Tribune pro basketball reporter Sam Smith ranks the NBA teams 1 through 29
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2000-2001: 56-26.
Postseason: Won NBA title.
So you asked for a dynasty after the breakup of the Bulls. Impossible, said the experts, with free agency, the salary cap and the loss of Michael Jordan. Surely no one would lead a team the way he did. Did anyone say three-peat? This Lakers team, with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant probably a better duo than Jordan and Scottie Pippen, could win six or seven straight titles. Bryant probably won’t achieve his goal of being considered better than Jordan because he plays with a dominant center. But seven championship rings ought to be a nice consolation prize; MJ won six.
Don’t dismiss it. There probably isn’t as strong a challenger this season as there was last season when Portland and/or San Antonio were considered favorites. Some were certain the season-long Bryant-O’Neal bickering would ruin the team, but it was forgotten during a record 15-1 playoff run. Bryant and O’Neal could wrestle on the floor this season and no one would claim it affects the team.
Plus this Lakers team looks better on paper with Mitch Richmond and Lindsey Hunter replacing Isaiah Rider and Ron Harper in the backcourt, and Samaki Walker and Dickey Simpkins for Horace Grant and Greg Foster up front. Injured guard Derek Fisher is due back in December instead of March.
“All I know is there are about 10 teams trying to figure out how to beat the Lakers,” Milwaukee coach George Karl said. Figure there’s none with a good answer.
ADDED: G Mitch Richmond (free agent, Wizards), G Lindsey Hunter (trade with Bucks), F Samaki Walker (free agent, Spurs), Jelani McCoy (free agent, Sonics), F Dickey Simpkins (free agent).
LOST: F Horace Grant (free agent, Magic), C Greg Foster (traded to Bucks), G Tyronn Lue (free agent, Wizards), G Ron Harper (free agent), G Isaiah Rider (free agent, Nuggets).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 3rd, 100.6; Points against, 11th, 95.3; FG percentage, 3rd, 46.5; FT percentage, 29th, 68.3; Three-point percentage: 20th, 34.4.
2. San Antonio Spurs
2000-2001: 58-24.
Postseason: Swept by Lakers in conference finals.
They’re probably not as good as they were last year, when the Lakers destroyed them in the Western Conference finals. The Spurs appeared to have no answers for Bryant and then seemed to back off in shock.
Gone are Sean Elliott, who retired, and Avery Johnson, who went to Denver as a free agent. Derek Anderson forced a trade to Portland for Steve Smith. With Smith and the re-signed David Robinson, the Spurs look older and slower. They added defender Bruce Bowen from the Miami Heat, envisioning him as the Bryant stopper, not that there is one. But it’s unclear who will play point guard among Antonio Daniels, who’s really a shooting guard, aged Terry Porter and rookie Tony Parker.
The Spurs’ hopes appear to be to stay competitive for two years, then get everyone but Duncan off the payroll and persuade Duncan to re-sign by bringing in a truckload of free agents. The new rules that allow zone defenses might give the Spurs an advantage with their two centers.
“I keep hearing that,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says. “Sometimes I feel like a dummy because I’m supposed to be doing something to take advantage of these rules. But I don’t see any reason to change.” Not that it would make much difference against the Lakers.
ADDED: G Steve Smith (trade with Trail Blazers), F Bruce Bowen (free agent, Heat), F Stephen Jackson (free agent, Nets), F Cherokee Parks (free agent, Clippers), F Mark Bryant (free agent, Mavs), G Tony Parker (draft, No. 28, Paris Basket Racing).
LOST: G Derek Anderson, G Steve Kerr (traded to Trail Blazers), G Jaren Jackson (free agent), F Samaki Walker (free agent, Lakers), G Avery Johnson (free agent, Nuggets), G Derrick Dial (free agent, Nets), F Ira Newble (free agent, Hawks).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 12th, 96.2; Points against, 3rd, 88.4; FG percentage, 4th, 46.1; FT percentage, 25th, 71.5; Three-point percentage: 1st, 40.7.
3. Dallas Mavericks
2000-2001: 53-39.
