Editing Michael Jordan (section)

== Professional career ==

=== Chicago Bulls (1984–1993; 1995–1998) ===

==== Early NBA years (1984–1987) ====
The [[1984–85 Chicago Bulls season|Chicago Bulls]] selected Jordan with the third overall pick of the [[1984 NBA draft]] after [[Hakeem Olajuwon]] ([[1984–85 Houston Rockets season|Houston Rockets]]) and [[Sam Bowie]] ([[1984–85 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland Trail Blazers]]). One of the primary reasons why Jordan was not drafted sooner was because the first two teams were in need of a [[center (basketball)|center]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Trail Blazers don't regret bypassing Jordan |date=November 26, 1984 |first=David |last=DuPree |newspaper=USA Today |page=6C}}</ref> Trail Blazers general manager [[Stu Inman]] contended that it was not a matter of drafting a center but more a matter of taking Bowie over Jordan, in part because Portland already had [[Clyde Drexler]], who was a guard with similar skills to Jordan.<ref>{{cite news |title=Portland GM is happy with Bowie |date=November 25, 1984 |first=Bob |last=Sakamoto |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |page=B2}}</ref> Citing Bowie's injury-laden college career, [[ESPN]] named the Blazers' choice of Bowie as the worst draft pick in North American professional sports history.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schoenfield |first=David |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=schoenfield/060427 |title=The 100 worst draft picks ever |publisher=ESPN |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708081517/http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=schoenfield/060427 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Jordan made his NBA debut at [[Chicago Stadium]] on October 26, 1984, and scored 16 points. In 2021, a ticket stub from the game sold at auction for $264,000, setting a record for a collectible ticket stub.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hajducky |first=Dan |title=Ticket stub from Michael Jordan's NBA debut sells for $264K, a record for a sports ticket |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32887046/ticket-stub-michael-jordan-nba-debut-sells-264k-record-sports-ticket |access-date=October 30, 2023 |publisher=ESPN |date=December 17, 2021 |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217070007/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32887046/ticket-stub-michael-jordan-nba-debut-sells-264k-record-sports-ticket |url-status=live}}</ref> During his rookie [[1984–85 NBA season|1984–85 season]] with the Bulls, Jordan averaged 28.2 ppg on 51.5% shooting.<ref name="dbb">{{cite web |url=http://www.databasebasketball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=JORDAMI01 |title=Michael Jordan |website=Database Basketball |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222083636/http://www.databasebasketball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=JORDAMI01 |archive-date=February 22, 2009 |access-date=July 9, 2019 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> He helped the Bulls improve from 27–55 to 38–44 and qualify for the postseason for the first time since the [[1980–81 Chicago Bulls season|1980–81 season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Chicago Bulls |publisher=Basketball-Reference |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/ |access-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-date=October 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004161136/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jordan quickly became a fan favorite even in opposing arenas.<ref name="Gross">{{cite news |last=Gross |first=Jane |date=October 21, 1984 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/21/sports/jordan-makes-people-wonder-is-he-the-new-dr-j.html |title=Jordan Makes People Wonder: Is He the New Dr. J? |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523010537/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/21/sports/jordan-makes-people-wonder-is-he-the-new-dr-j.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Goldaper |first=Sam |date=October 19, 1984 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/19/sports/jordan-dazzles-crowd-at-garden.html |title=Jordan dazzles crowd at Garden |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=August 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822210542/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/19/sports/jordan-dazzles-crowd-at-garden.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Garden">{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Roy S. |date=November 9, 1984 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/09/sports/jordan-led-bulls-romp-before-19252.html |title=Jordan-Led Bulls Romp Before 19,252 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=July 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710212109/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/09/sports/jordan-led-bulls-romp-before-19252.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Roy S. Johnson of ''[[The New York Times]]'' described Jordan as "the phenomenal rookie of the Bulls" in November,<ref name="Garden" /> and he appeared on the cover of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' with the heading "A Star Is Born" in December.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/issue/44293/1/ |title=A Star Is Born |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=December 10, 1984 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105056/http://www.si.com/vault/issue/44293/1 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1984&lg=n |title=Chicago Bulls 1984–85 Game Log and Scores |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630214213/http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1984&lg=n |archive-date=June 30, 2007 |website=Database Basketball |access-date=June 9, 2017 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> The fans voted in Jordan as an [[NBA All-Star Game|All-Star]] starter during his rookie season.<ref name="nbah" /> Controversy arose before the [[1985 NBA All-Star Game]] when word surfaced that several veteran players, led by [[Isiah Thomas]], were upset by the amount of attention Jordan was receiving.<ref name="nbah" /> This led to a so-called "freeze-out" on Jordan, where players refused to pass the ball to him.<ref name="nbah" /> The controversy left Jordan relatively unaffected when he returned to regular season play, and he would go on to be voted the [[NBA Rookie of the Year]].<ref name="nba.combio">{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan/bio.html |title=Michael Jordan bio |website=NBA.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109104338/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan/bio.html |access-date=May 9, 2017 |archive-date=January 9, 2007}}</ref> The Bulls lost to the [[1984–85 Milwaukee Bucks season|Milwaukee Bucks]] in four games in the first round of [[1985 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]].<ref name="nba.combio" />

An often-cited moment was on August 26, 1985,<ref name="school" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Maranzana |first=Silvio |title=Basket: Michael Jordan in passerella a Chiarbola |newspaper=Il Piccolo |location=Trieste |language=it |date=August 26, 1985 |page=11}}</ref> when Jordan shook the arena during a Nike exhibition game in [[Trieste]], Italy, by shattering the glass of the backboard with a dunk.<ref>{{cite news |last=Maranzana |first=Silvio |title=Michael Jordan incanta la platea triestina |newspaper=Il Piccolo |location=Trieste |language=it |date=August 27, 1985 |page=13}}</ref><ref name="Vanetti">{{cite web |last=Vanetti |first=Flavio |title=Michael Jordan e l'Italia: quella volta che giocò a Trieste nel 1985 (e ruppe un tabellone con una schiacciata) |url=https://www.corriere.it/sport/20_maggio_21/michael-jordan-l-italia-quella-che-volta-che-gioco-trieste-1985-ruppe-tabellone-schiacciando-d85b8b76-983b-11ea-ba09-20ae073bed63.shtml |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |date=May 21, 2020 |access-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117121943/https://www.corriere.it/sport/20_maggio_21/michael-jordan-l-italia-quella-che-volta-che-gioco-trieste-1985-ruppe-tabellone-schiacciando-d85b8b76-983b-11ea-ba09-20ae073bed63.shtml |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> The moment was filmed and is often referred to as an important milestone in Jordan's rise.<ref name="Vanetti" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Forester |first=Pete |title=These New Air Jordans Celebrate One of Basketball's Most Iconic Moments |url=https://www.esquire.com/style/news/a49124/air-jordan-shattered-backboard/ |magazine=Esquire |date=September 30, 2016 |access-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117181244/https://www.esquire.com/style/news/a49124/air-jordan-shattered-backboard/ |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> The shoes Jordan wore during the game were auctioned in August 2020 for $615,000, a record for a pair of sneakers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Jordan: Rare trainers fetch $615,000 at auction |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53761933 |publisher=BBC |date=August 13, 2020 |access-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117180019/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53761933 |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Rory |title=Michael Jordan's game-worn sneakers set new record, selling for $615,000 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/michael-jordan-sneakers-auction-christies-scli-intl-spt/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=August 14, 2020 |access-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209021954/https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/michael-jordan-sneakers-auction-christies-scli-intl-spt/index.html |archive-date=December 9, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Jordan's [[1985–86 NBA season|1985–86 season]] was cut short when he broke his foot in the third game of the year, causing him to miss 64 games.<ref>Lazenby, p. 289.</ref> The Bulls made [[1986 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]] despite Jordan's injury and a 30–52 record,<ref name="dbbulls">{{cite web |url=http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teampage.htm?tm=CHI&lg=N |title=Chicago Bulls (1966 –) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014212808/http://databasebasketball.com/teams/teampage.htm?tm=CHI&lg=n |archive-date=October 14, 2007 |url-status=usurped |website=Database Basketball |access-date=June 9, 2017}}</ref> at the time the fifth-worst record of any team to qualify for the playoffs in NBA history.<ref>"Worst Records of Playoff Teams". ''The Sporting News''. April 28, 1986. p. 46.</ref> Jordan recovered in time to participate in the postseason and performed well upon his return. On April 20 at the [[Boston Garden]], in Game 2 of the First Round, a 135–131 double overtime loss to the eventual [[NBA champion]] [[1985–86 Boston Celtics season|Boston Celtics]], Jordan scored a playoff career-high 63 points, breaking [[Elgin Baylor]]'s [[List of National Basketball Association single-game playoff scoring leaders|single-game playoff scoring record]].<ref name="nbadisguised">[http://www.nba.com/history/jordan63_moments.html "God Disguised as Michael Jordan"]. ''NBA.com''.  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404035626/https://www.nba.com/history/jordan63_moments.html|date=April 4, 2019}}. Retrieved May 22, 2021.</ref> The Celtics team, though, swept the series in three games.<ref name="nba.combio" /><ref name="nbadisguised"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 10 Teams in NBA History |website=[[NBA.com]] |url=http://www.nba.com/history/toptenteams_index.html |access-date=May 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502092015/http://www.nba.com/history/toptenteams_index.html |archive-date=May 2, 2013}}</ref>

