WASHINGTON -- Michael Jordan woke up with a swollen right knee and decided enough was enough.
Jordan was placed on the injured list Wednesday by the Washington Wizards, and he said he is done for the season.
"I think it is best at this point to rest the knee and let it heal properly," Jordan said in a statement. "I tried to get back and play as soon as possible and, early on, the knee responded well. But after the swelling this morning, I think it's best to give it rest."
Jordan ends his season with a 22.9-point scoring average. He averaged 22.7 in his second season with the Chicago Bulls in 1985-86, when he played just 18 games because of a broken foot.
"He's a great competitor and he demonstrated that he can come back and be a top-10 player," NBA commissioner David Stern said in Toronto. "I hope he's better for next year."
Jordan, 39, also will have played for a non-playoff team for the first time, unless the Wizards overtake Indiana for the last Eastern Conference berth in the final two weeks of the season. The Wizards trailed the Pacers by two games with seven remaining after Wednesday night's 105-90 loss at Milwaukee.
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"All the things that have gone on here this year, Michael has been responsible for. He's changed the whole mood and tone of this organization."
- Head coach Doug Collins
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Jordan reiterated he plans to play next season if he is able.
"I signed a two-year contract to play," Jordan said. "Obviously, my health will always determine my playing status. But at this time, my plan is to play next season."
Jordan rushed his rehabilitation from the arthroscopic surgery Feb. 27 that repaired torn cartilage in the knee. He missed just 12 games and returned March 20 in Denver. He was a reserve in all seven games after he came back, and his knee bothered him so much that he wasn't able to play unless he pedaled an exercise bicycle in the tunnel during games.
"Michael did absolutely everything to come back as quickly as possible to help this team in our playoff push," general manager Wes Unseld said. "In doing that, Michael probably pushed a little too hard."
Coach Doug Collins said he didn't play Jordan in the second half because the game was one-sided and he needed the rest. Afterward, Jordan said his knee felt fine, and he gave no indication he wouldn't play again this season.
"I was in no pain," Jordan said. "It was Doug's decision to make sure I don't overdo it."
Jordan traveled to Milwaukee late Tuesday for the game against the Bucks, but he returned to Washington on Wednesday. Bobby Simmons was activated off the injured list for the Milwaukee game.
Jordan battled tendinitis in both knees and his wrist, and he had to overcome back spasms and two broken ribs as he prepared for his second comeback last summer. Nevertheless, he vowed to play all 82 games.
"As a young kid, you take a lot of things for granted," he said. "You got out and you play because you're young enough that you can deal with it and do it every single day. As you get older, when you know and you can sense that it's coming to an end, you appreciate every moment.
"So every little thing in the locker room becomes monumental to you. ... I appreciate that a lot more now that I did when I was a young kid and everybody else was putting ice on their knees, and I was questioning them why they need ice.
"And now young kids are asking me why I'm putting so much ice on."
"We're playing games that count in April," Collins said. "This team is usually done in January. All the things that have gone on here this year, Michael has been responsible for. He's changed the whole mood and tone of this organization."
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