In 2001, Gates received a telephone call from Michael Jordan. Jordan was getting in shape so he could return to the NBA and play for the Washington Wizards. Initially Gates was invited to practice with Jordan, then Jordan started inviting professional NBA players to raise the level of competition and Gates stopped coming to practice. Jordan called Gates, "Will, we got your spot. I didn't give it away just because these guys showed up." Before Gates had a chance to try out for the Wizards he fractured his foot and decided to retire from basketball permanently.