It’s been 20 years since Michael Jordan made his shock return to the NBA having stunned fans with his retirement. His legacy still lives long as he changed the way the game was played and is played today.
Jordan had left the building on the 6th of October in 1993. On the 18th of March in 1995 he announced his return.
Two simple words did it, “I’m Back.” The next day, the 19th he was really back on court as the Chicago Bulls faced the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis. He scored 19 points. The love affair began again.
His number 23 had been retired and he donned the number 45 jersey. A new era had dawned. 23 would come back eventually as well, as would his almost supernatural abilities.
Few have had an impact on world sports quite like Michael Jordan. ‘MJ’, ‘His Airness’ or just plain ‘Jordan’ has been a household name from the 1990s till present day.
Thursday 19th of March 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of his return to basketball after his sudden retirement. Jordan’s influence on basketball as a whole can’t be quantified but its still felt everywhere from Ohio to Ouagadougou.
The number of players, past and present, who state that he inspired them to become the players they are, is a very large group. People have worn his shoes, used his on-court style and also played with their tongues sticking out.
Even his silhouette flying through the air in his special way has become one of the great icons of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Today we celebrate a remarkable return that would lead to another three-peat, three NBA titles in a row. We also celebrate the reigniting of the flame that was everyone’s love for watching him play.
