Oct. 1
So much is made of age when people talk about Michael Jordan's comeback. Michael the Magnificent said at his news conference on Monday that he wants to come back and play the game he enjoys.
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Put it in the book: MJ will average 20 points a night as one of the premier players in the game.
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Many people are critical of Jordan's return because he is 38 years old, approaching 39. There are those who say he physically can't play at the same level he played at in the past. He can't be the dominator, the superstar that we appreciated and admired.
Wait a minute, folks. Think about what's happening in sports all over America.
When an athlete is in condition, physically and mentally prepared to perform at a high level, the training leads to getting the maximum from his ability.
Check out these recent achievements:
Bernard Hopkins, at age 36, earned the unified middleweight championship by beating one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters in Felix Trinidad (eight years his junior). Hopkins out-boxed and out-jabbed Trinidad in fighting the perfect fight. Prior to the bout, Hopkins had all the confidence that he would come through. Believe me, confidence and experience are factors in winning.
What about Rickey Henderson? He is about to break the all-time runs record, held for more than 70 years by the incredible Ty Cobb. Still performing at age 42, Henderson, is also approaching the 3,000-hit mark. He has had an incredible career as the all-time stolen base and walks leader. There have been many critics at times, questioning his attitude. The bottom line is, he has his name all over the record books. Henderson is the premier leadoff man of all time and he surely will earn a spot in Cooperstown.
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| We all think of Jordan for 23. |
Look at two awesome pitchers, Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson. The Rocket turned 39 in August and he's a 20-game winner again and a favorite for the AL Cy Young. Johnson is challenging Nolan Ryan's single-season strikeout mark and has likewise hit that 20-win plateau. Has age slowed them down? They've been dominating because they take care of their bodies, are ready to perform and have experience as winners.
Barry-mania is taking place. At age 37, Barry Bonds has hit 20 more home runs this season than his prior personal high. He is producing bigger than ever, with more than 130 RBI and a slugging percentage close to Babe Ruth's amazing record. Bonds needs just one homer to tie Mark McGwire's single-season record of 70 home runs. The future Hall of Famer -- the best left fielder of all-time, in my opinion -- hasn't slowed down one iota. His body is stronger than ever because he has taken care of himself.
Jerry Rice showed something over the weekend. He turns 39 in a couple of weeks, yet he scored two touchdowns and had more than 90 receiving yards against Seattle.
Karl Malone, 38, and John Stockton, 39, are back together with the Jazz after the point guard re-signed late last week. They have been stars in the NBA for years. Stockton and Malone understand the game and perform at a high level.
I really question the importance of age. When an athlete is prepared and ready to excel, watch out.
It all comes back to Jordan. Put it in the book -- 20 points a night as one of the premier players in the game. Mediocrity is not part of his vocabulary. He would not put on that uniform if he wasn't convinced he could be a superstar again.
Jordan's mental toughness and experience will put him among the elites again, even with the young legs of guys like Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Kevin Garnett. Michael the Magnificent will be right there.
The Morning Show
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