Barkley to return?

Oh, please NO!

 

I can see the headlines now:

<i>MJ and Barkley lead Wizards to a .500 record</i>

 

NEW YORK (AP) - Charles Barkley is at it again.

The talkative former NBA star told HBO's Real Sports on Thursday that he's considering a return with Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards.

Barkley, who abandoned a possible comeback alongside Jordan in July, said he has started a fitness program and is down to 290 pounds.

"I'm thinking about it," Barkley said. "I miss playing. I feel bad that Michael is struggling and I think I could help him, but I need to lose another 25 pounds before I could help him.

"I don't know if I could ride to the rescue, but I don't want to leave him out there by himself. I know that he feels like he's by himself right now. I feel like I'm one of the true friends he has."

Jordan, in Miami for a Friday night game against the Heat, was not available for comment. A Wizards spokesman said the team had no comment.

Barkley, currently working as a television analyst for Turner Sports, retired after injuries limited him to only 20 games with Houston in 1999-00.

The 38-year-old forward did not set a timetable for a return.

"I don't know," Barkley said. "It just depends on how I can get my body in shape. That's my No. 1 priority."

Barkley gave up his initial comeback hopes in July, saying: "I don't think I could play well. Right now I'm just working out to get in shape. ... There is no way I could play."

Barkley averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds in 16 seasons with Philadelphia, Phoenix and Houston. He led the Suns to the NBA finals in 1992-93 and was the NBA MVP that season.

 

God Chuck, return to a title contender if you're going to return!

 

I doubt that he'll come back. I'd like it though. I'd kinda like the Wizards.