SeaDuceme2
09-26-2002, 01:27 PM
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ESPN.com news services
WASHINGTON -- He's back.
Again.
Officially.
Michael Jordan announced Thursday he will return to the Washington Wizards, fulfilling the second year of a two-year contract he signed in 2001 when he ended his second retirement from basketball.
Jordan
"I am excited to return to the basketball court this year," Jordan said in a statement. "My love for the game of basketball continues to drive my decision. Physically, I am feeling very strong, and feel that the steps I took in the offseason have allowed me to return to the game in great condition."
Jordan, who turns 40 in February, will be playing his 15th NBA season. He missed 22 games with knee problems last season for the Wizards, who open training camp next Tuesday in Wilmington, N.C., where Jordan grew up.
Jordan decided not to have surgery on his left knee after having his comeback season cut short by surgery on his right knee in February. He played 60 games before going on the injured list in early April.
Last season, Jordan averaged 22.9 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game and 5.2 assists. A five-time NBA MVP, Jordan is a 13-time All-Star and has won six championships. During his career, Jordan has averaged 31.0 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game and 5.4 assists per game.
Perhaps the most pressing question the Wizards must answer is what to do about Jordan's role. Coach Doug Collins has said the Wizards plan to use Jordan off the bench for the first time in his career, in the backcourt behind Jerry Stackhouse, who was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Pistons, and Larry Hughes, a free agent from Golden State.
"I am convinced that the changes made this summer will greatly enhance our team," Jordan said, "and feel that we are moving in the right direction."
However, Jordan said earlier this week that he expected to start and play about 30 minutes a game.
"No decisions have been made as to my exact role on the team, but I expect that coach Collins will make those assessments next week in training camp," he said.
Why can't he sit his fine TALL chocolate ass down!
ESPN.com news services
WASHINGTON -- He's back.
Again.
Officially.
Michael Jordan announced Thursday he will return to the Washington Wizards, fulfilling the second year of a two-year contract he signed in 2001 when he ended his second retirement from basketball.
Jordan
"I am excited to return to the basketball court this year," Jordan said in a statement. "My love for the game of basketball continues to drive my decision. Physically, I am feeling very strong, and feel that the steps I took in the offseason have allowed me to return to the game in great condition."
Jordan, who turns 40 in February, will be playing his 15th NBA season. He missed 22 games with knee problems last season for the Wizards, who open training camp next Tuesday in Wilmington, N.C., where Jordan grew up.
Jordan decided not to have surgery on his left knee after having his comeback season cut short by surgery on his right knee in February. He played 60 games before going on the injured list in early April.
Last season, Jordan averaged 22.9 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game and 5.2 assists. A five-time NBA MVP, Jordan is a 13-time All-Star and has won six championships. During his career, Jordan has averaged 31.0 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game and 5.4 assists per game.
Perhaps the most pressing question the Wizards must answer is what to do about Jordan's role. Coach Doug Collins has said the Wizards plan to use Jordan off the bench for the first time in his career, in the backcourt behind Jerry Stackhouse, who was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Pistons, and Larry Hughes, a free agent from Golden State.
"I am convinced that the changes made this summer will greatly enhance our team," Jordan said, "and feel that we are moving in the right direction."
However, Jordan said earlier this week that he expected to start and play about 30 minutes a game.
"No decisions have been made as to my exact role on the team, but I expect that coach Collins will make those assessments next week in training camp," he said.
Why can't he sit his fine TALL chocolate ass down!