Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan thoughts:

? All I know is the Cavs still had Chris Whitney covered on that last play.

? How can a veteran like Bryant Stith switch off Jordan to cover Whitney? Wouldn't the Cavs have been better off if both Jumaine Jones and Stith chased Jordan, and just left the 6-foot Whitney wide open? At least they could say they didn't let Jordan beat 'em.

? Jordan plays most of the game now well below the rim. There were a couple of plays on Thursday when he could have dunked, but didn't. It's a good guess that his knees still ache, and he's trying not to put any unnecessary pressure on them.

? He's shooting only 42 percent, well below his career mark of 50 percent. That's because he's mostly a jump shooter and those 38-year-old legs just don't get him to the basket as often for easy shots.

? He looks to be in excellent physical condition. He'll be 39 next week, and he's a physical marvel, on the court for close to 40 minutes each night.

? He's not the defensive factor as in the past, but he still can go inside and get a rebound.

? He still raises the level of play and dedication of his teammates. Washington is not very good, yet it was 22-21 after beating the Cavs on Thursday. Last year, it was 9-34 at the same point. Washington started this season at 5-12 as Jordan was playing himself into shape.

Here's why

Some Cavs fans wanted to know why their team traded the No. 20 pick for Michael Doleac, and that 20th choice became Brendan Haywood, a 7-footer who is helping Washington by averaging 6.4 points and 6.9 rebounds. The Cavs say the following:

? After drafting DeSagana Diop at No. 8, they didn't want another young big man. They thought Doleac's experience would help them. He played reasonably well early, then was hurt, and has been rusty since he came back.

? They wanted Zach Randolph at No. 20, but when he was picked by Portland at No. 18, the Cavs decided to trade the pick to Orlando for Doleac.

? Haywood had a so-so senior year at North Carolina. The Cavs were not excited by him, and neither was Orlando, who shipped him to Washington before Haywood ever played a game in Florida.

? The problem is that Coach John Lucas doesn't think Diop is ready for any significant time. But the Cavs need to start developing this kid, especially since it's pretty obvious there will be no playoffs.