This time, it's personal

Michael Jordan's return has long been made official, and like one of his trademark, game-deciding, last-second pull-up jump shots, it has left viewers thunderstruck.

While it may take some time to sink in, Jordan is a Washington Wizard. With that in mind, and now that the "will-he-or-won't-he" issue has been resolved, it is only natural to wonder why he would decide to put his legacy on the line. Why, at the age of 38, after nearly a three-year absence from the hardwood, and with a lifetime of memories waiting to be forgotten? The answer to that question is more simple than you may believe.

It only takes one glimpse at this year's edition of the Wizards to realize that he is not expecting to win another title. After all, head coach Doug Collins' roster is a tribute to mediocrity.

These days, it seems, if you are a pro basketball player in Washington, you are either a recent high school graduate or a well-traveled veteran.

Still think this may be a playoff contender? Let's take a closer look.

There are four rookies, including Kwame Brown and Brendan Haywood. Those two will probably see a fair amount of playing time. The rest of the starting lineup will include a combination of Christian Laettner (15 points/game for his career), Chris Whitney (5.8), and Richard Hamilton (26.1 minutes/game), with Jordan playing either the two-guard or manning the point.

No doubt the team is rebuilding, and will not be reserving tickets for this year's post-season. So, that said, Jordan's return has little to do with winning.

Now, you may be thinking, "If it's not for another ring, it must be for the money."

This is a common reaction, given the fact that he was once the highest-paid athlete on Earth. This time, though, is entirely different. He has signed a two-year contract and is scheduled to make $1 million this season, every penny of which will go to disaster relief funds to aid victims of the September 11th tragedies. This means Jordan is playing the entire season free of charge, and that it will be at least a year before he sees a paycheck. Money has nothing to do with his decision.

After six championships, five Most Valuable Player awards, eleven All-Star Games, and ten scoring titles, his masterpiece is complete. There is no more room on the mantle. He has cemented himself as a living legend, and has had the ultimate career.

Some believe, however, that his motivation to return is to teach a lesson to the league's wave of flashy new stars.

First of all, at Jordan's age and with his reputation at stake, he will rarely be matched up against Vince Carter, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, or any of the league's premier play-makers.

Second, he could care less about trying to show them up, especially since, at this point in their careers, it would probably be the other way around. Jordan has given more to the game of basketball than anyone. He has nothing left to prove.

So why is Michael Jordan really coming back to the game?

It's not about money or winning, and it's certainly not to pad his image. He is back for one simple reason -- he loves playing basketball. He misses everything about the game, and can't tolerate simply sitting up in the luxury box reminiscing about the glory years.

For once, it is not about material gains. Michael's latest comeback is fueled by his desire to do what he does best, and, what nobody has ever done better.