Jordan Is Starting N.Y. Rumor

Michael Jordan would like to play for the New York Knicks.

Check that. Make it: Jordan would “love” to play for the Knicks.

He said so himself. Twice.

Jordan, in what probably was a strategically timed comment to fuel the debate over the Bulls’ future, left the door open somewhat for a future move to New York on Friday night after Chicago defeated the Knicks, 90-89, in Jordan’s first visit of the season to Madison Square Garden.

“It wouldn’t be that I wouldn’t love to play in New York. I would love to,” Jordan said. “But that would be a selfish act not conferring with my family and knowing that my kids are in school and I can’t take them out. That’s not great parenting.”

Jordan made his comments in a roomful of reporters, cameras and microphones, likely knowing full well the uproar they would create back home.

The possibility of the Bulls losing Jordan after this season is real, especially with General Manager Jerry Krause reiterating last week that Phil Jackson will not be brought back as coach next season.

Jordan has said he won’t play for any other coach besides Jackson--he repeated that point Friday night--but knows there is a possibility Jackson could end up coaching the Knicks.

Jackson said before Friday’s game that he plans to take a year off from coaching after this season.

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The Houston Rockets’ medical problems continued when Clyde Drexler went on the injured list because of a sore right shoulder.

Houston was without Charles Barkley for the second game in a row because of a bruised toe and Hakeem Olajuwon has been out most of the season as he recovers from knee surgery.