Michael Jordan has told his Washington Wizards staff to approach Wednesday's NBA draft as if he was not going to play again, Coach Doug Collins said on a conference call yesterday. Steve Wyche of the Washington Post writes that Collins said Jordan told him to "make sure [reporters] know we're building this team with the idea that I'm not going to play." However, If Jordan does play again it probably would be at small forward, Collins said.

Collins also said the Wizard Guard Rip Hamilton will not be traded, Courtney Alexander plans to play a large role in the Wizardsd future and they are looking to possibly re-sign free agent Christian Laettner but only if he agrees to a one year deal.

The Wizards, who will have roughly $5.5 million to spend on free agents this summer, probably will pursue a center or forward to either back up or start ahead of Jahidi White. They also may seek a starting point guard. Chris Whitney, who started most of last season, is probably better suited coming off the bench, according to Collins.