The third coming of Michael Jordan played out differently than what most fans and experts have come to expect of the player widely known as the GOAT. However, fellow North Carolina product Rasheed Wallace argues that even though the Washington Wizards MJ no longer had the same nuclear athleticism he once had, he still was someone no player in the league dared to mess with.
Already 38 at that time, Sheed explained that Jordan heavily relied on his savvy and mastery of driving angles to get an advantage over his foe. But what truly made him lethal was his ability to use his mind, which only came after years of playing basketball at the highest level. Despite no longer being able to soar over defenders like he used to in his youth, Mike still could outsmart his opponents.
More dangerous with the Wizards
"His Airness" had previously retired from the NBA twice, both with the Chicago Bulls. He first walked away from the league in 1993 after leading the Bulls to their first three-peat to pursue a career in professional baseball. He returned in 1995 and helped Chicago win three more championships before again retiring in 1998.
He again unretired and joined the Wizards in 2001, bringing the same mental fortitude that made him a legend and leaving an indelible mark on the team.
"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," Jordan explained in the Wizards' press release in September 2001.
Rasheed, then playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, shared that the six-time NBA champion was equally competitive on the court and even more lethal due to his experience.
"He was a phenomenal player then, but I think he was a little bit more dangerous when he was with the Wizards," Wallace said . "He didn't have the athleticism that we were used to seeing MJ have, but I'm with Bonzi—his angles were more sharp."
In his two seasons with the Wizards, Jordan averaged 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, earning All-Star berths each season.
"His shot became more dangerous. He became more solid as that veteran player during his years in Washington," Rasheed continued. "He was still out there talking sh*t, you know what I'm saying? He was talking sh*t, but he was still dropping dimes."
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"Pump-fake Jordan" was still lethal
Wallace's former teammate, Bonzi Wells, never faced off against "Air Jordan" in the 90s as the former made the league in 1998. However, he took on MJ when he was already on the Wizards, and he soon found out that that version was just as lethal—albeit no longer explosive—as the one who ruled the league in his prime.
"Pump fake Jordan was still lethal, man. I got a chance to play against Washington Wizards Jordan for the first time, and I was stoked. I was so excited and happy," Bonzi said . "He wasn't as fast, but he knew how to get to a spot. He was so deceptive, and he just knew angles. He still killed us, but I could only imagine playing against the '90s Jordan when he really had that pop and athleticism. It would have probably been totally different."
Mike's final NBA stint didn't prove as fruitful as his previous ones, as the Wizards failed to make it to the postseason in the two seasons the legendary wingman was there. However, he still provided plenty of unforgettable moments for fans and opponents alike.
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