THE WAY the Raptors are going these days, it is difficult to believe Michael Jordan wouldn't be itching to get out there and try them tomorrow. They lie down flat for good teams and they're still easy pickings for average teams and here come the Washington Wizards, improving plenty lately.

Jordan's bum knee may make his participation in Washington's visit questionable, but then again, Jordan has certain ties to this city beyond the chance for another W. He loved a couple of cigar shops ・a tobacconist reports he used to have his own private portion of the humidor in one downtown establishment ・and enjoyed a few golf courses back in his days with the Chicago Bulls.