During last season's playoffs, the NBA seemed to finally be moving beyond its Michael Jordan dependency problem.
Young stars such as Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady finally were playing up to their star billing. Fan interest, fueled by a Finals matchup of Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers and Iverson's Philadelphia 76ers, surged.
Then Tuesday, Jordan made official what long has been expected. He's back, wearing a No. 23 Washington Wizards jersey.
Is that a good thing for a league just getting over him?
"I think it's great for the game," Suns guard Stephon Marbury said. "It's going to make the game a lot more exciting to watch. I'm happy he's coming back. I'm excited about playing against him."