Peter Sim
Scottie Pippen Persuades Michael Jordan to Come Back with Air Jordan 10
I have many favorite Kicks On Court moments, but the one that jumps out in my mind is when Scottie Pippen used the Air Jordan 10 to persuade Michael Jordan to come back to the NBA after announcing his first retirement. I remember watching it live on TV, and I believe it was a month or two before MJ came back. Scottie was wearing the “Chicago” Air Jordan 10s during a Bulls game and while he was sitting on the bench, he looked at the camera, motioned to the camera person to zoom in closer, and pointed to the imprinted MJ accolades on the outsole of the “Chicago” 10s. I don’t think he even said a word, and he didn’t have to – it was crystal clear that the NBA and the rest of the world needed Mike back.
I remember the energy was insane when the rumor broke that MJ was talking about returning. Everyone – no literally, EV-ER-Y-ONE on TV – was talking about it and pleading to Michael to come back. Bill Clinton dropped it in his speech on unemployment, Magic was on his knees literally begging Mike to come back, it was crazy. This was also before the Internet, so I was glued to the TV, just waiting for news of MJ’s return. Sure enough, Michael came back against the Pacers rocking the “Chicago” 10s and the rest is history.