Postseason: lost to Spurs in conference semifinals.
Don Nelson has put together another team like those he had in Milwaukee and Golden State. They’re entertaining and will win a lot of games–until the playoffs. Evan Eschmeyer? He’s the Mavericks’ $19 million free-agent big man. And everyone figured he went to Northwestern to get a good job.
But don’t discount that wily coyote, Nellie. The new all-defense rules will allow him to junk up the game even more with tricks and innovations. Nobody is better at it, or prouder of himself for doing it. Nelson brings old buddy Tim Hardaway back to back up the fragile Steve Nash. He has high-scoring Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley and Shawn Bradley to roam around in triangle-and-two zone defenses. He might put three guys on O’Neal and two on Bryant and see what happens. The Mavs also added Danny Manning and onetime Boston role player Adrian Griffin, and dealt Howard Eisley to the Knicks. And again Nelson will be able to get back to Hawaii for golf in mid-May.
ADDED: G Tim Hardaway (trade with Heat), C Evan Eschmeyer (free agent, Nets), G Adrian Griffin (free agent, Celtics), F Danny Manning (free agent, Jazz), G Darrick Martin (free agent, Kings), C Ruben Wolkowyski (free agent, Sonics).
LOST: G Howard Eisley (traded to Knicks), F Mark Bryant (free agent, Spurs), C Calvin Booth (free agent, Sonics), F Gary Trent (free agent, Timberwolves), F Obinna Ekezie (free agent, Clippers).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 4th, 100.5; Points against, 15th, 96.2; FG percentage, 5th, 45.9; FT percentage, 2nd, 79.4; Three-point percentage: 3rd, 38.1.
4. Sacramento Kings
2000-2001: 55-27.
Postseason: Swept by Lakers in conference semifinals.
C-Webb, a.k.a. Chris Webber, is back, with an ankle he sprained badly in training camp. It’s the same ankle that bothered him late last season, when he tailed off after an MVP first half, and Webber isn’t known as the most dedicated player. After getting his big free-agent contract and surprisingly returning to Sacramento, Webber will bear watching. If he decides to ease into the season, the Kings might never catch up.
They upgraded by dealing the wild and wacky Jason Williams for Mike Bibby, a solid scoring guard. Though they lost some energy off the bench by dealing Jon Barry for Mateen Cleeves, they can use the developing Hidayet Turkoglu at point guard. Sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic is a 20-point scorer, but Vlade Divac takes a casual approach to the pivot, and if Webber cannot come up strong inside, they’ll be scrapping to remain in the top four.
ADDED: G Mike Bibby, G Brent Price (trade with Grizzlies), G Gerald Wallace (draft, No. 25 Alabama), G Mateen Cleaves (trade with Pistons).
LOST: G Jason Williams (traded to Grizzles), G Jon Barry (traded to Pistons), G Darrick Martin (free agent, Mavs), F Art Long (free agent, Sonics).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 1st, 101.7; Points against, 13th, 95.9; FG percentage, 10th, 44.9; FT percentage, 5th, 77.1; Three-point percentage: 13th, 35.4.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
2000-2001: 52-30.
Postseason: lost to Philadelphia in conference finals.
Is success reaching the conference finals? And can the Bucks stand it? Coach George Karl was in full fury in training camp as Sam Cassell came in pouting about his contract, Glenn Robinson was limping and Ray Allen tried to pace himself. The Bucks may in theory be the most potent team with the rules changes because their Big Three–Cassell, Allen and Robinson–are excellent shooters. They ran a quick, scoring offense when few were trying it, so they should adapt to the rules changes easiest, particularly on defense, where Karl has always favored disguised zones.
But it’s hard to pick them this high now that they’ve added Anthony Mason. Karl lobbied hard for him because of concern about the Bucks’ inside play. In theory, Mason gives the Bucks inside toughness, but it’s his hard head which may be the problem. He demands the ball go through him, and while he will pass it, the Bucks have three other guys who can score and want the ball. And Tim Thomas, making almost $10 million a year, is left without a position and fewer minutes. Mason’s teams have been first-round playoff casualties in four of the last five years, and Pat Riley giving up on him scared people off. Karl is egotistical enough to believe he can handle Mason. Napoleon had confidence, too.
