He's already working out full bore, even while on vacation, eager to answer the expectations and his critics. At first, Richardson didn't like the idea of going to Charlotte. But as he thought about his new team, he couldn't help but get a little eager about a new start. Then he got another call from Jordan. This time he answered.
"I didn't know M.J. wanted me like that," Richardson. "There's no better feeling to me than winning and he's the same way. A lot of people can't take that (pressure) from him, that's why I think other players have had problems. It's going to be a challenge for me. I know I'm not close to his level, but how many people would turn down the opportunity to learn from the best that ever played?"
Richardson said he'd prefer not to go through the young-team-learning-how-to-win experience again. But, seeing clearly now, the situation with the Bobcats looked promising.
He thought about his new teammates -- most notably point guard Raymond Felton, forward Gerald Wallace (who is a free agent) and post Emeka Okafor. He thought about playing in the wide-open Eastern Conference, and how Charlotte finished just five games out of the playoffs. He remembered that former Warriors general manager Rod Higgins was the Bobcats new GM, which means he'd have someone to help him transition. Suddenly, Charlotte wasn't so bad.
Richardson said he will fly to North Carolina today. Oddly enough, he was scheduled to leave the Bahamas for Denver, his fiancee's hometown, and the layover just happened to be in Charlotte. So he's going to layover a little longer and take his physical.
"It's going to be funny being the old head of the team," he said through a laugh. "I actually had a chance to sit down and really look at what's on this team. ... All this team needs is some leadership and experience. I hope I can bring both."