Michael Jordan shocked the world when he announced his retirement in 1993. Unlike the popular rumor which was that he was serving a suspension for gambling, he was just tired. His celebrity status took a toll on him mentally and he lacked the motivation to step on the court again. “I just feel that I don’t have anything else for myself to prove,” said Jordan as he bid adieu to the sport.

He further shocked fans when in February 1994, he announced he was going to play professional baseball. He signed a Minor League Baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox. Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of both Chicago Bulls and the White Sox, said, “It was always his father’s dream that he be a baseball player, and so I didn’t try to talk him out of it.” But when the 1994-95 Major League Baseball strike took place, Jordan left the game because he did not want to be a replacement player.

The second coming of Michael Jordan

Toni Kukoc had signed the year Jordan left. Talking about his first day he says, “They told me Michael is retiring and my dreams were breaking apart. I came with the idea to play with the best player. It was my first day and it was sinking pretty low for me.”  When he started practicing again at the Berto Centre, even Bulls players were wondering if he’s going to be back. Media organizations went berserk as his visits to the training facility increased.

This wasn’t enough to convince most of the people. They couldn’t believe that Jordan would come back. Ron Harper said, “I would be surprised if Jordan came back.” Steve Kerr, who joined in the season Jordan left, was also unsure about Jordan’s future. “What’s he doing? Is he coming back? Some of the veteran guys like BJ Armstrong knew him pretty well. So we would ask them and it was just speculation.”

Trending

Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics

April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

But Kukoc says he had a feeling he knew Jordan was coming back. “It was time to go practice, and once I went to the locker room and I saw about 40, 50 pairs of Jordans at his locker. I said to myself there is no way he’s going to one practice with 50 pairs of shoes ready.” His investigation proved right. On March 18, 1995, Michael Jordan announced his return with just two words: I’m Back!

He was back on the court literally the next day as the Bulls took on the Pacers in Indianapolis. Approximately 35 million people tuned in to watch His Airness return, making it one of the most-watched NBA games in history.