MILWAUKEE – Kyle Korver still misses elements of his two seasons with the Chicago Bulls, the team camaraderie, the cohesive goal toward winning, and even the relentless Tom Thibodeau. He’s adjusted smoothly so far in his first season with the Atlanta Hawks, playing the most minutes since his third season while shooting and passing freely.

There’s less control over every little detail that Korver enjoys now. He learned immensely from Thibodeau – gaining sharp techniques defensively and fitting into a systematic offense – but has enjoyed more minutes and assuming more of a leadership role.

The Bulls traded Korver last offseason to save money toward the salary cap, a move that sent away their best three-point shooter who easily clicked with Derrick Rose. Ranking sixth-worst in three-point shooting percentage, Chicago has badly missed Korver.

All along, Korver felt a trade out of Chicago could come, and when he left last year, it was on good terms. Korver will be a free agent this offseason, and there’s little doubt that the Bulls will at least make a pitch to sign him – just like many other NBA teams. And should he receive that call from the Bulls, Korver made clear he would consider returning.

“Totally, I would,” Korver told RealGM on Saturday night. “That’s a great organization, that’s an awesome jersey to put on. Great fans, good team. You only get to be a free agent so many times in a career, so I’ll definitely see what’s all there. But I would absolutely listen to what they’ve got to say.”

Just one game in the win column separates the Bulls and Hawks, and Korver knows the threat his former team poses. For his part, Rose was an advocate of Korver over the past two seasons, both guards benefiting from the facets of their repertories that capitalizes each other best – dribble penetration and outside shooting. As much as anyone, Rose would have loved for Korver to stay with the Bulls.

Before the two teams played each other earlier this month, Korver and Rose caught up on their recently born children – Rose’s son, Korver’s daughter – and the 2011 MVP’s torn ACL rehabilitation. Korver is confident that Rose will return at some point this season but understands the tempering of expectations needed for it to be a seamless comeback.

“Especially where the Bulls are at right now, there’s no need for him to rush back,” Korver said. “To catch an extra five games? It’s just about him being mentally confident and then having some court time and going into the playoffs to see what happens.”

Rose recently said he won’t return until he is 110 percent, hinting toward the prospect of missing the entire season. In Korver’s mind, progress toward return from Rose had been expected too much, too soon, and there’s a solidified plan in place to ensure that 110 percent mark.

“He’s got some good voices around him and the organization has supported him with whatever he needs,” Korver said. “He’s going to make sure he’s 110 percent before he comes back.

“There’s a lot of buildup for when he’s coming back and it creates a lot of pressure. I think all he was saying was, ‘I’m going to make sure that I’m 110 percent.’ He’s not trying to make a big deal about anything … just wants to wait until he’s 110 percent. And he should.”

Through new teammates and a new environment, Korver has shown versatility in playing two different systems. More minutes have led to increased production, and he’s tried to lead in the Hawks’ locker room this season, being the oldest player on the roster at 31. “I’m the oldest guy on our team, so I try to share when I can, things that you’ve picked up over the years,” he said.

When the Eastern Conference standings comes up, Korver knows the Hawks have the opportunity not only to make the playoffs, but also further elevate their seeding.

With the Bulls, Korver had always seen his team as on the Miami Heat’s level. Now, he’s just in the mix of teams – including those Bulls – jockeying for stature behind the Heat.

“There’s a nice little cluster after Miami,” Korver said. “You want to be playing your best basketball by the end of the season and I think over the course of the last couple months, we’re seeing who we have to be to be successful. So I think it’ll be good for us these last 28 games to find a rhythm and establish a brand of basketball.”

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Trade rumors are usually the biggest stories of All-Star Weekend, but not this year. Not when the three-day event coincided with Michael Jordan’s 50th birthday. While Jordan has been retired for a decade, his mystique remains as powerful as ever. Even in Houston, the exhaustive 24/7 coverage of his career was impossible to escape. Jordan gave his first wide-ranging interviews on the sport in several years, which was treated within basketball circles like Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai.

The substance of his comments were parsed, analyzed and dissected into a million pieces, but the tone was even more interesting. Everyone always talks about how different he is from the average person, but Jordan at 50 sounds like every other 50-year-old who has ever walked the Earth. He’s not totally sold on the young kids today and he isn’t sure they would have been as successful back in his day. One of basketball’s most revolutionary players has become a reactionary in his middle age.

