On May 2nd, 2018 Michael Jordan announced his decision to step down from the #23 Chicago Bulls and take on an executive role with the Washington Wizards. There were a slew of mixed reactions surrounding this move but what is important is how it affects basketball as we know it now.
The “Jordan Wizards” is a topic that needs revisiting. Michael Jordan, who was recently dismissed from the Bulls for an executive role with the Wizards, has been criticized for his decision to leave Chicago. Read more in detail here: jordan wizards.
The Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan are inextricably linked. But, other from the Air Jordan monument outside the United Center, there’s nothing that connects His Airness to the team with which he won six NBA titles.
Jordan’s detachment started in 2000, when he acquired a minority share in the Washington Wizards. In what turned out to be a memorable and short-lived stint, he was also appointed Chief of Basketball Operations by the franchise. Surprisingly, MJ had the opportunity to remain with the Bulls in some position, but he was never interested in anything other than a road to ownership. That never seemed possible with Jerry Reinsdorf in the owner’s box.
Jordan did later acquire a majority ownership in the Charlotte Hornets (then named the Bobcats). Is it feasible, given the circumstances, that he accepted the Wizards position as a dig at Reinsdorf?
Jerry Reinsdorf and Michael Jordan had a tumultuous relationship.
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Jordan’s status and fortune have always been a source of everlasting appreciation for Reinsdorf. However, their relationship is very complicated.
While the docuseries The Last Dance depicted MJ’s feud with former Bulls general manager Jerry Krause, His Airness had his own troubles with Reinsdorf. It all started with Chicago’s intention to keep Jordan off the court as he recovered from an ankle ailment suffered late in the 1985-86 season.
Mike’s Bulls career came to a close with a complete circle. He chastised Krause and Reinsdorf for not openly supporting head coach Phil Jackson. In April 1998, MJ urged that the Bulls appoint Jackson as general manager. Reinsdorf supported Krause. Reinsdorf cited Jordan’s cigar cutter incident to support Chicago’s choice to transition during the telecast of The Last Dance.
To his credit, Reinsdorf attempted to persuade Jackson to continue on as head coach. Jordan, on the other hand, appeared to believe that management’s attempts to keep the band together lacked focus and cohesiveness.
As a result, when Money’s playing career came to an end, he desired structural change in Chicago. When it became evident that his demand would not be granted, he fled to Washington, D.C.
Jordan only joined the Wizards when it became evident that he would not be able to take over for Reinsdorf.
Michael Jordan smiles at reporters during a news conference on January 19, 2000, flanked by former Washington Wizards governor Abe Pollin (right) and current governor Ted Leonis (left). | Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Although Jerry Reinsdorf’s on-again, off-again relationship with Michael Jordan led to the Bulls’ dynasty’s demise, Reinsdorf still wanted MJ in the mix after his retirement. It didn’t turn out to be a good idea.
In February 2013, according to ESPN, Reinsdorf contacted Jordan about joining the Bulls. Jordan’s ambition for complete autonomy, on the other hand, rendered a prolonged relationship unlikely.
“I spoke with [Jordan] early on, and he was certain that if he was going to be a part of anything, he wanted to lead it, and there was just no space for him.” It would be a no-brainer if he wanted to be engaged like Scottie [Pippen, who joined the Bulls as an adviser]. Michael, on the other hand, was much too large for that.”
–Jerry Reinsdorf, via ESPN (2013)
Jordan instead traveled to the nation’s capital.
The Wizards reportedly handed Jordan a $50 million ownership stake, according to the Chicago Tribune. Mike was also named the director of basketball operations at Washington. Even if he had greater power, he still didn’t have majority control.
Was this all simply a ruse to get back at Reinsdorf?
What were Michael Jackson’s genuine motives?
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Michael Jordan said when he was hired by the Wizards that he aimed to construct a winning team. His time in Washington, D.C., however, became a bit of a soap opera.
Jordan seldom made himself accessible to the public, according to ESPN’s SportsCentury. During most games, he was noticeably missing from the owner’s box.
Jordan, however, stepped out of retirement for a second time practically as soon as he took up his new position. Mike performed well for a man nearing 40, but he had a detrimental influence on the culture. The Wizards released MJ of his responsibilities at the conclusion of the 2002-03 season, after his third retirement.
Jordan’s work as a front-office executive with the Wizards lacked sincerity and inventiveness. Perhaps he was attempting to avenge Reinsdorf.
It doesn’t really matter right now. Jordan achieved his desire as the Hornets’ governor. In Charlotte, he hopes to finally find long-term success. Personal vendettas, on the other hand, might be the reason he isn’t now involved with the Bulls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Michael Jordan leave the Bulls for the Wizards?
A: The Wizards drafted Michael Jordan in 1984. He played for the team until 1987 when he moved to play with the Washington Bullets.
How did Jordan do with the Wizards?
A: Jordan lost the Wizards game.
Does Michael Jordan own the Wizards?
A: No, Michael Jordan does not own the Wizards. He played for them and he was very instrumental in helping build the franchise but they are completely independent of him now.
