By Martin Jajow

Michael Jordan had made the playoffs every year of his career until the 2001-2002 season. After a strong 26-21 start last season, the Wizards were unable to capture the final spot in the playoff hunt - probably due to Jordan's injury late in the season.

This year is different.

Right now, the Wizards are ½ game ahead of Milwaukee for the final playoff spot and in the midst of a rough 6-game West Coast road trip, which has gone 2-2, winning their last 2.

Jordan has led the Wizards in scoring in their last 4 games. He has averaged 20-plus points and 6-plus rebounds in every month since January, including a phenomenal 27.1 PPG in February.

Michael Jordan has been doubted and challenged since he began playing basketball, and over and over he has proved his critics wrong. Just like he missed the cut for the Varsity team in High School; just like he carried the Bulls in '84 to the playoffs; just like he came back from retirement and drove his team to 3 consecutive titles -- Michael Jordan will lead the Wizards to playoff experience.

This is a bold statement. Michael Jordan does not have an "S" on his chest, he is fallible, he is human, but he has one edge over everyone else in the league - his desire to accomplish a mission. This desire runs deep and is part of his "Heart of a Champion" attitude. This is what distinguishes him from the other greats. This is what makes him the greatest player to lace them up.

The last two games, the other starters - Jerry Stackhouse, Tyronn Lue, Jihadi White, and Christian Laettner - have heard Jordan's mission call, and they have answered. Although not as talented as Larry Hughes and Kwame Brown, Tyronn Lue and Christian Laettner have shown the desire to go along with Michael on the mission - and this is why they start. The Wizards lack a pure 3-point shooter, a shot-blocker, and a rebounder, but do not doubt their resolve. Coach Collins has finally chosen his starting 5 and the players are starting to "get it."

Watch out, Washington is coming.

With 11 games remaining, and by my estimation, they need to win 6 to make the playoffs. With Denver, Miami, Atlanta (twice), and Cleveland ahead of them, the Wizards are playoff bound.

The Wizards are not done, Jordan is not done, the legacy is not done, and the Greatest Player of All-Time will once again complete another mission.


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