Michael Jordan was 40 years old when he played his final game of pro basketball and has seldom even been seen holding a basketball in the 22 years since his career ended. So when WAS the last time The Airman held or even shot a basketball?
In an interview with Mike Tirico for NBC, Jordan made it clear that he rarely touches a basketball anymore and doesn’t even keep a hoop in his home.
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“I haven’t picked up a ball in years,” he declared.
Tirico pressed Jordan on the issue and Jordan said that the last time he did one was at the Ryder Cup when he did a meet-and-greet with the grandkids of the owner of a house he was renting for the event. He said that he agreed to shoot a free throw since those kids weren’t old enough to have ever seen him play. As a result, he was nervous because it had been so long since he had shot a ball.
“When I stepped up to shoot the free throw, it was the most nervous I’ve been in years,” Jordan said. “The reason being is those kids heard the stories from the parents about what I did 30 years ago. So their expectation is 30 years prior, and I haven’t touched a basketball.”
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But Jordan said he “absolutely” swished the ball through the net.
Michael Jordan’s Basketball Legacy
Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, with a career that redefined the NBA and global sports culture. Drafted third overall by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, Jordan quickly became a superstar, known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and competitive drive. Over 15 seasons, primarily with the Bulls, he led the team to six NBA championships (1991–1993, 1996–1998) and earned five regular-season MVP awards. His clutch performances, acrobatic drives to the basket, and ability to dominate both ends of the court made him a perennial All-Star and the league’s most marketable player. Jordan also became synonymous with the NBA’s global expansion in the 1990s, largely through his association with the Air Jordan brand and numerous international endorsements.
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Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during a NBA game. Michael Jordan played for the Chicago Bull from 1981 through 1998. Copyright 1986 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images)NBA Photos/Getty Images
After two brief retirements, Jordan returned to the NBA with the Washington Wizards from 2001 to 2003, demonstrating he could still perform at a high level despite being in his late 30s. He retired with 32,292 career points, ranking among the league’s all-time leaders, and left a legacy that extends far beyond statistics. His influence reshaped basketball, inspiring generations of players with his work ethic, leadership, and competitive mentality. Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, cementing his status as an icon whose impact on the sport and popular culture remains unparalleled.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
