and helped make the NBA popular worldwide. He signed major endorsement deals and starred in commercials, movies, and even his own shoe line.
The Last Dance
The 1992-93 season was Jordan’s last before his first retirement. It was a grueling year filled with intense media scrutiny.
The Bulls faced tough competition but still managed to win their third straight title.
Jordan averaged an impressive 41 points per game in the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns. He hit the game-winning shot in the final seconds of Game 6 to clinch the series.
This third championship solidified the Bulls as a dynasty. It also marked the end of an era, as Jordan would soon shock the sports world with his decision to step away from basketball.
Murder of James Jordan
In July 1993, tragedy struck the Jordan family. Michael’s father, James Jordan, was murdered in North Carolina. This devastating loss deeply affected Michael.
Two months later, on October 6, 1993, Jordan announced his retirement from basketball.
He cited a loss of desire to play and wanting to spend more time with his family as reasons for leaving.
The sports world was stunned. Jordan was only 30 years old and at the peak of his career.
His retirement marked the end of the Bulls’ first championship run and left fans wondering if they’d seen the last of the greatest player in NBA history.
Baseball Interlude and Return to Basketball
Michael Jordan stunned the sports world when he left basketball to play baseball. His time away from the NBA was short-lived, and he soon made a dramatic comeback to the Chicago Bulls.
Birmingham Barons
Jordan joined the Birmingham Barons, a minor league team affiliated with the Chicago White Sox. He played as an outfielder for the 1994 season.
Jordan’s baseball stats were modest. He hit .202 in 127 games and stole 30 bases. At 31 years old, he was much older than the average player in the league.
Despite his struggles, Jordan showed dedication to improving his skills. His work ethic impressed coaches and teammates alike.
Comeback to the NBA
Jordan announced his return to basketball on March 18, 1995. He rejoined the Chicago Bulls wearing jersey number 45.
His first game back was against the Indiana Pacers on March 19, 1995. Jordan scored 19 points, showing flashes of his former brilliance.
The Bulls made the playoffs that year, but lost to the Orlando Magic. This defeat fueled Jordan’s competitive fire.
In the following 1995-96 season, Jordan led the Bulls to a then-record 72 wins. He won his eighth scoring title and fourth NBA championship, proving he was still the best player in the league.
Final NBA Seasons and Second Retirement
Michael Jordan’s final years with the Chicago Bulls marked the end of an era in NBA history. He led the team to unprecedented success and cemented his legacy as one of basketball’s greatest players.
Achieving the ‘Last Three-Peat’
Jordan guided the Bulls to their second three-peat from 1996 to 1998. The team won 72 games in the 1995-96 season, setting an NBA record at the time. Jordan earned his fourth NBA MVP award that year.
In 1997, the Bulls faced tough competition but still managed to secure another championship. Jordan averaged 32.3 points per game in the playoffs, showcasing his dominance.
The 1997-98 season was dubbed “The Last Dance” by coach Phil Jackson. Despite tensions within the organization, Jordan remained focused on winning.
1998 NBA Finals
The 1998 NBA Finals pitted the Bulls against the Utah Jazz. It was a rematch of the previous year’s finals. Jordan averaged 33.5 points per game in the series.
In Game 6, Jordan made one of the most iconic plays in NBA history. With the Bulls down by one point, he stole the ball from Karl Malone and scored the game-winning shot with 5.2 seconds left.
Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the sixth time. This capped off an incredible run of championships for the Bulls.
On January 13, 1999, Jordan announced his retirement from the NBA for the second time.
He cited a desire to leave the game while still at the top of his abilities.
Final Comeback with Washington Wizards
Michael Jordan shocked the basketball world by coming out of retirement again at age 38. He joined the Washington Wizards for two seasons from 2001 to 2003. This final chapter of Jordan’s legendary career showcased his enduring competitiveness and basketball skills.
Return to the Court
Jordan announced his return to the NBA on September 25, 2001. He had been working as part owner and president of basketball operations for the Wizards.
Jordan donated his entire salary to relief efforts for victims of the September 11 attacks.
In his first season back, Jordan averaged 22.9 points per game. He played in 60 games before a knee injury ended his season early.
