Jordan was known for greatness but almost more for being, as he said, "a compulsive competitive guy." So there was a wistfulness at the ceremony as he spoke about the finality of the honor.
"This is not fun for me," Jordan said. "I don't like being up here for the Hall of Fame because at that time your basketball career is completely over, the way I look at it. I was hoping this day would be 20 more years, or actually go in when I'm dead and gone.
"Because now, all along . . . you always [could] put shorts on and go out and play. Now, when you get into the Hall of Fame, what else is there to do? This is kind of a love-hate thing for me - great accomplishment, great respect that everybody's paying, but for me, I always want to be able to have you thinking that I can always go back and play the game of basketball, put my shorts on. As long as you have that thought, you never know what can happen . . .
"Am I? No. But I'd like for you to think that way. Hall of Fame, to me, is like, 'OK, it's over and done with, it's pretty much done, you can't ever put a uniform back on.' It's totally the end of your basketball career. But it's a great accomplishment. I don't walk away from it. But I never envisioned myself really wanting to be up here so quickly. I wanted it to be when I'm 70 years old, 80 years old. I'm 45 and I still think I can play. You guys don't know if I can or can't but at least I've got you thinking that way."
When he spoke about influences on his career, former North Carolina coach Dean Smith was the first name Jordan brought up. When talking about the game today, he said he is just beginning to get comfortable with being a spectator.
