MAGIC REAPPEARS : Players Receptive to Johnson’s Return

The Clippers had finished practicing early this season when Magic Johnson walked onto the court to work out with his team of former NBA stars.

“Could you use that guy?” a reporter asked Clipper Coach Bill Fitch.

“I think he could make our team,” Fitch quipped.

Fitch says Johnson, who announced Monday that he’s returning to the NBA after a four-year retirement, can contribute immediately to the Lakers.

“I’ve watched him play after our practices, and I think he’s in shape to play enough minutes to help a team,” Fitch said. “The guy without a doubt is one of the great ones that has played this game.

“I wish him well. I know it’s based on his passion for the game. It’s certainly not something he has to do. . . .

“It’s a shot in the arm for [the Lakers]. . . . Their young players are going to learn from him.”

Miami Heat Coach Pat Riley, who coached Johnson with the Lakers, also says Johnson, at 36, can still be effective.

“I think he does have a lot left in him,” Riley said.

Unlike Johnson’s aborted comeback in 1992 when some NBA players expressed reservations because of unfounded fears over his HIV-positive status, most players, coaches and officials supported Johnson’s decision to return.

Chicago Bull star Michael Jordan, who returned last year after a 17-month retirement, welcomed the announcement.

“I’m glad to have him back, if that’s what Magic wants to do and it won’t harm him physically,” Jordan said. “I know he has considered the negative ramifications.

“I’m personally intrigued about seeing him play power forward. I haven’t talked with him since last summer when he played with me for a week in the bubble [a basketball court built for Jordan while he was filming a movie] in Hollywood. He was bigger than ever, but he’s still able to play.”

Phoenix Sun forward Charles Barkley agreed.

“I’m happy to see him back,” Barkley said. “I don’t think he should have retired in the first place.”

Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone, who had previously expressed concern about playing against Johnson, spoke briefly, but in favor of Johnson’s return.

“It’s great for him if that’s what he wants to do,” Malone said. “It’s great for basketball, that’s all I’m going to say about it. . . . I have no problem playing against him now, absolutely not.”

NBA Commissioner David Stern also supported Johnson’s decision. “We’re happy to welcome Earvin back,” he said in a prepared statement. “Even after his retirement from the NBA, he continued to bring joy to millions of fans around the world through his global travels. We’re pleased that he has decided to once again showcase to NBA fans his talent and unique enthusiasm for the game.”

Indiana Pacer guard Reggie Miller, a former UCLA star who plays with Johnson in off-season pickup games at Pauley Pavilion, is another player discounting any danger of playing against an opponent who is HIV-positive.

“If he does hear any [objections], they [players] haven’t had their HIV education,” Miller said. “I think he never should have retired in the first place. I think this is great for our league.”

Said Utah’s John Stockton, who surpassed Johnson as the NBA’s all-time assist leader last season: “He certainly has that right [to come back]. Welcome back.”

Seattle SuperSonic guard Nate McMillan is one player who doesn’t understand Johnson’s decision.

“I think he’s done enough to retire and live off his fortune and enjoy his family,” McMillan said. “Evidently, he wants more. I don’t understand it, but it’s his decision.

“Magic had to see what Michael [Jordan] has done, and he’s probably wondering if he still has it.”

SuperSonic rookie guard Eric Snow, a former Michigan State star who has played against Johnson the last five summers, thinks Johnson’s return will have a positive impact on others who have contracted HIV. “I think it will do a lot for people in his situation if he plays,” Snow said. “But at the same time he might get negative vibrations from some other people. I’ve played with him every summer. People say it’s a risk, but a lot of guys have never been tested.”

Darrick Martin of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who played for Johnson’s touring team, thinks there will be less concern over Johnson’s HIV status among players than there was during his first comeback.

“There’s more education about it now,” Martin said. “I don’t know why players should have a problem. A lot of guys played against him in the summer and we didn’t have a problem with it.”