Jordan-Wizards

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Say Michael, you sure you can't play for these guys? They really could use you. On the day Michael Jordan became part owner of the Washington Wizards, his new team put on one of

Wednesday, January 19th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Say Michael, you sure you can't play for these guys? They really could use you. On the day Michael Jordan became part owner of the Washington Wizards, his new team put on one of its worst performances before a less than half-full arena. An announced crowd of 11,358 --third-lowest of the season -- watched the Wizards lose 104-86 to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. With Jordan and President Clinton watching from the owners box and security keeping fans at bay, Washington -- without starting shooting guard Mitch Richmond or his backup Richard Hamilton â€“ fell behind 17-5 and lost for the eighth time in nine games. Fans held up "Welcome Michael" signs, but booed the Wizards throughout the game. "After tonight's performance, I'd say our guys have no place to go but up," said Ted Leonsis, the Wizards minority owner who initiated the negotiations with Jordan. Michael Finley had 23 points to lead the Mavericks, while Dirk Nowitzki tied a career-high with five 3-point baskets and had 22 points. Shawn Bradley added a season-high 20 points. Tracy Murray scored 17 points to lead Washington. "It's quite a step up for this organization (to bring Jordan n)," said Mavericks coach Don Nelson. "I think he's going to have a huge impact, not right away of course." Wizards center Jahidi White scored eight consecutive points at the end of the first half to narrow the Mavericks' lead to 48-47.Washington took its first lead of the game when Tracy Murray opened the second half with a 3-pointer. After White's layin tied the score at 54, Dallas used a 16-4 run to go ahead 70-58. The Mavericks built their lead to 85-65 with a 15-2 run. The Wizards never threatened the rest of the game. "Maybe some of us need to be motivated," Wizards center Ike Austin said. "I think (Jordan) is going to bring that, and he's going to demand a lot." Richmond, the team's leading scorer, went on the injured list Monday with a broken rib. Hamilton, his backup, was not at the game because he was in Coatesville, Pa., attending his grandmother's funeral. Rookie Laron Profit made his first start of the season in Hamilton's place. Wizards starting point guard Rod Strickland, who earlier in the season indicated he wanted out of Washington, said before the game that Jordan's presence has changed his mind. However, Strickland did little to impress his new boss, missing 10 of 12 shots and committing five turnovers. Before the game, Jordan was introduced as the president of basketball operations and part-owner of the Wizards. Under NBA rules, the five-time NBA MVP will not be allowed to play for his new team. The Wizards handed out T-shirts to the fans in the second half with the message: "New Year. New Day. We've got M.J." Unfortunately, the only Jordan on the court for Washington was Reggie Jordan, who played 10 minutes and scored three points. That didn't stop the fans from holding up signs that read "Suit Up Mike!" Other fans were putting in their requests for other players. One sign spotted in the area read: "We want Duncan" in reference to San Antonio center Tim Duncan.