They were teasing and taunting just like grade-school bullies. Midway through the fourth quarter, the crowd at MCI Center suddenly realized its greatest advantage and proclaimed it in a sing-song chant:

"We've got Jor-dan."

It was boastful and unapologetic and you almost expected a defiant tongue to go along with it.

Who is this Michael Jordan that the Washington Wizards have, though? This one who doesn't shoot particularly well, who requires a lot of rest for his aching knees and who suddenly is the point-man, assist-leader and mentor to all.

He's still the greatest to play the game, if you ask his coach, at least, even if he's in his third round of NBA action. But in his first game at home, in the Wizards' 90-76 triumph over Philadelphia, Jordan proved Saturday that he's an ever-evolving player this time around ? one who is equally capable of quietly playing the supportive role.