20 years ago today, two words changed the course of NBA history: "I'm back."
After nine successful seasons in the NBA, Michael Jordan walked away from the game of basketball in 1993 following the passing of his father to pursue a career in baseball. His stint with the White Sox's minor leagues didn't last long, however, as he made his return to the Bulls less than two years later. It was then when he embarked on another memorable run that cemented his place as the NBA's greatest player of all-time.
To announce his return to the hardwood floors, Jordan famously released a two-word statement through his attorney and business manager on March 18, 1995. It set the basketball world on fire.
Jordan's teammates had a feeling his announcement was coming. As Steve Kerr told Sporting News, he showed up to watch the team practice one day late in the season, which sparked rumors of his possible return. Not long after, he was standing next to them in uniform.
"It was a shock, but it was a thrill," said Kerr. "Obviously it changed the course of NBA history. We won the next three champions, the following three years. It was a pretty exciting moment."
While Jordan struggled with consistency in the 17 games he appeared in 1995, he returned back to top form the following season. He led the Bulls to a championship after averaging 30.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game—one of the best individual seasons of his career. He would win two more titles before calling it quits for the second of what wound up being three retirements.
"It was interesting watching him come back," said Kerr in reflection. "Everyone knew Michael was the best player on earth, but he wasn't consistent by his standards. It wasn't until the following year with a full training camp when he was able to really come back at his full level."
One can't help but wonder what the landscape of the NBA would currently look like had Jordan never released that two-word statement.
Thankfully, it's not a reality we have to deal with.
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