Jordan says he plans to play next season

All-Star duel: Jordan outscores Richmond

Jordan said he believes he is playing at the top of his game and that he has been energized by support from fans, who this week voted in record numbers to make him an NBA All-Star for the 11th time.

"At the moment, I look forward to playing next year,'' he said. "I don't see anything that says I won't or that I will change my mind.

"The appreciation and respect the fans have paid me, especially this year, is very gratifying,'' he told the Chicago Tribune after Tuesday night's victory over Vancouver. "That only fuels the energy I have when I go out there on the basketball court.''

Jordan said he knows more and better understands how to use his skills in certain situations. He said that earlier in his career, he played with more unfettered abandon and was more athletic.

"Now, I think I show a lot of savvy out there in utilizing whatever little energy I might have to my benefit. There's not that much reckless abandon, and I think that has made me better,'' he said.

Twice this season, Jordan, 33, has reached the 50-point mark, most recently with his NBA-season best 51-point outburst against the New York Knicks on Jan. 21. He has scored at least 30 points in 22 of the Bulls' 43 games. He has scored at least 40 points six times.

"Nothing he does surprises me anymore,'' his teammate Scottie Pippen said.