On September 25 , 2001 , Jordan announced his return to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards , indicating his intention to donate his salary as a player to a relief effort for the victims of the September 11 attacks . In an injury-plagued 2001 – 02 season , he led the team in scoring ( 22.9 ppg ) , assists ( 5.2 apg ) , and steals ( 1.42 spg ) . However , torn cartilage in his right knee ended Jordan 's season after only 60 games , the fewest he had played in a regular season since playing 17 games after returning from his first retirement during the 1994 – 95 season . Jordan started 53 of his 60 games for the season , averaging 24.3 points , 5.4 assists , and 6.0 rebounds , and shooting 41.9 % from the field in his 53 starts . His last seven appearances were in a reserve role , in which he averaged just over 20 minutes per game
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Michael Jordan