Of course, the game has changed since Jordan’s heyday. In the crucial moments of the 2013 All-Star Game, there wasn’t a single traditional center on the floor. Instead of wrestling in the low post, the biggest players on the floor were spread out along the three-point line. The game on Sunday night bore more than a passing resemblance to the small-ball revolution we witnessed in the 2012 Finals, in large part because six of the key players from that series are All-Stars this season.

Basketball is no different than any other sport: players in 2013 are bigger, faster and more athletic than ever before. In 1988, Ben Johnson’s 9.79 in the 100 meter dash was good enough for a gold medal and a new world record. In 2012, it would have put him in a tie for the bronze. A bronze-medal winning time in the 100 meter freestyle in 1988 was barely enough to make it out of the qualifying rounds 25 years later. Dunks that were inventive and breathtaking in 1988 are run of the mill today.

If the students in James Naismith’s class had the size of a LeBron James or the speed of a Russell Westbrook, he probably would have made the court a little bit wider. There just isn’t as much space on the floor as there was in the past. But since the dimensions of the floor haven’t changed to compensate for the modern player, the game has. In Jordan’s day, the game was played from the inside-out and the three-point shot was still viewed as somewhat of a gimmick. Today it’s played from the outside-in while spacing the floor with three-point shooters in the front-court has become the norm.

There were plenty of great three-point shooters in 1988, but elite players had yet to fully incorporate the shot into their arsenal. The Eastern and Western Conference All-Stars combined to take 10 in the 1988 game; they took 71 in 2013. And where there were 78 free-throw attempts in 1988, there were only 31 on Sunday. It’s a reflection of a fascinating statistical trend unearthed by True Hoop: over the last 25 years, the number of three-point attempts per season has steadily increased as the number of free-throw attempts has decreased.

On Sunday, the result was a more free-flowing game with far fewer stoppages of play. With so little offense being run through the low post, the game was played at a near breakneck pace for 48 minutes. In that type of semi-transition setting, basketball resembles soccer, where fluid athletes with an innate feel for the game are at a premium. Chris Paul is the least athletic All-Star in the NBA; he won the All-Star MVP in 2013 because speed, fluidity and court sense were more important than size and strength. In the same way, Lionel Messi, at 5’7 150, is the most feared soccer player in the world.

None of this could have happened if the NBA hadn’t changed its officiating over the last generation. That was one of Jordan’s main points: there’s a lot less clutching and grabbing in the modern game. In theory, at least, defensive players are no longer allowed to hold guys with the ball 25 feet from the basket. Jordan frames it as a question about the toughness of modern players and whether they could succeed in a more physical game. But, on the other hand, why exactly would less talented players uglying up the game be more interesting to watch or fun to play? Does it matter if Wes Welker was “tough” enough to play WR in the 1970’s?

Jordan spent most of his career saddled with defensive-minded centers who clogged the paint and weren’t threats on the offensive end of the floor. In contrast, LeBron has a breathtaking amount of space to operate when Miami and/or the Eastern Conference All-Star team plays small. The three-headed monster of Will Perdue, Bill Cartwright and Luc Longley wouldn’t see the floor in Erik Spoelstra’s small-ball attack. Spoelstra flipped the dynamic in the Finals when he started Chris Bosh at center, which isn’t a strategy that would have worked against Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning or David Robinson.

LeBron and Durant have to deal with fewer great big men than Jordan, primarily because they would have been considered great big men a generation ago. Back then, a 6’9 270 or 6’11 235 player would have been stationed on the low block from the moment they picked up a basketball. The NBA’s two best players are the end product of Jordan’s perimeter revolution: growing up, everyone wanted to be like Mike, even the big men. In the AAU game, the best 6’9+ players don’t want to be pigeon-holed as conventional big men, so they practice ball-handling and three-point shooting more than post scoring.

If we are comparing eras, the question is more whether retired players could play in the present than whether current players could play in the past. The greatest players would have thrived in any era, but the average older player would have had no chance of staying in front of Kyrie Irving or Tony Parker without grabbing them or making enough three-pointers to space the floor for them. However, since every athlete is ultimately a product of the time they played in, how they compare with players from different eras isn’t all that relevant.

