Steve Wyche of The Sporting News writes that Michael Jordan has proclaimed the neucleus of his team consists of Richard Hamilton, Courtney Alexander, Etan Thomas and Jahidi White. Now with the first pick in the draft, he must decide whether to choose a young player to compliment the neucleus or use that pick to procure a veteran.

Who is to say Kobe Bryant isn't going to be better than Michael Jordan? Let's get that out on the table right now. He's a lot better than Jordan was at the same age."  says former Seattle coach Paul Westphal. "Kobe has a sense of the game similar to Michael in playmaking ability and skill," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson. What does Bryant think?  "It does bother me somewhat," Bryant said Sunday. "I want to be identified as my own player. There'll never be another Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan is the greatest player ever. No one can fill his shoes."  

It is a debate that has been raging for time time among the NBA fans.  Who do you think will be the better player once their careers are finished?

The washington Times' Dan Daly suggests that the Wizards should keep the number one pick in the draft. Iverson, Robinson, O'Neal and Duncan are all former number one picks who are leading their teams deep into the playoffs.

Steve Wyche of the Washington Post writes that Michael Jordan is concentrating on his options. Not whether he will return to play, but what he should do with the number one pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. MJ won't allow his possible return to the court affect his decision in the draft.

The New York Times reports that Michael Jordan's quest to return to the NBA has been slowed by back spasms. Jordan says "With age, that happens. I had them when I was playing." But we can't help but wonder if the spasms were caused by repeatedly trying to lift Charles Barkley off the living room couch.

MJ knows that the #1 pick for the Wizards is important. Steve Wyche of the Washington Post writes that Jordan recognizes that this pick sets the tone for the future of the franchise.

Everyone knew that Jerry Krause had more balls than everyone else in the room.  But when NBA Executive Vice President Joel Litvin reached his hand into the lottery bin, he pulled out one of Michael Jordan's balls instead.  As a result the Wizards get the first pick in this tear's NBA Draft, while Chicago only gets the fourth.  One NBA exec was overheard to say, "I guess it's better to have more heart than more balls."  Upon checking out of the Ft. Lee (NJ) Hilton, Krause reportedly asked to reserve his room for next year.  He said that Elgin Baylor had told him to be sure to get the frequent guest discount.

How does a lineup of MJ, Barkley and Eddy Curry look?  What about MJ, Barkley and Eddie Griffin?  With the Wizards winning the lottery today Michael Jordan holds all the cards.

The Clippers moved up the order to draft #2, while Atlanta will draft #3.  The big losers were the Bulls, who despite finishing with the worst record in the NBA moved down to draft #4.

Dave Lewandowski of the Indianapolis Star reports in his NBA column that Mitch Richmond is not a lock to play in Miami next year. After being bought out by the Wizards, he will look to sign with a winning team for the mid-class exception and is not opposed to the idea of backing up Kobe Bryant or Michael Finley.