“Franchise faltering” – Michael Jordan’s negativity forced Wizards owner to FIRE six-time champion while teammates refused to give six-time champion retirement gift

The Washington Wizards fired Michael Jordan as the team's president of basketball operations on May 7, 2003.

“Franchise faltering” – Michael Jordan’s negativity forced Wizards owner to FIRE six-time champion while teammates refused to give six-time champion retirement gift

Michael Jordan (Credits: Sports Illustrated)

Nothing could deter Michael Jordan from making a triumphant return to the NBA in 2001. For two consecutive seasons, MJ showcased his incredible skills and competed at the highest level with unwavering determination. His relentless desire to win was unmistakable, leading some fans to question why Jordan eventually hung up his sneakers.

Historical records suggest that Jordan made a voluntary retirement announcement in April 2003. Nevertheless, it appears that there might be more to his retirement story than initially met the eye. According to a CBS News report, the then-owner of the Washington Wizards, Abe Pollin, opted to part ways with Jordan. This choice was influenced not only by Jordan’s inability to guide the team to the playoffs but also by the negative impact he had on the organization despite his iconic “His Airness” status.

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On May 7, 2003, Michael Jordan was relieved of his duties as the president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards. Abe Pollin, the team’s owner at the time, pointed to three primary factors that contributed to this decision: player discontent, a franchise that had declined following Jordan’s leadership, and deteriorating relationships within the organization. Pollin stated, “Jordan caused a lot of negativity within the organization”

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Michael Jordan’s Complex Legacy with the Washington Wizards

Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan retired from basketball after his short stint with the Washington Wizards (AFP)

The Washington Post columnist Mike Wise previously echoed that the Wizards’ general manager, Wes Unseld, had proposed the idea of players contributing to a retirement gift as a way to honor MJ. However, it appeared that no one on the team was willing to participate. Unseld allegedly explained the reasoning behind this, stating that the reluctance stemmed from the belief that Jordan had not been a great teammate during his tenure.

Despite the challenges and negatives, the Wizards remained appreciative of Michael Jordan’s overall influence. They recognized that the man who had joined their team was the greatest player of all time, though not necessarily the greatest person of all time. After Jordan’s retirement, Pollin affirmed that Jordan’s time as a player had a profound impact on every member of the team’s roster. Their fans genuinely relished the distinctive seasons featuring the greatest player to ever grace the sport.

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