Somewhere, a 6-foot-8 multi-millionaire is dunking a ball through the basket.

That makes me smile.

Somewhere, a 6-0 slow-footed guard is just trying to survive the cut. He knows he'll probably only get three jump shots to prove he's worth a roster spot -- and he knows he had better make all three.

And somewhere, an older-than-35 power forward is wondering if playing basketball for money is worth icing his creaky knees for five hours every day. He decides that it is.

Ah, yes, NBA training camp. It's where the veterans go through the motions, and the young guys vie for playing time. It's where coaches can actually be found smiling, and general managers dream about playoff berths -- and possible first-round upsets.

And this year, it's where a kid by the name of Courtney Alexander is getting a pretty good idea what Scottie Pippen must have felt like. Alexander is a second-year guard with the Washington Wizards, and more notably, Michael Jordan's new teammate.

Just like the old Chicago Bulls, Alexander suddenly has found himself surrounded by reporters from all over the world -- none of whom wish to discuss Alexander's rapidly improving skills. Instead, they beg Alexander information about his 38-year old teammate. How did JORDAN look? Is HE in shape? How many games will you win with HIM on the team?

Alexander just smiles and takes it all in. He knows that, win or lose, it's going to be a fun season.

Of course, it's easy to feel that way in training camp. Last year's 60-plus losses are long forgotten. So are the continuous arguments with the coaches, the injuries, the ball-hogging teammates. This is a fresh start, a time when contracts are in place, shoe deals await, and All-Star Game appearances are nearly certain.

Eventually, reality will set in. There will be 30-point losses, eight-game road swings, 10-day contracts that are honored for a mere 10 days.

But all that stuff can wait until February. Today, there is hope. And for most involved in the NBA, that's good enough.

ON JORDAN

Observations of Michael Jordan's press conference in which he announced his return to the NBA:

-- Anyone who's older than 30 should be thrilled that Jordan is coming back. Not just because he'll be great again, but because he's refusing to allow himself to be old. He has a desire to stay youthful and healthy and he's doing something about it. Does he miss the limelight? Probably. But to me, Jordan's comeback says, "If I can try at 38, then so can you."

-- I know everyone talks about how Mario Lemieux's comeback inspired Jordan -- even Jordan himself mentioned it, so it's probably at least partially true. But I think watching guys like Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant were bigger factors in Jordan's decision. Like myself, Jordan probably became ill as NBA marketing-types tried to brainwash us into believing that these guys are Jordan's "successors." Look, Bryant and Carter and good pros -- but they're not Jordan and they never will be. Part of MJ may be coming back to help remind us of that.

-- Jordan's best line? "I'm not committing a crime here." I'm glad he reminded me of that, because after most of the opinions that were read and heard, I began to wonder. It's just amazing to me that so many sportswriters rip the guy for pushing his body to its full potential -- and probably not long before most of them head for a box of Twinkies.

-- It was nice to see that Jordan has maintained the anger and confidence that fueled him to unmatched heights in the past. I mean, it really would have stunk if Jordan had taken the podium and said, "Golly gee, fellas. That Kobe Bryant sure is a swell player. I'll never be able to guard him. But I'll sure hold my own against the Eric Piatkowskis of the world."

-- My lone question: Does Jordan get drafted in the first round of your fantasy league?

ON IVERSON

You might not believe this, but of all the players who I saw talk about Jordan, Allen Iverson was the one who discussed it with the most professionalism.

Iverson said that Jordan "could be 50 and still better than half of the players in the league." Then Iverson added with a smile, "But I'm looking forward to the challenge."

By the way, Iverson has decided not to release his rap CD with questionable lyrics.

Now, let me be honest about something here -- two years ago, I did not care for Allen Iverson. I thought he was obnoxious, selfish, and extremely over-rated.

But now he's one of the biggest reasons I love the NBA. If you ask me, he's not only the league's brightest star -- but he's become its most mature. Some might say Iverson doesn't "look the part," but the NBA needs him to join Jordan as a player-spokesman.

Iverson would be perfect, as he's bright, tough, and friendly. Yes, he shoots 178 times a game, but would Philadelphia have a chance if he didn't?

