Washington ? Michael Jordan isn’t ready to give up his spot in the starting lineup just yet.

Jordan said Monday he’ll keep an “open mind” about the possibility of playing this season as a backup for the Washington Wizards, but he would prefer to be on the floor at tipoff.

Jordan also outlined a new plan to help him last the season: He’s overhauled his workout regimen, and he probably won’t play in any exhibition games.

The Wizards open training camp today in Wilmington, N.C.

During the summer, Jordan and coach Doug Collins discussed the possibility of No. 23’s coming off the bench to save wear and tear on his knees.

“Obviously there’s been some conversation in terms of what my position will be,” Jordan said. “I think even Doug at this moment has determined that. I do have an open mind in terms of making some adjustments.

“But for the most part I go in with the idea that I want to play important minutes. If Doug feels, after seeing me play and seeing how the development of our team is, that I can possibly support the team better coming off the bench, I will entertain that thought.”

“Then again,” he added, “if I’m playing well enough to start, hopefully I can get to that point, too. Nothing’s been determined.”

Jordan said he wasn’t sure he would play this season until three weeks ago because of new pain in his surgically repaired right knee. Doctors said Jordan’s joints were out of alignment and fitted him with shoe inserts, which worked.

When he ended his second retirement a year ago, Jordan said he planned to play all 82 games. This time he would only say: “I expect to play the whole season. That’s my motivation. That’s my challenge.”