“I Was Able to Resurrect My Career When He Was Gone”: Former Teammate Thanks Michael Jordan for a Peculiar Reason

After Michael Jordan first retired in 1993, opposition teams were happy. They were saved from being torched by him every other night. But unfortunately, we’ll never know if the Rockets would win back-to-back rings in 1994 and 1995 had Jordan not left.

Jordan’s retirement left a big hole in the Bulls roster, but it also gave chances to players to like Steve Kerr to reestablish their career. Speaking to Chris Long on his podcast, Kerr said, “I was in my fifth year but I was kinda on my way out of the league. I was a free agent, and I had no offers. Part of the reason why I played so much that year was because Michael was gone. So I was able to resurrect my career when he was gone.”

Steve Kerr on Michael Jordan returning to the NBA

Pete Myers was signed as Jordan’s replacement for the 1993-94 and the 1994-95 seasons. That was the first time he played 82 games in the NBA. With the start of the 1995-96 season, Myers left as Jordan took over his SG spot. The Bulls knew that when you have the best player in the world; you have to challenge for the title.

“When he (Jordan) came back it was incredible just to realize that we’re gonna get a chance to compete for a championship.  Even though you’re not going to be driving the championship run you’re going to play a part in it.” Kerr, who was playing his first full season with Jordan, says there were mixed emotions. “That was exciting but also nerve-racking because you don’t want to screw up.” 

Not only did they win the NBA title, but they also recorded the then best-ever regular-season record of 72-10. Kerr was a solid bench player, coming for Ron Harper, and ended up getting better numbers than him. He was part of them when they did the second three-peat, proving to a good scorer off the bench.

Michael Jordan retired after winning the 1998 NBA title. He had announced he wouldn’t stay if Phil Jackson wasn’t there. So when Jackson left, Jordan bid farewell to his NBA career for a second time.