12 NBA Legends Who Came Back After Retiring
Some NBA players have stepped away, only to return and play at a high level again. These athletes weren’t content with their careers ending or letting injuries define them. When they came back, they still had plenty to offer—whether through leadership, scoring, or defense. Their returns reshaped team dynamics and proved that age or past injuries didn’t always tell the whole story.
Michael Jordan
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The legend did it three times. Michael Jordan’s first goodbye in 1993 shocked fans, especially since it came after a three-peat with the Bulls. He made his famous return in 1995 with the iconic fax: “I’m back.” After stepping away once more in 1999, Jordan shocked the world by lacing up again with the Washington Wizards in 2001.
Magic Johnson
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Magic Johnson’s retirement in 1991 was emotional and shocking, but he wasn’t done. He returned to the 1992 All-Star Game and earned MVP. Then, in 1996, he came back again, this time for 32 games with the Lakers. He even averaged 14.6 points and 6.9 assists per game—at 36!
Brandon Roy
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In 2011, fans watched Brandon Roy tearfully call it quits as his knees just couldn’t take the grind. A year later, he shocked the basketball world by signing with the Timberwolves for a brief return. While his second stint was short-lived, it served as a reminder of his fluid playing style.
Bob Cousy
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Bob Cousy was 41, coaching the Cincinnati Royals, and hadn’t played in six years when he decided to suit up again. In 1969, he logged seven games and even scored a few points. Sure, it wasn’t about stats. It was proving that the older man still had moves.
George Mikan
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George Mikan wasn’t just the NBA’s first big man—he was the big man. After dominating in the early ’50s and retiring in 1954, he was persuaded to return for a short stint in 1955 with the Minneapolis Lakers. His brief return is often forgotten, but his presence ignited a new generation.
Scottie Pippen
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Scottie Pippen’s second act with the Bulls in 2003 felt more like a reunion tour than a comeback. After winning six titles in the ‘90s and spending post-Jordan years with the Rockets and Blazers, he signed back with Chicago for a final lap. It wasn’t about numbers; it was about closure.
Kevin Willis
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The NBA’s ultimate “I’m still here” guy! Kevin Willis first sat down in 2005. Then, he came back in 2007 and signed with the Mavericks for one last shot at the playoffs. He only played five games, but it was enough to make him the oldest active player in the league that season.
Dennis Rodman
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Dennis Rodman wasn’t exactly the retiring type, but even he took a break… briefly. After departing from the Lakers in 1999, he spent some time in the ABA before rejoining the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks in 2000.
Bill Walton
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Bill Walton’s feet gave out long before his skills did. He retired in 1987 but tried to make a comeback in the early ’90s with the Celtics. It never made it to the court—his body just wouldn’t let it happen. Still, the attempt says a lot.
Stephon Marbury
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After stints with the Knicks and Celtics, Stephon Marbury stepped away in 2009. Then came the twist: he reinvented himself in China. He won three CBA titles with the Beijing Ducks. He made a brief NBA comeback attempt in 2010 but decided to stay overseas.
Arvydas Sabonis
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Arvydas Sabonis is what happens when a basketball genius arrives late but still leaves jaws dropped. He retired from the NBA in 2001, went home to Lithuania, then made a surprise comeback for the 2003-2004 season with his old club Žalgiris Kaunas to play for the EuroLeague All-Star Game that year.
Rasheed Wallace
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Rasheed Wallace randomly popped up in a Knicks jersey during the 2012–13 season. He’d been out of the league since 2010, but still had something in the tank. During that stretch, he hit threes, played solid defense, and even got ejected. He brought energy to a young Knicks squad.