Paul Silas isn?t unlike most NBA coaches this season who have praised Michael Jordan?s return to the game. But there is a difference.

Silas thinks Jordan has actually been better than he expected.

"I really am kind of surprised that he?s been as good as he has," said Silas, whose Hornets tangle with Jordan?s Washington Wizards for the first time tonight at 8 p.m. in the nation?s capital. "At his age and his position, it?s surprising to see how he can still control the game.

"Normally, a guy his age plays a position where you?re not as active and don?t have to be as athletic. But he?s been both, so what he?s doing is nothing short of phenomenal."

Silas, who retired as a player when he was 36 years old, said he was mesmerized by Jordan?s last performance, a 44-point outing last Friday in a 101-82 home loss to Utah.

"His team?s just not winning," Silas said. "That?s been the biggest difference for him."

To be certain, while Jordan?s 27.1 scoring average has him among the league leaders, his team?s 2-7 record has the Wizards at the bottom of the standings.