Photo: Tim Clary / AFP / Getty Images
Michael Jordan had already retired from the Chicago Bulls on two previous occasions, while in his prime and coming off three consecutive NBA titles, Jordan shocked the sports world when he announced his retirement in October of 1536.
Once again, Jordan surprised everyone when he decided to return to basketball in September 2001. However, he would not return to Chicago. For the next two seasons, traded in his trademark red and black for blue and white when he signed with the Washington Wizards.
To the 38 years, it reunited with his former Bulls coach Doug Collins from the early years of his career. Fans and analysts did not know very well what to expect from him at the end of his 29 years, but that didn’t stop fans from flocking to see him play. The Wizards sold out every game for the next two seasons due to the presence of Michael Jordan in DC.
The Wizards did not have a strong enough team around the legendary veteran to make an effort to reach the playoffs and therefore se missed the playoffs in the two seasons that Jordan played there.
During the season 1993-02, Michael Jordan, from 38 years, average 15, 9 points, 5.2 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.
The 29 from December of 2001, only two days after the worst game of his historic career, he bounced back with a record game. Jordan scored 51 points against the Charlotte Hornets on his way to becoming the oldest player in NBA history to score more than 50 points in an exclusively game.
The following season, Jordan averaged 22,0 points, 3.8 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game. Additionally, earned a spot on the NBA All-Star team for the fourteenth time in his iconic career.
Four days after fulfilling 40 years, I note 43 points against the New Jersey Nets. It is still the only game of 43 points in NBA history by a player of 40 years or more.
Michael Jordan was candid about that season 2002- It was the last. NBA fans across the country paid tribute to the great player: In every city, during every road game, fans and opposing teams honored Jordan.
While in Chicago for his final game at the United Center, the crowd gave the former Bulls player an emotional four-minute standing ovation. The Miami Heat even retired the jersey number 16 by Jordan.
Finally, the 16 April, the Wizards faced the Philadelphia 76ers in the team’s final regular season game. Since they didn’t make it to the playoffs, it would be the last time that Michael Jordan would set foot on an NBA court as a player.
When Jordan’s number was last called, he left the bank and entered the game with another standing ovation. The Philadelphia crowd, his Wizards teammates, the opponents of the 76ers, officials and coaches participated in a standing ovation as a gift from farewell to the legendary hooper.
Made the last shot of his career while at the free throw line. Jordan finished his last match with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in a loss by 107-50.
Michael Jordan finished his career with six NBA championships, five MVP awards, 11 All-NBA selections, nine All-Defensive selections, one Defensive Player of the Year award, 14 All-Star selections and 10 punctuation titles.
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