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A look back at the moment Michael Jordan announced his return to the NBA

Reflecting on the iconic moment when MJ declared his comeback to the NBA.

Stephen Beslic

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It only took two words for Michael Jordan to set the NBA and the basketball-loving world on fire on March 18, 1995. Back then, rumors were swirling about MJ’s potential return to the Bulls after retiring 17 months before. His Airness swiftly put all speculation to rest in a succinct statement released through his agent David Falk: “I’m back.”

Nothing more to be said

When it came to Jordan, less was more. Although MJ was a media darling throughout his career, he preferred to let his game do all the talking. His 1995 announcement regarding his long-awaited comeback to the Chicago Bulls was no different.

After retiring from the NBA not long after the Bulls won their third NBA title in a row in 1993, Jordan had been pursuing a career in professional baseball. But despite his success in the minor leagues, he couldn't shake off the competitive drive that fueled him on the basketball court. After much contemplation and training, MJ decided to return to the sport that made him a household name.

Surge of electricity shot through the NBA

The announcement of his comeback was met with overwhelming excitement and anticipation from fans and players alike. It was clear that MJ's presence would once again change the landscape of the NBA and bring renewed energy to the league.

And true to form, Jordan did not disappoint upon his return. And while he and the Bulls encountered postseason failure in the 1995 NBA Playoffs, falling to the upstart Orlando Magic, Jordan returned with a vengeance the next season.

In the 1995-96 season, Jordan led the Bulls to a record-setting 72 regular-season wins and a historic fourth championship title. He then led the Bulls to two more consecutive NBA championships, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

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Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.

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