Michael Jordan Retirement Age: How Old Was the NBA Legend During His Last Season?

Michael Jordan (Credits: X)

Michael Jordan debuted in the NBA in 1984, and had a 15-year-long playing career which involved three retirements. The 6x NBA Championship title winner played his last two seasons before his final retirement with the Washington Wizards. Michael Jordan announced his third and last retirement in 2003 at the age of 40.

Michael Jordan is arguably among the greatest players in the history of the NBA. From being physically beaten by his teammates in his rookie season to revolutionizing basketball worldwide, his journey has been a remarkable one. The Bulls star’s illustrious career also involved three retirements, and fans have been curious to know at what age Jordan played his last season.

Notably, Jordan debuted in the league in 1984 after being picked by the Chicago Bulls. He was a renowned player even before playing his first NBA game, as he had a remarkable college career. During his 15-year-long career, he broke records and made some unbreakable ones. Some of his accomplishments include winning the NBA Championship title six times, 2x Olympic Gold Medals, and much more.

Furthermore, Jordan retired from the league for the first time in 1993. This was shortly after winning his first three-peat ring with the Bulls. This came as a shock to everyone and fans started doubting if this retirement was a suspension from NBA Commissioner David Stern. However, Jordan cited that the reason behind this was that he lost the desire to play.

He was away from the court for 17 months during which he had a short-lived professional baseball career with the Chicago White Sox. In 1995, Jordan declared his return to the league with two words, “I’m Back.” He played for four more seasons and won a second three-peat Championship ring for the Bulls before announcing his second retirement.

Michael Jordan is the second-oldest player to score 50+ points in a game

Michael Jordan did come back to the NBA after his retirement in 1999. However, he did not represent the Bulls, instead, he signed a contract with the Washington Wizards. Jordan played for another two seasons (2001 to 2003) and only averaged 20.2 points. During this, he also served as the president of basketball operations for the team.

After being with the Wizards for two seasons, Jordan announced his third and final retirement in 2003 at the age of 40. He played his last game against the Philadelphia 76ers, and after the game, he said, “Now I guess it hits me that I’m not going to be in a uniform anymore — and that’s not a terrible feeling.” The Hall of Fame inductee continued to talk about how it is something that he has come to grips with.

“This is the final retirement.”, he declared. Interestingly, during his second-last season before retiring, Jordan made a remarkable record. He dropped 51 points in a winning game against the Charlotte Bobcats (now known as Charlotte Hornets). After this, Jordan earned the second spot on the list of the oldest players to score more than 50 points in a game.

This was an achievement on its own and further strengthened Jordan’s status as an iconic player. Furthermore, despite playing his last game decades ago, Jordan continues to remain in the headlines. Fans await to witness him be the best man in his son Marcus Jordan’s wedding with Larsa Pippen. Their wedding is the most-awaited one and gave MJ the last laugh as Scottie Pippen allegedly got shoved aside.