Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post details the comeback road that Michael Jordan may, or may not be on. She documents the physical and mental hurdles he will have to overcome and interviews several players that have been participating in Jordan's "invite-only" workouts.

The NBA today released the schedule for the upcoming NBA season, and it was not without a little suprise.  On January 19, 2002, the Washington Wizards visit the Chicago Bulls, yet according to the Chicago Tribune the time for this game is set to 'TBD' (to be decided).  If Michael Jordan comes back as a Wizard NBC will pick up the game, if not it will be another game between two of the NBA's lower teams.

But as the Chicago Sun-Times reports, scheduling this game also adds a little twist to the who scenario, whether deliberate or not.  'It was Jan. 19, 2000 when Michael Jordan assumed the role of minority owner and president of basketball operations for the Wizards, shattering the spirit of Bulls fans who felt an exclusive bond with the greatest player in franchise history.' writes the Sun-Times.

The Washington Wizards waived veteran power forward Michael Smith yesterday in a move that further trimmed their payroll and vacated a roster spot ? possibly for Michael Jordan, who is contemplating a comeback. Smith became expendable with the drafting of high school power forward Kwame Brown. Etan Thomas, Christian Laettner, Popeye Jones and Loy Vaught also will compete for minutes at power forward.

The release of Smith gives Washington breathing room under the projected $53.5 million luxury-tax trigger. Smith has one year and $2.4 million left on his contract but only $250,000 was guaranteed if he was cut before the season. Other teams have 48 hours in which to claim him off waivers, but they would have to pick up his full salary. It is more likely that he would clear waivers and become a free agent. The Milwaukee Bucks are said to have expressed interest.