Let’s say Jordan never came back to the NBA after the Bulls first 3peat. How do you think his legacy would be perceived? Would he have surely lost the GOAT title long ago? Would Kobe have a case against him? Would he still be as popular as he is now?
What would his legacy been like had he retires for good after the first 3 peat?
I think Jim Brown is a good parallel. He played 9 seasons, same as MJ before his first retirement, before retiring at the age of 30. He is still considered to be the greatest running back in NFL history and probably top 5 player of all time. I think Jordan would have been viewed the same way.