Nike signed him to a five-year deal worth $2.5m - the most ever for a basketball star.
But even the huge sums of money involved failed to make the public perceive Jordan as a greedy sportsman.
Most people considered him underpaid.
In their first year of sales, Nike Air Jordan shoes grossed $130m.
Former opponent Alvin Robertson suggested “the company should change its name to Mike”.
The offers continued to pour in and Jordan was soon advertising everything from aftershave to underwear.
By the time he retired for a second time in 1998, Fortune magazine estimated Jordan’s worth to the US economy had been $10 billion.
And fans at games held aloft banners proclaiming “Michael for President”.
He even got a glowing reference from Magaret Thatcher.
The Wizards missed out on capping Jordan’s final season with a place in the play-offs.
And Lue refuted suggestions that the media spotlight on them as a result of Jordan’s farewell tour had been a distraction to the side.
“It’s definitely been enjoyable being able to play with the best player that has ever played and learn the things you learn from him,” he said.
“Seeing a 40-year-old man go out every night and give 100% effort every time he steps on the court and play so hard.
“Us other guys have got to see that and go out and give the same effort - if a 40-year-old man who has done it all before can do it then why can’t we do it?
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