He'll be back

Jordan needs basketball too much to let it go

Look for Michael Jordan to be back next season.

Although it obviously will depend on the state of his knees, Jordan has proved that he loves and needs basketball too much to let it go.

Like a gunslinger, he'll go down guns blazing -- even if he's 40 years old and hobbling around the court on one leg.

Jordan already has said he plans to return for the second year of his two-year contract, and those who know him say they don't doubt it.

He simply had too much fun this season, they say, and was genuinely enthused by his team's clear maturation into a legitimate playoff contender.

In fact, Jordan and head coach Doug Collins believe that with a few roster alterations, the Wizards will be a playoff team next year.

Jordan will go home this summer and work out like a madman, as usual. He'll tease us all again with "Will he or won't he?" hints and leaks, then announce that he's riding in to save the day in late summer.

Whether MJ's knees cooperate will be the only issue.

Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.

 

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