Jordan Hedges on Playing Next Season

WASHINGTON — It was unusual, but Michael Jordan wasn’t 99.9% sure of anything.

Jordan said Thursday he plans to play next season. He also said he probably won’t play unless his injured knee improves.

“You guys are asking me to make a decision about next season now,” Jordan, 39, said after the Washington Wizards’ practice. “Based on how I feel, that’s not really fair. My intention, my contract lasts for next season. I have all intent of living out my contract.

“But, if I physically can’t, if I go through the same situation I’ve been going through this year, it’s not meaningful for me.”

Jordan was taken aback by the tempest created by Wizard Coach Doug Collins, who said on ESPN that he’d be surprised if Jordan plays next season.

Jordan usually doesn’t speak on non-game days, but he broke his routine to admonish reporters for “running with something” that’s been obvious all along.

But, when asked if Collins was right, Jordan said: “That would be my observation , too.”

Jordan had surgery on the knee Feb. 27 and missed 12 games.

Jordan also said he might have surgery on his left knee during the off-season, a strong indication that he does plan to play, though he reiterated that no decisions will be made until the off-season.