WASHINGTON – For the second time in three weeks, Michael
Jordan is in town and has practiced with the Washington Wizards.
Once again, he's had to deny he's attempting a comeback.
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Richmond gone?
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WASHINGTON – Mitch Richmond
, who likely has played his
final game for the Washington Wizards, was placed on the team's
injured list Wednesday.
Richmond sprained his right knee in a game against New Jersey
March 10 and has missed the last 10 games. He'll miss at least five
more while on the injured list, and the Wizards have only nine
games remaining.
The Wizards are expected to buy out the remaining year of
Richmond's contract for $10 million this summer, a salary cap move
that would make the six-time All-Star guard a free agent.
The Wizards activated forward
Tyrone Nesby
, who had been out with a
sprained right ankle and lower back strain.
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"The only thing this signals is that I'm getting some
exercise," said Jordan, who wore a Wizards No. 23 jersey when he
took part in Monday's workout.
However, Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who used to coach Jordan in Chicago, fueled the fire some more on Wednesday.
"Michael is working out like he's coming back," said Jackson, who also said he has not spoken to Jordan.
Jordan also practiced with the Wizards on March 19, not long after a
series of reports speculating he would come out of retirement and
play for the Wizards next season, possibly bringing Charles Barkley
with him.
Jordan, the Wizards president of basketball operations and a
part owner of the team, usually prefers to run the Wizards from his
home in Chicago.
The 38-year-old five-time MVP has consistently denied the
comeback reports. He said his weight had reached 240 pounds, 25
over his playing weight, and that he is playing basketball
recreationally to stay in shape.
Even so, Wizards coach Leonard Hamilton said Jordan is still
better than anyone else on the court at practice.
"I think this is something all the young players should feel
lucky to be a part of," Hamilton said.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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AUDIO VIDEO
 Phil Jackson anticipates another Michael Jordan comeback (Courtesy: WBBM).
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