What people are saying about Michael Jordan

What people are saying about Michael Jordan, who is expected to announce his retirement Wednesday:

"It's sad for everyone to see the greatest basketball player in the world come to that conclusion. There comes a time in every player's career that they have to make that decision, and he feels it's his time." - Indiana Pacers coach Larry Bird.

"We look forward to seeing him sometime in late March when he makes his return again in Market Square Arena." - Bird joking about Jordan's return.

"What more can he accomplish? He's won six championships, a bunch of MVPs, two Olympic titles. He's at the very top. ... Maybe he feels like he's had enough." - Atlanta Hawks coach Lenny Wilkens.

"I don't think anyone's ready to take the baton. Michael is the Babe Ruth and that's the truth. If we're waiting for one guy, we're going to be waiting for a long, long time." - Turner Sports analyst and former player Doc Rivers.

"The sad thing, where basketball is now, Michael Jordan is desperately needed. Some fans have probably been lost, and he could help bring them back." - Los Angeles Lakers guard Eddie Jones.

"He dropped hints last season and last summer that this would probably be his last go-around. Ending on top was how he wants to do it and that's about the best way you can do it." - Bulls free agent Dickey Simpkins.

"The NBA, the fans, the players, the coaches, American society and history are losing the greatest influence that sports has ever had. ... He has had the most influence of any living athlete in the history of any sport when it comes to the toy department of human affairs." - Miami Heat coach Pat Riley.

"We have all been fortunate to have been a part of one of the most magical rides in sports history. Now, with the NBA and the other television partners, we have to reintroduce the new generation of stars in the NBA." - NBC sports chairman Dick Ebersol.

"If he's finished, we're the ones who are at a loss, the fans who enjoyed him and the players who played with him and against him." - Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo said.

"I'll tell my grandchildren I got to play against him. I'm going to miss seeing his aerial, acrobatic moves." - Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal.

"He's what basketball should be about. He's a good role model for kids. He exemplifies what a basketball player should be (with) the hard work and dedication he puts toward the game." - Paul Pierce

"I feel responsible as a young player to try to carry on the tradition that he and other players have developed, both on and off the court." - Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.