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Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan: “I wish I could take a magic pill”

Michael Jordan claps
Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

Michael Jordan is back! It’s official. Fans got a small glimpse into Jordan’s new show with NBC titled “MJ: Insights to Excellence.”

Related: WATCH: NBA on NBC promo

During his sit-down with NBC’s Mike Tirico, Jordan explained why he’s doing this partnership with NBC. He also shared insight into his mindset with the NBA, and how he wishes for a “magic pill.”

“You never really know when you’re in the prime of your career how much time you really do not have for family,” Jordan began. “That’s what I have time to do now. The most valuable asset I have is time. So that’s probably why you don’t see enough of me, because that time I’m trying to spend with family members and things that I’ve been missing out on for such a long time.”

Tirico asked Jordan if he still played basketball during his free time, which Jordan claimed he didn’t. The longtime NBC analyst then asked Jordan when the last time he shot a ball was.

Jordan explained that it was years ago while attending the Ryder Cup. He rented a house for the event and the homeowner had a special request: shoot one free throw on the property’s basketball court.

Jordan, who was now in front of the owner’s grandkids, claimed he was nervous to take the shot.

“When I stepped up to shoot the free throw, it’s the most nervous I’ve been in years,” Jordan said. “The reason being is those kids heard the stories from their parents about what I did 30 years ago.”

When asked if he swished the shot, Jordan replied, “Absolutely.”

As to why Jordan agreed to take on this new role with NBC, he stated it was his duty to “pay it forward.”

“I have an obligation to the game of basketball,” Jordan explained. “To be able to pass on messages of success and dedication to the game.”

Lastly, Tirico asked Jordan if he still loved the game. Jordan’s answer was poetic and true to his famous killer mindset.

“I love it like you wouldn’t believe,” Jordan said. “In all honesty, 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. 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.”

Watch the full clip below.

About the Author Published Oct 22, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1

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