Jordan completely recovered in time for the [[1986–87 NBA season|1986–87 season]],<ref>Porter, p. 34.</ref> and had one of the most prolific scoring seasons in NBA history; he became the only player other than [[Wilt Chamberlain]] to score 3,000 points in a season, averaging a league-high 37.1 ppg on 48.2% shooting.<ref name="dbb" /><ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/pts_season.html "NBA & ABA Single Season Leaders and Records for Points"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429110036/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/pts_season.html |date=April 29, 2013 }}. ''Basketball-Reference''. Retrieved October 22, 2022.</ref> Jordan also demonstrated his defensive prowess, as he became the first player in NBA history to record 200 [[Steal (basketball)|steals]] and 100 [[blocked shot]]s in a season.<ref name="WashingtonPost05-26-1988">{{Cite news |date=May 25, 1988 |title=Jordan Adds Most Valuable Player Award to Honors |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1988/05/26/jordan-adds-most-valuable-player-award-to-honors/7f99e78e-c058-473a-9b81-6d260425fd44/ |access-date=October 28, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Despite Jordan's success, [[Magic Johnson]] won the [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award]].<ref name="Adams">{{cite magazine |last=Adams |first=Micah |date=May 18, 2020 |title=How many MVP awards should Michael Jordan have won? |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/how-many-mvp-awards-should-michael-jordan-have-won-chicago-bulls-last-dance/j3a6q1u6jw9z1f30vc55g37s7 |magazine=The Sporting News |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523182616/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/how-many-mvp-awards-should-michael-jordan-have-won-chicago-bulls-last-dance/j3a6q1u6jw9z1f30vc55g37s7 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Bulls reached 40 wins,<ref name="dbbulls" /> and advanced to [[1987 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]] for the third consecutive year but were again swept by the [[1986–87 Boston Celtics season|Celtics]].<ref name="nba.combio" />

==== Pistons roadblock (1987–1990) ====
Jordan led the league in scoring during the [[1987–88 NBA season|1987–88 season]], averaging 35.0 ppg on 53.5% shooting,<ref name="dbb" /> and won his first league MVP Award. He was named the [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year]] after averaging 1.6 blocks per game (bpg), a league-high 3.1 steals per game (spg),<ref name="MJ">[http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_stats.html "Michael Jordan statistics"]. ''NBA.com''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212053614/http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_stats.html|date=December 12, 2012}} Retrieved June 26, 2022.</ref>{{efn|A 2024 study by Tom Haberstroh found that Jordan was credited with several steals during the season which did not and could not have taken place. For example, during several home games, Jordan was credited with more steals than the opposing team had live-ball turnovers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haberstroh |first1=Tom |title=A closer look at Michael Jordan's 1988 DPOY award raises questions about its validity. Has LeBron James been chasing a ghost? |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/a-closer-look-at-michael-jordans-1988-dpoy-award-raises-questions-about-its-validity-has-lebron-james-been-chasing-a-ghost-140452567.html |access-date=June 24, 2024 |work=[[Yahoo Sports]] |date=June 20, 2024}}</ref>}} and leading the Bulls defense to the fewest points per game allowed in the league.<ref>{{cite web |title=1987–88 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1988.html |work=Basketball-Reference |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515034842/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1988.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Bulls finished 50–32,<ref name="dbbulls" /> and made it past the first round of [[1988 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] for the first time in Jordan's career, as they defeated the [[1987–88 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]] in five games.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060513045453/http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1987&lg=n "Chicago Bulls 1987–88 Game Log and Scores"]}}. ''Database Basketball''. . Retrieved June 9, 2017.</ref> In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Bulls lost in five games to the more experienced [[1987–88 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit Pistons]],<ref name="nba.combio" /> who were led by [[Isiah Thomas]] and a group of physical players known as the "[[Detroit Pistons#1986–1992: The Bad Boys|Bad Boys]]".<ref>Halberstam, p. 235.</ref>

In the [[1988–89 NBA season|1988–89 season]], Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg on 53.8% shooting from the field, along with 8.0 rpg and 8.0 apg.<ref name="dbb" /> During the season, Jordan expressed his frustration over the Bulls' offense with head coach [[Doug Collins (basketball)|Doug Collins]], who then put Jordan at point guard. In his time as a point guard, Jordan had 10 [[triple-double]]s in 11 games, with averages of 33.6 ppg, 11.4 rpg, and 10.8 apg.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Jose |title=Remember the Time Michael Jordan Played Point Guard and Posted a Triple-Double in 10 of 11 Games During the 1988–89 Season |url=https://www.complex.com/sports/a/jose-martinez/michael-jordan-point-guard-in-1989-posted-triple-double-10-of-11-games |date=January 30, 2014 |access-date=March 12, 2025 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref>

The Bulls finished with a 47–35 record,<ref name="dbbulls" /> and advanced to the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] Finals, defeating the [[1988–89 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cavaliers]] and [[1988–89 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] along the way.<ref>{{cite web |title=1988–89 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1989.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602045912/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1989.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Cavaliers series included a career highlight for Jordan when he hit "[[The Shot]]" over [[Craig Ehlo]] at the buzzer in the fifth and final game of the series.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/jordancav_moments.html "Jordan Hits 'The Shot'"]. ''NBA.com''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812020351/http://www.nba.com/history/jordancav_moments.html|date=August 12, 2014}}. Retrieved July 27, 2019.</ref> In the Eastern Conference Finals, the [[1988–89 Detroit Pistons season|Pistons]] again defeated the Bulls, this time in six games,<ref name="nba.combio" /> by utilizing their "[[Jordan Rules]]" method of guarding Jordan, which consisted of double and [[triple teaming]] him every time he touched the ball.<ref name="nbah" />

The Bulls entered the [[1989–90 NBA season|1989–90 season]] as a team on the rise, with their core group of Jordan and young improving players like [[Scottie Pippen]] and [[Horace Grant]], and under the guidance of new coach [[Phil Jackson]].<ref>Halberstam, pp. 257–260.</ref> On March 28, 1990, Jordan scored a career-high 69 points in a 117–113 road win over the Cavaliers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Harper |first=Zach |date=April 9, 2015 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/throwback-thursday-michael-jordans-69-point-18-rebound-game/ |title=Throwback Thursday: Michael Jordan's 69-point, 18-rebound game |work=CBS Sports |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116015950/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/throwback-thursday-michael-jordans-69-point-18-rebound-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He averaged a league-leading 33.6 ppg on 52.6% shooting, to go with 6.9 rpg and 6.3 apg,<ref name="dbb" /> in leading the Bulls to a 55–27 record.<ref name="dbbulls" /> They again advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after beating the [[1989–90 Milwaukee Bucks season|Bucks]] and [[1989–90 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]];<ref>{{cite web |title=1989–90 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1990.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603113654/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1990.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> despite pushing the series to seven games, the Bulls lost to the [[1989–90 Detroit Pistons season|Pistons]] for the third consecutive season.<ref name="nba.combio" />

