Swollen knee will leave Jordan out for season

WASHINGTON -- A day after his worst scoring game ever, Michael Jordan woke up with a swollen right knee and decided enough was enough.

Jordan was placed on the injured list Wednesday by the Washington Wizards, and he said he is done for the season.

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

Jordan ends his season with a 22.9-point scoring average, the second lowest of his career. He averaged 22.7 in his second season with the Chicago Bulls in 1985-86, when played just 18 games because of a broken foot.

The 39-year-old star reiterated he plans to play next season if he is able.

"I signed a two-year contract to play," Jordan said. "Obviously, my health will always determine my playing status."

Jordan rushed his rehabilitation from the arthroscopic surgery Feb. 27 that repaired torn cartilage in the knee. He missed just 12 games and returned March 20 in Denver. He was a reserve in all seven games after he came back, and his knee bothered him so much that he wasn't able to play unless he pedaled an exercise bicycle in the tunnel during games.