Who Is Jordan’s Air Apparent?

A look at the leading candidates to replace Michael Jordan as the NBA’s marquee attraction:

Charles Barkley, Phoenix

His back is hurting after years of carrying the 76ers and he’s even talking retirement win or lose, but Sir Charles often says the unexpected. A taste of the finals was sweet; a drink from the cup might quench his thirst.

Shaquille O’Neal, Orlando

Already a darling of the marketing world, Shaq has a smile the NBA cherishes in a star, a game that evokes memories of a fellow named Chamberlain, and the decency not to take a soft drink from a child, even if he’s thirsty.

Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta

Before Mike, he was Julius Erving’s highlight film successor. After Mike--and major Achilles tendon surgery--he’s still a highlight film regular, now with the kind of comeback storyline any league loves to tell.

Clyde Drexler, Portland

A two-time finalist also on the rebound from injury troubles, Clyde the Glide has a community service resume that could earn him a Nobel Prize, and a chance to return to the finals and come out a winner. He can still fly, too.

Scottie Pippen, Chicago

A superstar during the Jordan era, Pippen has a chance to show that coattails didn’t enter into his ride to the top. He’s a winner, with three rings to prove it, and the chance to be The Man.

Larry Johnson, Charlotte

The fans are frenzied, he’s the Hornets’ $84 million man, and the experts say this could be the year for Charlotte’s takeover in the Central. LJ has the endorsement exposure, and his Grandmama is almost as well-known as he is.

Patrick Ewing, New York

He’s grown on a once-wary public, yet his fearsome image endures. As the keystone in Pat Riley’s defense-first scheme, Ewing and his own line of sneakers would be hard to ignore with a ring glistening on his finger.

Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston

Was last season a career year, or has The Dream awakened to a turning calendar and the need to make his mark soon? The best of the big last season, he’s put aside his unhappiness and out up MVP numbers. Encore, Hakeem?

David Robinson, San Antonio

The most visible of the Big Three pivotmen, The Admiral has a knack for the spectacular, an image as clean as the uniform that earned him his nickname, and a neighborhood of support that stretches from one coast to the other.

Shawn Kemp, Seattle

Entering his fifth year, The Manchild sizzled last season and may yet explode. He’s still just 23 and if he ever approaches the grand expectations of him, the league would have to find a way around his no-college background.

Kevin Johnson, Phoenix

His offseason philanthropy rivals any, and his play on the court does, too, when his relentless style hasn’t sidelined him. With a chance to win a title, he’s just the kind of guy the NBA loves to sing about.

Karl Malone, Utah

He’s got the good looks of Hollywood, and a truck driver sideline and work ethic that appeals to the bluest of collars. He also has an annual spot among the scoring leaders, and may be just a title away from your living room.

Derrick Coleman, New Jersey

Contract squabbles notwithstanding, DC last season proved capable of dominating with the best of them. With a chance to free the Nets from the talk show joke register, Coleman could make his PR miscues easily forgotten.

Chris Mullin, Golden State

The most Bird- or Magic-like of today’s stars, Mullin’s game will be bigger than ever in Tim Hardaway’s absence and the nation will have to notice. A fight with alcoholism behind him, Mullin may be just a good haircut away.

Alonzo Mourning, Charlotte

A surprisingly polished rookie, he upstaged Shaq and teammate Johnson down the stretch and in the playoffs. Like Ewing, his scowl is his trademark, so nothing short of the grin of a champion, if that, would make him marketable.

Harold Miner, Miami

He’s less of a player than backcourt mate Steve Smith, but more of a showman, hence his Baby Jordan nickname. Still a few years from superstardom, he’s already shown signs of the high-flying skills people tune in to see.

Chris Webber, Golden State

Even as a No. 1 pick, he’s somewhat of an underdog thanks to the timeout that wasn’t. An engaging sort, he’s in position to play major minutes for a major coach.

Shawn Bradley, Philadelphia

The first of the big players who can really play, Bradley’s a drawing card and has an image that’s hard to beat. Swats make highlights and he’ll get plenty, so it may be a matter of waiting for the rest of his game.

Jamal Mashburn, Dallas

The third of this year’s rookies, Monster Mash brings a complete package to the Mavericks, whose fans--and owner--need desperately to finally put the Roy Tarpley tragedy behind them. How’s that smile, Jamal?

Anfernee Hardaway, Orlando

The latest--and most prepared--of the “next Magic” class, he’s got a name that sells, a game that sells and an immense teammate who figures to make his stats among the best for a rookie since, oh, 1979 or so.