NEW YORK -- Charles Barkley is at it again.
The talkative former NBA star told HBO´s "Real Sports" on Thursday that he´s considering a return with Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards.
Barkley, who abandoned a possible comeback alongside Jordan in July, said he has started a fitness program and is down to 290 pounds.
"I´m thinking about it," Barkley said. "I miss playing. I feel bad that Michael is struggling and I think I could help him, but I need to lose another 25 pounds before I could help him.
"I don´t know if I could ride to the rescue, but I don´t want to leave him out there by himself. I know that he feels like he´s by himself right now. I feel like I´m one of the true friends he has."
Jordan, in Miami for a Friday night game against the Heat, was not available for comment. A Wizards spokesman said the team had no comment.
Barkley, currently working as a television analyst for Turner Sports, retired after injuries limited him to only 20 games with Houston in 1999-00.
The 38-year-old forward did not set a timetable for a return.
"I don´t know," Barkley said. "It just depends on how I can get my body in shape. That´s my No. 1 priority."
Barkley gave up his initial comeback hopes in July, saying: "I don´t think I could play well. Right now I´m just working out to get in shape. ... There is no way I could play."
Barkley averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds in 16 seasons with Philadelphia, Phoenix and Houston. He led the Suns to the NBA finals in 1992-93 and was the NBA MVP that season.
