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Michael Jordan has often been referred to as the greatest player in the history of the NBA. The legendary Chicago Bulls superstar won six championships during his illustrious career.
What was even more impressive about Jordan's six championships was the fact that he never lost on the biggest stage. In six NBA Finals, Jordan went a perfect 6-0. But that perfect record has also turned into one of the biggest what-ifs in the history of the sport.
After his first three-peat, Michael Jordan shocked the world with the news that he was retiring in 1993. Jordan stepped away to pursue a career in baseball. He missed one full season before returning in March 1995. During that two-season span, the Houston Rockets won two championships.
Once Jordan returned and had a full offseason under his belt to get into basketball shape, the Bulls went on to another three-peat.
Former NBA veteran and current ESPN analyst Jalen Rose said Jordan could have added more titles if he didn't retire:
"Michael Jordan has two seperate three-peats. That's why I consider him the GOAT. So, imagine what would have happened had he not retired."
Looking back at the career of NBA legend Michael Jordan
The retirement of Michael Jordan at the prime of his career will always be one of the most fascinating stories in NBA history. The Chicago Bulls won three straight championships from 1991 to 19993. They were a team that looked to be unstoppable.
When Jordan stepped away from the Bulls, the team overachieved in their first season. After that, it was clear they were missing a gigantic hole in their core with Jordan's absence.
Once Jordan announced he would return to basketball, it was near the end of the 1994-95 season. In all, Jordan had 17 regular season games under his belt to attempt to get back in basketball shape. It proved to be too challenging, as the Bulls were eliminated in the playoffs by the Orlando Magic.
Eventually, Jordan and the Chicago Bulls came back stronger than ever after a full offseason. Chicago won a then-NBA record 72 games during the 1995-96 season, starting the beginning of their next three-peat.
