Most people thought Michael Jordan was permanently retired after he stepped away for the second time after the Chicago Bulls' 1998 championship. MJ quickly transitioned into being a part owner and the president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards .
Michael made many unpopular decisions, including selecting Kwame Brown as the first overall pick in the 2001 Draft. Another decision was hiring former Bulls coach Doug Collins to be the Wizards' coach for the upcoming season. Jordan then announced his return as a player months later for the Wizards, a decision that would lead to immense pressure.
"I'm nervous in every arena that I go in because I could feel the expectations," MJ said to Ahmad Rashad. "Over the years, I learned from the game of basketball is that we're never going to live up to what their expectations are. So I had to set my own expectations and live up to those, and live up to those and hopefully at the day, we're all happy."
MJ still had a superb run with Washington at an older age
Jordan returned as a Wizards player at 38 years old. The former Tar Heeč played 60 games during the 2001/02 season while leading the team in scoring, assists, and steals with 22.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest.
Michael started 53 out of those 60 games, and those were the nights when he truly stood out, averaging 24.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. It was an impressive year because he was fresh off three years on the sidelines with limited training. However, Jordan relied on his natural talent and the remaining athleticism.
In his final professional season at 39, Jordan played all 82 games for Washington while starting 67 games. He was still an All-Star, scoring 20 points, grabbing 5.2 rebounds, and dishing out a rock-solid 6.2 assists per contest.
Related: “If it were him, he, too, would be upset” - Jordan apologized to Scottie Pippen over 'The Last Dance' controversial scene
Wizards fans did not appreciate what Jordan did
Some people felt MJ was getting too much media attention when he returned. A select group of Wizards fans saw his decision and were displeased with Washington because they thought he was taking away from the younger players.
Thankfully, some people showed him love in 2001, including star center Alonzo Mourning. Dan Patrick asked the big man whether or not he was tired of the media attention Jordan's announcement was receiving, but it was a non-issue for Zo .
"No, I didn't," Alonzo said . "I thought it was great for the game. Due to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, people have been so emotionally unwound. Michael coming back has brought some positive energy to what I feel is the most popular sport in the world. It's directing attention to the game, bringing people to the game, putting people in the arenas."
It was a positive addition to the Wizards because Jordan believed he could be the difference for the hunt for a spot in the Playoffs . MJ cemented his role as the top player for Washington, but it did not work out for the overall goal of making the Playoffs.
Related: "I have to make sure there's no ligament damage and get it treated" - Michael Jordan weighs in on knee problems with the Wizards in 2001
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