Jordans Daily History Lesson: Air Jordan X Chicago

Over a week ago, the Air Jordan X ‘Chicago’ released to much fanfare, something of which many thought wouldn’t happen. The long awaited Air Jordan X didn’t last long at retail at many locations leaving the doubters scrambling to find a pair. With these retroing for the first time since 1995, the result should have been expected as the last time we saw them Michael was fresh off of his first retirement. The ‘Chicago’ X had already seen some on court action prior to Michael’s return as Harold “Baby Jordan” Minor and Scottie Pippen did their best MJ impressions while wearing them, but for the Chicago Bulls, it wasn’t enough as they posted a 31-31 record midway into March. However, their prayers were answered on March 18, 1995 via a two word fax: “I’m back”. It was all that needed to be said by Jordan, informing the NBA that he was coming back to claim what was rightfully his.

Michael’s first game since clinching his third NBA Championship was against Reggie Miller’s Indiana Pacers and despite shooting 7-28 from the field, the game posted record Nielsen ratings. Jordan’s rustiness upon return wasn’t the only thing different about his game; his trademark 23 was nowhere to be seen due to retirement. He donned the number 45, his jersey number with the Birmingham Barons, throughout the remainder of the season, but the MJ of old would quickly return as in his fourth game back from retirement, he sank the game winning shot and would later have the famous “Double Nickel” game against the New York Knicks. The Bulls finished the season winning the last 13 of 17 and would eventually meet up with the Orlando Magic in the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals. The Magic would advance to the NBA Finals in six games, but not before Michael averaged 31 per game and gave the NBA notice that 23 is back.