The hops are history. The tongue still wags, but now it's out of exhaustion. The wagging tongue is no longer the signal for 20,000 fans to rise up in anticipation of perhaps seeing something they've never before seen on a basketball court.

Michael Jordan, one-time Cavaliers heartbreaker while leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships, is 38. He can't stop the ticking clock, but it does not matter to the basketball fans of Cleveland and/or basketball fans of the NBA. Jordan's return, after sitting out three seasons, is once again stuffing arenas. The curious want one more look at arguably the greatest to play the game, even if he does look out of character in the uniform of the Washington Wizards.

Rick Lertzman, a liquidator from Moreland Hills, and his son, Matt, watched last night's game in Gund Arena from the second row behind the Cavaliers bench - in seats that are $150 each. "Why am I here? Michael Jordan," said the father.

"He may not be the same as he once was, but it is amazing to see what he can do at his age."

Matt Lertzman, 22, came from Toledo, where he attends the University of Toledo. "I would have come from anywhere to see Michael Jordan," he said. "To me, he still has appeal. Hey, I even thought about wearing a Wizards cap, but my dad drew the line."

Having Michael Jordan in the house meant a lot of things to a lot of people.