‘I’M Back’ Jordan Returns To Bulls Today

With two simple words - “I’m back” - Michael Jordan has ended his 17-month hiatus from basketball.

He is returning, ending more than a week of speculation, wild rumors and mediamobbed practices for the Chicago Bulls.

“He walked in this morning, shook my hand and said, ‘It’s a done deal,’ ” Bulls coach Phil Jackson said Saturday.

Jordan will make his return today against the Pacers at Indiana in a nationally televised game. The Chicago Tribune reported he will wear jersey No. 45, honoring his retired No. 23.

Terms of the deal were not revealed. Jordan, 32, had this year and next left on his previous contract that called for about $4 million annually.

But all the Bulls really needed to know was that Jordan, perhaps the most popular and well-known athlete in the world - certainly one of the most well-paid, with a line of endorsements that brings in a reported $30 million a year - was back.

“I think after having him on the floor tomorrow, I’ll be able to describe it … maybe I won’t be able to describe it,” Jackson said. “But once we see him out there in that red uniform playing for the Chicago Bulls, that’ll be the emotional moment we’ve looked for and we’ve all waited for.”

To many, Jordan was a god in long basketball shorts. His jersey was retired Nov. 1 and a statue of him unveiled in front of the United Center - across the street from the old Chicago Stadium, where the thrills he provided included a run of three NBA titles.

Jordan’s two words Saturday came in a statement released by his agent, David Falk. After practicing with the Bulls, Jordan sped out of the parking lot in his Corvette to a rousing ovation from hundreds of fans.

The Bulls then announced Jordan’s return with a short release.

“Michael Jordan today informed the Chicago Bulls that he is ending his retirement from professional basketball,” it said. “He will make his return to the Bulls lineup tomorrow when the Bulls face the Indiana Pacers.”

Rookie Dickey Simpkins was placed on the injured list to clear a roster spot.

Jackson said he didn’t know how much Jordan would play today. Jordan has not played in an NBA game since June 20, 1993, when he helped the Bulls beat Phoenix in Game 6 for their third straight title.

Jordan isn’t out of shape. He gave

up a short-lived baseball career with the Chicago White Sox this month rather than be caught between the owners and players during the strike. But he’ll need to get his wind and legs back on a basketball court.

It was unclear immediately what

contractual arrangements Jordan and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf had discussed because clubs are banned from negotiating with players until a new league-wide collective bargaining agreement is in place.

After the third championship, Jor dan stunned the NBA when he stepped away a month before the start of the 1993-94 season, saying he had little left to accomplish in the game.

His high-leaping, creative, incomparable style made him a worldwide figure, both as a performer and a pitchman.

Kids dribbling basketballs on playgrounds everywhere wanted to “Be Like Mike,” a ferocious, tonguewagging competitor who could not be guarded but who was, at the same time, charming with a big smile.

Jordan also had his troubles.

He’d been shadowed by gambling allegations. Then, in August 1993, his father was found slain in North Carolina.

Months later, he launched an improbable baseball career. He played Double-A last season with Birmingham, hitting .202, but also helping the team attract huge crowds. He even bought the team a new bus for the long road trips.

During his nine-year career with the Bulls, Jordan was the NBA’s most valuable player in 1988, 1991 and 1992 and became the first player to win the MVP Award in the NBA Finals three straight seasons.

Jordan won seven straight league scoring championships and had a career scoring average of 32.3 points, tops in league history.

Jordan also earned gold medals in

the Olympics in 1984 and 1992.

As a freshman at North Carolina in 1982, he hit the game-winning shot in the NCAA championship game against Georgetown, giving Tar Heels coach Dean Smith his first national title. He left for the NBA after his junior year.

Now, he’s back. The Bulls have 17 regular-season games remaining.

Chart: Michael Jordan returns to Chicago