NBA: Jordan and Barkley: Dream team or geriatric trick?

By Bill Ingram Sports Central Columnist

Michael Jordan has been denying he will return to the NBA hardwoods next season, but he forgot that one of his buddies has the biggest mouth in the history of the game. Charles Barkley revealed earlier this week that he plans to join M.J. in playing for the Washington Wizards next season. The question is: why?

Michael Jordan has nothing to prove, nothing to gain, and cannot hope to return to his MVP form after two years out of the game. The Wizards' part-owner must have decided the only way for him to sell tickets was for him to put on a jersey. The thing is, he has to sell off his ownership in order to play for the Wizards. The only explanation for M.J.'s return is ego run a mock. He can't handle being out of the lime light and he thinks coming back to the NBA will quench his thirst for fame. I'm afraid all it will do is leave a bad taste in the mouths of his former fans.

Charles Barkley is another story. His best days were far behind him before he ever became a Houston Rocket. His body is run down, he has no work ethic, and he just has nothing left to give this game. What on earth would posses him to contemplate a return after he was carried off the court in his last real NBA game? Sure, he limped through a few minutes until he could score a basket in the Rockets' final game last season, but he looked terrible, like a beaten man. Here again, we see ego run a mock.

Barkley never got a ring. I suppose that he has convinced himself that he and M.J. can get one in Washington. There is no other reason for him to risk damaging his body permanently to come back to the NBA. Seriously, though, would the Wizards even be considered a front runner with M.J. and Barkley in the lineup? I don't think so, not at all.

I'm sure that even an old Michael Jordan can get you 30-40 wins by himself, especially in the East, but how long would Barkley play before hurting himself gain? I would be surprised if he made it through 30 games. These guys need to take a reality pill and realize their day is done. Why spoil the memory of their glory days with visions of them playing Legends ball on a miserable Washington team?

Stay retired, guys. You were great - just not anymore.

Article courtesy of Sports Central