CHICAGO -- A rude reality check occurred in the City of Broad Shoulders on Monday morning, when a cold front blew into town, slicing September's 70-degree temperatures to December-like wind chills in the 20s.

The blustery temperatures continued Tuesday, just another reminder of the unpleasant winter that awaits this blue-collar city. And this year, it won't take any Farmer's Almanac or furry groundhog to tell Chicagoans that winter is going to be a little colder and a little longer than normal.

Magic: It'll take time for him to adjust

LOS ANGELES -- Magic Johnson knows about making comebacks in the NBA, and he cautioned fans to give Michael Jordan time to readjust to the rigors. "I want to see what happens over the course of a season," Johnson told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "People are going to have to understand he's got to get his legs back. They're going to have to give him a little time to adjust. "I think we're going to see some spectacular games." Johnson said young NBA superstars like Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady are probably excited by the prospect of playing against Jordan. "It's going to be fabulous to see how he performs against the new top guns. He's the old top gun," Johnson said. "I'll take 80 percent of Michael Jordan against anybody." In July, Johnson had expressed concern about Jordan losing some of his luster if he returned to the NBA. "If he feels like he's not messing with his legacy, then nobody can say he is," Johnson said. "He wants to do it, so now we just get on the bandwagon and cheer him on." -- The Associated Press

That's because of Michael Jordan. The man, who in the past helped Chicagoans forget about 12 inches of snow and below-zero temperatures, is back, but this time in a different uniform. And though the overwhelming sentiment in Chicago appears to support Jordan's return, that it will happen in a different uniform will be the coldest of bone-chilling reality checks for this city.

"It's just going to kill me to see a Wizards jersey with the word 'Jordan' and the number '23' on the back," said 22-year-old Jamaal Worley, who lives just two blocks from the United Center. "I see him as a Bull first and a Bull last. Nothing else."

A few blocks away from the United Center, at the famed Billy Goat Tavern, the reality of Jordan's uniform change hit home quickly, when a local television channel showed computer-animated images of Jordan, donning a soft blue Wizards jersey, dunking in a video game.

"Oh, that hurts," said Joanne Gerrard, while shaking her head as the segment aired on a television in front of her. "It's going to take some getting used to."

Former Bull B.J. Armstrong agrees there will be an adjustment period for those familiar with Jordan in the red and black. Armstrong, now a scout for the Bulls, is eager to find out just how competitive Jordan, at 38 years old, will be.

"Everybody is very curious to see if he still has that competitive edge," Armstrong said. "I think he still has it, so it should be fun to watch and see what happens."

Current Bull Ron Artest agrees. Artest, who inadvertently broke two of Jordan's ribs during a pick-up game in June, was relieved Tuesday to know that the accident didn't end the comeback of arguably the greatest basketball player ever. If only he was coming back to play for the Bulls.

"He's a guy that just loves basketball. He loves it," Artest said. "It's unfortunate he's not coming back for the Bulls, but it's something he has to do."

At the Michael Jordan statue outside the United Center, fans, news media and Bulls fans alike gathered around the bronze figure, remembering the past and pondering the future. The wording on one side of the statue, where it reads, "Chicago Bulls Accomplishments," caught the attention of onlooker Reynaldo Torres.

"Looks like somebody around here knew what was coming way back when," Torres said.

One United Center employee, walking past the statue upon entrance to the building, asked the crowd if Jordan's announcement was official. His response when told that it was: "What a joke."

Another employee, also entering the building, looked at the statue, shook her head and quietly talked to herself. "Damn it, Michael," she whispered. "This sucks."

Anthony Simmons, 39, was among those milling around the statue Tuesday afternoon. Simmons aborted his delivery route to stop by the United Center and purchase tickets for Jordan's Jan. 19 return to Chicago. Unfortunately for him, single-game tickets don't go on sale until Oct. 6. If he does get tickets for a game that will be in ultra-demand, Simmons said he'll vociferously cheer for Jordan and the Wizards.

	“	It's just going to kill me to see a Wizards jersey with the word 'Jordan' and the number '23' on the back. I see him as a Bull first and a Bull last. Nothing else. ”
		— Jamaal Worley, Bulls fan

"Before Michael Jordan, Chicago was a Capone town, a gangster town," Simmons said. "Michael made it a Bulls town. You travel around the world and tell people you're from Chicago and the first thing they say is "Oh, Michael Jordan." He helped people feel good about the city, feel good about who they were. And that feeling will never change."

At Hoops the Gym, where Jordan trained for his comeback, middle-aged men drained 3-pointers, blocked shots and did their best MJ impersonation. In between, they too voiced their support of Jordan.

"I think people are going to be surprised at how good he's going to be," Tom Plinkutt said. "He wouldn't be coming back otherwise. And when he returns to the United Center this season, he's going to get that last final roar he deserves."

On Chicago sports talk radio, the lines were clearly drawn after Jordan's decision became formal. There were two camps: Bulls fans and Jordan fans. Bulls fans argued that Jordan lied in saying he'd never play for another team and never play for a coach other than Phil Jackson. They said he was a selfish, egotistical man who had turned his back on the city. "I can't wait to watch him play so I can watch him every time he steps on the floor," one caller said. "He stabbed us in the back. I hope he tears a quad."

The majority of callers, though, supported Jordan's decision. They fought back against the Bulls fans, arguing that Bulls management, mainly Jerry Krause and Jerry Reinsdorf, forced Jordan to retire. And like some sort of Superhero, he is returning to exact revenge.

"Johnny Unitas will always be a Colt, Willie Mays will always be a Giant and Michael Jordan will always be a Bull," said a caller. "No matter what uniform he wears."