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Friday, March 14
Updated: April 15, 4:12 PM ET
 
Breaking down both sides of MJ's comeback

By Fred Carter
Special to ESPN.com

Michael Jordan has played well in his second NBA comeback. He has done just about everything right, but there are a few things he could have done better.

Here's a quick look at both ends of MJ's final stint in the league.

Things MJ has done right
Michael Jordan and Kwame Brown
Jordan shouldn't have been so tough on Kwame Brown, right.
1. Increase franchise's value. Michael's comeback has really helped him in terms of the value of the Wizards organization. Having him on the floor was a major plus in terms of ticket sales, merchandise and other revenue.

2. Develop young players. MJ has gotten his younger teammates to begin to understand what work ethic is and what it means to compete and work hard every night.

3. Instill a winning attitude. Those young guys now know how a winner approaches things because they have dressed, played and showered with the ultimate winner. All the little things will rub off on them and it will be interesting to see who on this team is affected most by that influence. Are you listening, Jerry Stackhouse?

Things MJ could've done better
1. Not overshadow Doug Collins. Jordan should not have allowed the media to make him so much of a spokesman for this team. That has pushed the head coach by the wayside. It has been unfair to Collins.

2. Not be too harsh on the young guys. Mike has done a lot to help the Wizards develop, but he needs to understand that none of the other players on the team see the game the way he does. That is something he cannot teach by sheer force of will, and Michael may have stepped over the line with guys like Kwame Brown.

3. Criticism of teammates. This is always a no-no. Older players may be able to handle it but the young guys will resent being called out in the media, and even the best player ever shouldn't take his grievances public.

Fred Carter is an NBA analyst for ESPN.





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