By Jonah Sharf
On October 30, 2001, Michael Jordan played in his first professional NBA game since the 1998 Finals against the Jazz. After spending one season as a part-owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards, Jordan decided to return as a player. Jordan scored 19 points on 7-for-21 shooting, and the Wizards lost to the Knicks in the first game of the season. The Wizards would not make it to the playoffs that season, but Jordan averaged 22.9 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, and 5.2 assists per game. The 2002-03 season would be his final season, and the Wizards missed the playoffs yet again, despite Jordan’s efforts in averaging 20 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game. This would be Jordan’s final retirement from playing.