CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 17: Michael Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Hornets, takes part in a ceremony honoring the 2020 NBA All-Star game during a break in play as Team LeBron take on Team Giannis in the fourth quarter during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Team LeBron won 178-164. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Michael Jordan came out of retirement 29 years ago today. For you youngsters out there, Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were like the Beatles. Maybe that's a bad reference for you youngsters. Uh, Michael Jordan and the Bulls were as popular as Taylor Swift? Anyway, the Bulls were great. And Michael Jordan was greater. He dominated the NBA. Opposing players feared him. Opposing players seemed to know in their minds that Jordan would beat them. Finally, after winning three straight NBA championships Jordan suddenly retired.
REASONS FOR RETIRING
The reason for his sudden retirement while in his prime varies: Bulls management angered Jordan. Jordan became burned out. Jordan wanted to play baseball. The death of Jordan's father devastated him. Rumors circulated about Jordan's gambling debts. Many reasons circulated. But Jordan, did in fact, retire in his prime for 17 months. During that time he did play minor league baseball. And then he returned to the NBA, on this day in 1995 and won three straight NBA championships again.
Let's test our memories with Michael Jordan Trivia on Craig Shemon and Company on ESPN Southwest Florida!
MICHAEL JORDAN TRIVIA
- What was Michael Jordan’s nickname after winning the dunk contest in 1987 and 1988? His Airness
- How many scoring titles did Jordan win in his career? 10
- What two numbers did Jordan officially wear during his career? 23 and 45
- Name the live-action/animated film Jordan starred in? Space Jam
- What was the name of the minor league baseball team Jordan played for during his first retirement? Birmingham Barons
- Who was Jordan’s coach at the Washington Wizards? Doug Collins
- In Space Jam, with :10 left the Tune Squad finds themselves short one player due to injuries. Who arrives to fill in? Bill Murray
- Name the 5 teams MJ beat to win his 6 NBA titles? Lakers, Trail Blazers, Suns, Super Sonics, Jazz (2)
- What Big Ten team ended Michael Jordan’s college career by defeating NC in the 1984 Sweet 16? Indiana
- Who coached Michael Jordan to gold in the 1984 Olympics? Bob Knight
Michael Jordan came out of retirement on this day in 1995 and won three more NBA titles.