==== First three-peat (1991–1993) ====
[[File:Chicago Bulls - New Jersey Nets match on March 28, 1991.jpg|thumb|left|Jordan being defended by [[Mookie Blaylock]] (number 10) during a Bulls–Nets game in 1991]]
After the Bulls' previous losses to the Pistons, Phil Jackson, along with assistant coach [[Tex Winter]], focused on implementing the triangle offense to counteract the Pistons' defense and other teams that heavily targeted Jordan. This system, however, required Jordan to adjust his playing style.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Beslic |first=Stephen |title=The Impact of Tex Winter's Triangle Offense |url=https://www.si.com/nba/bulls/old-school/the-impact-of-tex-winters-triangle-offense |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 2, 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name="hungry"/> In his book ''Eleven Rings'', Jackson recalled, "I was planning to ask Michael to reduce the number of shots he took so that other members of the team could get more involved in the offense. I knew this would be a challenge for him."<ref>{{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Phil |author-link=Phil Jackson |author2=Hugh Delehanty |date=2013 |title=Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success |url= |location=New York |publisher=Penguin Press |page= |isbn=978-1-59420-511-8}}</ref> In ''[[The Last Dance (miniseries)|The Last Dance]]'', Jordan admitted he was initially reluctant to back the system.<ref name="hungry">{{cite web |last=Cancian |first=Dan |title=How Both 'The Last Dance' and 'The Jordan Rules' Kept the Chicago Bulls Hungry For Success, According to Book's Author |url=https://www.newsweek.com/michael-jordan-jordan-rules-sam-smith-interview-1502604 |website=Newsweek |date=May 8, 2020 |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> Nevertheless, he eventually embraced the change, which led to success for the team.<ref>{{cite news |last=Golliver |first=Ben |title='The Last Dance' Episode 4 recap: For Michael Jordan, toppling the Pistons was a driving force |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/04/26/michael-jordan-documentary-episode-four-recap/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 26, 2020 |access-date=November 13, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207072658/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/04/26/michael-jordan-documentary-episode-four-recap/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the [[1990–91 NBA season|1990–91 season]], Jordan won his second MVP award after averaging 31.5 ppg on 53.9% shooting, 6.0 rpg, and 5.5 apg for the regular season.<ref name="dbb" /> The Bulls finished in first place in their division for the first time in sixteen years and set a franchise record with 61 wins in the regular season.<ref name="dbbulls" /> With [[Scottie Pippen]] developing into an All-Star, the Bulls had elevated their play. The Bulls defeated the [[1990–91 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] and the [[1990–91 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]] in the opening two rounds of [[1991 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]]. They advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals where their rival, the [[1990–91 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit Pistons]], awaited them;<ref name="1990–91">{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120628223111/http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1990&lg=n "Chicago Bulls 1990–91 Game Log and Scores"]}}. ''Database Basketball''. . Retrieved June 9, 2017.</ref> this time, the Bulls beat the Pistons in a four-game sweep.<ref>Brown, Clifton (May 28, 1991). [https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/28/sports/basketball-bulls-brush-aside-pistons-for-eastern-title.html "Basketball; Bulls Brush Aside Pistons for Eastern Title"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125101237/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/28/sports/basketball-bulls-brush-aside-pistons-for-eastern-title.html |date=January 25, 2017 }}. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref>

The Bulls advanced to [[1991 NBA Finals|the Finals]] for the first time in franchise history to face the [[1990–91 Los Angeles Lakers season|Los Angeles Lakers]]. The Bulls won the series in five games, and compiled a 15–2 playoff record along the way.<ref name="1990–91" />  Perhaps the best-known moment of the series came in Game 2 when, attempting a dunk, Jordan avoided a potential [[Sam Perkins]] block by switching the ball from his right hand to his left in mid-air to lay the shot into the basket.<ref>[[Wilbon, Michael]] (June 7, 1991). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/jordan/articles/layup91.htm "Great Shot! Jordan's Best Amazingly Goes One Better"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104073335/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/jordan/articles/layup91.htm |date=November 4, 2012 }}. ''The Washington Post''. p. D01. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> In his first Finals appearance, Jordan had 31.2 ppg on 56% shooting from the field, 11.4 apg, 6.6 rpg, 2.8 spg, and 1.4 bpg.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/jordan/mj9091.html "1991 Finals stats"]. ''NBA.com''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105074353/http://www.nba.com/jordan/mj9091.html|date=November 5, 2012}}. Retrieved June 26, 2022.</ref> Jordan won his first [[NBA Finals MVP]] award<ref name="fnl">[https://www.nba.com/history/awards/finals-mvp "NBA Finals MVP Award Winners"]. ''NBA.com''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812222132/https://www.nba.com/history/finalsmvps.html|date=August 12, 2017}}. October 23, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2021.</ref> and cried while holding the Finals trophy.<ref name="classicbio">Schwartz, Larry (2002). [https://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/Jordan_Michael.html "Michael Jordan transcends hoops"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003153511/https://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/Jordan_Michael.html|date=October 3, 2022}}. ESPN. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref>

Jordan and the Bulls continued their dominance in the [[1991–92 NBA season|1991–92 season]], establishing a 67–15 record, topping their franchise record from the 1990–91 campaign.<ref name="dbbulls" /> Jordan won his second consecutive MVP award with averages of 30.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, and 6.1 apg on 52% shooting.<ref name="MJ" /> After winning a physical seven-game series over the [[1991–92 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] in the second round of [[1992 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]] and finishing off the [[1991–92 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland Cavaliers]] in the Conference Finals in six games, the Bulls met [[Clyde Drexler]] and the [[1991–92 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland Trail Blazers]] in [[1992 NBA Finals|the Finals]]. The media, hoping to recreate a [[Celtics–Lakers rivalry|Magic–Bird rivalry]], highlighted the similarities between "Air" Jordan and Clyde "The Glide" during the pre-Finals hype.<ref name="sport-illustrated-cover">[https://www.si.com/vault/issue/711065/1/ "On a Collision Course"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306132648/http://www.si.com/vault/issue/711065/1 |date=March 6, 2017 }}. ''Sports Illustrated''. May 11, 1992. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref>

In a Game 1 victory, Jordan scored a Finals-record 35 points in the first half, including a record-setting six [[three-point field goal]]s.<ref name="NBA1991–92">[http://www.nba.com/history/jordan_92_finals.html "Jordan Blazes Away From Long Range"]. ''NBA.com''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105074424/http://www.nba.com/history/jordan_92_finals.html|date=November 5, 2012}}. Retrieved June 26, 2022.</ref> After the sixth three-pointer, he jogged down the court shrugging as he looked courtside. [[Marv Albert]], who broadcast the game, later stated that it was as if Jordan was saying: "I can't believe I'm doing this."<ref>[http://www.nba.com/encyclopedia/finals/Memory_Lane.html "A Stroll Down Memory Lane"]. ''NBA.com''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020202721/http://www.nba.com/encyclopedia/finals/Memory_Lane.html|date=October 20, 2012}}. Retrieved July 9, 2019.</ref> The Bulls went on to defeat the Blazers in six games. Jordan was named Finals MVP for the second year in a row,<ref name="fnl" /> and finished the series averaging 35.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 6.5 apg, while shooting 52.6% from the floor.<ref>{{cite web |title=1992 NBA Finals Trail Blazers vs. Bulls |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1992-nba-finals-trail-blazers-vs-bulls.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141724/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1992-nba-finals-trail-blazers-vs-bulls.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[1992–93 NBA season|1992–93 season]], despite a 32.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 5.5 apg campaign, including a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting,<ref name="MJ" /><ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1993.html "1992–93 NBA Awards Voting"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404025712/https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1993.html |date=April 4, 2020 }}. ''Basketball Reference''. Retrieved October 22, 2022.</ref> Jordan's streak of consecutive MVP seasons ended, as he lost the award to his friend [[Charles Barkley]],<ref name="Adams" /> upsetting him.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zillgitt |first=Jeff |date=September 19, 2020 |url=https://usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/jeff-zillgitt/2020/09/19/lebron-james-should-have-more-than-four-mvps-dominance/5839698002/ |title=LeBron James should have more than four MVPs, given his dominance |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003043423/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/jeff-zillgitt/2020/09/19/lebron-james-should-have-more-than-four-mvps-dominance/5839698002/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Jordan and the Bulls met Barkley and his [[1992–93 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix Suns]] in the [[1993 NBA Finals]]. The Bulls won their third NBA championship on a game-winning shot by [[John Paxson]] and a last-second block by [[Horace Grant]], but Jordan was once again Chicago's leader. He averaged a Finals-record 41.0 ppg during the six-game series,<ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19921993.html "Paxson's Trey Propels Bulls Into NBA History"]. ''NBA.com''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025183404/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19921993.html|date=October 25, 2012}}. Retrieved June 26, 2022.</ref> and became the first player in NBA history to win three consecutive Finals MVP awards.<ref name="fnl" /> Jordan scored more than 30 points in every game of the series, including 40 or more points in four consecutive games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jordan 1992–93 Game Log |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jordami01/gamelog/1993 |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410151240/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jordami01/gamelog/1993/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> With his third Finals triumph, Jordan capped off a seven-year run where he attained seven scoring titles and three championships, but there were signs that Jordan was tiring of his massive celebrity and all of the non-basketball hassles in his life.<ref>McCallum, Jack (October 18, 1993). [https://www.si.com/vault/1993/10/18/129606/michael-jordan-the-desire-isnt-there "'The Desire Isn't There'"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818084103/https://www.si.com/vault/1993/10/18/129606/michael-jordan-the-desire-isnt-there |date=August 18, 2018 }}. ''Sports Illustrated''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref>

