Steve Wyche of the Washington Post reports that Michael is still making up his mind on whether or not he will continue as a player in the NBA for season 2002-03. In his first remarks since a knee injury ended his season, Jordan said he has not decided whether he would return to the Washington Wizards.

"I've let everyone know, even the coaching staff, to prepare as if I'm not [playing]," Jordan, 39, said on ESPN's "Sunday Conversation" last night with commentator Jack Ramsey. "If I do play, I'll be an added attraction to the situation. It will be a last-minute decision. The one thing I don't want to do is go into the season dealing with the pain I dealt with last year. I'm really being very cautious and making sure I can play a full season."

In the interview, Jordan did not discuss his health, conditioning or the possibility of coming off the bench if he plays next season. He did say that he is about to begin a rigorous conditioning regimen, playing games and training on back-to-back days to see how his body responds.

If Jordan does not play, he has not committed to rejoining the Wizards' front office or reassuming his role as part owner. However, several sources close to Jordan and the team have said that Jordan will return to his role as president of basketball operations. His status as part owner remains uncertain due to league rules requiring him to divest himself from the team in order to play.

"I'll have some position with the game of basketball, through management or with my kids or through coaching," Jordan said. "I've said I would never coach but I said I would never come back and play again."