![]() ![]() Infamously, when Michael Jordan returned to action in 1995, he was wearing his baseball number: 45. The fact that MJ announced his comeback in only two words – “I’m Back” – is also unusual in an era of televised specials, social media statements, and open letters in The Player’s Tribune. To lose such a monumental player in their prime, only to have them come back and reclaim their place as the best in the league…well, it’s just not the norm. It’s difficult to explain the excitement at seeing a superstar we thought would never play in the NBA again announce that he was going to lace them up once more. It’s hard to explain to younger fans, as the stars they’re familiar with haven’t had interruptions to their career like that. There really hasn’t been anything else like it. In a way though, it’s all part of his mystique. However, we somewhat gloss over how unusual his career was. We often talk about how unique MJ was when it came to how he dominated the game, how he seemed to defy gravity, and for the stats and accomplishments he amassed, and rightfully so. He played nine seasons before retiring the first time, returned and played three full years and part of a fourth, retired again, and then came back for a brief stint with the Washington Wizards after first investing in them and then transferring his ownership so that he could return to action. Looking back, the career of Michael Jordan is such a fascinating story for the way it unfolded. The league was already globally popular, but I remember everyone my age really getting into it when MJ came back. It was around this time that I was taking a greater interest in basketball, and truly fell in love with the sport. For Bulls fans, there was hope that the glory days weren’t over, and a reason to get excited about watching the games. Although the NBA had been prepared to move on after the abrupt retirement of its biggest name in October 1993, and there were galaxy of stars that were exciting to watch in their own right, having Michael Jordan back in the fold naturally came as welcome news. The excitement generated by MJ’s return in 1995 can’t be understated. It also had a noteworthy impact on the virtual hardwood. His return would ultimately expand his resume and bolster his claim to being the Greatest of All-Time, producing many more memorable moments along the way. MJ famously announced his return in two words: “I’m Back”. It’s been twenty five years – or a quarter of a century, if you want to make it sound even more impressive – since Michael Jordan ended his first retirement from the NBA. And yes, it strikes me that a whole decade has passed and hundreds of players have come and gone, as I continue to work on a current roster for NBA 2K11. It recently occurred to me that I’m now the same age that Michael Jordan was when he won that sixth ring in 1998. I felt it in 2011, when the Bulls celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their first title. I felt it in 2008, when it had been ten years since the Chicago Bulls’ last championship. It’s funny how you don’t always feel the passage of time until you think about how long ago a certain event was. This week, I’m marking the 25th Anniversary of the day Michael Jordan said “I’m Back”, and returned to the Chicago Bulls. You’ll also find old NLSC editorials re-published with added commentary, and other flashback content. Check in every Wednesday for retrospectives and other features on older versions of NBA Live, NBA 2K, and old school basketball video games in general. This is Wayback Wednesday, your midweek blast from the past! In this feature, we dig into the archives, look back at the history of basketball gaming, and indulge in some nostalgia. ![]()
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