Jordan may think guys in the 2010’s couldn’t play in his era, but I’d be willing to bet Dr. J thought the same thing about guys in the 1990’s. Going further back, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain probably had the same view about guys in the 1970’s as George Mikan and Bob Pettit did about guys in the 1960’s. And when LeBron and Durant hit 50, odds are they’ll be similarly dubious of what the guys in the 2030’s are up to. It’s the natural reaction of anyone who reaches middle age and sees their own mortality looming: tearing down the present in order to protect memories of the past.

But Jordan’s legacy shouldn’t depend on him forever being considered greater than Kobe, LeBron and Durant. Without Jordan, none of those guys could have existed in the first place. That’s his legacy. As Isaac Newton once said about the history of science, we all stand on the shoulders of giants. Players with historic talent aren’t just the face of the franchise they play for; they’re faces of the game itself. All that’s asked in return for the fame and fortune is that they leave the game a better place than they found it.

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As we move forward with “Amnesty 2.0,” we will see the fascinating possibilities that the provision brings even as the number of teams and players left dwindles with time. One fun component of the rule is that we know exactly which players are eligible for it and that number can only decrease over time since the players had to have been under contract with the same team before the new CBA. As such, any trades, extensions, or contract expirations thin out the list.

The other thing to remember is that most of the benefit of using the amnesty provision comes from additional flexibility in terms of the salary cap- the only money savings owners get from using it come from any reduction in luxury tax payments and whatever a “winning” team bids for that player on amnesty waivers.

Atlanta Hawks

Players Eligible for amnesty: Al Horford

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: None

Most likely amnesty decision: Not use it. Since the team traded all of its long-term contracts (except Horford) and potential candidates like Zaza Pachulia’s contracts expire this summer, the only person left for Atlanta to utilize the provision on is Horford. That seems unlikely.

Boston Celtics

Players Eligible for amnesty: Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Paul Pierce

Most likely amnesty decision: Not use it. After signing five different players to dollar figures over $5 million for 2013-14 this past offseason, the Celtics took all the incentive out of using the amnesty provision on Pierce in 2013.

Brooklyn Nets- Used amnesty provision on Travis Outlaw (December 15, 2011)

Charlotte Bobcats

Players Eligible for amnesty: Tyrus Thomas

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Tyrus Thomas

Most likely amnesty decision: Tyrus Thomas in 2014. As of now, the Bobcats do not have enough salary on the books to necessitate making an amnesty move this coming summer. As such, the most likely play is to keep Tyrus until the summer of 2014 when Ben Gordon’s contract is cleared from the ledger. As of now, Charlotte only has players on rookie deals and Brendan Haywood getting money then, so it could be the right time to strike.

Chicago Bulls

Players Eligible for amnesty: Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Carlos Boozer

Most likely amnesty decision: Carlos Boozer in 2014. The decision has become even clearer now, though the TaJ Gibson extension could push the timeline up a little bit if the Bulls are feeling the pressure financially next summer. However, Boozer’s last year comes the same year that Luol Deng becomes a free agent, so a proactive Bulls team could make some FA/trade noise since they have less money on the books.

Cleveland Cavaliers- Used amnesty provision on Baron Davis (December 14, 2011)

Dallas Mavericks- Used amnesty provision on Brendan Haywood (July 12, 2012)

Denver Nuggets- Used amnesty provision on Chris Andersen (July 17, 2012)

Detroit Pistons

Players Eligible for amnesty: Charlie Villanueva and Greg Monroe

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Charlie Villanueva

Most likely amnesty decision: Charlie Villanueva in 2013. It seemed like a foregone conclusion in 2012 and absolutely has to be done in 2013. I cannot see a tangible benefit to leaving his $8.58 million on the cap for 2013-14.

Golden State Warriors- Used amnesty provision on Charlie Bell (December 11, 2011)

Houston Rockets- Used amnesty provision on Luis Scola (July 13, 2012)

Indiana Pacers- Used amnesty provision on James Posey (December 12, 2011)

Los Angeles Clippers- Used amnesty provision on Ryan Gomes (July 18, 2012)

Los Angeles Lakers

Players Eligible for amnesty: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace, Steve Blake

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Metta World Peace, Steve Blake

Most likely amnesty decision: Metta World Peace in 2013. Even though the Lakers continue to need a quality small forward in the worst way, shedding the final year of Metta’s onerous deal seems like the best play. The addition of Chris Duhon makes Steve Blake a slightly greater possibility, but he still appears moveable via trade and provides fair value to the team.

