Michael Jordan needs a New Jersey

[CHAMP23]

I am not a Nets fan. Though I have spoken with Nets fans recently and a lot of people are very eager to see Jordan sign with New Jersey.

This thread is what i'm talking about:

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=165234

Here are some hand-picked highlights:

Sign Jordan.
Last season MJ averaged 20ppg (at 45% shooting) and 6.1rpg in 37mpg (82 games). Jordan is a great SG and will be even more impressive with Jason Kidd setting him up. Jordan has never played with a playmaker like Kidd. He has also never played with a decent big man like Alonzo Mourning.
As a Bull, Jordan loved to play in New York, and he loved to play the Knicks. Jordan can do both by joining the Nets; and the Nets can move closer to NYC for a larger fan-base. A cross-town rivalry with the Knicks. Jordan was born in New York, so why not finish his playing career there? I say he has 3 all-star years left. And then he can work in the front-office.
The Nets already have a line-up that will win the East. Adding Jordan will win it all.
And, a side-note to this:
Apparently Jordan was seen at the latest K1 PPV and is believed to be looking slimmer than he ever looked while playing for Washington and more like he looked in 1998.
It is known that Jordan is yet to official retire from the NBA via the required paperwork.

MJ would be a lot more productive with the Nets than he was with the Wizards. MJ was forced to do a lot of 'the little things' for the Wizards because none of those losers would hustle. So MJ wasted his energy and couldn't close out games or finish certain plays the way he would on a well-rounded team like the Nets. Also, MJ wouldn't have to do so much ball-handling since you guys have Kidd, so once again he would be fresher. MJ can be the finisher on this team. On the Wizards he had to be the creator, the finisher and the saviour.

We agree on a lot of accounts here, so I will only respond to the things i disagreed with if that's OK.
Of course it would be pushing it due to age, but people said that last year and he was the only player on his team to play 82 games. I have learned this about the NBA. The oldies are the goodies. They play with bad backs, and colds, and hurt fingers. They know when its time to go home at the end of the night. They show up to play.
SO of course your logic is reasonable...but I have heard it before and I dont bet against MJ. NEVER. Not at 35. Not at 40. Not at 70. He will gradually get worse, but his worse is still top 25-30 in this game. It hurts some to see him as anything but number 1 by a large margin. Not me. I admire his drive.
As for the phone call...you better believe that call would come. Just about any team...any owner would galdy fire anyone to add Black jesus in sneakers (Jayson Williams said that) to their franchise. See the Bobcats. he doesnt have to have the title of anything in management to be running the show. He is the most powerful man in sports. No one tells MJ terms. he tells them...and then walks in and immediately sells 7K more tix every night for 41 nights. That's an average increase of about 14.5 mil in tix sales for the Nets. About another 1 mil in parking. About another mil in food concession. Another 2 mil in merchandise sales during games. Shall I beign to factor his value from website sales and international merchandising? TV revenue? Advertising? You figure it out. He would tell Rod his job, and Byron's and then they all can stand in front of the camera and say...its Byron's team.
Better pack up that desk JJ. MJ needs it so his kids have a place to color while he is on the phone next door!

Mourning/Collins/Mutombo
Martin/Collins
Jefferson/Harris/Veal
MJ/Kittles
Kidd/Euro PG
Nice line-up!

man, getting Jordan on the Nets would be awesome. He'd be a top-notch 2 guard for us, not in terms of minutes or points, but in terms of poise and leadership. Mourning/Martin/Jefferson/Jordan/Kidd would be sick!

I agree. People are underestimating MJ.
He is still a top notch player. Not close to what he once was...but still a prime time guy.
He would absolutely play normal minutes. Or whatever he wants to play. He is MJ.
He doesnt agree to anything. he says this is what I am doing. Period. And if he wanted to come here...or to any other team in the NBA....they would say, "yes sir Mr. Jordan."
PERIOD. And on our team....he would fit just fine. Or should I say...we would fit him...just fine.

It wont ever happen.
But would I want him???? Absolutely. No hesitation at all. He cant carry a bad team like Washington anymore. But on a good team? He can still play ball at a high level.
Its MJ!!! Absolutely. NO HESITATION.

How would New Jersey Nets fans react if they heard on ESPN tomorrow morning that the Nets just signed Michael Jordan?
I would have a Nets jersey 23 made up 30 seconds later on NBAstore.com.

With all that said, if you guys just got to the finals, MJ would get you over the hump, he WOULD NOT let you guys lose.

[Andrew]

Given that MJ has already announced 2002/2003 was his last season and he has been a front office position and ownership of an NBA team, I'd say his interest in playing in the NBA is waning. I know I was one of the people who doubted he'd make a comeback and play for the Wizards, but I truly think this is it for MJ.