ADDED: C Greg Foster (trade with Lakers); F Anthony Mason (free agent, Heat).
LOST: G Lindsey Hunter (traded to Lakers); F Jerome Kersey (free agent); C Scott Williams (traded to Nuggets).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 2nd, 100.7; Points against, 21st, 96.9; FG percentage, 6th, 45.8; FT percentage, 3rd, 78.7; Three-point percentage: 5th, 37.9.
6. Charlotte Hornets
2000-2001: 46-36.
Postseason: lost to Milwaukee in conference semifinals.
Perhaps the best starting five in the conference with a threat of some sort at every position. Of course, with Elden Campbell it’s the threat of indifference on any night, but no one has the up-front size of the Hornets, and dealing albatross Derrick Coleman for George Lynch may be the addition-by-subtraction move that vaults them to the top of the conference. Now they may be really attractive to Louisville, where they are expected to move after one more season of community fury at owner George Shinn.
Jamal Mashburn, freed from the stifling Miami offense, showed last season he can be a force again, and point guard Baron Davis, after playing little as a rookie, is on the verge of a breakout season in his third year. Although an alarming trend continued with free agent Eddie Robinson leaving, they made some good role-player pickups with Stacey Augmon, Matt Bullard and Bryce Drew. “I think we’re solid at just about every position,” says coach Paul Silas, who can’t wipe that Coleman-is-gone smile off his face.
ADDED: F George Lynch, F Robert Traylor (trade with 76ers), F Stacey Augmon (free agent, Trail Blazers), G Bryce Drew (free agent, Bulls), F Matt Bullard (free agent, Rockets), F Kirk Haston (draft, No. 18, Pacers).
LOST: F Derrick Coleman (trade with 76ers), F Eddie Robinson (free agent, Bulls), G Hersey Hawkins (retired), F Otis Thorpe (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 24th, 91.9; Points against, 4th, 89.8; FG percentage, 22nd, 43.1; FT percentage, 18th, 74.5; Three-point percentage: 17th, 34.6.
7. Toronto Raptors
2000-2001: 47-35.
Postseason: lost to Philadelphia in conference semifinals.
Did they grow up in the playoffs last season, or did they just grow old with the acquisition of Hakeem Olajuwon? A year ago Olajuwon was injured and talked about retirement. Now he’s dressing in purple. If he’s the Olajuwon of 2000 and not 1995, the Raptors may not be all that. “The midseason acquisitions they made last year, Keon Clark and Jerome Williams, improved their athleticism,” says Bulls coach Tim Floyd, who predicted the Raptors would win the East after they kept their core by re-signing Vince Carter, Antonio Davis and Alvin Williams.
Floyd has one of their big parts, Charles Oakley, who goaded Carter into playing seriously in the playoffs. Carter has re-signed for six years, and the question is whether he’ll relax or become the superstar team leader he can be. Of course, there’s a huge “what if” about not keeping Tracy McGrady. If they had, they’d be challenging the Lakers. Kids make bad decisions sometimes.
ADDED: C Hakeem Olajuwon (trade with Rockets), F Michael Bradley (draft, No. 17, Villanova).
LOST: F Charles Oakley (traded to Bulls).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 5th, 97.6; Points against, 12th, 95.4; FG percentage, 19th, 43.7; FT percentage, 17th, 74.7; Three-point percentage: 6th, 36.9.
8. Orlando Magic
2000-2001: 43-39.
Postseason: lost to Milwaukee in first round.
Lots of ifs, and lots of potential. The real future may arrive in two years, when Orlando opens enough salary-cap room to go after Tim Duncan and stop the Lakers from winning their fifth straight. Meanwhile, the Magic will see if Patrick Ewing and Horace Grant have much left. Grant probably has a little more.
