NBA's Reaction To Jordan

Reaction to Michael Jordan's announcement Tuesday that he is returning to the NBA with the Washington Wizards:

"I have a lot of eagerness and anticipation in seeing him perform again. Having spoken to him in recent weeks, I know his focus and determination is there. Michael would only do this if he thought he could excel, so excel he will. He has something to lose, but not a lot." -- Julius Erving.

"Nobody has seen Michael play. You don't know what level he is at. It's like when Michael came back from baseball, nobody knew what he was going to do then. You can't sit here and say what he is going to do. Just his competitive spirit and his drive will make everyone on that team better. I don't think it is a decision that any of us can criticize or not criticize." -- 76ers general manager Billy King.

"We are happy to have Michael back. As an organization, it's good for the NBA and good for the game." -- Bulls general manager Jerry Krause.

"Michael's return to the NBA is great for the league and the Washington Wizards. I think he will return to being one of the top players in our league. His comeback certainly puts the Wizards in a position to make the playoffs this year." -- Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy.

"If he is happy, then I am thrilled. All I want is for Michael to be happy and healthy. If that means he plays in the NBA, then this is great." -- 76ers coach Larry Brown.

"I'm confident Michael Jordan the player would help any NBA team, including the Washington Wizards. It would be nice to finish on top with that last championship in 1998, but who is to say that great things are not ahead with Michael and the Wizards. He has made excellent decisions in the past and I know he has given this one a lot of thought." -- Dean Smith, Jordan's college coach.

"I think he'll still be one of the better players in the league." -- Magic coach Doc Rivers.

"It is good for the game. Michael is a great player and an even a better competitor. No matter how long he has been away from competitive basketball, he is always going to be MJ. He is a smart enough player where he will adjust his game to make himself a threat on the court." -- 76ers guard Aaron McKie.

"Michael the Magnificent will average 20-plus points per game and take the Wizards from 19 wins to double that total as they challenge for the playoffs." -- Dick Vitale.

"We're excited that Michael is returning. It will be fun to watch the greatest player ever match up against the NBA's new generation of stars, such as Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Ray Allen and others. Any possible scheduling changes will be considered and discussed with the NBA in the next week to 10 days." -- NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol.

"We're in discussions with the league on revising our schedule. We'll work with the league to expose Michael Jordan to the world." -- Turner Sports president Mark Lazarus.

"This is certainly an extremely important moment in the history of our franchise, however our excitement is muted by the world events that surround us. The greatest player in the history of the game is joining my team, and for that I am extremely honored and pleased. Michael has expressed his wishes that we focus on the national events of today rather than basketball. I concur and will certainly honor his wishes." -- Wizards owner Abe Pollin.

"Michael's return will be wonderful for the sport of basketball. I wish him all the best for this season. I am disappointed, however, that he turned down my standing invitation to play for the champs - the Lakers." -- Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson, Jordan's coach for all six NBA titles with the Bulls.

Got this from CBS.sportsline.com

"We don't care what your problem is, we don't care how big your heart is. We don't give a damn," Bryant said. "We just want to come and beat you."