Consider that he publically spoke of retirement very early last season. He's always kept people guessing, and in the past has been known to talk about his desire to play beyond the current season (take the 97/98 season for example). His comments at the ASG about being at peace with the game of basketball are another example of his changing attitude towards playing in the NBA.

His decision to limit his playing time once the Wizards were eliminated from playoff contention is, I believe, another sign that he's done. He was basically just riding out the season. The MJ of old would probably have played significant minutes in those final games, as his competitive spirit would seek to gain some pride despite the team's failure to reach the postseason.

I don't think the fact MJ hasn't handed in his retirement papers is a sign that he will be back this season. There haven't been any reports about him taking a front office position or buying into a team despite the latest statement from the Bobcats, but there hasn't been much talk of him working out or talking to teams either.

Even though I'm an MJ fan, I'd rather he call it a day rather than bounce around the league. I think the time is right for him to step away from the game.

[Shep]

i dunno about winning a championship with that team, i mean, i'd love to watch michael jordan continue to play at such a high level (21st best player in the NBA) but i just can't see it happening, he said he was 100% done after last year with the wizards. you talk about the combination of mourning/martin/jefferson/kidd, but those 4 combined are nothing compared to the combination of o'neal/bryant/payton/malone and the lakers would eat them in the finals

[CHAMP23]

i dunno about winning a championship with that team, i mean, i'd love to watch michael jordan continue to play at such a high level (21st best player in the NBA) but i just can't see it happening, he said he was 100% done after last year with the wizards. you talk about the combination of mourning/martin/jefferson/kidd, but those 4 combined are nothing compared to the combination of o'neal/bryant/payton/malone and the lakers would eat them in the finals

I actually rate the Rockets of Olajuwon, Pippen, Drexler and Barkley ahead of the current Lakers, but they didn't win the championship. I expect to see the Spurs come out of the West. The Kings and Lakers won't be far behind though.

There is a lot of wasted individual talent in LA. They need role-players instead of superstars tring to be role-players.

[Andrew]

Drexler retired after the 97/98 season, he wasn't part of the 98/99 squad that featured Scottie Pippen.

[CHAMP23]

Unless Kobe misses the season (not gonna happen) I can't see LA winning it. Spurs are favorites, Kings are 2nd, then Lakers. Kobe will still try to get his 27-30ppg, it won't workout.

[Stevan]

I actually rate the Rockets of Olajuwon, Pippen, Drexler and Barkley ahead of the current Lakers, but they didn't win the championship

I think Drexler retired at the end of 98 when the Rockets were eliminated by the Jazz... and Scottie signed the following year as you know

As for Michael Jordan, I agree with you Champ, I would rather see him playing than not playing. If he did continue I'd be exited about it, but at the same time as admiring the man's will to keep going, I would be wondering why he's always saying one thing, and doing the other. Maybe he just makes a decision and later changes his mind, or maybe not, who knows. As well as the fact that he could still contribute rather well to a contender, the Nets would be a good fit because they are a pretty young and athletic team, and MJ's age could be somewhat camouglaged by that.
On a side note, there are also plenty of fine women out on the road for MJ to conquer, and while the tools are still working you have to use them

[CHAMP23]

Given that MJ has already announced 2002/2003 was his last season and he has been a front office position and ownership of an NBA team, I'd say his interest in playing in the NBA is waning. I know I was one of the people who doubted he'd make a comeback and play for the Wizards, but I truly think this is it for MJ.

Consider that he publically spoke of retirement very early last season. He's always kept people guessing, and in the past has been known to talk about his desire to play beyond the current season (take the 97/98 season for example). His comments at the ASG about being at peace with the game of basketball are another example of his changing attitude towards playing in the NBA.

His decision to limit his playing time once the Wizards were eliminated from playoff contention is, I believe, another sign that he's done. He was basically just riding out the season. The MJ of old would probably have played significant minutes in those final games, as his competitive spirit would seek to gain some pride despite the team's failure to reach the postseason.

I don't think the fact MJ hasn't handed in his retirement papers is a sign that he will be back this season. There haven't been any reports about him taking a front office position or buying into a team despite the latest statement from the Bobcats, but there hasn't been much talk of him working out or talking to teams either.

Even though I'm an MJ fan, I'd rather he call it a day rather than bounce around the league. I think the time is right for him to step away from the game.

The issue is not whether or not he is continuing.....the issue is whether or not it is a good idea.

Here is what fans at realgm.com think of it:

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=168428

(i started a thread with the exact same original post as this thread)

[Andrew]

I understand that, but I thought that given this is a discussion based on speculation, it was worth looking at the likelihood that such speculation would come true.

I don't think it's a good idea for MJ to continue his career. I don't think he could equal or surpass the standard that he set for himself during his brilliant career as a Chicago Bull. It's not uncommon for great athletes to continue competing not only past their prime but also to an age where they are shadows of their former selves. It happened to all the greats, and it would happen to MJ too if he was to continue playing.

