Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune, perhaps the reporter with the most exposure to his airness, puts his thoughts on Michael Jordan's first official game.  While he is still a great player in his own right, drawing a double team in the games first seven seconds, he is not Michael Jordan of 1998.  While the old Michael Jordan would challenge the defense and soar to the hoop, this is is quick to give it up and settles for jumpshots.

Jordan missed 14 of his 21 shots in the game, but his six assists and four steals shows he was trying to get his teammates involved.  But how far can a Chris Whitney, a Tyrone Lue, or a Christian Laettner get you?

Smith reports that he thinks Jordan is still in the top 10% of talent in the league, which at his age and with 40 months of absence behind him is a feat in itself.  The problem is he wasn't the best player on the court tonight, and in a game that featured no superstars - himself being the exception - it is going to be a long season.  Michael Jordan is one that has always strived for challenges, now he has the ultimate.