The following year, Jordan played all 82 games at age 39-40.
He averaged 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in his final NBA season.
Final Game and Farewell
Jordan’s last NBA game was on April 16, 2003 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He scored 15 points in 28 minutes of play. The Wizards lost the game 107-87.
Fans gave Jordan a four-minute standing ovation when he left the court for the final time.
This emotional farewell marked the end of Jordan’s 15-season NBA career. He finished with 32,292 points, which ranks fifth all-time in NBA history.
Legacy and Impact on Basketball
Michael Jordan’s influence on basketball extended far beyond his playing career. He reshaped the sport and inspired countless players who came after him.
Influence on Future Generations
Jordan’s impact on future basketball players was immense. His iconic playing style set a new standard for excellence.
Many young athletes tried to copy his moves and work ethic.
The Air Jordan shoe line changed basketball fashion. It made athletic footwear a cultural phenomenon. Nike’s partnership with Jordan created a new model for athlete endorsements.
Jordan’s success helped grow the NBA’s popularity worldwide. His six championships with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s drew millions of new fans to the sport.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Jordan entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. This honor recognized his unparalleled achievements in basketball.
His Hall of Fame induction speech was memorable and controversial. Jordan used the platform to reflect on his career and competitive drive.
The Hall of Fame showcases Jordan’s numerous awards and records.
- 5 NBA Most Valuable Player awards
- 6 NBA Finals MVP awards
- 10 scoring titles
- 2 Olympic gold medals
Jordan’s presence in the Hall of Fame cements his status as one of basketball’s greatest players ever.
Business Ventures and Personal Life
Michael Jordan expanded his influence beyond basketball through business ventures and philanthropy.
He gained ownership stakes in professional sports teams and built a powerful personal brand.
Charlotte Bobcats/NBA Ownership
Jordan became part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2006. He took control as majority owner in 2010, making him the first former NBA player to become a majority owner of a league franchise.
Under Jordan’s ownership, the team changed its name back to the Charlotte Hornets in 2014.
The franchise value grew significantly, reaching an estimated $1.5 billion by 2020.
Jordan sold a large portion of his stake in 2020 but remains involved in team operations.
Endorsements and Philanthropy
Jordan’s most famous endorsement deal is with Nike. The Air Jordan line of sneakers and apparel has been hugely successful since its launch in 1984.
He also had deals with brands like Gatorade, Hanes, and Upper Deck.
These partnerships helped make Jordan one of the most marketable athletes in history.
Jordan has given millions to charitable causes.
He donated $2 million to food banks in 2020. The Jordan Brand pledged $100 million over 10 years to organizations promoting racial equality and social justice.
Cultural Influence and Media
Michael Jordan’s impact extended far beyond basketball courts. His fame and marketability transformed him into a global icon, influencing popular culture and media in unprecedented ways.
Space Jam and ‘The Last Dance’
Jordan’s cultural reach soared with his starring role in Space Jam, a 1996 live-action/animated film. The movie blended basketball with Looney Tunes characters, cementing Jordan’s status as an entertainment figure.
Years later, ESPN’s documentary series ‘The Last Dance’ revisited Jordan’s career.
The 10-part series aired in 2020, reigniting public interest in his legacy. It provided an in-depth look at the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty and Jordan’s final championship season.
Both projects showcased Jordan’s charisma and competitive spirit. They helped introduce him to new generations of fans and reinforced his legendary status in sports history.
Air Jordan and Marketing Powerhouse
The Air Jordan brand revolutionized sports marketing.
Nike launched the line in 1984, creating a cultural phenomenon that blurred lines between athletics and fashion.
Jordan’s image became synonymous with success and style.
His commercials and endorsements set new standards for athlete marketing. The “Jumpman” logo became instantly recognizable worldwide.
Air Jordans transcended their original purpose as basketball shoes.
They became coveted fashion items, often selling out quickly upon release. This success established Jordan as a business mogul beyond his athletic achievements.
His marketing influence continues today.
The Jordan Brand remains a major force in sportswear and sneaker culture, generating billions in annual revenue.