At the very least, he would look foolish for having made those farewell remarks only to return the next year (or at any time in the future for that matter). He's my all-time favourite player and I've loved watching him play for many years, but it's time for him to step away. I don't think continuing his playing career is a good idea.

[CHAMP23]

I understand that, but I thought that given this is a discussion based on speculation, it was worth looking at the likelihood that such speculation would come true.

I don't think it's a good idea for MJ to continue his career. I don't think he could equal or surpass the standard that he set for himself during his brilliant career as a Chicago Bull. It's not uncommon for great athletes to continue competing not only past their prime but also to an age where they are shadows of their former selves. It happened to all the greats, and it would happen to MJ too if he was to continue playing.

At the very least, he would look foolish for having made those farewell remarks only to return the next year (or at any time in the future for that matter). He's my all-time favourite player and I've loved watching him play for many years, but it's time for him to step away. I don't think continuing his playing career is a good idea.

Well being a player myself, I can understand why Jordan would continue as long as he can. He knows that when he's 60 he really won't be able to do this. So why not try to make the most of what you have? You'll regret it later. You'll think 'damn! i could have played 5 more years'.

And another factor is what happened in Washington. There are about 16 better situations to finish your career in than Washington. Especially when you compare Washington to New Jersey. The Nets have made the Finals 2 straight years, and have improved, even without adding Jordan. And if they did add Jordan, I would expect them to defeat the Spurs next June (especially if Mourning is effective). I remember John Paxson saying back in 1991 'we always knew that if we could just get past the Pistons and win the East, Michael would find a way to win the rest', and i think that remains true.

I think the fans and media get caught up in the 'legacy'. Whereas the player often thinks and plays 'in the moment'. And if they don't play 'in the moment' they can regret not getting everything they could get out of the game. You have to play for yourself. And i don't think the career scoring title is a big enough deal. A lot of Wilt's records are flawed due to the inferior era he played in. He can take this one too if he wants.

A lot of great athletes play long past their prime (Ali for example). Why? The same reason why they are the greatest of their chosen profession - they love the game.

Anyway, I personally don't think Jordan will continue. But that's not the issue.

[Andrew]

Well being a player myself, I can understand why Jordan would continue as long as he can. He knows that when he's 60 he really won't be able to do this. So why not try to make the most of what you have? You'll regret it later. You'll think 'damn! i could have played 5 more years'

I can understand that, but what more can MJ accomplish? I'm sure he's thought about playing longer, weighed up the for and against, and I'm sure things such as his family, his age, the physical strain and the travel and whatnot have all been factors in his decision to stop playing.

Just because you can keep playing doesn't mean you should, especially if you don't have the desire. It seems to me that MJ has fulfilled is desire of finishing his career on his terms (retiring because he feels it's time, rather than because his team is being dismantled).

I think the fans and media get caught up in the 'legacy'. Whereas the player often thinks and plays 'in the moment'. And if they don't play 'in the moment' they can regret not getting everything they could get out of the game. You have to play for yourself. And i don't think the career scoring title is a big enough deal. A lot of Wilt's records are flawed due to the inferior era he played in. He can take this one too if he wants.

An athlete's legacy is probably a little overrated. Nothing can erase what they've accomplished in the past. But we humans tend to remember the ending rather than what transpired in the middle, and we also tend to remember the bad things. That's not to say MJ's last two years have been bad, but we do look on them as sub-par because he set such a high standard for himself earlier in his career.

But the question remains. If you don't have the desire to play any longer and you have nothing left to prove, why continue playing just because you can?

A lot of great athletes play long past their prime (Ali for example). Why? The same reason why they are the greatest of their chosen profession - they love the game.

Indeed. But if an athlete no longer feels the need to continue their career, why should they? You can love the game even if you no longer desire to play it at the highest level.

Anyway, I personally don't think Jordan will continue. But that's not the issue.

I chose to discuss the likelihood that he would come back as it's relevant to the discussion. But as I said, the impression I get from what MJ has said this past season is that he doesn't want to return, which is one of the reasons I think it would be a bad idea.

In my opinion it would be a bad idea for him to return, and upon examination of the situation it is my further opinion that it's unlikely it would happen. That's all I'm saying.

[CHAMP23]

I don't see the point of arguing whether Jordan would continue playing, because I think it is obvious he most likely won't play. That was never an issue. All I am talking about, is which team needs Jordan the most (New Jersey need a SG and scoring) and what might happen if they did attain him (Championship). But I certainly do not expect Jordan to continue playing. I am at least 90% sure it is over. This is why I keep saying that it's not the issue.

