Michael Jordan’s honest thoughts about missing basketball after his 1998 retirement: “The only way that I’m going to get away from it is not to watch”
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The 1997-98 season, also known as “The Last Dance,” marked an emotional end to the Chicago Bulls dynasty. Despite all the internal conflicts and uncertain future, Michael Jordan helped the Jerry Reinsdorf-owned franchise eclipse its second 3-peat.
Looking at how things continued to transpire behind the scenes, the locker room suspected a breakup was on the cards. Major warning signals were the constant power tussle between Phil Jackson, the late GM Jerry Krause, and Scottie Pippen’s contract issues.
Despite all the tensions, the Bulls clinched their second 3-peat, with Jordan hitting one of the most iconic shots against the Jazz in the NBA Finals. Nonetheless, there were no plans to rework things and chase a four-peat. Not willing to play under any other coach except Jackson, MJ announced his second retirement.
About a year later, appearing on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Jordan talked about his plans and basketball withdrawals.
“I miss it, I don’t watch it as much because of my connection to it. The only way that I’m going to get away from it is not to watch. So I mean, I find myself keeping busy playing golf, but I’ll watch it every now and then. I joke around, call Scottie, call some of the guys, and just joke around with them,” replied the six-time Finals MVP.
When asked about having any regrets, “No one else will have an opportunity to win,” MJ joked. But the ten-time scoring champion couldn’t keep himself away for long, coming out of retirement for the second time in 2001.
New start with the Washington Wizards
Most fans prefer to forget an episode of MJ’s career during his Wizards stint. Initially coming on board as President and minority owner, the former Bulls superstar’s urge to play was rekindled. Gaining insights into the on-ground situation, the veteran guard felt he could help.
Hoping to guide the young players to a championship, “His Airness” laced up once again. At 38 years old, MJ averaged 22.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.4 steals. Despite struggling with knee issues, Jordan led the Wizards in points, assists, and steals.
In his second and final year with the franchise, Jordan played all 82 games. The fourteen-time All-Star had nine games with 30+ points. Sadly, this wouldn’t translate into wins for the team, which remained towards the bottom of the standings.
Beyond the hardwood
Making his final retirement, Jordan began devoting more of his time to golf. Initially, seeing it as an outlet that helped him get away from all the outside noise, it became a daily routine for the Bulls superstar. A hobby he began in the 1980s, gradually taking a liking to it
“His Airness” also owns a NASCAR team called 23XI Racing. MJ is an active investor in sports betting apps, including DraftKings and Sportradar. In addition to his other real estate and restaurant businesses, he entered the alcohol business with Cincoro Tequila.
Bidding his final goodbye to basketball, Jordan remained associated with the NBA. In 2006, the superstar turned team owner with the Charlotte Hornets but failed to yield the desired results. Ultimately, he sold his majority stake for a reported $3 billion in 2023.
