Making a comeback -- MJ and me

While many sportswriters have blasted Michael Jordan for returning to the NBA, I'm all in favor of it. You see, I can relate to what MJ is trying to do.

Jordan isn't the only 30-something basketball player making a comeback. I am, too.

In fact, there are a few similarities between his comeback and mine. Michael wants to dominate the NBA the way he once did, while my goal is to dominate the once-a-week pickup game at the local junior high school gym.

Michael started working out feverishly once his weight ballooned to 242, and he quickly lost 30 pounds. When I tipped the scales at 225 last spring, I knew it was time to get in shape. I've been working out five days a week ever since, mostly running and riding a bike, and I'm now back to my playing weight of 208.

At the age of 38, Jordan is expected to rely more on his jumper than his jumping ability. I wouldn't look for too many MJ dunks on the SportsCenter highlights.

Like Michael, I also have to rely on my jumper, which is actually pretty accurate to a range of about 22 feet. I played with a guy in college who once told me that I was the best shooter he had ever seen other than Jon Sundvold. (And if you don't know who Sundvold is, you're either too young to remember him or you're not a basketball fan.)

Of course, I'm fortunate that I can shoot the ball. The rest of my game is, well, pretty average.

At six-feet, two-inches tall, I've always been a tweener. Basically, I'm a small forward in the body of a slow off-guard. And that makes me equally inept on defense -- I'm not fast enough to keep up with the little guys on the perimeter, and I'm not strong enough to outmuscle the big guys in the paint.

I also suffer from the dreaded "White Man's Disease," because I am a white man. Take a look at my picture at the top of this column. Do I look like I can jump? Nevertheless, I can rebound the ball if it comes right to me.

Seriously, though, getting in shape has been one of the toughest things I've ever had to do. And I'm sure it wasn't all that easy for MJ, either.

I believe Michael when he says he's returning to the NBA because of his love for the game. He just wants to play, and there's nothing wrong with that.

While others may be rooting for Jordan to fall flat on his face, I'm hoping that he can lead the Washington Wizards to a championship.

Kick some butt, Mike, and make the rest of us 30-something basketball players proud.