[Andrew]

Like I said, it's relevant to the discussion. The first topic you linked to contained a post that alluded to the feasibility/possibility of MJ actually coming back:

Apparently Jordan was seen at the latest K1 PPV and is believed to be looking slimmer than he ever looked while playing for Washington and more like he looked in 1998.
It is known that Jordan is yet to official retire from the NBA via the required paperwork.

That post seems to suggest that there's a possibility the idea could come to fruition as it points out MJ has not officially retired yet. Therefore, I felt it was relevant to not only state my opinion on whether it was a good idea or not, but also to examine the possibility of it actually happening.

It was my intention to take the discussion a step further, not to throw it off topic. I apologise if that's what it seemed like.

[Shep]

but what more can MJ accomplish?

a 7th championship

[Garnettbryant]

I can only say that it would be enormously fun with
Jordan in the NBA for one more season.

If he still can produce over 20 pts, and he certainly can
why not take a shot at it once again, it would probably
make the season 2003-04 the most exciting year ever,
with the allstar Lakers, Lebron James and so on.

[LeBron James]

mj to nets.


KIDD RULEZ

[Robby]

If MJ does decide to play another year, I hope he either goes to Chicago for a farewell tour with teammate Scottie Pippen or to LA (if Kobe can't play) to destroy the rest of the NBA. He's not going to score 20+ ppg or win a 7th championship with the Nets.

[Andrew]

but what more can MJ accomplish?

a 7th championship

Of course. He could also become the oldest player to lead the league in scoring, add to his career points, and so on and so forth. What I meant is that he doesn't really have anything left to prove. He's proven he can score at will, he's proven he can be a great defensive player, he's proven he can lead a team to the title. He can add to his statistics, but his legacy has already been established. I don't think he can really prove himself greater than he already has.

[Jackal]

If MJ does decide to play another year, I hope he either goes to Chicago for a farewell tour with teammate Scottie Pippen or to LA (if Kobe can't play) to destroy the rest of the NBA. He's not going to score 20+ ppg or win a 7th championship with the Nets.

Even with Kobe, if he could join that would be sweet.

Center: Shaquille O'Neal.
Power Forward: Karl Malone.
Small Forward: Michael Jordan.
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant.
Point Guard: Gary Payton.

Tell me that wouldnt be THE team to beat... Anyways its always fun dreaming.

[Amphatoast]

Center: Shaquille O'Neal.
Power Forward: Karl Malone.
Small Forward: Michael Jordan.
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant.
Point Guard: Gary Payton.

They will probably need to change the name from the LA Lakers to the LA All-Stars if they happened. As much as I dislike the Lakers, that is 1 killer line up right there, 1 of, if not the best all time. You double team anyone and you leave someone who is capable of scoring open.

Of course Jordan wouldn't be dumb enough to join the lakers..why try and join a team that has a chance at breaking your old team's most win in a season record? Not many times you can say a team has the potential for winning 72 games in 1 season.

About Jordan going to NJ, I really doubt he will go there. After all the Jordan farewell business, VC givign up his starting spot in the All-Star game thinking this is Jordan's final season, why bother comeback? I could understand if it was Charles Barkley who don't have a ring coming back, but not MJ.

[CHAMP23]

Center: Shaquille O'Neal.
Power Forward: Karl Malone.
Small Forward: Michael Jordan.
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant.
Point Guard: Gary Payton.

They will probably need to change the name from the LA Lakers to the LA All-Stars if they happened. As much as I dislike the Lakers, that is 1 killer line up right there, 1 of, if not the best all time. You double team anyone and you leave someone who is capable of scoring open.

Of course Jordan wouldn't be dumb enough to join the lakers..why try and join a team that has a chance at breaking your old team's most win in a season record? Not many times you can say a team has the potential for winning 72 games in 1 season.

About Jordan going to NJ, I really doubt he will go there. After all the Jordan farewell business, VC givign up his starting spot in the All-Star game thinking this is Jordan's final season, why bother comeback? I could understand if it was Charles Barkley who don't have a ring coming back, but not MJ.

I am 90% sure Jordan won't be continuing. But I am 90% that he wouldn't play for the Lakers if he did continue. Jordan is all about challenges.

[Andrew]

I am 90% sure Jordan won't be continuing. But I am 90% that he wouldn't play for the Lakers if he did continue. Jordan is all about challenges.

Indeed. When he first came back to the Wizards more than a few people in the media pointed out that it was a challenge he was after, not an easy ride to a 7th title.

[LeBron James]

damn i hope jordan will continues,but thats impossible.

[Ruff Ryder]

damn i hope jordan will continues,but thats impossible.

I think it'll be good for him to leave. damn, he'll be 70 trying to get a spot on the roster.

[Shep]

I don't think he can really prove himself greater than he already has

if this was the case then he wouldn't have needed to come back after the 1993 retirement...its a matter of competing, and doing what he loves doing