With Tracy McGrady and a supposedly healthy Grant Hill, the Magic is likening itself to the great Bulls teams with Jordan and Pippen. Orlando doesn’t have much inside, but it may have the best one-two punch this side of O’Neal and Bryant. McGrady, who endured back problems in training camp, established himself as one of the elite, exciting players in the NBA last season. Hill was to be the next Jordan, but he has passed the baton to the next generation. He’s the ideal sidekick, and if he accepts the role behind McGrady, the Magic could be difficult to contain. Hill played just four games last season after ankle surgery, but that allowed Mike Miller to become Rookie of the Year, and he shows the ability to be an outstanding third option from the perimeter.
ADDED: C Patrick Ewing (free agent, Sonics), F Horace Grant (free agent, Lakers), G Laron Profit (trade with Wizards), C Steven Hunter (draft, No. 15, DePaul), G Jeryl Sasser (draft, No. 22, SMU).
LOST: C John Amaechi (free agent, Jazz), C Michael Doleac (trade with Cavaliers), G Dee Brown (retired).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 6th, 97.5; Points against, 17th, 96.5; FG percentage, 18th, 43.8; FT percentage, 26th, 71.4; Three-point percentage: 7th, 36.4.
9. Philadelphia 76ers
2000-2001: 56-26.
Postseason: lost to Lakers in NBA Finals.
If you’re looking for a team to take a fall, this is a good place to start. Hard to imagine them starting off 10-0 again. Easier to see 0-10. Coach Larry Brown decided to stay, though it may not be for long–he callled training camp and the exhibition season “a waste” after Allen Iverson, Aaron McKie, George Lynch and Eric Snow missed it with injuries. Then Brown trades Lynch for Coleman in what appears to be a classic Brown end game: create turmoil on the team and then say he can’t coach with all this turmoil.
Everything seemed to go right for the 76ers last season. Everything seems to be going wrong now, and to this mix they add Coleman? Did the effort expended to reach the Finals last season wear them out? Teams are likely to double-team Iverson because the 76ers have few other scoring options. But the bigger issue is Iverson’s relationship with Brown now that ousted team President Pat Croce is no longer around to intercede.
ADDED: F Matt Harpring (trade with Cavaliers), F Derrick Coleman (trade with Hornets), G Vonteego Cummings, F Corie Blount (trade with Warriors), F Michael Smith (free agent, Wizards), C Samuel Dalembert (draft, No. 26, Seton Hall).
LOST: F Tyrone Hill, F Jumaine Jones (traded to Cavaliers), F Roshown McLeod (traded to Celtics), C Todd MacCulloch (free agent, Nets), F Rodney Buford (free agent, Heat), G Kevin Ollie (free agent, Bulls), G Pepe Sanchez (free agent, Hawks).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 15th, 94.7; Points against, 5th, 90.4; FG percentage, 12th, 44.7; FT percentage, 18th, 74.5; Three-point percentage: 26th, 32.6.
10. Utah Jazz
2000-2001: 53-29.
Postseason: lost to Dallas in first round.
Jerry Sloan doesn’t have to say much to get his point across. “Well, we’re not getting any younger,” he says of the 2001-02 Jazz. No kidding. Karl Malone and John Stockton are said to be national AARP officers. And Sloan just keeps going on. With the retirement of Minnesota Twins manager Tom Kelly, no coach in pro sports has been with a team longer than Sloan (in 14th season). Actually, Stockton is going on 40 and Malone is going on bigger muscles. They wore down last season, but they’re still tough to beat.
Also, keep an eye on 20-year-old Russian Andrei Kirilenko, who could be the next great foreigner to come to the NBA. Utah also signed John Amaechi from Orlando but has essentially the same group, although Olden Polynice will be making his traffic stops elsewhere. Bryon Russell will play more shooting guard, and he’ll have to make some jumpers because teams will use the new zone rules to try to squeeze the Jazz’s pick and roll . . . though no one has figured it out yet.
ADDED: C John Amaechi (free agent, Magic), F Andrei Kirilenko (rookie, CSKA Russia), G Rusty LaRue (free agent).
