When Michael Jordan announced his decision to return to the NBA after more than three years in retirement, Sir Charles was concerned for his friend's health. Having seen his own career cut short by a knee injury, Barkley didn't want Jordan to suffer a similar fate. But MJ's competitive fire burned too hot to heed Barkley's warnings, and now he may pay for it.
Following Sunday's nine-point performance against the Heat in which he was unable to play as the game was being decided, Jordan announced that he was contemplating going on the injured list for the first time since breaking his foot in 1985. He also admitted that the condition of his knee (chronic tendinitis, possibly arthritis) could force "a closure" to his career.
That statement alone gave Jordan no choice but to opt for arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday in the hope that he can come back strong and finish out the season in the playoffs as planned. In the wide-open East, anything is possible. It remains to be seen whether the same can still be said of His Airness.
You gotta have hope Jalen Rose wasn't thrilled about being traded to Chicago, but he's made the best of it so far. In leading the Bulls to three consecutive wins, Rose averaged more than 24 points and provided a much-needed boost of energy. "Obviously, it's an exciting time to find progress," Rose said after his team's victory over Golden State on Saturday. "Now, we have to continue to build on it."
When it rains ...
The Knicks' season took another hit Monday when an MRI revealed that the muscle tear in Marcus Camby's injured hip hasn't improved much, which means the center is expected to sit out the rest of the regular season. At 20-34, New York is in 12th place in the East, 6 1/2 games out of a playoff spot, so there isn't likely to be a postseason appearance for Camby, either.
Official proceedings
Former Nets star and current NBC analyst Jayson Williams surrendered to authorities Monday and was charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of a 55-year-old limo driver. Williams, who was released on $250,000 bail and required to turn over his weapons to police, faces five to 15 years in prison if convicted.
SWISH: Detroit Pistons
In beating the Raptors on Friday in Toronto, the Pistons set a franchise record with their seventh consecutive road victory. Detroit's previous mark of six was reached five other times, most recently in 1990, when Detroit won its last NBA title.
BRICK: Elden Campbell
Elden Campbell forgot the score, and it cost the Hornets a chance at a "W." With Charlotte trailing New Jersey 95-93 and about one second left on the clock, Campbell grabbed a rebound but failed to take an open 6-foot shot, kicking it out for a 3-pointer instead. "It was just a mental mistake on my part, thinking we needed a 3," Campbell said after Sunday's game. "I was right there, wide open for a layup, and I just blew
it."
SWISH: Dirk Nowitzki The Mavs' versatile big man has put up back-to-back efforts of more than 20 points and 20 rebounds. In Dallas' past two games (victories over Boston and Sacramento), Nowitzki averaged 29.5 points and 22 rebounds.
BRICK: Toronto Raptors
Not even the return of Vince Carter could jolt the Raptors out of their losing skid. Carter, who had been out of action since the All-Star break, scored 28 points Sunday against the Sonics in his first game back, but that didn't stop Toronto from losing for the eighth time in a row. At 29-29, the Raptors are five games behind the first-place Bucks in the Central Division.
SWISH: New Jersey Nets
With a 38-17 record, the Nets are 21 games over .500 for the first time in franchise history. Their 115-93 victory Friday was their fifth in a row over the Knicks, their longest winning streak against New York since an 11-game run from 1983-86.
BRICK: Corey Maggette Already suffering from a mild concussion and a nagging knee injury, the Clippers guard pounded the scorer's table in frustration during his team's 119-102 loss at Orlando on Thursday night and dislocated two fingers on his right hand.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Friday, 8 p.m. EST The T'wolves have taken two of three from the Spurs this season, including a 112-88 victory in San Antonio on Saturday, and this week they'll try to secure the season advantage over their Midwest Division rivals. Kevin Garnett led the way in Minnesota's big win in the Alamodome, scoring a game-high 30 points and pulling down 11 boards.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors, Sunday, 12:30 p.m. EST The Raptors are one of only four teams to score 100 points against the Sixers this year, and they did it in both previous meetings this season, winning each contest. Toronto, which hasn't won a game since Feb. 7, could use another 100-point effort right about now.
Coming off a 37-point performance against Miami on Saturday, Jordan shot 4-for-13 and finished with nine points, six assists and five rebounds against the Heat on Sunday. It was his second single-digit scoring total of the season; he scored a career-low six points against Indiana on Dec. 27.
In response to last week's question -- "Why are coaches fired more often than general managers?" -- most users suggested practical reasons, but there were a few creative ones as well. Here's a sampling of the responses:
The moves are made to generate fan interest, not improve records. When was the last time a fan base got psyched for its new GM? -- Michael Liroff, Hanover, N.H.
Let's get off the coaches and the GMs and take a look at the players. When was the last time a player was fired? -- Adam Link, Houston
The GM makes sure to fire the coach before the owner gets around to firing the GM. -- David Dittell, Newark, Del.
As long as GMs sit in their offices and not on the sidelines, they'll be able to hide while coaches continue to get all the blame. -- Jennifer Varughese, Chantilly, Va.
Most GMs don't have the courage (or guts) to stand up and say, "I made a mistake, on a trade, draft pick, etc."
-- Jackie Allen, Grenada
This week's topic: Who will make it back to the postseason first, the Bulls or the Knicks?
Jennifer Cooper covers the NBA for CNNSI.com. "Week at a Glance" appears each Monday during the season.
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Coming off a 37-point performance against Miami on Saturday, Jordan shot 4-for-13 and finished with nine points, six assists and five rebounds against the Heat on Sunday. It was his second single-digit scoring total of the season; he scored a career-low six points against Indiana on Dec. 27.
