WASHINGTON -- Washington majority owner Abe Pollin claims he never said anything negative about Michael Jordan, whose 3½-year tenure with the Wizards ended acrimoniously earlier this month.

Pollin spoke with the media following Thursday night's NBA draft lottery, after his team secured the 10th pick.

"We're talking to the future and we have great hopes for the franchise of this future,'' Pollin said. "We're not talking about the past. I'll only say one thing about the past. I never have said anything negative about Michael Jordan, and I never will and that closes the book on that.''

Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles in the 1990s, was the Wizards' president from January 2000 to September 2001 before coming out of retirement to play. His record was 110-179 as the top decision-maker, a role he kept even after returning as a player. He retired at the end of the regular season.

Jordan parted ways with the Wizards when Pollin decided he didn't want Jordan back in a front office role.

"It was well understood that when I finished playing, I would return as president of basketball operations and this was definitely my desire and intention,'' Jordan said in a statement following the May 8 decision. "However, today, without any prior discussion with me, ownership informed me that it had unilaterally decided to change our mutual long-term understanding. I am shocked by this decision, and by the callous refusal to offer me any justification for it.''

Pollin said he has spoken with people about the vacant position, plans to speak with more and expects to have one in place in time for the June 26 draft.