When Did Michael Jordan Change His Number From 23 to 45?
By Scott Rogust
The ESPN docu-series "The Last Dance" has allowed even the most diehard basketball fan to see another side of Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. Of course, we're all used to seeing him don the No. 23 throughout the majority of his NBA career, but do you remember when he didn't wear those famous digits?
Yes, let's travel back to 1995, when Jordan returned from his first retirement.
Michael Jordan returns as No. 45 to the @chicagobulls in 1995.
— NBA (@NBA) May 9, 2020
The Last Dance continues Sunday, May 10 at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/3UEyltsZCo
Once the Bulls won their third consecutive NBA title in 1993, Jordan shockingly announced he was stepping away from the hardwood in the wake of the tragic death of his father, James, and losing his love for the game. After putting the NBA behind him, Jordan pursued a baseball career with the Double-A affiliate for the Chicago White Sox, the Birmingham Barons.
After spending over a year on the diamond, MJ decided to return to basketball, but he wanted to switch things up. Jordan insisted on wearing No. 45 to signify a new beginning in his life. Notably, it was the very first number he wore in high school.
Jordan made his official return on March 19, 1995 against the Indiana Pacers in a 103-96 overtime loss. In that contest, Jordan shot 7-28 from the field for 19 points. He would continue to wear No. 45 for the remainder of the regular season and through Chicago's first-round playoff matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.
When Michael Jordan returned from retirement in '95, he changed his number to 45. Then, between Game 1 and 2 of the '95 EC semifinals, he switched back to No. 23.
— Jasmyn Wimbish (@JasmynWimbish) May 8, 2020
Here's why he wore 45, and what the Orlando Magic did to make him switch back. #LastDance https://t.co/olr6LjNypY
But after losing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Orlando Magic, Nick Anderson mocked Jordan by saying that he didn't have his signature explosiveness, and infamously claimed "45 isn't 23." That comment awoke the sleeping bear. Jordan willingly paid a $25,000 fine to wear No. 23 in Game 2, and proceeded to drop 38 points on the Magic to tie the series up at one game apiece. (Orlando did end up edging out the Bulls in that series, but the message was sent.)
It was weird to see Jordan wear a number other than 23, but he had good reason for a switch-up. We can all thank Nick Anderson for making him revert back to his signature digits. Never anger Jordan...ever!