==== Gambling ====
During the [[1993 NBA playoffs]], Jordan was seen gambling in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], the night before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the [[1992–93 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]].<ref>[[Dave Anderson (sportswriter)|Anderson, Dave]] (May 27, 1993). [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE0DF1430F934A15756C0A965958260 "Sports of The Times; Jordan's Atlantic City Caper"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218093200/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/27/sports/sports-of-the-times-jordan-s-atlantic-city-caper.html |date=February 18, 2013 }}. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> The previous year, he admitted that he had to cover $57,000 in gambling losses,<ref>Brubaker, Bill (August 1, 1993). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1993/08/01/jordans-gambling-undergoes-intense-scrutiny-again/a4f909e6-f01f-41ab-9428-b25831441424/ "Jordan's Gambling Undergoes Intense Scrutiny Again"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930012026/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1993/08/01/jordans-gambling-undergoes-intense-scrutiny-again/a4f909e6-f01f-41ab-9428-b25831441424/ |date=September 30, 2019 }}. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> and author Richard Esquinas wrote a book in 1993 claiming he had won $1.25&nbsp;million from Jordan on the golf course.<ref>Halberstam, p. 320.</ref> [[David Stern]], the [[commissioner of the NBA]], denied in 1995 and 2006 that Jordan's 1993 retirement was a secret suspension by the league for gambling,<ref name="vecsey19950319">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/19/sports/sports-of-the-times-who-thinks-jordan-can-t-win-it-all.html |title=Who Thinks Jordan Can't Win It All |last=Vecsey |first=George |date=March 19, 1995 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=October 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142605/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/19/sports/sports-of-the-times-who-thinks-jordan-can-t-win-it-all.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="simmons20060227">{{cite magazine |last=Simmons |first=Bill |date=February 27, 2006 |title=Not so Stern after all |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060216 |magazine=ESPN The Magazine |page=2 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142559/http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060216 |url-status=live}}</ref> but the rumor spread widely.<ref name="aroundtown20100823">{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-spt-0824-around-town--20100823,0,7602090.column |title=No evidence Jordan banished from NBA for a year in early '90s for gambling |last1=Mitchell |first1=Fred |date=August 23, 2010 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825013159/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-spt-0824-around-town--20100823,0,7602090.column |archive-date=August 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |last2=Kaplan |first2=David |access-date=February 17, 2019}}</ref>

In 2005, Jordan discussed his gambling with [[Ed Bradley]] of ''[[60 Minutes]]'' and admitted that he made reckless decisions. Jordan stated: <blockquote>Yeah, I've gotten myself into situations where I would not walk away and I've pushed the envelope. Is that compulsive? Yeah, it depends on how you look at it. If you're willing to jeopardize your livelihood and your family, then yeah.</blockquote> When Bradley asked him if his gambling ever got to the level where it jeopardized his livelihood or family, Jordan replied: "No."<ref name="EB">Schorn, Daniel (October 19, 2005). [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jordan-still-flying-high/ "Michael Jordan Still Flying High"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025182536/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jordan-still-flying-high/ |date=October 25, 2019 }}. CBS News. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> In 2010, [[Ron Shelton]], director of ''[[Jordan Rides the Bus]]'', said that he began working on the documentary believing that the NBA had suspended him, but that research "convinced [him it] was nonsense".{{r|aroundtown20100823}}

==== First retirement and stint in Minor League Baseball (1993–1995) ====
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name = Michael Jordan
| image= Jordan Scorpions.jpg
| caption = Jordan in training with the [[Scottsdale Scorpions]] in 1994
| team = Birmingham Barons
| number = 45, 35
| position = [[Outfielder]]
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| bats = Right
| throws = Right
| debutleague = [[Southern League (1964–2020)|Southern League]]
| debutdate = April 8
| debutyear = 1994
| debutteam = Birmingham Barons
| finaldate = March 10
| finalyear = 1995
| finalteam = Birmingham Barons
| finalleague = Southern League
| debut2league = [[Arizona Fall League]]
| debut2year = 1994
| debut2team = Scottsdale Scorpions
| stat2league = Arizona Fall League
| statyear = 1994
| statleague = Southern League
| stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
| stat1value = .202
| stat2label = [[Home run]]s
| stat2value = 3
| stat3label = [[Runs batted in]]
| stat3value = 51
| stat21label = Batting average
| stat21value = .252
| stat22label = Runs batted in
| stat22value = 8
| teams =
* [[Birmingham Barons]] (1994–1995)
* [[Scottsdale Scorpions]] (1994)
}}
On October 6, 1993, Jordan announced his retirement, saying that he lost his desire to play basketball. He later said that the murder of his father three months earlier helped shape his decision.<ref>Berkow, Ira (April 11, 1994). [http://partners.nytimes.com/library/sports/basketball/041194bkn-jordan.html "A Humbled Jordan Learns New Truths"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226044737/http://partners.nytimes.com/library/sports/basketball/041194bkn-jordan.html |date=February 26, 2013 }}. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> [[James R. Jordan Sr.]] was murdered on July 23, 1993, at a highway [[rest area]] in [[Lumberton, North Carolina]], by two teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Martin Demery, who carjacked his [[Lexus]].<ref>Martin, Andrew (January 4, 1996). [https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/01/04/i-believe-we-killed-jordans-dad/ "'I Believe We Killed Jordan's Dad'"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407092822/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-01-04/news/9601040169_1_daniel-andre-green-larry-martin-demery-defense-attorney-angus-thompson |date=April 7, 2014 }}. ''Chicago Tribune''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref><ref name="charged">Janofsky, Michael (August 16, 1993). [https://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/16/sports/two-men-are-charged-with-murder-of-jordan.html "Two Men Are Charged With Murder Of Jordan"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211160723/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/16/sports/two-men-are-charged-with-murder-of-jordan.html |date=February 11, 2017 }}. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> His body, dumped in a South Carolina swamp, was not discovered until August 3.<ref name="charged" /> Green and Demery were sentenced to life imprisonment.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deb |first=Sopan |title=The Death of James Jordan: What We Know |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/james-jordan-death.html |access-date=October 30, 2023 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 18, 2020 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506090458/https://www.nytimes.com/article/james-jordan-death.html |url-status=live}}</ref> However, in ''[[The Last Dance (miniseries)|The Last Dance]]'', Jordan stated that he retired due to physical and mental exhaustion from basketball and superstardom.<ref>{{cite news |last=Aldridge |first=David |title=When Michael Jordan walked away from basketball in 1993, the recoil was seismic |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4905700/2023/10/06/michael-jordan-retirement-anniversary-1993-bulls/ |work=The Athletic |date=October 6, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2024 |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909031650/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4905700/2023/10/06/michael-jordan-retirement-anniversary-1993-bulls/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Jordan was close to his father; as a child, Jordan imitated the way his father stuck out his tongue while absorbed in work. Jordan later adopted it as his own signature, often displaying it as he drove to the basket.<ref name="nbah" /> In 1996, Jordan founded a Chicago-area [[Boys & Girls Clubs of America|Boys & Girls Club]] and dedicated it to his father.<ref name="WP">Walsh, Edward (January 14, 1998). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/jordan/articles/chicago14.htm "On the City's West Side, Jordan's Legacy Is Hope"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107080346/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/jordan/articles/chicago14.htm |date=November 7, 2012 }}. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kjgDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA51 |title=Michael Jordan, family attend groundbreaking ceremony for James Jordan Center |date=August 14, 1995 |magazine=Jet |pages=51–53 |volume=88 |issue=14 |issn=0021-5996 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |access-date=April 7, 2022 |via=Google Books}}</ref> In his 1998 autobiography ''For the Love of the Game'', Jordan wrote that he was preparing for retirement as early as the summer of 1992.<ref>Jordan, p. 100.</ref> The added exhaustion due to the "[[1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team|Dream Team]]" run in the [[1992 Summer Olympics]] solidified Jordan's feelings about the game and his celebrity status. Jordan's announcement sent shock waves throughout the NBA and appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Europe loses a role model; Even in countries where basketball is a minor pursuit, Jordan's profile looms large – includes related article on Jordan's stature in Japan |last1=Rodgers |first1=Ted |last2=Thomsen |first2=Ian |date=October 18, 1993 |magazine=The Sporting News |page=35 |volume=216 |issue=16 |issn=0038-805X}}</ref>

Jordan further surprised the sports world by signing a [[Minor League Baseball]] (MiLB) contract with the [[Chicago White Sox]] on February 7, 1994.<ref>''The Sporting News Official NBA Register 1994–95'', p. 334.</ref> He reported to [[spring training]] in [[Sarasota, Florida]], and was assigned to the team's minor league system on March 31.<ref name="chronology">[https://web.archive.org/web/20010518205857/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/1999/01/11/jordan_chronology/ "Michael Jordan Chronology"]. CNN/''Sports Illustrated''. January 12, 1999. Retrieved May 9, 2017.</ref> Jordan said that this decision was made to pursue the dream of his late father, who always envisioned his son as a [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) player.<ref>[https://archive.today/20030220104125/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/jordan_retires/news/1999/01/12/jordan_legacy/ "Michael Jordan: A Tribute"]. CNN/''Sports Illustrated''. Retrieved May 9, 2017.</ref> The White Sox were owned by Bulls owner [[Jerry Reinsdorf]], who continued to honor Jordan's basketball contract during the years he played baseball.<ref>Araton, Harvey (March 10, 1995). [https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/10/sports/basketball-jordan-keeping-the-basketball-world-in-suspense.html "Basketball; Jordan Keeping the Basketball World in Suspense]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114115220/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/10/sports/basketball-jordan-keeping-the-basketball-world-in-suspense.html |date=January 14, 2022 }}. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref>

