Will Michael Jordan Play Basketball Again at 50?

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Some people remember Michael Jordan as a miracle worker; the one who excelled in the face of illness and fatigue and won championships with game-winning jump shots. Some remember Michael Jordan as the man who defied gravity; he who floated from the foul line to win the 1988 Slam Dunk contest and once long enough to drop an infamous buzzer-beating shot over Craig Ehlo. Others remember Michael Jordan as the greatest corporate pitchman of all-time; the "mediagenic superstar who transcended race, culture and nationality."

Yet as Jordan was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame just over a week ago – with a Michael Jordan exhibit, monumental ceremony and career highlights video - it was all too finite for Jordan. Jordan had a difficult time embracing the moment, and many fans and media members were critical of his induction speech. I'm surprised how many found it to be incensing rather than insightful.

Michael used the forum to credit those who discounted his abilities for motivating him throughout his career. Some people took this as Michael holding grudges; I viewed it as evidence that he still has the fire to play basketball. Most indicative of this was his final remark:

"One day you might look up and see me playing a game at 50. Don't laugh. Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion."

This quote clearly supports the idea that Michael Jordan would play in the NBA again. Furthermore, in his pre-speech conversation with ESPN's Michael Wilbon, he added:

"I feel like I still got so much to do. You know I love the game. I'm always gonna love the game. I'm always gonna feel like keeping people off guard by not knowing - I can still play the game if I choose to play the game. I can run with the young horses; don't put me out grazing yet. But it's still my choice."

So the question remains: Can and will Michael Jordan play in the NBA at the age of 50?

The "can" in this question has two parts.

1) After being elected to the Hall of Fame, is he able to un-retire and play again? Would he have that opportunity?

Although Hall of Fame induction is customarily the symbolic end of a player's career, it doesn't have to be. Many former athletes talk about wishing for an opportunity to continue their playing careers, but very few are allowed to after a certain age. Old age diminishes their talent until they are no longer valuable to a team. Jordan, as part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, clearly knows the supreme value he can provide to his team.

Forbes magazine valued the Bobcats at $284 million in December; next-to-last in the NBA. Upon Bobcats Sports and Entertainment CFO Michael Behrman resigning in July, the Charlotte Business Journal reported the team's season ticket base to be 5,500; 26 percent below the Bobcat's estimate last fall. Additionally, industry experts estimate the team loses $30 million to $40 million annually. Attendance, TV ratings and sponsorship continue to rank among the lowest in the league. Attendance for the 2008-09 season was 14,574 fans per game. The NBA average was 17,520.

Meanwhile, Bobcats majority owner Robert Johnson is aggressively searching for new investors in the team, and looking to discuss with Jordan the opportunity to take on a larger share. If M.J. were to buy a majority share in the Bobcats, he knows the best (and perhaps only) way to bail the team out of the NBA's basement is by returning as a player.

If "Air Jordan" comes back, TV ratings (and the price for broadcasting rights) would skyrocket. Ticket prices would soar and the Bobcats would likely sell out the majority (or all) home and away games. Jordan's jersey (and other Jordan/Bobcats apparel) would launch merchandising revenue through the roof. In short, the global appeal of Michael Jordan returning to the hardwood would immediately save the Charlotte Bobcats franchise.

Now part two comes into play:

2) Would Jordan be able to physically and mentally compete?

Along with his "I can still run with the young horses" comment, Michael had more to say suggesting his confidence in this matter:

"The body is probably the biggest thing that allows us,

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