LOST: G Jacque Vaughn (free agent, Hawks), F Danny Manning (free agent, Mavs), C Olden Polynice (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 10th, 97.1; Points against, 8th, 92.4; FG percentage, 1st, 47.1; FT percentage, 16th, 75.2; Three-point percentage: 3rd, 38.1.
11. Minnesota
Timberwolves
2000-2001: 47-35.
Postseason: lost to San Antonio in first round.
Five years in the playoffs, five first-round eliminations. Certainly it would have been different if the Timberwolves could have kept the team together with Stephon Marbury, but it’s a small market with a big contract that’s high on front-office crime. They’re coming out of the Joe Smith contract fiasco with general manager Kevin McHale back from a year suspension and Smith re-signing as a free agent from the Pistons. But he’s really an ordinary Joe. He’ll probably back up Kevin Garnett, whom they hope to move back to small forward and create matchup problems with a healthier Wally Szczerbiak playing more shooting guard. Szczerbiak could be a major weapon with the new defensive rules.
But there’s no weapon up front. Minnesota added the oft-injured Gary Trent to play some post after passing on a trade for Marcus Fizer, whom coach Flip Saunders coached in Australia at the Goodwill Games. The team spent all summer figuring out ways to trade for Gary Payton and couldn’t, which means it’ll have to go with fragile Terrell Brandon again.
ADDED: F Joe Smith (free agent, Pistons), F Gary Trent (free agent, Mavericks), C Loren Woods (draft, No. 46, Arizona).
LOST: F LaPhonso Ellis (free agent, Miami), C Reggie Slater (free agent, Cavaliers), F Tom Hammonds (retired).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 7th, 97.3; Points against, 14th, 96.0; FG percentage, 6th, 45.8; FT percentage, 4th, 78.5; Three-point percentage: 9th, 35.7.
12. Portland Trail Blazers
2000-2001: 50-32.
Postseason: swept by Lakers in first round.
The players decided they’d had enough of Mike Dunleavy’s yelling and lay down at the end of the season. They’ll have to pay close attention to hear the soft-spoken Maurice Cheeks. General manager Bob Whitsitt has a plan, and it’s not to get shock treatment for Rasheed Wallace. The talented and troubled All-Star forward is from Philadelphia and admired Cheeks growing up. Whitsitt is counting on Cheeks getting Wallace to play for him . . . and to behave.
But this is a team heading south, at least in the standings. Pippen has had a recurrence of back problems. Arvydas Sabonis retired and other departees include Greg Anthony, Steve Smith, Stacey Augmon and Rod Strickland. Cheeks likes point guards and is turning over the team to Damon Stoudamire. Will he be satisfied just to get his points? Dale Davis moves to center. Derek Anderson comes from the Spurs (for Smith) and figures to fight with Bonzi Wells for playing time when Wells returns from a knee injury. Portland also signed Ruben Patterson. The Trail Blazers always like to have at least one felon on the payroll.
ADDED: G Derek Anderson, G Steve Kerr (trade with Spurs), G Zach Randolph (draft, No. 19, Michigan State), F Ruben Patterson (free agent, SuperSonics), C Chris Dudley (free agent).
LOST: C Arvydas Sabonis (retired), G Steve Smith (traded to San Antonio), G Greg Anthony (free agent, BULLS), F Antonio Harvey (free agent, Seattle), F Stacey Augmon (free agent, Charlotte), F Detlef Schrempf (free agent), G Rod Strickland (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 14th, 95.4; Points against, 6th, 91.2; FG percentage, 2nd, 46.8; FT percentage, 9th, 76.2; Three-point percentage: 16th, 34.9.
13. Phoenix Suns
2000-2001: 51-31.
Postseason: lost to Sacramento in first round.
Here’s an organization that doesn’t care for crime. Jason Kidd had a spousal-abuse charge and Cliff Robinson a drug bust, so out they went, Kidd in the big deal to the Nets for Marbury. “If” is a very big word here. If Marbury can play a selfless game, if Penny Hardaway can regain his health (and his alter-ego puppet), if Tom Gugliotta can come back from knee surgery, if they can get over the loss of Chris Dudley . . . well, maybe not the last one.