In 1994, Jordan played for the [[Birmingham Barons]], a [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, [[Batting average (baseball)|batting]] .202 with three [[home run]]s, 51 [[runs batted in]], 30 [[stolen base]]s, 114 [[strikeout]]s, 51 [[bases on balls]], and 11 [[error (baseball)|errors]].<ref>Zillgitt, Jeff (May 11, 2020). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2020/05/11/michael-jordan-baseball-career-the-last-dance/3105947001/ "Day 61 without sports: Revisiting Michael Jordan's baseball career with fresh eyes"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210163535/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2020/05/11/michael-jordan-baseball-career-the-last-dance/3105947001/ |date=December 10, 2020 }}. ''USA Today''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref><ref>Shaikin, Bill (May 10, 2020). [https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-05-10/michael-jordan-baseball-tim-tebow-last-dance-charles-barkley "That .202 hitter Michael Jordan was a better MLB prospect than, say, Tim Tebow"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209172544/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-05-10/michael-jordan-baseball-tim-tebow-last-dance-charles-barkley |date=December 9, 2020 }}. ''Los Angeles Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> His strikeout total led the team and his games played tied for the team lead. His 30 stolen bases were second on the team only to [[Doug Brady]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1994 Birmingham Barons |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=dfd224a8 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=October 30, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704015542/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=dfd224a8 |url-status=live}}</ref> Jordan also appeared for the [[Scottsdale Scorpions]] in the 1994 [[Arizona Fall League]], batting .252 against the top prospects in baseball.<ref name="chronology" /> On November 1, 1994, his {{abbr|No.|Number}} 23 was retired by the Bulls in a ceremony that included the erection of a permanent sculpture known as ''[[Michael Jordan statue|The Spirit]]'' outside the new [[United Center]].<ref name="MJS">{{cite web |url=http://www.unitedcenter.com/venue/statues/ |title=Michael Jordan Statue |publisher=United Center |date=June 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=April 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403234528/http://www.unitedcenter.com/venue/statues/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="JTLTL">{{cite news |last=Artner |first=Alan G. |date=November 2, 1994 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/11/02/jordan-truly-larger-than-life/ |url-status=live |title=Jordan Truly Larger Than Life: Sculpture Shows Spirit Of The Man, But Little More |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006125827/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-11-02/sports/9411020285_1_sculpture-clay-model-girls-club |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |access-date=September 11, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/11/08/bye-bye-no-23-buzz-went-to-see/ |title=Bye-bye, No. 23: Buzz went to see Michael Jordan's Chicago... |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=November 8, 1994 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812031850/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-11-08/features/9411080073_1_swamp-thing-bobby-knight-fans |archive-date=August 12, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=September 11, 2024}}</ref>

==== Return to the NBA (1995) ====
The Bulls went 55–27 in [[1993–94 NBA season|1993–94]] without Jordan in the lineup<ref name="dbbulls" /> and lost to the [[1993–94 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] in the second round of [[1994 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1993–94 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1994.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=September 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914044747/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1994.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 1995, Jordan decided to quit baseball because he feared he might become a [[replacement player]] during the [[1994–95 Major League Baseball strike|Major League Baseball strike]].<ref>Lazenby, pp. 511–512.</ref> During the [[1994–95 Chicago Bulls season|1994–95 season]], Jordan returned to the Bulls midway through the season. On March 18, 1995, Jordan announced his comeback to the NBA in a two-word press release: "I'm back."<ref>Collier, Jamal (May 10, 2020). [http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-chicago-bulls-jordan-im-back-last-dance-20200509-xzmp2t63xnfkbcpnawec2tc7cq-story.html "'I'm back.' Everything you need to know about Michael Jordan's 1995 return to the Chicago Bulls—and the famous 2-word fax that preceded it"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323210539/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-chicago-bulls-jordan-im-back-last-dance-20200509-xzmp2t63xnfkbcpnawec2tc7cq-story.html |date=March 23, 2021 }}. ''Chicago Tribune''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> The next day, Jordan took to the court with the Bulls to face the [[1994–95 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana Pacers]] in [[Indianapolis]], scoring 19 points.<ref name="returns">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ajkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA51 |title=Michael Jordan returns to Bulls in overtime loss to Indiana Pacers – Chicago Bulls |date=April 3, 1995 |magazine=Jet |pages=51–53 |volume=87 |issue=21 |issn=0021-5996 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |access-date=April 7, 2022 |via=Google Books}}</ref> The game had the highest [[Nielsen rating]] of any regular season NBA game since 1975.<ref>Hausman, Jerry A.; Leonard, Gregory K. (1997). "Superstars in the National Basketball Association: Economic Value and Policy". ''[[Journal of Labor Economics]]''. '''15''' (4): 586–624 [587]. {{doi|10.1086/209839}}.</ref> Although he could have worn his original number even though the Bulls retired it, Jordan wore No. 45, his baseball number.<ref name="returns" />

Despite his 18-month hiatus from the NBA, Jordan played well, making a game-winning jump shot against [[1994–95 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta]] in his fourth game back. He scored 55 points in his next game, against the [[1994–95 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] at [[Madison Square Garden]] on March 28, 1995.<ref name="nba.combio" /> Boosted by Jordan's comeback, the Bulls went 13–4 to make [[1995 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]] and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the [[1994–95 Orlando Magic season|Orlando Magic]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1994–95 Chicago Bulls Schedule and Results |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1995_games.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512012643/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1995_games.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> At the end of Game 1, Orlando's [[Nick Anderson (basketball)|Nick Anderson]] stripped Jordan from behind, leading to the game-winning basket for the Magic; he later commented that Jordan "didn't look like the old Michael Jordan",<ref>Lawrence, Mitch (September 10, 2001). [https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1250345 "Memories of MJ's first two acts"]. [https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1250345] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201144922/https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1250345|date=December 1, 2024}}. ESPN. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> and said, "No. 45 doesn't explode like No. 23 used to".<ref name="No23" />

Jordan responded by scoring 38 points in the next game, which Chicago won. Before the game, Jordan decided that he would immediately resume wearing his former No. 23. The Bulls were fined $25,000 for failing to report the impromptu number change to the NBA.<ref name="No23">{{cite web |last=Walks |first=Matt |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Flashback: 20 years ago today, Anderson forces MJ back to No. 23 |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nba/post/_/id/2648/flashback-20-years-ago-today-anderson-forces-mj-back-to-no-23 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509143537/http://espn.go.com/blog/nba/post/_/id/2648/flashback-20-years-ago-today-anderson-forces-mj-back-to-no-23 |url-status=live}}</ref> Jordan was fined an additional $5,000 for opting to wear white sneakers when the rest of the Bulls wore black.<ref>Heisler, Mark (May 12, 1995). [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-05-12-sp-65390-story.html "NBA Fines Jordan for Shoes, Bulls for No. 23"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005004348/http://articles.latimes.com/1995-05-12/sports/sp-65390_1_nba-fined-michael-jordan |date=October 5, 2018 }}. ''Los Angeles Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> He averaged 31 ppg in the playoffs, but Orlando won the series in six games.<ref name="1994-95">{{cite web |title=1994–95 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1995.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603044939/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1995.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Second three-peat (1996–1998) ====
Jordan was motivated by the playoff defeat, and he trained aggressively for the [[1995–96 NBA season|1995–96 season]].<ref>Kerr, Steve (August 20, 2003). [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/front_page/3166259.stm The greatest team in history – day four: Chicago Bulls]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728123629/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/front_page/3166259.stm |date=July 28, 2013 }}. BBC. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> The Bulls were strengthened by the addition of rebound specialist [[Dennis Rodman]], and the team dominated the league, starting the season at 41–3.<ref name="1995–96">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060510210223/http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1995&lg=N "Chicago Bulls 1995–96 Game Log and Scores"]}}. ''Database Basketball''. . Retrieved June 9, 2017.</ref> The Bulls finished with the best regular season record in NBA history, 72–10, a mark broken two decades later by the [[2015–16 Golden State Warriors]].<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/team_wins.html "NBA Team Regular Season Records for Wins"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604193157/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/team_wins.html |date=June 4, 2021 }}. ''Basketball Reference''. Retrieved October 22, 2022.</ref> Jordan led the league in scoring with 30.4 ppg,<ref>[http://www.nba.com/history/96bulls.html "1995–96 Chicago Bulls"]. ''NBA.com''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105074443/http://www.nba.com/history/96bulls.html|date=November 5, 2012}}. Retrieved June 26, 2022.</ref> and he won the league's regular season and All-Star Game MVP awards.<ref name="br" />

