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Asked and answered Everything you wanted to know about MJ's return
Updated: Monday September 24, 2001 5:23 PM
If Michael Jordan has any doubts about the impact his comeback might have on the NBA, he needs only to check out this week's mailbag. Since our report Sept. 10 that Superman was indeed lacing up the Air Jordans once more, the mailbox has been overflowing like Oliver Miller's plate at a Las Vegas buffet. Not since Sears catalog day has our postman had to do such heavy lifting. A lot of readers wanted to know the particulars of MJ's return, such as how much he'll get paid (the NBA veteran minimum of $1 million), what jersey number he will wear (No. 23), and how many years he intends to play (at least two). Others had more difficult questions, such as will this ruin his perfect ending (definitely), will he still be one of the best players (probably) and will this taint his legacy as the Greatest Ever (doubtful). Then there is the query that matters most to Michael: Can he really lead the sad-sack Wizards to the playoffs? We'll find out the answer to that last question soon enough. In the meantime, let's celebrate MJ's return with an all-Michael edition of the 'bag: Isn't it likely that Michael's return to the NBA will fail, considering the storybook way he ended his career with the game-winning basket against Utah in the 1998 Finals? How could he ever top that? Aren't we just witnessing another Magic Johnson-like fiasco? -- Magnus Vidar Skulason, Reykjavik, Iceland Jordan is never going to top that perfect ending he wrote against the Jazz. In fact, he admits that simply leading the Wizards to the playoffs would be like winning an NBA title. But forget those comparisons to Magic's failed comeback with the Lakers. As GM, Jordan acquired most of the Wizards' players. He still commands their respect. Most important, he can still whip their tails on the practice court. From your point of view, can Jordan at age 38 still match up physically with younger stars like Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter? -- Griflet Paler, Ozamiz City, Philippines Don't forget about Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady and Ray Allen, to name a few more guys who will give Jordan headaches. There is no doubt Jordan, who will turn 39 in February, is not the same player he was. Even during his final season, in '97-98, he looked mortal. But MJ probably will play mostly at small forward, meaning he won't have to match up against the big scorers as often as he once did. Even when he does, he will hold his own. Those who have seen him this summer say he doesn't fly to the rim as much as he did before, but he still dominates by using his body and positioning to great effect. Also, he has forgotten more about the NBA game than most players will ever know. Jordan wouldn't be doing this if he didn't know he could still perform at a high level. What do you think is going to be Jordan's biggest challenge in playing again? -- Tommy, Fort Wayne, Ind. Staying healthy. Jordan was extremely durable during his 13 NBA seasons. He sat out most of his second season with a broken foot, but otherwise he never missed a game because of injury. Since he began working toward a comeback nine months ago, however, he has suffered two broken ribs and been bothered by back spasms and tendinitis in his knee. It could be an omen. How will the new rules allowing zone defenses affect MJ's game? -- Chris Windsor, Easton, Md. Jordan seems to think it will help his game, especially on the defensive end. He won't have to worry about being isolated on a quicker player like Iverson or Bryant. Meanwhile, he'll be able to use his court savvy to raid passing lanes or double-team without fear of being called for illegal defense. On offense, he can shoot over the zones. A few years ago, Jordan would have hated rules that clogged the middle and made it harder for him to attack the rim. But the new MJ should thrive. Didn't you think the moment that one of Jordan's "camp buddies" leaked to the press that Jordan's game was "sometimes like garbage" that it sealed the deal in Michael's mind? The last thing he would do is let someone call his game garbage and not strike back. -- Joe Mefford, Minneapolis Could be. Maybe Wizards owner Abe Pollin paid the player to make those comments. In your Sept. 10 report about Jordan's comeback, it seemed that MJ was a tad on the defensive. Do you agree? If so, why? -- KK, Hamilton, Ont. Jordan reads the papers and watches TV. He knows there are critics. He truly wonders why so many of his friends and media pundits are against his coming back to the NBA. He spoke the other day of the "positives" that would result from it. Deep down, I think he's conflicted. He wants to play, but he knows he can't possibly top himself. Why doesn't Jordan pick up a quality free agent like Dennis Rodman to help improve his chances of making the playoffs? Dennis would provide rebounds and inside muscle, just like he did with the Bulls. He was actually on good behavior most of the time in Chicago. -- Rezwan A., Atlanta Jordan has mentioned Rodman's name several times this summer. He even joked a few weeks ago that Rodman "keeps calling." However, it is extremely unlikely that Jordan the GM would dare sign him. While the Worm did generally behave himself under MJ's rule, he is now 40 years old and coming off disastrous stints with the Lakers in 1998-99 and the Mavs in '99-00. Besides, he's one more high-speed boat ride away from a jail sentence. In a playoff game several years ago between Chicago and Miami, why did Jordan not shake Alonzo Mourning's hand before the game? To me this was very unsportsmanlike, not the act of a role model. -- Robert Hudgins, Edgewater, Fla. Let me guess, Robert: You're among those not excited about Jordan's comeback. Fair enough. But for the record, in the previous game, Mourning had nearly decapitated Scottie Pippen with a flagrant elbow across the noggin. Apparently MJ wasn't in the mood to exchange niceties with 'Zo while his buddy Pippen was still sporting a golf ball-sized lump on his forehead. What kind of influence do you think MJ's return will have on the NBA? Will it be all positive? When he retires for good, won't there be another void like the one that existed after his second retirement? And, yes, that is my real name! -- Un Park, Seoul, South Korea Even Jordan admits NBA commissioner David Stern is probably "50-50" on this comeback deal. There's no doubt that the league will benefit in the short term from increased ticket sales, improved TV ratings and general interest. In addition, the NBA's price tag for a new network TV deal with NBC and the cable outlets probably just shot up a few dollars. In the long run, however, Jordan's return might set back the league's effort to get out from under his immense shadow. It was just beginning to create a new group of young stars in Bryant, Carter and Iverson, and the fear is that they will be pushed to the background once more. It's a double-edge sword, but the league has been stuck in neutral so long it needs to get, shall we say, "un-parked." As a free agent, why is Michael choosing to return with the Wizards? -- Dave Craig, Toronto As I wrote several months back, it would have made a lot more sense for MJ to suit up with the Lakers. Just think: Phil Jackson, the triangle offense, a chance to play for another ring. Jordan says he has too much loyalty to the Wizards. Besides, he is still a part-owner of the team, even though he will have to give up his stake temporarily while he plays. Isn't Jordan really only coming back to raise revenue for his ailing Washington team? It seems to make sense that by selling his part of the team ownership, the owner will sell him back his part of the team with extra royalties after he produces sellouts wherever he goes. So, is it for the love of the game, or money? -- Jesse Arellano, Fort Worth, Texas Jordan says he's coming back because he misses the game, and I believe him. It is true that he stands to make money in terms of team equity and increased endorsements. But Jordan already has more money than a Saudi prince. What he can't buy is the rush of NBA competition and the camaraderie of the locker room. Remember, this is the guy who invented the "Love of the Game" clause. Would it be wise for me to bank on Jordan's return and go ahead and purchase season tickets to watch him play? -- Casey Wong, Honolulu Hurry up, Casey. Tickets are going fast. But do you really want to leave Hawaii? After all, they're still the Wizards.
Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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