NBA legend Michael Jordan has spoken in a rare interview during the opening night of the new season.
NBC is one of the new broadcasters of the sport in the US and was able to get the six-time champion to sit down for a series of interviews that will air across the season.
Jordan, the greatest Chicago Bulls player of all-time and arguably the greatest NBA player of all-time, has been elusive over the years, with the exception of his ‘The Last Dance’ documentary that dropped in 2020.
READ MORE: LeBron surpassed for highest career earnings after new deal
READ MORE: Will Smith visit broke LeBron’s relationship with star teammate
READ MORE: Two big stars are gone but Australia’s NBA influence is growing
Michael Jordan speaks in a rare interview. NBC
Speaking with long-time sports broadcaster Mike Tirico, Jordan made the surprising revelation that he hasn’t played any basketball, casual or otherwise, in a long time.
“I haven’t picked up a ball in years,” Jordan told NBC.
“You don’t see a hoop anywhere around here (my house) right?”
And he admits the last time he did pick up a basketball he was incredibly nervous about what he would be able to produce.
“I was at the Ryder Cup and I rented a house from the owner and he came over to do pictures and grandkids and I was meet and greet and thanking them for allowing me to stay in the house and he had a basketball court,” Jordan said.
“He said ‘I want you to shoot one free throw’ and I said ‘really? I’ve already paid for the house’.
“So, when I stepped up to shoot the free throw, that’s the most nervous I have been in years. In years.
“The reason being is those kids heard the stories from their parents about what I did 30 years ago.
“So their expectation is from 30 years prior … and I haven’t touched a basketball.”
Did the shot go in? “Absolutely”.
“I got the most gratifying (swish). That made my whole week that I was able to please that kid not knowing if I could.”
Michael Jordan at the 2025 Ryder Cup. Getty
Jordan is a regular at the Ryder Cup golf tournament, having been photographed at the event dozens of times over the years.
As to why he agreed to return to the spotlight with NBC this season, Jordan said he feels the need to give something back to the sport.
He admits the fire still burns within him to play the highest level, but knows that’s not possible at 62.
“To pay it forward. I have that obligation to the game of basketball,” he said.
“Not financially, I’m OK. More or less as a basketball player to be able to pass on messages of success and dedication to the game of basketball.
“I love (basketball) like you wouldn’t believe (still). I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play the game of basketball today, because that’s who I am.
“That type of competition, that type of competitiveness is what I live for and I miss it. I miss that aspect of playing the game of basketball.
“Being able to challenge myself against what people see as great basketball.
“But it’s better for me to be sitting here talking to you as opposed to popping my Achilles and I’m in a wheelchair for a while.”