In [[1996 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]], the Bulls lost only three games in four series ([[1995–96 Miami Heat season|Miami Heat]] 3–0, [[1995–96 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]] 4–1, and [[1995–96 Orlando Magic season|Orlando Magic]] 4–0), as they defeated the [[1995–96 Seattle SuperSonics season|Seattle SuperSonics]] 4–2 in the [[1996 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] to win their fourth championship.<ref name="1995–96" /> The series was one of the tougher ones for Jordan as he had a 41.5% field goal percentage and his scoring average dropped nearly nine points from his average during the rest of the playoffs.<ref>Lazenby, p. 554.</ref> Nevertheless, Jordan was named Finals MVP for a record fourth time;<ref name="fnl" /> he achieved only the second sweep of the MVP awards in the All-Star Game, regular season, and NBA Finals after [[Willis Reed]] in the [[1969–70 NBA season|1969–70 season]].<ref name="nba.combio" /> Upon winning the championship, his first since his father's murder, Jordan reacted emotionally, clutching the game ball and crying on the locker room floor.<ref name="nbah" /><ref name="classicbio" />

In the [[1996–97 NBA season|1996–97 season]], the Bulls stood at a 69–11 record but ended the season by losing their final two games to finish the year 69–13, missing out on a second consecutive 70-win season.<ref name="1996–97">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060516110030/http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamscores.htm?tm=CHI&yr=1996&lg=N "Chicago Bulls 1996–97 Game Log and Scores"]}}. ''Database Basketball''. . Retrieved June 9, 2017.</ref> The Bulls again advanced to [[1997 NBA Finals|the Finals]], where they faced the [[1996–97 Utah Jazz season|Utah Jazz]].<ref name="remember" /> That team included [[Karl Malone]], who had beaten Jordan for the NBA MVP award in a tight race (986–957).<ref>{{cite news |last=Armour |first=Terry |title=Malone Defeats Jordan In MVP Voting |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-05-14-9705140220-story.html |access-date=October 30, 2023 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=May 14, 1997 |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731104323/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-05-14-9705140220-story.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1996–97 NBA Awards Voting |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1997.html |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=Basketball Reference |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504080555/https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1997.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Felton |first=Robert |date=April 15, 2011 |title=NBA: The Eight Most Controversial MVP Wins of All Time |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/573923-the-eight-most-controversial-nba-mvp-wins-of-all-time |access-date=October 30, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |archive-date=May 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523081015/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/573923-the-eight-most-controversial-nba-mvp-wins-of-all-time |url-status=live}}</ref> The series against the Jazz featured two of the more memorable clutch moments of Jordan's career. He won Game 1 for the Bulls with a [[buzzer-beating]] jump shot. In Game 5, with the series tied 2–2, Jordan played despite being feverish and dehydrated from a stomach virus. In what is known as "[[The Flu Game]]", Jordan scored 38 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining.<ref name="remember">Burns, Marty (January 19, 1999). [https://web.archive.org/web/20010725113148/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/jordan_retires/news/1999/01/13/burns/ "23 to remember"]. CNN/''Sports Illustrated''. Retrieved May 9, 2017.</ref> The Bulls won 90–88 and went on to win the series in six games.<ref name="1996–97" /> For the fifth time in as many Finals appearances, Jordan received the Finals MVP award.<ref name="fnl" /> During the [[1997 NBA All-Star Game]], he posted the first triple-double in All-Star Game history in a victorious effort, but the MVP award went to [[Glen Rice]].<ref>[https://eu.goupstate.com/story/sports/nba/2019/02/10/nba-all-star-charlotte-2019-glen-rices-1997-mvp-trophy-remains-teams-top-honor/6035585007/ "Glen Rice's 1997 All-Star MVP award remains Hornets' top honor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210110632/https://www.goupstate.com/story/sports/nba/2019/02/10/nba-all-star-charlotte-2019-glen-rices-1997-mvp-trophy-remains-teams-top-honor/6035585007/ |date=February 10, 2024 }}. ''Spartanburg Herald-Journal''. February 10, 2019. Retrieved April 8, 2022.</ref>

[[File:Phil Jackson Lipofsky.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Jordan with coach [[Phil Jackson]] in 1997]]
The Bulls compiled a 62–20 record in the [[1997–98 NBA season|1997–98 season]].<ref name="dbbulls" /> Jordan led the league with 28.7 ppg,<ref name="MJ" /> securing his fifth regular season MVP award, plus honors for All-NBA First Team, First Defensive Team, and the All-Star Game MVP.<ref name="br" /> The Bulls won the Eastern Conference Championship for a third straight season, including surviving a seven-game series with the [[1997–98 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana Pacers]] in the Eastern Conference Finals; it was the first time Jordan had played in a Game 7 since the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals with the [[1991–92 New York Knicks season|New York Knicks]].<ref>Porter, p. 119.</ref><ref>Smith, Stephen A. (May 30, 1998). [https://web.archive.org/web/20141218154953/http://articles.philly.com/1998-05-30/sports/25740915_1_pacers-bulls-center-luc-longley-heroic-efforts "Still In The Hunt: Pacers Hold Off Bulls To Force Game 7"]. ''The Philadelphia Inquirer''. Retrieved October 31, 2024.</ref> After winning, they moved on for a rematch with the [[1997–98 Utah Jazz season|Jazz]] in [[1998 NBA Finals|the Finals]].<ref>Lazenby, p. 596.</ref>

The Bulls returned to the [[Delta Center]] for [[Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals|Game 6]] on June 14, 1998, leading the series 3–2. Jordan executed a series of plays, considered to be one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA Finals history.<ref name="clutch1998">[http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/greatest_finals_moments.html "Greatest Finals Moments"]. ''NBA.com''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411073901/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2004/greatest_finals_moments.html|date=April 11, 2013}}. Retrieved June 26, 2022.</ref> With 41.9 seconds remaining and the Bulls trailing 86–83, Phil Jackson called a timeout. When play resumed, Jordan received the inbound pass, drove to the basket, and sank a shot over several Jazz defenders, cutting Utah's lead to 86–85.<ref name="clutch1998" /> The Jazz brought the ball upcourt and passed the ball to Malone, who was set up in the [[low post]] and was being guarded by Rodman. Malone jostled with Rodman and caught the pass, but Jordan cut behind him and stole the ball out of his hands.<ref name="clutch1998" />