The Suns are starting over in a different way. Some regard Kidd as the league’s best point guard, so they’re taking a chance on Marbury, who for all his talent has done nothing but lose as a pro, though he can win a playoff game with his scoring ability . . . if the Suns get there. Hardaway says he’s healthy and ready to regain his All-Star form, although we’ve heard that before. They’ve got scoring if Hardaway and Gugliotta can contribute, and we’ll see what Jake Tsakalidis can do in the middle. If Marbury doesn’t fit in, those 50-win seasons and first-round playoff eliminations will look awfully good.
ADDED: G Stephon Marbury (trade with Nets), F John Wallace, G Jud Buechler (trade with Pistons), Dan Majerle (free agent, Heat).
LOST: G Jason Kidd (traded to New Jersey), C Chris Dudley (free agent), F Cliff Robinson (traded to Detroit), G Mario Elie (free agent), G Elliott Perry (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for 17th, 94.0; Points against, 7th, 91.8; FG percentage, 20th, 43.6; FT percentage, 15th, 75.5; Three-point percentage: 28th, 31.5.
14. Miami Heat
2000-2001: 50-32.
Postseason: swept by Charlotte in first round.
Pat Riley has never entered a season with a team so uncertain about making the playoffs. Clearly all depends on Alonzo Mourning, who is returning from a kidney ailment that limited him to a brief appearance last season. He’s still on medication and certainly cannot play as much or as passionately as he once did. But if he can withstand the season, the Heat has a playoff core with Mourning, Eddie Jones and Brian Grant, and Riley is still a great coach. He lost Tim Hardaway and Bruce Bowen and finally had enough of Anthony Mason’s antics. So he’ll throw in Kendall Gill and LaPhonso Ellis and give Rod Strickland a chance to help with Anthony Carter hurt.
The players don’t always like it, but they perform for Riley. He likes the deliberate, isolation offenses, which the NBA is trying to do away with through rules changes. But Riley always has adapted. The big change is his unlimited budget–it’s no more. Owner Mickey Arison’s cruise lines are taking a beating in the economy, and the owner is done overspending for first-round failures. Riley has been dropping hints about leaving coaching, and although he has Heat ownership, he might look to move on if Mourning can’t continue. The dream seems over in Miami.
ADDED: G Kendall Gill (free agent, Nets), F Chris Gatling (trade with Cavs), F Sam Mack (free agent), F LaPhonso Ellis (free agent, Timberwolves), F Brian Skinner (trade with Raptors).
LOST: G Tim Hardaway (traded to Dallas), F Dan Majerle (free agent, Phoenix), F Anthony Mason (free agent, Milwaukee), F Bruce Bowen (free agent, Spurs), F Cedric Ceballos (free agent, Denver), C Duane Causwell (free agent), C Todd Fuller (free agent, Orlando), F A.C. Green (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for 27th, 88.9; Points against, 2nd, 86.6; FG percentage, 24th, 43.0; FT percentage, 10th, 75.9; Three-point percentage: 19th, 34.5.
15. New York Knicks
2000-2001: 48-34.
Postseason: lost to Toronto in first round.
It appears they’re done pulling steaks out of their hats. Most use rabbits, but the Knicks always think they’re going for more. The franchise’s recent history has been to add a marquee name every year to confuse fans into buying those expensive seats before they realized it’s not a contending team. The fluke 1999 Finals appearance kept the hope alive, but now they’re just a bunch of swing players running around looking for shots. Marcus Camby stated what kind of season this would be by sustaining his annual injuries in training camp. He has never played more than 63 games in a season and probably never will.
Luc Longley and Larry Johnson retired with injuries, and a bunch of role-playing big men are supposed to help out–Clarence Weatherspoon, Othella Harrington, Kurt Thomas. They traded Glen Rice, who has been breaking down, for Shandon Anderson, another swingman. They have way too many point guards and are trying to figure out what to do with popular and snail-slow Mark Jackson without hurting his feelings. They’ll play hard and boring until people can’t watch anymore.
