Top 30 Moments in Chicago Bulls History

Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

10. “I’m back”

I’m back.

That’s all that was needed to be said from Michael Jordan after 18 months away from the NBA. The two words were in a statement from his agent David Falk before returning to NBA action during the 1994-95 season.

Life was difficult for Jordan after the Bulls won their third title in a row after the 1992-93 season. Not only was Jordan getting deeper and deeper into gambling debts, his father was murdered during the summer of 1993. Jordan felt he had nothing left to prove on the hardwood, even at the top of his game.

With no day job, Jordan gave the minor league baseball circuit — his first love — a try, but it just wasn’t the same. He would eventually return to the game that made him who he was.

He sported a different number and lacked the same game before the first of his three retirements, but in due time, he was on top of the world again.

No. 45 just didn’t suit the game’s greatest player. He’d switch back to the well-known No. 23 during the Bulls’ playoff run later that season.

Next: 9. John Paxson Did Something No One Else Could, 1993