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Washington Wizards A healthy Jordan could lead Wizards to playoffs
Updated: Tuesday October 09, 2001 2:52 PM
By Marty Burns, CNNSI.com Michael Jordan loves challenges. He certainly couldn't have picked a bigger one than trying to lead his Wizards to the playoffs. Washington will need Jordan to regain his Hall of Fame form, since it didn't make many other significant moves during the offseason. The big question at training camp, obviously, will be how good can Jordan be? The 38-year-old superstar hasn't played in three seasons, but even at 75 percent of his old self, he would still be among the league's best. He'll play mostly at small forward, but fill in at shooting guard and point guard when needed. If Jordan can stay healthy, the Wizards could contend for a playoff spot. They still have holes at center and point guard, but they now have a veteran head coach in Doug Collins and greater flexibility to mask weaknesses.
If No. 1 draft pick Kwame Brown can handle the power forward spot, for example, it would enable Washington to slide former All-Star Christian Laettner into the center hole normally occupied by Jahidi White. The backcourt is in better shape as well. The addition of Tyronn Lue gives the Wizards a defensive stopper on small, quick players like Allen Iverson, as well as another true point guard to go with Chris Whitney. Washington also can go big, with Richard Hamilton manning the point and Courtney Alexander sliding in at shooting guard. Standout Stat: 11 Maximum times NBC is allowed to show a team's games during one season.
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