Memphis Grizzlies

Players Eligible for amnesty: Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, Mike Conley

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Zach Randolph (in 2014)

Most likely amnesty decision: Zach Randolph in 2014. Memphis will eventually need to make a decision on what to do with their core. Having Z-Bo, Gay, Conley, and Marc Gasol on the books through 2014-15 likely means that the team has a choice to make in 2014 unless either Randolph or Gay makes it for them by declining their player option. My gut says that new ownership will cut bait on an expensive $16.5 million final year option for Randolph.

Miami Heat

Players Eligible for amnesty: Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Joel Anthony, Udonis Haslem

Most likely amnesty decision: Joel Anthony in 2014. The reigning champs did not lose a single player from their amnesty list over the past year thanks to roster stability. Mike Miller’s health could end up making him the pick but Joel Anthony’s $3.8M final season stands out since the Heat do not have a veteran shooter locked up for 2014-15 at this time. Look for one of the two of them to be shed then, though.

Milwaukee Bucks

Players Eligible for amnesty: Drew Gooden and Larry Sanders

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Drew Gooden

Most likely amnesty decision: Drew Gooden in 2013. With Beno Udrih expiring at the end of this season, Drew Gooden’s two remaining years are the only reasonable option left for amnesty purposes. Considering Brandon Jennings will get a major pay raise this summer and the Bucks will need any flexibility they can get whether or not Monta Ellis opts out, look for him to go even though the team stands unlikely to benefit in any way other than cap room.

Minnesota Timberwolves- Used amnesty provision on Darko Milicic (July 12, 2012)

New Orleans Hornets

Players Eligible for amnesty: No one

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: No one

Most likely amnesty decision: Not use it. By trading all three players eligible for the amnesty provision (Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza, and Jarrett Jack), the Hornets became the first team to be assured not to use it this time around.

New York Knicks- Used amnesty provision on Chauncey Billups (December 10, 2011)

Oklahoma City Thunder

Players Eligible for amnesty: Kevin Durant, Kendrick Perkins, Thabo Sefolosha, Nick Collison

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: None

Most likely amnesty decision:  Not use it. We will have to see how Sam Presti handles the Kendrick Perkins situation, but my read is that they will not utilize it after either of the next two seasons. Nick Collison would be a slight chance in 2014 if he were not so popular with the team and management.

Orlando Magic- Used amnesty provision on Gilbert Arenas (December 9, 2011)

Philadelphia 76ers- Used amnesty provision on Elton Brand (July 12, 2012)

Phoenix Suns- Used amnesty provision on Josh Childress (July 16, 2012)

Portland Trail Blazers- Used amnesty provision on Brandon Roy (December 15, 2011)

Sacramento Kings

Players Eligible for amnesty: John Salmons, Francisco Garcia, DeMarcus Cousins

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: John Salmons, Francisco Garcia

Most likely amnesty decision: John Salmons in 2013. Since Salmons’s deal is only partially guaranteed ($1M) in 2014-15, the Kings would have some flexibility in the 2013 off-season when Tyreke Evans can be extended and Cousins will be one year away if they cut him loose at that point. Interestingly, that low buyout could also make Garcia the choice if management sees the talent disparity between the two as high enough to warrant the switch.

San Antonio Spurs

Players Eligible for amnesty: Tony Parker and Matt Bonner

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Matt Bonner

Most likely amnesty decision: Not use it. Bonner’s partially guaranteed 2013-14 salary would be a possibility but appears unlikely at best.

Toronto Raptors

Players Eligible for amnesty: Andrea Bargnani, Amir Johnson, Linas Kleiza, Ed Davis

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: Andrea Bargnani, Amir Johnson

Most likely amnesty decision: Not use it. Utilizing amnesty on Bargnani would be too big an admission of defeat for management, though theoretically a change at the top coupled with more bad play could change the equation sufficiently to put Il Mago on the amnesty line.

Utah Jazz

Players Eligible for amnesty:  Derrick Favors

Reasonable candidates for amnesty: None

Most likely amnesty decision: Not use it. With only young buck Derrick Favors left as eligible to be amnestied, every conceivable sign points to the Jazz joining the Hornets in August 2013 as teams guaranteed not to use the provision.

Washington Wizards- Used amnesty provision on Andray Blatche (July 17, 2012)