Jordan then dribbled down the court and paused, eyeing his defender, Jazz guard [[Bryon Russell]]. With 10 seconds remaining, Jordan started to dribble right, then crossed over to his left, possibly pushing off Russell, although the officials did not call a [[Personal foul (basketball)|foul]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Quinn |first=Sam |title=Michael Jordan's final shot over Bryon Russell: How Bulls spent two years setting up legendary basket vs. Jazz |work=CBS Sports |date=May 20, 2020 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/michael-jordans-final-shot-over-bryon-russell-how-bulls-spent-two-years-setting-up-legendary-basket-vs-jazz/ |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425004605/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/michael-jordans-final-shot-over-bryon-russell-how-bulls-spent-two-years-setting-up-legendary-basket-vs-jazz/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Golliver |first=Ben |date=April 23, 2013 |title=Phil Jackson on Michael Jordan's push-off: 'A helping hand to a broke down comrade' |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2013/04/23/phil-jackson-michael-jordan-push-off-bryon-russell |access-date=October 30, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607103511/https://www.si.com/nba/2013/04/23/phil-jackson-michael-jordan-push-off-bryon-russell |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Medina |first=Mark |date=May 17, 2021 |title=Michael Jordan insists in 'The Last Dance' he did not push off on Bryon Russell in 1998 NBA Finals |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/bulls/2020/05/17/michael-jordan-insists-no-push-off-bryon-russell-1997-nba-finals/5210532002/ |access-date=October 30, 2023 |newspaper=USA Today |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607103511/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/bulls/2020/05/17/michael-jordan-insists-no-push-off-bryon-russell-1997-nba-finals/5210532002/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 20, 2021 |title=Did Michael Jordan push off on Bryon Russell? Veteran NBA ref Danny Crawford's take |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/did-michael-jordan-push-bryon-russell-veteran-nba-ref-danny-crawfords-take |access-date=October 30, 2023 |publisher=NBC Sports |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607103511/https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/did-michael-jordan-push-bryon-russell-veteran-nba-ref-danny-crawfords-take |url-status=live}}</ref> With 5.2 seconds left, Jordan made the climactic shot of his Bulls career,<ref>Lee, Michael (June 14, 2018). [https://sports.yahoo.com/michael-jordans-final-shot-bulls-foul-retired-referee-officiated-game-6-1998-nba-finals-explains-133204519.html "Was Michael Jordan's final shot with the Bulls a foul? A retired referee who officiated Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals explains"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125033136/https://sports.yahoo.com/michael-jordans-final-shot-bulls-foul-retired-referee-officiated-game-6-1998-nba-finals-explains-133204519.html |date=January 25, 2020 }}. Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> a top-key jumper over a stumbling Russell to give Chicago an 87–86 lead. Afterwards, the Jazz' [[John Stockton]] narrowly missed a game-winning three-pointer, and the buzzer sounded as Jordan and the Bulls won their sixth NBA championship,<ref>{{cite news |last=Isola |first=Frank |date=June 15, 1998 |title=Michael Jordan scores 45 points to lead Bulls to sixth NBA title in win over Utah Jazz |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/title-air-a-mj-steals-seals-no-6-article-1.2017838 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |newspaper=New York Daily News |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803204642/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/title-air-a-mj-steals-seals-no-6-article-1.2017838 |url-status=live}}</ref> achieving a second three-peat in the decade.<ref>McGee, Nicholas (May 29, 2019). [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/michael-jordan-bulls-kobe-bryant-lakers-three-peat-golden-state-warriors-nba-finals/1sfcm95471ou61ebyueklem49t "Jordan's Bulls and Kobe's Lakers: The three-peat teams Golden State is trying to emulate"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125033136/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/michael-jordan-bulls-kobe-bryant-lakers-three-peat-golden-state-warriors-nba-finals/1sfcm95471ou61ebyueklem49t |date=January 25, 2020 }}. ''The Sporting News''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> Once again, Jordan was voted Finals MVP for a record sixth time,<ref name="fnl" /> having led all scorers by averaging 33.5 ppg, including 45 in the deciding Game 6.<ref>Ryan, Jeff (June 14, 1998). [https://www.sportingnews.com/archives/nbafinals/1998.html "History of the NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz – 1998"]. ''The Sporting News''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020523111455/http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/nbafinals/1998.html|date=May 23, 2002}}. Retrieved May 9, 2017.</ref> The 1998 Finals holds the highest television rating of any Finals series,<ref>Cohen, Rachel (June 5, 2008). [https://www.postandcourier.com/news/2008/jun/05/lakers_celtics_should_grab_big_tv_rating43432/ "Lakers-Celtics should grab big TV ratings"]. ''Post and Courier''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127212032/http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2008/jun/05/lakers_celtics_should_grab_big_tv_rating43432/|date=January 27, 2012}}. Retrieved May 14, 2017.</ref> and Game 6 holds the highest television rating of any game in NBA history.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xMMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA47 |title=NBA Finals Game 6 nets ratings record for NBC |date=July 6, 1998 |magazine=Jet |page=47 |volume=94 |issue=6 |issn=0021-5996 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |access-date=April 7, 2022 |via=Google Books}}</ref>

==== Second retirement (1999–2001) ====
[[File:Michael Jordan Achievements.jpg|thumb|Plaque at the United Center that chronicles Jordan's career achievements]]
With [[Phil Jackson]]'s contract expiring, the pending departures of [[Scottie Pippen]] and [[Dennis Rodman]] looming, and being in the latter stages of an owner-induced [[1998–99 NBA lockout|lockout]] of NBA players, Jordan retired for the second time on January 13, 1999.<ref>Kruger, pp. 55–56, 59.</ref><ref>Wise, Mike (January 19, 2002). [https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/19/sports/pro-basketball-it-s-bitter-in-chicago-for-jordan.html "Pro Basketball; It's Bitter In Chicago For Jordan"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703031118/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/19/sports/pro-basketball-it-s-bitter-in-chicago-for-jordan.html |date=July 3, 2017 }}. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref><ref>Wise, Mike (January 21, 1999). [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/21/sports/pro-basketball-the-business-of-basketball-now-begins-in-earnest.html "Pro Basketball; The Business Of Basketball Now Begins In Earnest"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310211407/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/21/sports/pro-basketball-the-business-of-basketball-now-begins-in-earnest.html |date=March 10, 2014 }}. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> On January 19, 2000, Jordan returned to the NBA not as a player but as part owner and president of basketball operations for the [[Washington Wizards]].<ref>Sandomir, Richard (January 20, 2000). [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E4D9153DF933A15752C0A9669C8B63 "Jordan Sheds Uniform for Suit as a Wizards Owner"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109171009/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/20/sports/pro-basketball-jordan-sheds-uniform-for-suit-as-a-wizards-owner.html |date=November 9, 2012 }}. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> Jordan's responsibilities with the Wizards were comprehensive, as he controlled all aspects of the Wizards' basketball operations, and had the final say in all personnel matters; opinions of Jordan as a basketball executive were mixed.<ref name="Pollin">[https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1550445 "Pollin's decision to cut ties leaves Jordan livid"]. [https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1550445]. ESPN. May 9, 2003. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref><ref name="Brady">Brady, Erik (May 7, 2003). [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/wizards/2003-05-07-jordan-out_x.htm "Wizards show Jordan the door"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218093128/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/wizards/2003-05-07-jordan-out_x.htm |date=February 18, 2013 }}. ''USA Today''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> He managed to purge the team of several highly paid, unpopular players (like forward [[Juwan Howard]] and point guard [[Rod Strickland]])<ref>Associated Press (February 22, 2001). [https://web.archive.org/web/20010618015443/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2001/02/22/mavs_wizards_trade/ "Making his move"]. CNN/''Sports Illustrated''. Retrieved May 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Matthews, Marcus (March 1, 2001). [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/wizards/2001-03-01-strickland2.htm "Losing never looked so good for Wizards"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023114136/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nba/wizards/2001-03-01-strickland2.htm |date=October 23, 2012 }}. ''USA Today''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> but used the first pick in the [[2001 NBA draft]] to select high school student [[Kwame Brown]], who did not live up to expectations and was traded away after four seasons.<ref name="Pollin" /><ref name="Wilbon">[[Wilbon, Michael]] (July 16, 2005). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/15/AR2005071501705.html "So Long, Kwame, Thanks for Nothing"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107081925/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/15/AR2005071501705.html |date=November 7, 2012 }}. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref>

Despite his January 1999 claim that he was "99.9% certain" he would never play another NBA game,<ref name="classicbio" /> Jordan expressed interest in making another comeback in the summer of 2001, this time with his new team.<ref name="ha-nytimes">Araton, Harvey (October 2, 2001). [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F05E5DD133DF931A35753C1A9679C8B63 "Sports of The Times; Old Coach Rejoins Old Warrior"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110041028/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/02/sports/sports-of-the-times-old-coach-rejoins-old-warrior.html |date=November 10, 2012 }}. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref><ref name="jwhite-cbc">White, Joseph (September 23, 2001). [https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/jordan-comeback-raises-questions-1.255007 "Jordan comeback raises questions"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128115307/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2001/09/23/jordan010923.html |date=January 28, 2013 }}. [[CBC.ca]]. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> Inspired by the [[NHL]] comeback of his friend [[Mario Lemieux]] the previous winter,<ref>Associated Press (October 2, 2001). [https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1258469&type=news "Jordan watched Lemieux's comeback very closely"]. [https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1258469&type=news]. ESPN. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> Jordan spent much of the spring and summer of 2001 in training, holding several invitation-only camps for NBA players in Chicago.<ref name="comebackcamp">[https://web.archive.org/web/20011109140349/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/features/jordan/news/2001/08/25/jordan_report/ "Penny outshines MJ at 'Comeback Camp'"]. CNN/''Sports Illustrated''. August 25, 2001. Retrieved May 9, 2017.</ref> Jordan hired his old Chicago Bulls head coach, [[Doug Collins (basketball)|Doug Collins]], as Washington's coach for the upcoming season, a decision that many saw as foreshadowing another Jordan return.<ref name="ha-nytimes" /><ref name="jwhite-cbc" />

