ATLANTA -- Michael Jordan has seen enough of players and coaches verbally and physically accosting referees, and he offered some suggestions on how the confrontations could be avoided in the future.

He doesn't leave the officials entirely blameless, either.

"The referees are all trying to get respect. They wear the small, tight T-shirts like they want to be dominant, standing there with their force,'' Jordan joked Saturday.

"The players are more demonstrative in terms of how they respond. Somehow, you've got to come to a happy medium, and if we don't, then obviously it's going to leave a bad image on the league.''

Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan was suspended for seven games last week for shoving referee Courtney Kirkland during a game in Sacramento. Although he apologized for his actions, Sloan felt Kirkland helped the situation escalate.

Sloan said Kirkland told him he wasn't "going to take that from you tonight'' after Sloan argued about a call.

"The players have to take the approach in that you have to play the game no matter how you look at it,'' Jordan said. "These are individuals out there that are trying to keep order. They are not going to make every call right.

"The referee is going to have to look at it as they are not part of the show. You are not going to get shoe endorsements or deals, because fans don't pay to see referees.''

Veteran assistants
Former Hawks stars Bob Pettit and Lou Hudson were back on the bench for the Rookie Challenge, assisting coaches Mike Fratello and Cotton Fitzsimmons.

Pettit, who played for the franchise when it was in St. Louis, is a season-ticket holder for the New Orleans Hornets.

"I think today's NBA is great,'' Pettit said. "I make it to as many games as I can, and the players are very talented and exciting.''

All-Star game banners hanging throughout downtown Atlanta feature the likenesses of Pettit and Hudson during their prime, as well as former players Dan Roundfield and Pete Maravich.

"That's special,'' Hudson said. "It means people remember you. You can never forget that.''

Rivals make odd teammates
One of the fascinating aspects of the All-Star game is watching players who spend the entire season competing against each other join the same team.

Dallas Mavericks guard Steve Nash admits it's hard to look at the other All-Stars as teammates. Earlier this week, Nash and the Mavericks lost a one-point game to Sacramento, and nearly a month ago, the Kings beat Dallas by 29.

While Dallas and Sacramento are the top teams in the Western Conference, Nash will play with Kings guard Peja Stojakovic in Sunday's All-Star game.

"It's strange to be on the same team, and usually we're trying to kill each other,'' Nash said. "But that's why it's fun to change it up, as least for a day.''

That was obvious during a West practice session Saturday. Kobe Bryant spent time talking with Stojakovic, and Phoenix teammates Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion shared a laugh with Houston center Yao Ming.

At first, Marion didn't appear to understand what Yao was saying. After it was repeated a couple of times, Marion nodded and laughed loudly, then pulled Marbury into the conversation.

"It's weird, but that's one of the more fun parts about it,'' San Antonio's Tim Duncan said. "These guys you play against all year long, and you kind of get on a competitive basis with them. To have them on your team for a few days, it's what makes the whole thing.''

Mashburn ready for All-Star debut
New Orleans Hornets forward Jamal Mashburn has averaged nearly 19 points in his 10-year career, but he's making his first All-Star appearance.

A former No. 4 pick, Mashburn played in the 1994 Rookie Challenge during All-Star weekend.

"I don't think I was mature enough or ready to make the team when I was a rookie,'' said Mashburn, who is among the league leaders in minutes played after battling injuries for the past several seasons. "There's a lot that goes into it. You have to be very levelheaded and able to handle all the attention you get.

"At this point in my career, I'm definitely ready for it. I've prepared myself for it; I've worked hard for it.''

The All-Star game wasn't the only thing on Mashburn's mind Saturday. Teammate David Wesley was competing in the 3-point shootout later in the day, and Mashburn hoped to have a vested interest.

"We're going to split the money -- hopefully, he feels the same way,'' Mashburn said. "I tried to work with him at practice, but he was kind of reluctant. He didn't want to.''

Snow slows but can't contain Kidd
Nets point guard Jason Kidd missed media day because of heavy snow in New Jersey, but he arrived in Atlanta late Friday night.

"Mother Nature wanted me to stay home,'' he said. "A little snow, that's the worst I've ever seen it. But we got here safe and we're happy to be in Atlanta.''

When asked about weaknesses in his game, Kidd bemoaned the fact he's not an explosive scorer like Kobe Bryant. Bryant has scored at least 35 points in five straight games.

"I'm learning,'' Kidd said. "I don't understand how these guys -- Kobe's doing it now -- score 40 points a night. I would have to sleep for a week after doing something like that.

"Maybe he ices down his shoulder like a pitcher. I don't know, I think it's just the mentality of being unstoppable.''