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Reactions: Michael's Comback Users split over Jordan's possible returnPosted: Monday May 14, 2001 6:46 PMUpdated: Monday May 14, 2001 6:46 PM You've seen him break the will of the Cavaliers. You've seen him overcome the "Bad Boys" of Detroit. You've seen him topple the Lakers. You've seen him reclaim his throne after a brief stint in baseball. And you've seen him ride off into the sunset after sinking the game-winning shot to secure his sixth NBA championship. Now we've asked CNNSI.com users if they want to see Michael Jordan back on the hardwood? Although most of you agree that Jordan was great with the Bulls, not everyone is eager to see his "Airness" lace 'em one more time. A sample of the responses follows: Jordan should not return. With six rings, he has nothing left to prove. Everyone knows he is the greatest ever. He has left a living legacy that could potentially be tarnished by a return at age 38. He doesn't need to become another Sugar Ray Leonard.
I think Jordan would be a great asset to a league full of cocky players. He won't be the same player he was three years ago, but he will be exciting to watch again, and he could probably still take on the likes of Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.
First of all, there's no way Jordan would ever play for the Lakers. Granted Phil's the coach, but he would never want to play with Shaq and Kobe. If he is coming back, he's doing it to prove he can still play with these guys. Why would he go to a team where he can possibly be the third option? He's coming back to show he can play against and dominate these guys.
Michael is and was an amazing athlete, something well beyond the normal. But all great athletes must realize that there comes a time when your day is done, and Michael's has arrived. At his age, he likely will still be above average, but will not be able to compete with the athletes many years his junior, such as Kobe, Iverson and Vince Carter. He will be embarrassed by his age, and his greatest weapon during his years of success will now be his downfall -- his ego.
He will return not as a Wizard but as a Blazer. Player-coach Jordan will be reunited with Scottie Pippen, along with a deep supporting cast. Paul Allen has the deep pockets to make this dream come true. What is $30 million a year for the best player to lace em' up, when a $90 million payroll blew up in his face?!
It seems most of the press has already predicted the demise of Jordan's comeback. Fact is, with the level of play that Jordan has brought to the game, he could still whip over half the players currently in the league. Let Jordan speak for himself on the court.
If Jordan comes back, I will watch the NBA again, at least at first. If he is still able to dominate like the Jordan of old, I'll keep watching. But if he looks ordinary, I won't be able to watch because I couldn't stand watching Jordan be anything but Jordan.
Jordan is good for the game and for fan attendance. He is the best basketball player ever. How can his return not be good for the NBA? If I ran into Mike on the street, I would shake his hand and welcome him with open arms. The youngsters in the NBA could stand to learn more from his "Airness."
I've always regarded Michael as "one" of the greatest players in the NBA. The problem with many athletes is they don't understand when it's time to quit. Their physical attributes diminish, and they only embarrass themselves. A great athlete should be remembered when he shined and not when he's stumbling and bumbling. Willie Mays' last season dropping balls brought tears to my eyes. Michael, let it die.
I think Jordan needs to let his legacy stay in the record books. There is no way he can come back into the league and have the same presence he had three years ago. He will have to play against the likes of Kobe, Allen, Vince and Tracy McGrady. These guys are younger, faster and getting better each day. Jordan may have them with the basketball knowledge and experience, but as athletes, these guys have about two steps on the great one.
All of you need to stop worrying about his legacy and start worrying about what size championship cap you will wear when you realize you were wrong and jump back onto the Jordan bandwagon.
I think Jordan coming back to play is a good thing. Remember that an athlete's time frame to play is limited. If he's still capable of playing at a high level, then he should play. He knows what he's doing. And expect Jordan to surround himself with players who will give him a chance to get back to the finals. Don't doubt Jordan; that's when he's at his best.
I think if Jordan does make a return, he would be foolish to try and do it with the Wizards. That team needs a whole lot more than just him and Charles Barkley to make it a contender. If he really wants a chance at another ring, he should play for the only coach he said he would ever play for -- Phil Jackson.
Jordan will return with the Washington Wizards to play for Doug Collins, along with a handpicked supporting cast. And you heard it here first: The Wizards will beat the Lakers in the Finals for Jordan's seventh ring and Barkley's first!
Jordan has no business whatsoever even thinking about making another return. He has nothing to prove, and he comes across as an attention seeker who won't accept that a new breed of players has taken over from "The Jordan Era" with a new, youthful and exciting style of play.
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