March 18, 1995 is another day that has extreme historical relevance in the basketball world and the NBA specifically, as it was the day Michael Jordan announced he was returning to the NBA after a year and a half (to the day) away from the game.
Jordan’s decision to return to the NBA after his gambling suspension realizing of his childhood dream to play professional baseball, altered the NBA landscape for the next few years. It also allowed for the greatest team to ever grace an NBA court (until maybe this year’s Warriors) to post an incredible 72-10 season record.
The message was sent in what is now known as the fax heard around the world, simply stating “I’m Back.”
Jordan returned the next night against the Indiana Pacers and had 19 points on 7-for-28 shooting. He would wear number 45 for the remainder of the 1994-95 season because his jersey was already retired.
A rusty Jordan and the Bulls would be ousted by the Orlando Magic in their Shaq and Penny heyday in the 2nd round of the 1995 NBA Playoffs. MJ would regain form the next season, and as we all know win three more titles before retiring a 2nd time in 1998 as what many consider to be the greatest player of all-time.
Although Jordan’s first retirement was ridiculous and may have robbed him of two titles in the midst of his prime, at least it provided us with a story line for Space Jam which we should all be eternally grateful for.
