Jordan Says Magic Couldn’t Bridge NBA Generation Gap
CHICAGO — Magic Johnson’s retirement didn’t catch Michael Jordan by surprise, but, then, nothing would have.
“I think he came back and saw he had a whole new generation to deal with,†Jordan said before Tuesday night’s game against the New York Knicks.
“He and I are used to dealing with a different thing--diving on the floor for loose balls, or certain preparations that us veterans must go through.â€
Since their returns--Jordan came back last spring, Johnson last winter--both players had been critical of young players’ attitudes. However, Jordan’s veteran-laden Bulls won a record 72 games this season and reached the Eastern Conference finals with a 94-81 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday.
Johnson’s Lakers were engulfed in turmoil for the last month of the season and unraveled in a first-round, four-game loss to the Houston Rockets.
“I was very fortunate to come back to an organization that was still pretty much similar to what I left,†said Jordan.
“He came back to a whole new generation, and I don’t think he could make up the generation gap. And he decided to leave. That’s my speculation. I haven’t talked to him.
“I’m not surprised.â€
Does he think Johnson will come back yet again?
“I don’t know,†said Jordan, smiling, “but I wouldn’t be surprised.â€
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