One of the most fleeting chapters of Michael Jordan's career is preserved in this original Type 1 color photograph, showing "His Airness" wearing his short-lived #45 against Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic at Chicago's United Center. Shot from an elevated courtside angle, the image catches the ball hanging above the rim as Luc Longley (#13) battles O'Neal (#32) for position in the lane, while Orlando's Horace Grant (#54) and Nick Anderson (#25) and Jordan, in his Bulls home whites, track the play. A courtside fan's "HE'S BACK!" sign and vintage Kemper and Taco Bell signage add wonderful period flavor.

Jordan donned #45 when he ended his baseball sabbatical in March 1995, and the number became a symbol of his comeback until Orlando eliminated Chicago in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a series in which Jordan famously switched back to #23. Photographs pairing Jordan in #45 with a young O'Neal are scarce and capture a true turning point, as the Bulls answered a year later by sweeping the Magic on the way to their 72-win championship season.

The color print presents with strong color and clarity. The reverse bears a photofinisher's machine imprint with some scattered spotting and toning. Authenticated by PSA/DNA as a Type 1 photograph and encapsulated (cert. #85919031). A conversation-starting piece that brings together two of the most dominant figures of 1990s basketball during one of the most talked-about seasons in NBA history.