Michael Jordan Wished ‘Magic Pill’ Was Available to Help Him Return To NBA

NBA great Michael Jordan sat down with NBC's Mike Tirico to make his debut on the network as a 'special contributor'.

Michael Jordan Wished ‘Magic Pill’ Was Available to Help Him Return To NBA

Michael Jordan still wishes he could play in NBA (Image via FirstSportz)

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It has been 22 years since Michael Jordan left the NBA for the third and final time. After that, the six-time league champion would return to an NBA court as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets.

But once he was done playing, he would not dribble a ball or attempt a few shots, even if he wanted to. He would practice in some gyms and even schooled some of his Bobcats/Hornets players during practice, but never on the official court.

However, it must have been difficult for someone who loved the game so much to just walk away. That is what NBC’s Mike Tirico asked “His Airness” when they sat down for the first episode of Insights to Excellence.

I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts, and go out and play the game of basketball today. Because that’s who I am. That type of competition, that type of competitiveness, is what I live for. And I miss it. I miss that aspect of playing the game of basketball.

Michael Jordan replied

The 62-year-old added that nowadays he understands what his body can or cannot do, and that is why he avoids picking up a ball and heading to a gym. He does not want to ‘pop his Achilles’ and ‘sit in a wheelchair’.

That is why he is returning to just be a ‘special contributor’ for NBC, even though, if given a chance, he would like to go back and challenge himself against the current greats of the game.

Michael Jordan had the nerves when asked to shoot a free throw recently

While talking about his love for basketball, Mike Tirico asked Michael Jordan about the last time he picked up a ball. To this, the 5-time league MVP revealed a recent incident.

I haven’t picked up a ball in years… I was at the Ryder Cup, and I rented a house from the owner. He (the owner) had a basketball court. He says, ‘I want you to shoot one free throw.’… When I stepped up to shoot the FT, it’s the most nervous I’ve been in years.

Michael Jordan revealed

The North Carolina native further revealed that since the owner had informed his children about his exploits in the NBA, Jordan felt immense pressure to make that free throw.

Then Michael Jordan confirmed to the NBC analyst that he managed to ‘swish’ the free throw, much to his relief. But that experience turned out to be the best part of his weekend.

Michael Jordan reveals his purpose appearing on NBC

The last time Michael Jordan left the NBA was after he sold his stake in the Charlotte Hornets. He received a pretty penny, $3 billion to be exact, from that sale.

Michael Jordan and his wife Yvette Prieto holidaying
Michael Jordan and his wife Yvette Prieto holidaying (Image via Cincoro/X)

That amount is enough to help him and his children live in luxury for a considerable amount of time. Considering this, Mike Tirico asked what the Bulls great’s purpose was coming back to the league as a ‘special contributor’ for NBC.

Just pay it forward. I have an obligation to the game of basketball.

Michael Jordan said

The 6′ 6″ former guard reiterated that he did not agree to appear on NBC for money, as he has enough of it. Instead, he believes he owes it to the game and wants to help move it forward.

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