In the latest episodes of ESPN's hit docu-series “The Last Dance,” former Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson was asked to share his thoughts on Michael Jordan's shock retirement in 1993. At that time, Jackson had just coached the Bulls to their third straight title, and Jordan's decision to turn his back on the game took even Jackson by surprise.

Jackson probably already had an inclination about Jordan's impending retirement. He was a first-hand witness as to the many trials and tribulations MJ went through — including and perhaps most significantly the untimely death of his father — so in a way, Jackson saw where Jordan was coming from.

Nevertheless, Jackson still believed that by retiring at the very peak of his career, Jordan was withholding a precious gift to the rest of the world:

“This was, you know, a young man that had gone through some heart-rending things,” Jackson said, via Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report. “You're denying a gift to society, but I understand. You know, I understand.”

As described in the series, Jackson and Jordan had somewhat of a father-and-son relationship. Jackson was the type that made an extra effort to get close to his players, and his relationship to Jordan was no different.

This is also the very reason why despite his disappointment, Jackson knew deep down that at that point in time, taking a break from basketball was what Jordan needed.

It wouldn't be impossible to think that having had such a strong bond with Michael, Jackson also probably had a feeling that Jordan would be back sooner rather than later.