Today in Performance Sneaker History: Michael Jordan Announces Return to the NBA

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Complex Original

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On October 3, 1993, Michael Jordan shocked the sports world when he announced his retirement from the NBA. After a brief stint with the Birmingham Barons in minor league baseball, Jordan would eventually return to the game he's known for. That day would come on March 18, 1995, with what may be the most concise, yet effective, press release of all time: "I'm back." With those two words, every single player in the league who didn't wear Bulls red was put on notice.

The following night, Jordan would don the number 45, due to the fact that his normal 23 jersey had been retired. Mike hit the court showing little signs of rust, as he put up 19 points, six assists, and another six rebounds. Also impressive was the fact that this televised return drew the highest Neilsen rating of any regular season NBA match-up in twenty years.

Jordan would briefly wear the Air Jordan 10, but was eventually stopped by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. With a supple leather upper and an outsole paying tribute to Jordan's career accomplishments, the Air Jordan 10 is not only a high performance choice but featured a number of style cues that would remain in place for the next model. There's no word yet on an Air Jordan 10 re-release anytime soon, but as always, stick with Sneaker Report for the latest.

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