Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune has his ideas about the motives of Michael Jordan's expected return to the NBA.  While his Washington colleagues report that Jordan does not appear interested in his managerial position with the Wizards, where as Smith writes he ''rarely scouts, and even when there is a closed scouting session where he will not be mobbed by spectators, Jordan rarely attends.''  Should he return, there will be no championships and maybe even no playoffs.  There may be another scoring championship, but there is no support.  So why is he returning?

''The belief among those close to Jordan is his expected return is part of a deal with Wizards management to end his relationship with the organization, but not cost him his substantial share, about $50 million, due over five years. Jordan must surrender his equity stake in the team to return to the floor, though he'll get a bigger share of the NHL's Capitals for now.

The speculation is that with Jordan playing a season or two if he remains healthy and effective, his presence will produce record season ticket sales for the team and increased TV revenue. That would fulfill his original five-year obligation to the team, and he would be free to leave if he chooses after that.''

Perhaps this is true.  After all.. nothing else makes sense.