Michael Jordan's Knee Injury Takes Him Out for Season

WASHINGTON – Michael Jordan's return to professional basketball is over — at least for this season.

Jordan said he will miss the rest of the Washington Wizards' games because of nagging problems with his knee.

The 39-year-old had said he would play for two years when he came out of his second retirement last fall. He also vowed to play all 82 games this season, despite health problems.

The Wizards placed Jordan on the injured list on Wednesday, one day after he scored a career-low two points in a career-low 12 minutes of a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I think it is best at this point to rest the knee and let it heal properly," Jordan said in a statement released by the team. "I tried to get back and play as soon as possible and, early on, the knee responded well. But after the swelling this morning, I think it's best to give it rest."

Jordan has battled tendinitis in both knees and his wrist, and had to overcome back spasms and two broken ribs in preparing for his second comeback.

He had arthroscopic surgery Feb. 27 to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. He returned to the active roster on March 20 in Denver and has appeared in seven games since, all as a reserve.

Jordan's season scoring average is the second lowest of his career, ahead only of his second season with the Chicago Bulls in 1985-86, when he broke his foot and played just 18 games.

"Following his surgery, Michael did absolutely everything to come back as quickly as possible to help this team in our playoff push," Wizards general manager Wes Unseld said. "In doing that, Michael probably pushed a little too hard."

Jordan reiterated that he plans to play next season.

"Obviously, my health will always determine my playing status. But at this time, my plan is to play next season," he said.