TUALATIN, Ore. -- Scottie Pippen knows Michael Jordan too well to doubt his ability to make a successful comeback.

	Kerr

	Pippen

"I think the sky's the limit for him," Pippen said Monday at the Portland Trail Blazers' media day.

Pippen, who helped Jordan and the Chicago Bulls win six NBA titles, won't face his former teammate until Feb. 27, when Portland plays the Washington Wizards at MCI Center.

By then, it should be clear whether Jordan's comeback is the spark Washington needs to turn around its woebegone franchise, or simply a footnote to a stellar career.

"It's going to be interesting to see," Pippen said. "He's playing with different players that are not very familiar with him, so there's going to be a little more frustration than when you play with guys you've been with."

Two other Blazers -- Steve Kerr and Will Perdue -- played with Jordan. Kerr said he expects the Wizards to make the playoffs, and that even if Jordan's physical abilities fail him, his mental toughness will help the team.

"Just his mere presence will instill a different attitude with that team, and teach a lot of young good players how to win," Kerr said. "Who better to teach them than him?"

Some of the younger Blazers had different opinions about Jordan's comeback.

"Personally, if I was him, I would have just stayed retired," Rasheed Wallace said. "He went out the best way -- he went out the dream way that any professional athlete would like to go out. I would have stayed retired, but obviously he has a love for the game. I just think it's going to be tough for him."

Damon Stoudamire had a confession.

"This might sound bad, but I'm kind of tired of all the Michael talk," he said.