Michael Jordan didn’t believe the Bulls could win 8 consecutive titles if he hadn’t played baseball

Arjun Julka | 08/08/2021
Michael Jordan didn't believe the Bulls could win 8 consecutive titles if he hadn't played baseball

Michael Jordan was not convinced that the Bulls would’ve won 8 championships in a row if he had not tried his stint with Baseball.

One of the greatest to ever play the sport, MJ had a decorated career, winning 6 NBA championships and being crowned the Finals MVP on all occasions.

However, post having his first 3-peat, from 1991-93, Jordan decided to retire from the sport and try his hand in baseball. One of the major reasons behind this decision was the tragic death of Jordan’s father.

On October 6th, 1993, the 14x All-Star announced his retirement, stating that he had lost the desire to play basketball. The superstar’s decision to retire sent shock waves in the league as he was still at the peak of his prime.

Also read: “Actually That Was Dr. J”: Nick Van Exel Reveals Julius Erving And Not Michael Jordan Inspired His One-Handed Basketball Palm Fake

However, his Airness would return after a 1 and a half year hiatus and have his second 3-peat from 1996-98. Many believed that the Bulls would have won 8 titles in a row hadn’t Jordan left. However, the superstar didn’t feel the same way.

Michael Jordan didn’t believe the Chicago Bulls could win 8 NBA championships in a row

During his first 3-peat, Jordan defeated the superstar likes of  Magic Johnson, Clyde Drexler, and Charles Barkley. It was the beginning of the Bulls dynasty, with Michael Jeffery Jordan being the new sheriff in town.

Thus his decision to retire at the age of 30 was unfathomable. The tragic murder of the superstar’s father played a huge role in his retirement decision.

Jordan played baseball for the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A farm team of the Chicago White Sox. During the 1994 season, he batted .202 and hit three home runs while driving in 51 runs.

Nevertheless, Jordan was unable to replicate his NBA success in the sport of baseball. Thus after missing one and a half-season of basketball, the legend decided to return to the hardwood.

The Chicago Bulls were back to winning ways with the return of MJ and would go on 3-peat from 1996-98. During the time, many trade pundits and analysts felt that the Bulls would have won 8 consecutive titles hadn’t Jordan retired.

Though the Bulls superstar thought otherwise, “People say if I hadn’t played baseball for a year and a half, we would be going for our eighth championship in a row,” Jordan said. “But I don’t think so. After our three-peat, the atmosphere on the team wasn’t the same.”

Also read: “Michael Jordan is no.1, LeBron James will probably be top 5 all-time when he retires”: When Darius Miles and Kevin Durant ventured into NBA GOAT debates on the Knuckleheads podcast

Nevertheless, Jordan guided the Bulls to another 3-peat from 1996-98, with his Airness being crowned Finals MVP in all cases.

Post Edited By: Amulya Shekhar
73-10 Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan Michael Jordan 3-peats

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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