Fresh Air

The icon returneth, as kindly elder statesman.

Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson, who first met famously and contentiously in a 1996 game, when Jordan told the rookie he had to respect those who had gone before him and Iverson snarled at Jordan to get out of his face.

Now, Iverson is 26, a six-year pro and the reigning most valuable player. Jordan is 38 and an MVP candidate, having revived the Washington Wizards and his career after his latest retirement.

Saturday, they met again in the First Union Center interview room, partners on the East team for today’s NBA All-Star game, and in crime, both having blown off Friday’s interview session.

See, they had something in common, after all!

A lot, it turns out.

“All you got to do is look in his eyes,” said Iverson, who must have actually respected him in private, “you see the same Michael Jordan. That mystique, it don’t ever go nowhere.

“He’s the guy all of us wanted to be like. We wanted to be in game situations like Mike. We wanted to overcome different things he’s overcome in his life. I tried to learn as much as possible from him, to know what all the stuff is he went through with you all [press].

“And for him to be that good, you knew he wouldn’t come back if he couldn’t. Everybody was looking forward to the challenge.

“It was always a big game to have Michael Jordan on the other team. I don’t care if you said it wasn’t, you’d be lying if you said it wasn’t. I can’t say he’s doing better than I thought he would. I never thought about judging how well he would do. I knew Michael Jordan would be Michael Jordan. That’s the best in the world. To take Michael Jordan’s shoes and try to fill them, they just wouldn’t fit. There will never be another Michael Jordan. Nowhere near.”

And that’s how it’s going this weekend, which has become a Jordan lovefest.

East players say they’re happy to be here because Mike is here. Tracy McGrady, who was hoping to get the start after Vince Carter was hurt, only to learn it would be Jason Kidd, instead, said it was OK, because he’d still get to play with Jordan.

Detroit’s Jerry Stackhouse, who wasn’t selected, said his only real regret was not being able to be in the team photo with Jordan.

For his part, Jordan can remember what it was like to be like Iverson, when Jordan was the new kid in 1985 and the veterans, upset at his rapid rise and his big Nike contract, reportedly froze him out.

Now, Jordan says, he’s just happy to be here and content to leave the show to the kids.

“I’ll play my five minutes, six minutes in the first half, maybe in the second half and let the young guys play,” he said. “I don’t think I have to prove anything with these young kids. It’s not my style of game at this stage of my career. For them, it’s their showcase.

“I was there once. I’m happy to be here. I’m going to enjoy the game. I enjoy talking to the fellas, learning what they think at this stage of their lives....

“My competitive juices are to go out and try to relive 1988. Physically, I know my body better than anybody and I’m just trying to go to my limitations. I’m not going to try to log 20-something, 30-something minutes.

“I already told Kobe [Bryant], if he tries to make this thing personal, I’m going to foul out in the first five minutes.”

In 1998, Bryant, in his first All-Star game, shot the ball almost every time he touched it in the first quarter, determined to duel.

But that was in Mike’s previous incarnation as dynastic ruler. Now he’s back, looking more human and, dare they say it, cuddlier.

“It’s an honor,” said Iverson, “something I will cherish the rest of my life, something my son will get a chance to enjoy. He’s four years old. We sit around the house. He’ll say, ‘You’re Allen Iverson. I’m Michael Jordan.’

“We play one-on-one.”

Interjected Jordan: “I hope Michael Jordan wins.”

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

The Game

Today, 2:30 p.m., Channel 4

LAKER IN GAME

Kobe Bryant, Guard

(Shaquille O’Neal not playing because of an injury)

CLIPPER IN GAME

Elton Brand, Forward

(Brand assumed O’Neal’s roster spot)