Michael Jordan makes poignant admission about retirement as NBA legend makes NBC debut

Michael Jordan has confessed that he wishes he could take a 'magic pill' that would allow him to return to the court and challenge the best basketball players of today.

'I miss it,' the NBA legend admitted during his debut on NBC's coverage of Opening Night Tuesday. Jordan is back on TV as part of a new series entitled 'MJ: Insights to Excellence.'

In his first conversation with broadcaster Mike Tirico, the six-time NBA champion revealed that he hasn't picked up a basketball in a long time.

But Jordan - who retired for good in 2003- said he would love the chance to roll back the years and take on the sport's new icons.

When asked if he still loves the sport, the 62-year-old said: 'I love it like you wouldn't believe. 

'In all honesty, I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play the game of basketball today. Because that's who I am. 

'That type of competition, that type of competitiveness is what I live for. And I miss it! I miss that aspect of playing basketball - being able to challenge myself against what people see as great basketball.'

'But it's better for me to be sitting here talking to you, as opposed to popping my Achilles and I'm in a wheelchair for a while!'

Jordan was speaking at halftime of the opening game of the new NBA season between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.

MORE TO FOLLOW