It’s appropriate, perhaps, that Michael Jordan laid out some ground rules now that he’s about to appear in his first All-Star Game in four years.
“I don’t think I have to prove anything to these young kids,” Jordan said Saturday before the All-Stars practiced. “It’s not my style at this stage of my career. I already told Kobe [Bryant] if he tries to make this personal, I’m going to foul out in the first five minutes.”
And then, listening to the 76ers’ Allen Iverson say how he’s not going to take every shot, that he’s going to “create some highlights, throw some lobs, get some assists to Mike,” Jordan deadpanned:
“It won’t be a lob, I can tell you that.”
Jordan is back. And as he returns to the All-Star stage, he’s not only a Jordan who remains closer to the ground but one who is more grounded.
“It’s their showcase,” Jordan said, referring to young stars such as Bryant, Kevin Garnett and Tracy McGrady. “I was once there and I don’t think I have to be there anymore. My competitive juices are to go out and try to relive 1988. But physically I know my body better than anyone.
“I’m not going to log 25, 35 minutes. I don’t have anything to prove to these kids. It’s not my style of game at this stage of my career.”
So it will be Pops Jordan for Sunday.
It was a philosophical and paternal Jordan who arrived for Saturday’s All-Star festivities. Amid all the stars, he’s still the brightest. Though he turns 39 next week, he remains the main attraction. But Jordan indicated he prefers to be more sideshow than main event … for now.
He acknowledged having been taught to know his place at his first All-Star Game, where some veterans were insulted by his manner and different choice of clothes.
“I was unaware and I learned a lesson,” Jordan said, insisting he still doesn’t know if there was an intentional freeze-out to embarrass him. “You do learn lessons from situations.”
Jordan said this season has surpassed his expectations, but he wants to play only one more after this one. “I’ll be 41,” he said. “I’m going to see how my body holds up. If it holds up, I can play. If it doesn’t,” he added, smiling, “I’ve got to make excuses.”
Jordan indicated he’ll have no problem passing to the youngsters Sunday but said he wants “at least three shots.” He was seated alongside Iverson as he spoke, and he interrupted when someone asked Iverson to compare Jordan in his prime to Bryant.
“I wouldn’t answer that question,” Jordan said, and after a long pause, Iverson didn’t. “You heard what he said,” Iverson said.
“Next!” Jordan commanded.
It comes here Sunday.
