On 'second thought'

Jordan doesn't rule out move to Bulls' front office

Wizards lose to Celtics WASHINGTON (AP) -- On retro night, the Washington Wizards regressed. Calling themselves the Bullets once more, the Wizards spoiled the celebration the 25th anniversary of the franchise's lone NBA championship by losing 87-83 Wednesday night to the Boston Celtics. Rookie J.R. Bremer scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 19.4 seconds to play. Antoine Walker scored 24, and Paul Pierce had 20 as the Celtics clinched a playoff berth and sent the Wizards closer to elimination. FULL STORY

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Michael Jordan did not rule out a front-office job with the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, calling it a "second thought" if he can't work out a deal with the Washington Wizards.

Jordan, retiring as a player at the end of the season, reiterated that his first choice is to return as Wizards president of basketball operations, the post he held from January 1999 until his second comeback began in fall 2000. "Obviously my focus here is to go back upstairs," he said after an 87-83 loss to the Boston Celtics. "And hopefully it works out that way, but if it doesn't, then obviously I have options. Not just Chicago, I have other options as well." Jordan and Wizards owner Abe Pollin will discuss Jordan's future after the season, and the talks will include how much authority Jordan will have over the way the franchise is run.

The resignation of Bulls general manager Jerry Krause earlier this week will strengthen Jordan's hand in the negotiations. If he doesn't stay in Washington, he could return to the city where he lives and won six NBA titles, or he could be a candidate to join the new expansion franchise in Charlotte.

"For me, ideally, is to keep this thing rolling, keep this team moving in the right direction," Jordan said. "That's what I truly want to happen. Chicago is a second thought, as well as any other opportunities."

Jordan's remarks reopened the possibility of his returning to Chicago one day after he seemed to dismiss it. On Tuesday, he told reporters in Cleveland that he hadn't thought about the Chicago job and that his focus was on the Wizards.

 

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