If MJ had lost to Barkley in 1993, does he retire?

[WhiteKyrie]

No. But Michael Jordan doesn’t lose. That’s the point. He’s the only guy that doesn’t disappoint like that. And if he was like one of these bitch ass modern players, like a LeBron or a Kevin Durant? He probably would’ve joined up with Charles Barkley the very next year.

[MadDog]

Who knows, just be grateful he didn't. MJ was already mentally exhausted in 1993, and told his father he was ready to play another sport. Had the Bulls lost in 93, Jordan's motivation probably changes. NOT retiring though isn't a surefire thing.

[3ba11]

Who knows, just be grateful he didn't. MJ was already mentally exhausted in 1993, and told his father he was ready to play another sport. Had the Bulls lost in 93, Jordan's motivation probably changes. NOT retiring though isn't a surefire thing.

Kobe was exhausted in 2011 when he failed to 3-peat

Wade was exhausted in 2014 when he failed to 3-peat

But you know what those guys did?.. They trudged forward because they lost.. If they'd 3-peated and averaged 40 ppg (and let's assume this was unprecedented in 3-pointer history), maybe they would've been like, "you know what? I'm out"

Jordan's unprecedented winning and dominance gave him the luxury to retire - and no one ever considered what MJ would've done if he lost, because it wasn't ever a consideration, before or after the Finals

[Hey Yo]

What if Reinsdorf didnt own the White Sox? Whose going to offer MJ a minor league try out / contract.

It made it much more convenient for MJ to make the transition that Jerry did own them. He was still under contract and that would have been forfeited by retiring and playing baseball in a different city.

With the lockout, he's not able to just suit up for the Bulls cause there's no contract anymore. Don't know the rules about signing a player during the season, who just recently retired??

A lot of things were in his favor, on both ends, for him to attempt baseball and able to come back to the Bulls.

Hell, he probably doesnt come back until 96' training camp and never plays in 95'

[MadDog]

Kobe was exhausted in 2011 when he failed to 3-peat

Wade was exhausted in 2014 when he failed to 3-peat

But you know what those guys did?.. They trudged forward because they lost.. If they'd 3-peated and averaged 40 ppg (and let's assume this was unprecedented in 3-pointer history), maybe they would've been like, "you know what? I'm out"

Jordan's unprecedented winning and dominance gave him the luxury to retire - and no one ever considered what MJ would've done if he lost, because it wasn't ever a consideration, before or after the Finals

Very well could be true. By that point, Jordan had all time showmanship. Was the career PPG leader in the regular-season, playoffs and finals. Had various statistical records. And won three straight titles, which hadn't been done since the 60s Celtics. Jordan also won 3x FMVP which had never been done. His peak was so dominant he really didn't have anything to prove.

To assume he "loses" would be us taking away from said dominance. Might've left a window open to play another year, but be glad it never came down to that.