Michael Jordan series debuts on NBC, Peacock

In an exclusive appearance Tuesday on NBC & Peacock, airing during halftime of the Oklahoma City Thunder against Houston Rockets, Michael Jordan spoke with Mike Tirico about how he spends his time after retirement, why he felt it was important to launch his series “MJ: Insights To Excellence” … and the unlikely time he felt pressure while attempting a free throw.

https://twitter.com/NBAonNBC/status/1980802246351671759

Jordan, who said he hadn’t touched a basketball in years, said he took his last shot a few years ago while renting a house during the Ryder Cup. The owner of the house asked Jordan if he wanted to shoot a free throw while his grandchildren were there – and that’s when Jordan felt the most nervous in years.

“The reason is these kids have heard their parents’ stories about what I did 30 years ago,” Jordan said, “so their expectations are 30 years ago and I haven’t touched a basketball.”

When Tirico said he hoped Jordan made the shot, how do you think one of the greatest players of all time would react?

“Absolutely,” Jordan confirmed. “I had the most rewarding (feeling) that made my whole week that I was able to please their children, without knowing if I could do it.”

Jordan’s conversation with Tirico was the first edition of a series that will appear throughout the season on NBC broadcasts.