NBA

This Week in NBA History (Jan. 13-19): Michael Jordan announces second retirement in 1999, the Wilt Chamberlain trade and more

Author Photo
Micheal Jordan announces 2nd retirement

There have been countless moments in the 74-year history of the NBA that stand the test of the time; performances and achievements that will never be forgotten.

Throughout the season, we'll take you back in time to relive some of the best moments from the past.

This week in NBA history for the week of January 13-19:

January 13th, 1999: Michael Jordan retires for the 2nd time

A month before the lockout shortened 1998-99 season tipped-off in February, Michael Jordan announced his second retirement from the game. He called curtains on his career as the three-time reigning NBA Champion and three-time reigning NBA Finals MVP. 

Jordan would come out of the retirement and return to the game before the start of the 2001-02 season to represent the Washington Wizards.

January 13th, 2001: Dominique Wilkins jersey retirement

On this date in 2001, Dominique Wilkins' #21 joined the likes of Bob Pettit and Lou Hudson as the only Hawks to have their numbers retired.

He played 882 games with the Hawks, averaging 26.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the course of 12 seasons.

January 15th, 1965: Wilt Chamberlain traded from Warriors to 76ers

Wilt Chamberlain as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers

On this date nearly five decades ago, Wilt Chamberlain was traded by the San Francisco Warriors to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Warriors, who were then in the middle of a 17-game losing streak, received Connie Dierking, Lee Shaffer, Paul Neumann and cash in exchange for shipping Chamberlain to Philadelphia.

January 16th, 1993: MJ scores 64 but loses to rookie Shaq 

Very rarely do you hear that Michael Jordan dropped 60-plus points and the Chicago Bulls came out on the losing side. Well, once such instance came on Jan. 16th in 1993 against a rookie Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic.

O'Neal responded to Jordan's season-high 64 points (27-49 FG's) with a monster double-double of 29 points (11-18 FG's) and 24 rebounds and led the Magic to a 128-124 overtime win.

January 16th, 2019: James Harden scores 58 in OT loss 

Nine times during the 2018-19 season, the Beard scored 50 or more points and thrice he finished on the losing side. One such instance was in Houston at the Toyota Center against the Brooklyn Nets.

Harden finished with 58 points (16-34 FG's), 10 rebounds, and six assists in 45 minutes of a possible 53. Despite his heroics, the Rockets couldn't answer the Nets' 16-7 late-game run to force overtime.

Spencer Dinwiddie scored 25 of his team-high 33 points (13-22 FG's) during the 4th Q and overtime to lead the Nets to the 145-142 upset win.

January 19, 2000: MJ joins the Wizards

Just over a year after he officially announced his retirement, Jordan joined the Washington Wizards franchise as a part-owner and President of Basketball Operations.

Author(s)