Why did Michael Jordan play for the Wizards?
Know the reason behind Michael Jordan joining the Washington Wizards.
Follow Us
Michael Jordan with Washington Wizards (GETTY)
Michael Jordan etched himself in the history books as one the greatest players to ever step foot on the NBA hardwood. He has been instrumental in the widespread popularity of the NBA on the international level. He influenced the world to shift its focus to basketball, and in just a matter of some years, he was a global superstar and inspiration to many. “His Airness” achieved all of this and most of his on-court and off-court accolades with the Chicago Bulls.
With the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan won 6 NBA Championships (2 three-peats), multiple awards for his performance with respect to scoring, defense, sportsmanship, and even the MVP. He retired twice from the Bulls and was an established and successful black athlete referred to as the GOAT both times. But after his second retirement, when he wished to lace it up again, he chose the Washington Wizards over the Chicago Bulls.
A big reason behind Michael Jordan’s decision to hoop with the Washington Wizards instead of the Bulls was the management of the former team. As his feud with General Manager Jerry Krause never ended and eventually became the reason which ended the dynasty in Chicago. Also another reason was Phil Jackson retiring and not wanting to join hands with Jerry Krause after the 1998 season. This automatically got Michael Jordan out of the system as he wanted no one else other than Phil to be the head coach.
But that’s not the only reason behind Michael Jordan’s decision to hoop for the Washington Wizards. Jordan always aspired to be a team owner and run the basketball operations of a team. And that’s exactly what owner Ted Leonsis of Wizards reached out with.
As per Richard Sandomir of the New York Times, Ted Leonsis quoted, “I said, ‘Tell me what you’re interested in.’ He said: ‘I want to win more championships. I want equity. I want to run the basketball operations.'” Michael Jordan joined Wizards as the President of Basketball Operations on 19th January 2000. Initially, he was sure about being an executive and not lacing up. But just in a year and a half, he decided to suit up for the Wizards and bring in the change, he was given an executive role (5-year contract as an executive) for, by balling out for the organization.
Announcing his return to the NBA as a player, Michael Jordan said: “I am returning as a player to the game I love because during the last year and a half, as a member of Washington Wizards’ management, I enjoyed working with our players, and sharing my own experiences as a player. I feel there is no better way of teaching young players than to be on the court with them as a fellow player, not just in practice, but in actual NBA games. While nothing can take away from the past, I am firmly focused on the future and the competitive challenge ahead of me.”
Michael Jordan was also very motivated and full of hope for his time with the Wizards as a player, as he wanted to build a playoff contention team and win some more championships. But unfortunately, it didn’t age well for Black Jesus, and the dream never came true.
Michael Jordan’s time with the Washington Wizards
Michael Jordan performed on unbelievable levels at age 38 during his time with the Washington Wizards. He got many oldest-to-do-so records under his name and had the Wizards Arena on their toe watching him balling out with an underachieving team that had no success in the playoffs for the past decade. Unfortunately, the story stayed the same under Jordan’s leadership too. As in the two seasons he suited up for the Wizards, they couldn’t book themselves a playoff spot.
But Michael Jordan, a player who was unconditionally loved by millions out there, didn’t disappoint the fans as he had many highlights to keep the business going while dropping 40-point bombs on some of the best teams in the league. His athleticism was still impressive and had fans in a spell.
Both years he made it to the All-Star Game, and on April 16th, 2003, he wrapped his playing career with the Wizards. He averaged 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in those two years while playing 142 games. As of now, Michael Jordan is still connected with the league as an owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
In Case you missed it:
How many teams have come back from 3-1 down in playoffs?
Do follow us on Google News | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Stay Updated!
Ritik Malik
(1743 Articles Published)