Michael Jordan returned to the highlight Tuesday evening (October 21) as he made his on-air debut as a particular contributor for NBC Sports in the course of the community’s first NBA broadcast in over 20 years.

The Hall of Famer appeared throughout halftime of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets season opener, becoming a member of play-by-play veteran Mike Tirico to mirror on his new function and his evolving connection to the sport that outlined his legacy.

“I have an obligation to the game of basketball … as a basketball player is to be able to pass on messages of success and dedication to the game of basketball,” Jordan stated, explaining his motivation for getting into broadcasting after a long time away from the mic.

NBC’s NBA relaunch leaned closely into nostalgia, reviving John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” theme and utilizing synthetic intelligence to recreate the voice of late announcer Jim Fagan.

“We have an obligation to pay it forward. That’s part of what this is all about.”

Watch Michael Jordan’s first dialog with Mike Tirico within the first version of MJ: Insights To Excellence. pic.twitter.com/7tfzGm6SpM

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 22, 2025

The community first revealed Jordan’s involvement again in May, however Tuesday’s look marked his first on-camera contribution.

Michael Jordan Reveals He Misses The Game

Now 62, Jordan admitted he not often picks up a basketball anymore, although he nonetheless feels the pull of competitors.

He shared a narrative about taking pictures a free throw at a rental property whereas watching the Ryder Cup, saying he was unexpectedly nervous.

“The reason being is those kids heard the stories from the parents about what I did 30 years ago,” he stated. “So, their expectation is 30 years prior, and I haven’t touched a basketball.”

When Tirico requested if he made the shot, Jordan didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely. That made my whole week.”

Jordan additionally opened up in regards to the emotional distance he now feels from the courtroom, acknowledging he misses the depth of the sport however is aware of his physique can’t sustain.

“I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play the game of basketball today because that’s who I am,” he stated. “That type of competition, that type of competitiveness is what I live for, and I miss it. I miss that aspect of playing the game of basketball, being able to challenge myself against what people see as great basketball. But it’s better for me to be sitting here talking to you as opposed to popping my Achilles and I’m in a wheelchair for a while.”

NBC’s NBA comeback is a part of a long-term media rights deal set to start within the 2025-26 season. Jordan’s presence provides weight to the community’s protection, which additionally consists of Reggie Miller as lead analyst.

The subsequent episode of Jordan’s collection, “MJ: Insights to Excellence,” airs October 28 and can discover matters like load administration.

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