The heartwarming reason why Michael Jordan didn't want to wear #23 when he returned from retirement

When Michael Jordan returned from his first retirement, he wore #45, which looked awkward but became a source of curiosity.

New beginnings

Experts say he had no choice but to wear a different number because the Chicago Bulls had raised no. 23 to the rafters. While this may have been a factor, MJ disclosed the heartwarming reason why he didn't want to wear his usual number.

"I didn't want to wear 23 because I knew my father wasn't there to watch me, and I felt it was a new beginning, and 45 was my first number when I was playing in high school," Jordan said in Episode 8 of 'The Last Dance.'

Michael's dad, James Jordan, passed away in August 1993, months after he completed his first three-peat. Given how close MJ was to his father, it was a tough time for the Bulls guard. Some believe that his father's passing was one of the reasons why the former Tar Heel retired for the first time to play baseball.

He debuted the new look on March 19, 1995, in a 103-96 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Jordan had 19 points on a horrendous 7-of-28 shooting night. While Michael bounced back and even had a 55-point game later on, he didn't look like his old self. Many blamed the 17-month layoff, while some pointed to the number on his jersey for MJ's subpar performances.

Related: Scottie Pippen on how Michael Jordan would have reacted if he left the Bulls: "He would have probably tried to shoot more and score more"

45 isn't 23

The new edition of MJ was again in the spotlight in the 1995 Eastern Semifinals against the Orlando Magic. With under 20 seconds left in Game 1, Magic guard Nick Anderson poked the ball away from Jordan, leading to the 94-91 win.

It's one of the best moments in playoff history. Unfortunately for Mike, it came at his expense. Anderson famously said after the game, "45 isn't 23," which was another way of saying that Jordan was washed. Eager to shut critics up, MJ reverted to his old #23 jersey in Game 2.

"I just felt like 45 wasn't natural," Michael said. "I wanted to go back with the feeling I had with 23."

Even though the Bulls lost the playoff series, it was a sign of good things to come. In the 1995-96 NBA season, Jordan guided the Bulls to a historic 72-10 record. They swept the Orlando Magic in the playoffs and booked their ticket to the NBA Finals. Chicago took care of the Seattle Supersonics in six games and snagged their fourth title in five years.

Related: "Hey, I’m putting my cape back on" - An untold story about Michael Jordan's return to jersey No. 23 from 45