Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, has a career filled with iconic moments and surprising turns. Among these, his second return to the NBA with the Washington Wizards stands out, especially when considering his age at the time. This article delves into Michael Jordan’s age upon his return, the context surrounding this comeback, and the impact he made in his final NBA seasons.
After solidifying his legendary status with the Chicago Bulls and achieving his second retirement in January 1999, Jordan declared himself “99.9 percent certain” he would never play professionally again. However, the allure of the game and a competitive spirit proved too strong. On September 25, 2001, Michael Jordan shocked the basketball world by announcing his return to the NBA, this time as a player for the Washington Wizards.
Michael Jordan announces his return to the NBA with the Washington Wizards at age 38
Michael Jordan’s Age and the Lead-Up to His Wizards Comeback
When Michael Jordan announced his return to professional basketball with the Washington Wizards, he was 38 years old. Born on February 17, 1963, Jordan’s return in September 2001 marked a significant moment, considering the typical career lifespan of an NBA player. Most players are past their prime by their late 30s, making Jordan’s comeback at this age particularly noteworthy.
Prior to his official announcement, Jordan had already rejoined the Wizards organization as President of Basketball Operations in January 2000. Speculation about a potential return began to swirl roughly six months before his announcement when he embarked on an intense training regimen. Initially, Jordan downplayed these rumors, suggesting he was merely trying to lose weight gained during his retirement.
However, his actions spoke louder than words. Jordan started hosting exclusive training camps for NBA players and made a significant move by hiring Doug Collins, his former coach from the Chicago Bulls, to coach the Wizards. These steps strongly indicated that a comeback was indeed in the works, building anticipation among fans and media alike.
Fan Excitement and Jordan’s Performance with the Wizards
The official announcement of Jordan’s return ignited a frenzy of excitement. After donating his entire 2001-02 season salary to September 11th relief efforts, Jordan further cemented his iconic status, and fans eagerly lined up to secure tickets to witness the return of arguably the greatest basketball icon. Every Washington Wizards home game during Jordan’s tenure sold out, demonstrating the immense draw he still possessed.
Despite being 38 years old and having been away from the competitive NBA scene for over three years since his last championship with the Bulls, Jordan’s performance was impressive. While the Wizards unfortunately did not reach the playoffs during his two seasons with the team, Jordan proved he could still compete at a high level.
During the 2001-02 season, even with a knee injury that limited him to 60 games, Jordan averaged a remarkable 22.9 points per game, along with 5.2 assists and 5.7 rebounds. He also etched his name further into the record books. On December 29, 2001, just days after a subpar performance by his own standards, Jordan exploded for 51 points against the Charlotte Hornets. This feat made him the oldest player in NBA history to score 50 points in a single game, a testament to his enduring skill and competitive drive even at 38 years old.
Conclusion: Jordan’s Lasting Impact at 38 and Beyond
Michael Jordan’s return to the NBA at 38 years old with the Washington Wizards is a compelling chapter in his legendary career. While the Wizards didn’t achieve team success, Jordan’s individual performance demonstrated his exceptional talent and unwavering competitiveness, even at an age when most players have long retired. His ability to still perform at an All-Star level, break records, and captivate audiences solidified his legacy as not just one of the greatest of all time, but a player whose impact transcended age and time. His comeback serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring love for the game and his relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of How Old Michael Jordan Is.
