Dribble, dribble, and dribble. Ball in the right hand, cross over, jump-fade, splash. A pump of the fist and the legend grows. This was the last time we saw No. 23 with a basketball in hand. But all that will change on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m when the Washington Wizards play in Madison Square Garden, with a 38-year-old by the name of Michael Jordan.
Jordan announced his return on Tuesday the 18th. He did it quietly, but still the sports world has been humming ever since. Who can wait to see Jordan vs. Shaq, Kobe, and Phil Jackson?
Jordan delayed his announcement a week or so in light of the attacks in New York and Washington. Jordan signed a two-year deal with the Wizards and is donating his salary for his first year to victims of the Sept. 11, attacks. His salary is $1 million dollars for his first year, $1.3 his second.
The idea that he was coming back had been floating around since last year. It was in the back of everyone’s mind. The bottom line on his return was that he couldn’t stay away from the game he loves, dominated, and brought to the forefront of our culture.
Everyone knows the Jordan story. Cut in his sophomore year of high school. Went on to win a national championship at UNC. Got drafted by the Bulls as a 6’6” shooting guard and established himself first as an amazing high flyer, and then as the greatest player of all time, winning six rings.
Dominated the 90s, not just on the court, but in the marketing aspect of sports. He was the king of endorsements and the court.
When I asked Chicago native Ryan Maher what he thought about Jordan’s imminent return, he said, “He once said the only place he would play is in Chicago so I am a little upset, but it is Michael Jordan.”
Guilford student Chip Hill had this to say: “he’s not gonna be as good as everyone thinks he is, with limited contribution on a sub-par team.”
Now that Jordan has come back he will be playing for the dismal Washington Wizards. They had a record of 19 and 63 last year. They also had the number one draft pick this previous draft and drafted Kwame Brown, a high school prodigy.
Basketball minds are split on how Jordan’s presence will help develop the young budding star. But Jordan has always made people around him better with his intense competition and intensity.
Matt Buswell said, “Jordan will bring not only the fans back to the arenas, but also some excitement back to the game. I can’t wait to see him dominate Kobe Byrant”. (That game will be on Feb. 12.)
No one is expecting much in Mike’s come back. A seventh championship is not what people are waiting for, but we can look forward to his familiar tongue, swagger, and fadeaway.
Lacrosse superstar Josh Miller sums it up best: “I don’t really see what the master can accomplish that he already hasn’t, but I will watch regardless.”
Get ready basketball fans, because the king has returned.
Key Dates:
Oct. 30- New York -may occur at the same time as a Yankees home pennant game.
Nov 3- Philadelphia- Can anyone stop A.I.?
Dec 16- Toronto- Carter vs. Jordan- whose blood is Bluer?
Jan 19- Chicago- how will the people who embraced M.J. as their own treat him now?
Feb 12- Lakers- His old coach, “the next Jordan,” and a genuine monster.
Feb 27 Portland- Hey Scottie, remember me?