By Craig Neslage

The 1998 NBA Finals. The final 45 seconds. Michael Jordan, the best player in NBA history, scores on the drive to cut the lead to one, then strips the ball away from Karl Malone to set up a game-winning shot attempt. And then, "the shot."

If you missed it, it was probably the greatest finish to a career ever - at least, we assumed it was a career finish.

Everyone chimed in on why Michael Jordan decided to return - again - and whether or not he should have done it.

Jordan came back for the 2001-02 season, and all eyes were on him to see if he could lead the Wizards, a poor team, to the playoffs. Of course, where’s his first game? Where else? New York City. The Garden was the site of some of Michael greatest moments, and it looked like he might add to those moments. He had the ball in his hands down two in the last seconds. It seemed like it would be another Jordan killing of the Knicks, and you couldn’t help to think, “Thank God Ewing isn’t on the floor for this.” But alas, the basketball world got a rude awakening, as did His Airness. This was not the old MJ. He missed the shot and the Knicks won.

That became a trend in the Wizards season. While Jordan played great a times, scoring 40 or more five times, and breaking the 50 barrier (51) against New Orleans, the Wiz finished 4 games under .500.

The question must be posed: is he helping the team? In 2001-02, he was playing well, but they finished with the 11th worst record n the NBA. True, he brought the team from 19 wins to 37. However, that came at the expense of stunting Richard Hamilton’s growth by taking the ball out of his hands. Also, while 37 is almost twice the wins, what good was it? They didn’t make the playoffs.

That brings us to this year. At this point, the Wiz are two and a half games back of the eight spot with seven games remaining. However, they have lost four in a row, seven of their last nine. Since they do not have the tie-breaker against the streaking eighth-seeded Bucks, there are not going this year either. They would be lucky to win as many games as last year (they have 34).

He has hurt the team this year as he did last. Now, it’s Jerry Stackhouse not getting shots. No, I am not going start a conspiracy theory on Jordan chasing Rip out of D.C. However, that same stigma haunts the team. Stack is not getting shots and he’s only good when shooting. Also, Jordan’s presence has kept guys like 1st round pick Juan Dixon off the court. Dixon is really a short shooting guard. With MJ and Stack on the floor and shooting, he just hasn’t found a niche. Dixon is a good player, but Jordan’s presence has not helped his progression as a player. There is a similar argument for the other 1st rounder, Jared Jefferies. A dynamic player, Jefferies did get hurt 27 games into the season. However, he only played 20 of those, and only averaged 15 minutes a game. Why? MJ.

This is just his team though. I claimed he was bad for the league. How could I make such an outrageous claim? I know what you are thinking: he is a genius and can do anything because he is also multi-talented. While that is true, I also have some points as to why Jordan hurts rather than helps.

Wiz vs. Atlanta. April 4th, Jordan heads into Hot-lanta for the last time. Down six with 4 minutes left, Jordan gets serious. Two free throws, then a 15 footer, then another one, then another one. Atlanta responds to most of the buckets, keeping a two point lead. A fourth Jordan J ties the game. Next possession Shareef Abdur-Rahim is fouled and goes to the line. As he catches the ball for his first free throw, he hears something directed at him he should never hear at home, particularly in a close game while at the line. He is booed. That is absolutely ridiculous.

I understand Mike is good for TV ratings and attendance, but what do I care about ratings and attendance? They both show people want to see him. However, are we to believe it is good for people to come to game if they are going to boo the home team? The advantage of home court is fan support. It is not good for the league that Reef stepped to the line on his home floor with one minute remaining in a tie game and was booed.

Michael led his team in points, rebounds and assists in this game, a loss at the last second. Charles Barkley commented after the game, “When a 40-year old is leading you in these categories, you gonna lose.” Maybe MJ should give someone else a shot.


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