WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Michael Jordan will not play in the Washington
Wizards' first two preseason games as he tries to get back into shape after
being away from the game for three years.
The Wizards open Thursday in Detroit against the Pistons and play in Miami
on Saturday.
Jordan said he made the decision after talking with coach Doug Collins prior
to the Wizards' open scrimmage Tuesday night.
"I opted not to play the first two games because physically I'm still
working on trying to get my wind back, my legs underneath me and I think I can
gain more from that than in exhibition games," Jordan said Wednesday as the
Wizards broke training camp. "It was more my call than anything. Just to keep
giving myself a chance to progress to where I'm ready on Oct. 30th."
Jordan said he is behind schedule after breaking two ribs during a pickup
game this summer.
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