Hot Air?

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 23, 2004 9:24PM

Chicaogist first mentioned the wispers a few weeks ago about a certain former Chicago Bull playing some hoops this summer, and proposed a few ideas to fan the flames that he was preparing for another comeback.

The rumors died down for a little while, but now they're roaring again. Recently, Denver Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe mentioned that loose talk around the league is Michael Jordan has been working out like a demon, testing the possibility of joining forces with Shaquille O'Neal in Miami.

The Miami Herald reports that Shaquille O'Neal has told teammates that Jordan called him expressing interest in joining the Heat. "O'Neal told teammates he was not interested in having Jordan join the Heat, and others agreed, the sources said."

Heat President Pat Riley also nixed the idea of Jordan joining the team back in July, saying he was "uninterested in adding a player Jordan's age."

Oh, come on! Chicagoist doesn't buy Riley's concern for Jordan's age. MJ would be such a marketing draw that he'd surely want the increased exposure and ticket sales Jordan would bring to the team. And while he may not be the player at 41 he was at 31, he can still probably hold his own on the court while teaching Miami's crop of talented young players about drive and winning.

Chicagoist does believe Shaq, however. He always wants to be "the man" and clearly he'd be unable to fully assume that role with the greatest player ever on the roster. He just forced his way out of L.A. to rid himself of a rivalry with Kobe, when they could have put aside their differences to try and best Jordan's 6 rings...