How Old Was Michael Jordan When He Retired?

Over the years, the world of sports has transitioned a lot. In the present world sports, the concept of being a great athlete has changed too. In the past times, what made a player great were the stats and accolades that he possesses. However, in today’s time players are judged on the basis of their ages too.

While some sports are less athletic than others, basketball is one of the most athletic and physical sport in the world. However, within the basketball world NBA is one of the toughest and most athletic leagues in the whole world. Some are considered great for their stats while others are known for their silverwares. However, players are now judged on the basis of their longevity too. Nowadays, the criteria for being great is an amalgamation of stats, silverwares and longevity.

Michael Jordan’s longevity in the NBA

Michael Jordan is for sure the greatest ever player in the NBA history. Having played in the NBA for fifteen years, Jordan won six championships with Chicago Bulls. During this period, MJ won the Finals MVP six times, made it to the All-Star 14-times and whatnot. Jordan also won two Olympic gold medals with the US National team in 1984 and 1992.? Having won all this, he surely is the definition of the greatest ever basketball player. However, Jordan’s longevity in the NBA division is not among his achievements.

After making his debut for Chicago Bulls in 1984-85 season, Jordan first retired at the age of 30 after winning three consecutive championships. Jordan claimed the reason behind his retirement as his lack of desire to play. However, in 1994 MJ went on to stun the world by signing a Minor League Baseball contract with Chicago White Sox. Then, Jordan went on to make a comeback to the NBA by signing for the Bulls again in March 1995. The legend then went on to win three-consecutive championships again before announcing his retirement for the second time in 1999.

Jordan then returned to the NBA as part owner of Washington Wizards. However, it was not long before Jordan’s comeback to the court again. Jordan came back to the court in 2001 with the Wizards. After playing for only two seasons, MJ made his final retirement in April 2003 at the age of 40.

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Does anyone come close to the legacy that Michael Jordan created?

Apart from having a legendary NBA career, Jordan has had a legendary career off the court too. MJ’s endorsement earnings have been greatest too. Over the last four decades, the legend has earned nearly $1.7 billion from the likes of Nike, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Gatorade etc.

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Having played in the NBA for fifteen years including the breaks he had over his career, there are many players with a better longevity than Michael Jordan. While Michael Jordan announced his first retirement at the age of 30, there are many stars who have played beyond that age. There are many players in the world right now who are playing at the highest level even after hitting their mid-thirties. The list includes the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Byrant, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving etc. These players for sure have had a better longevity and bigger NBA careers, but most of their careers have not been anything close to that of Michael Jordan’s.

There are players like LeBron James and Kobe Byrant who have had a legendary career. If anyone can come close to being the greatest is James. Will James be ever able to take the greatest one spot from Michael Jordan still remains a big thing to look forward for.

Does anyone come close to Michael Jordan? Do let us know in the comments below.