And just like that, greatness left the game.

Michael Jordan hung up his kicks and retired from the game of basketball.  Just because Mike was no longer in the League didn’t mean that Nike was finished with their game though.  The Nike Air Jordan IX came to the public and was repped heavily in the NBA by friends of Jordan including Mitch Richmond who took them to the All Star Game.

The “Powder Blue” colorway of the Air Jordan IX might be best remembered as it was a part of an advertising campaign that featured Mike reflecting on his glorious career wearing his UNC jersey sitting on a basketball.

Thankfully for the game of basketball and sneakers Mike returned to the game.  Thankfully for fans of this Air Jordan 9, the shoe will be returning…yes, you read that.  For a first for Throwback Thursday, we are pleased to announced that we saw the Air Jordan 9 in White/Black-University Blue listed as a 2010 release.  Check out more pics of a very well enjoyed pair after the break.

Be sure to watch the induction of Michael, as well as other greats David Robinson, John Stockton and coach Jerry Sloan, tonight on ESPN and NBA TV, from 6:30PM to 9:00PM, Eastern Time.

From Air Jordan 1s to Converse Pro Leathers, and from big games at Madison Square Garden to the Playoff performances that took legendary to a whole new level, here are our Top 23 Memorable Michael Moments.

Click here to see the final 23 Memorable Michael Moments.

In case you missed it, check out part 1 of our 50 Memorable Michael Jordan Moments.

Representing “The Championships” is the Jordan 6 Rings.  As you are probably aware, the Jordan 6 Rings is a hybrid of the seven different Air Jordans worn by MJ en route to his six NBA Championships.

The Jordan 6 Rings from the Jordan Moments Collection will officially release on September 5th with a box price of $175.  More shots after the break.

Though several stores have started selling these early, they will be released at Concepts on their official release date of August 29th with the box price of $145.

Concepts
37 Brattle St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.868.2001
[MAP]

The 1980’s were owned by the Lakers and Celtics.  Between 1980 and 1989, either or both of the Celtic and Lakers played in every NBA Finals.  Just as that chapter was coming to a close, Michael Jordan and the Bulls were writing their chapter in the history of the game.

In June of 1991, MJ and the Bulls made their first appearance in the NBA Finals against Magic and the Lakers.  The Bulls narrowly lost the first game of the series, but went on a rampage winning the next four games closing out the series in front of an LA crowd at the Forum.

As we celebrate next month’s enshrinement of Michael Jordan into the Basketball Hall of Fame as well as the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Air Jordan series, many will remember the Air Jordan 6 for being the shoes Michael Jordan wore while winning his first of 6 NBA Championships.

The Air Jordan 6 will return in a Black/Varsity Red colorway in January of 2010, but a few pairs are available early at MarqueeSole for $300.

The countdown is on until the greatest of all time being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.  To celebrate this ultimate accomplishment by Michael Jordan, Jordan Brand assembled the Jordan Moments Collection that remembers some of MJ’s greatest moments.

The Jordan Moments Collection celebrates The Beginning, The Championships, and The Future.  Being the shoe that started it all, the Air Jordan 1 was selected to represent The Beginning.  The shoe features a black leather and patent leather upper with the moments repeating graphic on the ankle collar and side panel.  This graphic depicts a series of numbers that tell the story of MJ’s great accomplishments and defining moments throughout his career.  This graphic is carried through the entire collection.

The Air Jordan 1 “Moments” will release on September 5th for $125.