=== Washington Wizards (2001–2003) ===
On September 25, 2001, Jordan announced his return to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards, indicating his intention to donate his salary as a player to a relief effort for the victims of the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>[http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/WSEedfund_011016.html Pollin Establishes Education Fund]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220040923/http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/WSEedfund_011016.html |date=December 20, 2009 }}, NBA, September 9, 2002. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref><ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9400E1DA133AF935A1575AC0A9679C8B63 News Summary]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109171025/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/26/nyregion/news-summary-355658.html |date=November 9, 2012 }}, ''The New York Times'', September 26, 2001. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> In an injury-plagued [[2001–02 NBA season|2001–02 season]], Jordan led the team in scoring (22.9 ppg), assists (5.2 apg), and steals (1.4 spg),<ref name="nbah" /> and was an MVP candidate, as he led the Wizards to a winning record and playoff contention;<ref>{{cite news |last=Wise |first=Mike |date=January 13, 2002 |title=Pro Basketball: Inside The N.B.A.; Jordan Lifts Wizards And His M.V.P. Bid |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/13/sports/pro-basketball-inside-the-nba-jordan-lifts-wizards-and-his-mvp-bid.html |access-date=October 30, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518014944/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/13/sports/pro-basketball-inside-the-nba-jordan-lifts-wizards-and-his-mvp-bid.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Baltimore Sun from Baltimore, Maryland · Page A12 |date=February 2, 2002 |url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/248349832/ |access-date=October 30, 2023 |website=Newspapers.com |quote=But the race for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award has a late 1980s-early 1990s feel about it, with Michael Jordan competing against a point guard. ... But Jordan, who has returned from retirement to breathe life into the left-for-dead Washington Wizards, and Kidd, who has quarterbacked the Nets out of the mire of the Meadowlands swamps, are the odds-on favorites. ... Jordan's return from three years of retirement has been remarkable, with five 40-point performances already. He is also rebounding and handing out assists on par with his career averages. Most importantly, his indomitable will and thirst for winning have lifted Washington into playoff contention with more wins by Jan. 24 than they had all of last season. ... But if the Nets slip and the Wizards make the playoffs, Jordan will have earned what would be a record-tying sixth MVP. |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518014953/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/248349832/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Jordan would eventually finish 13th in the MVP ballot.<ref>{{cite web |title=2001–02 NBA Awards Voting |website=Basketball Reference |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2002.html |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328110313/https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2002.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> After he suffered torn [[cartilage]] in his right knee,<ref>{{cite web |title=Jordan has surgery; absence to be determined |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |date=February 27, 2002 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0227/1341308.html |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=August 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813013804/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0227/1341308.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and subsequent knee soreness,<ref>{{cite web |date=February 25, 2002 |title=Jordan remains questionable with bum knee |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0225/1340423.html |access-date=October 30, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518014934/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0225/1340423.html |url-status=live}}</ref> the Wizards missed the playoffs,<ref name="WizardsIndex">{{cite web |title=Washington Wizards |website=Basketball Reference |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/ |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625100058/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/WAS/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> and Jordan's season ended after only 60 games, the fewest he had played in a regular season since playing 17 games after returning from his first retirement during the [[1994–95 NBA season|1994–95 season]].<ref name="dbb" /> Jordan started 53 of his 60 games for the season, averaging 24.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, and 6.0 rpg, and shooting 41.9% from the field in his 53 starts. His last seven appearances were in a reserve role, in which he averaged just over 20 minutes per game.<ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jordami01/splits/2002/ "Michael Jordan 2001–02 Splits"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209071504/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jordami01/splits/2002 |date=February 9, 2018 }}. ''Basketball Reference''. Retrieved October 22, 2022.</ref> The Wizards finished the season with a 37–45 record, an 18-game improvement.<ref name="WizardsIndex" />

[[File:MichaelJordanDepOfDefense.jpg|thumb|Jordan in 2003]]
Playing in his 14th and final NBA All-Star Game in [[2003 NBA All-Star Game|2003]], Jordan passed [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] as the all-time leading scorer in All-Star Game history, a record since broken by [[Kobe Bryant]] and [[LeBron James]].<ref>[http://www.nba.com/games/20120226/WSTEST/gameinfo.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1 "Bryant, West hold on to win NBA All-Star game"]. ''NBA.com''. February 26, 2012. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301060243/http://www.nba.com/games/20120226/WSTEST/gameinfo.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1|date=March 1, 2012}}. Retrieved August 2, 2019.</ref><ref>[https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/leaders_career.html "NBA All-Star Game Career Leaders"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107221920/https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/leaders_career.html |date=November 7, 2017 }}. ''Basketball Reference''. Retrieved October 22, 2022.</ref> That year, Jordan was the only Washington player to play in all 82 games, starting in 67 of them as he came off the bench in 15. Jordan averaged 20.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 spg per game.<ref name="nbah" /> He also shot 45% from the field, and 82% from the free-throw line.<ref name="dbb" /> Although Jordan turned 40 during the season, he scored 20 or more points 42 times, 30 or more points nine times, and 40 or more points three times.<ref name="nba.combio" /> On February 21, 2003, Jordan became the first 40-year-old to tally 43 points in an NBA game.<ref>[http://www.nba.com/games/20030221/NJNWAS/recap.html "Jordan Pours in History-Making 43"]. ''NBA.com.'' February 21, 2003. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119023329/http://www.nba.com/games/20030221/NJNWAS/recap.html|date=January 19, 2012}}. Retrieved August 2, 2019.</ref> During his stint with the Wizards, all of Jordan's home games at the [[MCI Center]] were sold out and the Wizards were the second most-watched team in the NBA, averaging 20,172 fans a game at home and 19,311 on the road.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nba/attendance/_/year/2003 NBA Attendance Report – 2003]. [https://www.espn.com/nba/attendance/_/year/2003]. ESPN. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> Jordan's final two seasons did not result in a playoff appearance for the Wizards, and he was often unsatisfied with the play of those around him.<ref name="Rob">Maaddi, Rob. [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/jordan/2001-11-29-frustration.htm Collins feels Jordan's pain]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023114143/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/nba/jordan/2001-11-29-frustration.htm |date=October 23, 2012 }}, [[Associated Press]], ''USA Today'', November 29, 2001. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref><ref name="Chemistry">Associated Press (April 12, 2003). [https://web.archive.org/web/20040322055851/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/04/12/jordan_follow_ap/ "Bad chemistry left MJ unable to win in Washington"]. CNN/''Sports Illustrated''. Retrieved May 9, 2017.</ref> At several points, Jordan openly criticized his teammates to the media, citing their lack of focus and intensity, notably that of [[Kwame Brown]], the [[List of first overall NBA draft picks|number-one draft pick]] in the [[2001 NBA draft]].<ref name="Rob" /><ref name="Chemistry" />

==== Final retirement (2003) ====
With the recognition that 2002–03 would be Jordan's final season, tributes were paid to him throughout the NBA. In his final game at the [[United Center]] in Chicago, which was his old home court, Jordan received a four-minute standing ovation.<ref>Johnson, K. C. (January 25, 2003). [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/01/25/lengthy-ovation-moves-jordan/ "Lengthy ovation moves Jordan"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204032702/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-01-25/sports/0301250189_1_chicago-stadium-ovation-johnny-red-kerr |date=December 4, 2010 }}. ''Chicago Tribune''. Retrieved October 30, 2023.</ref> The [[Miami Heat]] retired the No. 23 jersey on April 11, 2003, even though Jordan never played for the team.<ref>[https://archive.today/20051126221405/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/04/11/heat_jordan_ap/ "Heat retires first number"]. CNN/''Sports Illustrated''. April 11, 2003. Retrieved May 9, 2017.</ref> At the 2003 All-Star Game, Jordan was offered a starting spot from [[Tracy McGrady]] and [[Allen Iverson]] but refused both;<ref>Associated Press (February 8, 2003). [https://web.archive.org/web/20030216075102/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/all_star/news/2003/02/08/jordan_decision_ap/ "Thanks, but no thanks: Jordan not interested in ceremonial starting role"]. CNN/''Sports Illustrated''. Retrieved May 9, 2017.</ref> he accepted the spot of [[Vince Carter]].<ref>Zeisberger, Mike (December 18, 2004). [https://web.archive.org/web/20150526174720/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Basketball/NBA/Toronto/2004/12/18/788808-sun.html "Vince's wild ride"]. ''Canoe.com''. Retrieved February 2, 2024.</ref> Jordan played in his final NBA game on April 16, 2003, in [[Philadelphia]]. After scoring 13 points in the game, Jordan went to the bench with 4 minutes and 13 seconds left in the third quarter and his team trailing the [[2002–03 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]] 75–56. Just after the start of the fourth quarter, the [[First Union Center]] crowd began chanting "We want Mike!" After much encouragement from coach [[Doug Collins (basketball)|Doug Collins]], Jordan finally rose from the bench and re-entered the game, replacing [[Larry Hughes]] with 2:35 remaining. At 1:45, Jordan was intentionally fouled by the 76ers' [[Eric Snow]], and stepped to the line to make both free throws. After the second foul shot, the 76ers in-bounded the ball to rookie [[John Salmons]], who in turn was intentionally fouled by [[Bobby Simmons]] one second later, stopping time so that Jordan could return to the bench. He received a three-minute standing ovation from his teammates, his opponents, the officials, and the crowd of 21,257 fans.<ref name="final game">{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20030416/WASPHI/recap.html |title=Sixers Prevail in Jordan's Final Game |website=NBA.com |date=April 16, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119024455/http://www.nba.com/games/20030416/WASPHI/recap.html |archive-date=January 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 2, 2019}}</ref>