Michael Jordan: “I wish I could take a magic pill and play today”

After more than two decades off the air, NBC is officially back in the NBA business. The network last aired a game in 2002—Game 4 of the Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Jersey Nets, when Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal clinched their third straight title. Now, in the 2025–26 season, NBC has returned with a splash—and a legend.

Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, made a surprise appearance during Opening Night as a special contributor. His debut came in the premiere of MJ: Insights to Excellence, a new segment airing on NBC and Peacock. In a brief but powerful three-minute interview filmed at his home, Jordan opened up to Mike Tirico about his competitive fire and life after basketball.

Jordan misses the competitive side of playing basketball

“In all honesty, I wish I could take a magic pill, put on the shorts and go out and play the game of basketball today because that’s who I am.,” Jordan said. “That type of competitiveness is what I live for, and I miss it… But it’s better for me to be sitting here talking to you as opposed to popping my Achilles and in a wheelchair for a while.””

Basketball legend and global icon

Now 62, Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA—13 with the Chicago Bulls and two with the Washington Wizards. Drafted third overall in 1984, he quickly became a scoring phenomenon before evolving into a six-time champion and global icon.

His titles came in two legendary three-peats: 1991–1993 and 1996–1998. He briefly retired in 1993 to pursue baseball following the tragic murder of his father, then stepped away again in 1998 after his sixth ring—only to return in 2001 for a final stint with the Wizards, where he also served as President of Basketball Operations.

His last NBA game was on April 16, 2003, against the Philadelphia 76ers. Jordan scored 15 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in a 107–87 loss. He never played in the league again.

“I haven’t picked up a basketball in years,” Jordan admitted. “I rented a house once, and the owner had a court. He asked me to shoot a free throw in front of his grandkids. I was more nervous than I’ve been in years”.

Jordan remained connected to the NBA until 2023, when he sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion. His return to NBC marks a nostalgic full-circle moment for fans who grew up watching him dominate the league—and now get to hear his insights from the broadcast booth.

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