this post was submitted on 22 Oct 2023
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What if Jordan never got bored and retired/was shadow suspended (if you believe the conspiracy theories). Would the Bulls have won 8 straight? 6? How would Hakeem's career been perceived if they couldn't beat the Bulls instead of getting Ewing and a not yet ready to win Shaq?
The "shadow suspended" theory honestly makes no sense when you think about it. Stern was doing everything he could to grow the NBA, and MJ was huge in making the sport global. Why suspend him for something that wasn't out in the open?
MJ's father was murdered, and his dream was for MJ to play pro baseball. MJ, who was burnt out after a three-peat and Olympic run, retired afterward to play his father's favorite sport.
That's why you don't suspend him. There was enough hype that it kept the NBA front of mind, and MJ didn't lose face.
Jordan would have had to go full OJ for Stern to suspend him in the early 90s.