Why did Jordan only play 18 games in 1985?

Michael Jordan, the consensus GOAT of basketball, faced career jeopardy early on when he only played 18 games in the 1985 season. In just the third game, Jordan broke his navicular tarsal bone in his foot – an injury that often ended careers. He subsequently missed the next 64 games before an improbable comeback for the final 15 games.

The Seriousness of Jordan‘s Debilitating Injury

The navicular bone provides important support in the foot. So when Jordan fractured that bone, there were no guarantees that it would fully heal after surgery. Jordan also risked losing his otherworldly leaping ability that was critical for his gameplay.

At just 22 years old and only in his second season, Jordan faced doubts if he could return to form or if the injury was too devastating. The Bulls spiralled down the standings without Jordan, finishing just 30-52 on the year. And there seemed to be no incentivize for the team to rush back their star player.

But Jordan immersed himself in rigorous rehab determined to play as soon as doctors permitted it. He worked arduously on his upper body strength to compensate for extended time off his feet. Through a careful minutes restriction and substitution patterns, Jordan returned for the final 15 games.

Proof of His Excellence Despite Injury Limitations

Jordan understandably had limited mobility and explosion after the long layoff. And the Bulls implemented precautions to prevent re-aggravating the foot. Yet the numbers show that even a wounded Jordan excelled in his 18 games played:

For context, Jordan‘s scoring average over 18 games would have ranked 9th highest that season behind superstars like Bird, Dantley, and King. Advanced shooting metrics also demonstrated that Jordan maintained proficiency despite having less lift on jumps.

Quite simply, Jordan was determined to prove, even while still recovering, that he could perform at an All-Star caliber level. That mindset was further motivation during the long offseason ahead.

Jordan‘s Early Playoff Frustrations Before Breakthrough

In Jordan‘s early career, his Bulls teams suffered gut wrenching Playoff exits in 1987, 1988, 1989 to the Celtics and Pistons – including multiple sweeps the years after his injury return. Each series often involved physical play or perceived slights that infuriated the uber-competitive Jordan.

Those painful early exits fueled Jordan‘s obsessive drive in the offseason. He rigorously refined his shooting touch, fundamentals, and cardio shape in anticipation of returning favors against Boston and Detroit. Jordan also evolved as a leader – learning to better elevate teammates rather than primarily barrage defenses alone.

Thus without Jordan‘s trial-by-fire adjusting to early Playoff adversity, he may have never captured the ultimate prize. The bitter disappointment of early exits made the 1991 Championship breakthrough so sweet and set the stage for the greater dynasty ahead.