Michael Jordan’s $200,000 Worth Decision Left Ex-NBA Star and Orlando Magic Trembling in Fear

Michael Jordan is the man! A $200,000 fine or powerful opponents, nothing kept His Airness from achieving what he wanted. After losing Game 1 of the playoffs to the Orlando Magic, Jordan knew it was time to bring Superman back. In the most dramatic way, indeed, Jordan tore his warm-up jersey to showcase his switch from 45 to his original 23 in Game 2. Well, that’s where the entertainment begins in the NBA.

Former Magic star Darell Armstrong who spent 8 years playing for the franchise recalled the impact Jordan’s jersey switch gesture had on him and the team. “I was always a Michael Jordan fan game two. Game 2. He comes out, keeps his top on got his pants off and shorts on. And then they do the announcement… number 45 Michael Jordan,” Armstrong recalls on the Knuckleheads podcast about the moments before Jordan’s big reveal. 

He further narrates, “Both teams broke out of the huddles coming to the court. That motherf****r took out that damn thing I saw two three. I said oh Lord we in trouble. Superman’s in the build back whatever you want to call him Jesus we in trouble tonight.”

It was during the Conference Semi-Finals against Orlando Magic in 1995. Jordan had just returned from his first retirement, which he had announced after his father’s passing. He was also the reason the NBA star had switched from 23 to 45, for new beginnings. But when he did not feel the same explosion in the new number, Jordan decided to return to his usual self.

Upon adorning 23, Michael Jordan went on to score 38 points compared to the previous game’s 19, to win Game 2 104-94. However, in doing so, Jordan risked being fined about $200,000. Armstrong reveals the Bulls had to pay every time Jordan wore no.23 for failing to notify the league early on. Jordan ended up paying $25,000 after failing to qualify for the games ahead.

Michael Jordan’s response to the drama that followed his jersey switch

There’s a reason the entire situation was dramatic. As mentioned above, the league feared such random jersey switches and hence imposed the fine. However, the Chicago Bulls were in full support of Jordan’s decision as he and Scottie Pippen explained that it was simply a return to the original MJ. While it didn’t seem to do serious harm to anyone, the Bulls were required to seek the league’s approval before Jordan’s jersey switch.

“There’s no rule saying I couldn’t change my jersey number. I think everyone is misinterpreting that. I think the league understands that…I didn’t take a number I’m not used to, so what’s the big hype?” Jordan said. 

The 6-time NBA champion ensured that the impact of his return was reflected in his game as well. He further explained, “No. 23 is me, so why try to be something else? I know my father never saw me in 45. But No. 23 is something I feel comfortable with and that’s why I went to it. If it’s a mental confidence, it’s a mental confidence.”

The only person besides the Bulls who knew about the return was former Bulls TV announcer Tom Dore. Jordan and the Bulls made sure that his return looked like the return of a king.

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