Orlando, Fla.

- If the season ended at this point, Cavs coach John Lucas and Orlando coach Doc Rivers say Michael Jordan is the league's Most Valuable Player.

"He's had the most impact of all the impact players," Lucas said. "They won 19 games last year and they've won more than that already. They also started the season at 2-9."

Jordan, who'll turn 39 on Feb. 17, is averaging 25.2 points a game for the Wizards.

"Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan have all had good starts," Rivers said. "Any of those guys could be considered MVP but if Michael wins MVP, it'll just say how great he is. Michael Jordan is the greatest player. He's Babe Ruth."


All-Star Weekend:

Some Cavs players will take time off during All-Star Weekend, and some players like Jumaine Jones and Ricky Davis will use the time to support Wes Person in the 3-point shooting contest and cheer for Chris Mihm in the Rookie Challenge in Philadelphia.

More All-Star:

Person said he's ready to compete in the 3-point shootout and he's looking forward to festivities that surround All-Star Weekend. But Person said he isn't close to being as ready as his 6-year-old son, Wes Jr.

"The NBA sent me a videotape about the rules of the 3-point shootout," Person said. "My son saw it and that made him even more eager for this coming weekend. He can't wait to meet and see the players. I'm going to try to get him on the floor during the 3-point shooting contest. That'll make his night."

No cash:

DeSagana Diop returned to the active roster yesterday following his one-game suspension and $5,000 fine for leaving the bench during the Cavs game against Washington on Jan. 31.

Diop left the bench area when Wizards center Jahidi White head-butted Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Diop was glad to be back.

"It's a league rule and I have to live with it," Diop said. "I don't even want to think about it anymore. That fine hurt. There's a lot I could've done with that money."

King of the Hill:

Tyrone Hill, who has suffered from back spasms all season, said he hopes to return to action for the first time this season against Chicago on Feb. 16 or against Utah on Feb. 18.

Assistant-less:

Cavs assistant coach Jerry Eaves didn't make the trip to Orlando because of the death of his sister in Louisville, Ky. Eaves won't return to the team until after All-Star break.

Homecoming:

Jones, who grew up in Cocoa, about 40 minutes from Orlando, had a host of family members and friends at last night's game. . . . Michael Doleac returned to Orlando for the first time since he was traded during the off-season from the Magic.