I've said it many times and I'll say it again. I am glad Jordan is coming back and I think he'll be awesome. But Allen Iverson is the NBA's best player.

OTHERS ON JORDAN

Here are some comments from other NBA players on Jordan's comeback:

-- "This might sound bad, but I'm tired of hearing about Michael Jordan." - Damon Stoudamire.

-- "It doesn't make one bit of difference to me." -- Karl Malone.

-- "If Michael is guarding Kobe, I say give the ball to Kobe every time, clear out, and let Kobe go one-on-one." - Shaquille O'Neal.

-- "The sky's the limit for him." -- Scottie Pippen.

-- "I'm glad he's back. If he feels he can still do it, then I'm all for it. He's doing what he wants to do and I'm a huge supporter of his." -- Latrell Sprewell.

-- "I'm the best player in the league." -- Tracy McGrady.

-- "Tracy McGrady is nuts." -- Sam Amico

ROCKET LINES

Houston Chronicle reporter Michael Murphy had a great line about Kelvin Cato replacing Hakeem Olajuwon as the Houston Rockets' center.

Murphy wrote that "Rockets fans who watched the likes of Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson, Moses Malone and Elvin Hayes do their thing inside, seeing Cato assume the role of center will be like watching Adam Sandler perform the lead in Hamlet."

In related news, it appears the Rockets are trying turn Dan Langhi into the league's tallest shooting guard. Langhi was drafted by Houston in the second round of the 2000 draft -- as a 6-11 power forward. But now he might come off the bench to play in the backcourt.

Also, this year's second-rounder, Terence Morris, is reportedly living up to his billing as an absolute steal.

TRENT'S JOURNEY

Remember two summers ago when coach Don Nelson spent an entire offseason begging forward Gary Trent to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks? OK, so you don't. Well, trust me, it happened.

Of course, this was before Nelson knew that Mark Cuban would soon own the team and run it the right way, or that Dirk Nowitzki would become the best-shooting 7-footer in the league, maybe ever. It was also before Nelson knew that others such as Steve Nash and Michael Finley would lead the Mavs to 53 wins and a first-round playoff win over the Utah Jazz.

Yes, at one time, Gary Trent was actually seen as the future of the franchise. So, what happened to Trent, you ask? The answer is after repeated injuries and poor performances, Dallas decided to let him go. He signed with Minnesota this week, receiving a contract that reportedly is not guaranteed or worth much by NBA standards.

This isn't intended to pick on Trent. It's just a reminder that sometimes not even NBA general managers are always correct when it comes to finding NBA talent.

SAM'S SLAMS

Wonder what's gotten into Scottie Pippen? First the kind words about Jordan, then he called Portland center Arvydas Sabonis "the greatest European to ever play the game." Sabonis is retiring, but you have to wonder if Pippen's comments were meant as a compliment for Sabonis, or if he was merely taking a shot at former Bulls teammate Toni Kukoc. ... The New York Post has reported for the third time in three months that Knicks point guard Charlie Ward will be traded before the season. This time, Ward is supposedly headed to Golden State for either center Erick Dampier or center Adonal Foyle. ... In other Golden State news, the Wizards are reportedly trying to acquire Warriors point man Vonteego Cummings. I don't believe it. ... In other New York news, the Knicks released rookie center Eric Chenowith, who actually asked the team to cut him so he could seek employment elsewhere. He's now in camp with Sacramento. ... Jimmy Jackson, Rod Strickland and Anthony Mason are all still out there, apparently unwanted (although Mason could sign with Milwaukee at any minute).

COMING SOON

Just a reminder that my NBA preview is coming soon, and like this newsletter, it will be delivered directly to your e-mail.

It all begins Monday, Oct. 22 with a look at each team in the Atlantic Division. The Central Division preview will be delivered Oct. 23, followed by the Midwest Division on the 24th and the Pacific Division on the 25th. It would be a great week to sign up some friends and help them kick off the season.

LETTERS TO AMICO

E-mail questions and comments to me at amicoreport@hotmail.com. I will try to answer all questions in the newsletter.

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The Amico Report is a free e-mail newsletter from Sam Amico. Sam is a freelance writer who covers the NBA for numerous magazines and Web sites.