WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- A confident Michael Jordan, on the threshold of another NBA comeback at 38, said Monday he's sure he can still play "at the highest level."
Displaying his love of basketball and lust for competition, Jordan addressed the media for the first time since the Washington Wizards announced his return to the NBA.
"I'm not walking into this scenario thinking I'm going to fail. I'm thinking I'm going to make it work," Jordan said.
"I'm going to have total confidence I can do all the things I need to do. Physically, I know I'm not 25 years old, but I feel I can play the game of basketball on the highest level."
Jordan has not played since 1998, when he led the Chicago Bulls to their third straight NBA championship and sixth in eight years.
"No matter what happens here, you can't take away my six championships," he said.
Many critics voice skepticism over how he will fare against young stars Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic. But Jordan is not worried about tarnishing his legacy.
"I stopped reading and listening (to the critics) because everyone was so negative about what I was trying to do," Jordan said. "You say the young dogs are going to chase me around. Well, I won't be barking too far away from them either. I'm not running away from nobody.
"You're the guys saying Kobe and Tracy will take me. Well guess what, I'm sitting back ready to take on the challenge too."
