Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan last stepped on the court for a game back in 2003 before he retired for the third and final time. Since then, Jordan has made public appearances but has kept busy with family, golf and being a co-owner of a NASCAR team.
But when it comes to basketball, Jordan has mainly stayed away besides a few appearances here and there.
Now, Michael Jordan is part of the NBA’s return to NBC as he will have a special segment at halftime of the national game each week. The segment is called “MJ: Insights to Excellence” where he will give his insight into the game of basketball. And during Tuesday’s appearance, Jordan revealed when he last picked up a basketball.
Michael Jordan’s debut and the last time he picked up a basketball
At first, Jordan admitted it’s been a long time since he picked up a basketball and shot it. But as Mike Tirico kept asking, Jordan revealed it actually wasn’t that long ago.
Jordan told Tirico that it was just last month when he rented out a house for the Ryder Cup in New York.
“I was at the Ryder Cup,” Jordan explained. “And I rented a house from the owner. He came over to do pictures. He had grandkids. And I was meet and greet, thanked him for allowing me to stay in the house. And he had a basketball court. He said, ‘I want you to shoot one free throw.’ I said, ‘Really?’”
“So, when I stepped up to shoot the free throw, that’s the most nervous I’ve been in years,” Jordan said. “The reason being is those kids heard the stories from the parents about what I did 30 years ago. So, the expectation is 30 years prior, and I haven’t touched a basketball.”
Tirico then asked if Jordan swished the shot. The response was typical MJ.
“Absolutely,” Jordan said.
You can watch the segment below:
Wow. pic.twitter.com/Inhre10hzD
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 22, 2025
MJ also appears in NBA on NBC intro
With the NBA officially returning to NBC tonight, the network had the perfect intro for the return. They interviewed current stars of the NBA about their memories of the 90’s.
While none of them knew much about it, the cameos from Jordan, Reggie Miller and Patrick Ewing brought back that nostalgia as did the opening theme. Check out the video below:
ABSOLUTE CHILLS.
Cue up Roundball Rock … the NBA is BACK on NBC and Peacock. 🏀🤩 pic.twitter.com/bd745aFqMg
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 21, 2025
So far, the return of the NBA on NBC has been a success and we can’t wait for more Michael Jordan segments.
One final hurdle remains for Coby White’s Chicago Bulls return
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