ADDED: F Clarence Weatherspoon (free agent, Cavaliers), G Shandon Anderson (trade with Rockets), G Howard Eisley (trade with Mavericks), F Michael Wright (draft, No. 39, Arizona.)
LOST: F Larry Johnson (retired), F Glen Rice (traded to Houston), C Luc Longley (retired).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 28th, 88.7; Points against, 1st, 86.1; FG percentage, 13th, 44.4; FT percentage, 1st, 79.6; Three-point percentage: 14th, 35.1.
16. Los Angeles Clippers
2000-2001: 31-51.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
Asking a 22-year-old to be the conscience and mentor of this team shows how young the NBA has become. But that’s the job for Elton Brand, the 20-and-10 former Bull who came to the Clippers in the draft-day deal for the rights to Tyson Chandler. Brand moves in at power forward to be a stabilizing figure for Lamar Odom, Darius Miles and the rest of the run-and-gun bunch. “I don’t think we’re going to sneak up on anybody,” coach Alvin Gentry acknowledged. Teams love the Clippers’ talent, but can it play together? And concentrate long enough to forget the next video game party?
Odom can be one of the league’s elite, and if Miles could shoot, he would be too. Michael Olowokandi is never going to live up (or down) to being the No. 1 overall draft pick but can be a solid role player. The Clippers were the league’s most improved team last season as they doubled their win total. Point guard Jeff McInnis is a key player, and there’s plenty off the bench with Quentin Richardson, Corey Maggette and Keyon Dooling. If Gentry and Brand can coach (and coax) it, the Clippers will be a nice warmup for the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. They’ll save on travel costs as well.
ADDED: F Elton Brand (trade with BULLS), C Obinna Ekezie (free agent, Mavericks).
LOST: C Cherokee Parks (free agent, Spurs), C Zendon Hamilton (free agent, Denver).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 20th, 92.5; Points against, 23rd, 97.2; FG percentage, 11th, 44.8; FT percentage, 28th, 69.3; Three-point percentage: 23rd, 33.9.
17. Indiana Pacers
2000-2001: 41-41.
Postseason: lost to 76ers in first round.
Jalen Rose, you’re not a point guard, got it? Which is the problem. When Rose plays point guard, few others get it. Of course Travis Best isn’t a point guard either. Jamaal Tinsley is, but he’s a rookie . . . although a rookie point guard named Isiah Thomas didn’t do badly 20 years ago. There’s a big philosophy problem: Management is making over the team, going to a young core of Jermaine O’Neal, Al Harrington and Jonathan Bender. Thomas, however, too often falls back on the veterans, which is one reason they cut Sam Perkins. They didn’t want Thomas playing him over Jeff Foster.
Reggie Miller is still around, a pro’s pro who sacrifices and works with the kids. They’ll need Austin Croshere to play the way he did when he was playing for a contract instead of the way he played after getting one. Management loves Tinsley, so with Best a free agent, a trade could be brewing if Foster cannot man the center post. They added Carlos Rogers to do some banging, and they’re hoping Thomas settles on a lineup and goes with it.
ADDED: F Carlos Rogers (free agent, Rockets).
LOST: C Sam Perkins (free agent), C Zan Tabak (free agent, Real Madrid).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 19th, 92.6; Points against, 9th, 92.8; FG percentage, 15th, 44.0; FT percentage, 7th, 76.6; Three-point percentage: 22nd, 34.2.
18. Seattle Supersonics
2000-2001: 44-38.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
To give them the last playoff spot, you’ve got to go long on the Vin Baker theory. Baker was a four-time All-Star who has become the poster child for indifferent, uninspired, uncaring NBA play the last few years. Baker says he’s changed, he’s back. If he is, the Sonics could sneak into the last playoff spot. But no one’s really counting on it, and it’s more likely they move down before they move up again. They couldn’t dump Gary Payton on anyone, and while Payton is slipping, he still can score. Rashard Lewis also has possibilities as a young star.
They started rebuilding by dumping Patrick Ewing, Ruben Patterson and Emanual Davis. For $19 million they added Calvin Booth, whom Don Nelson liked but who never really did anything in Washington or Dallas. Nate McMillan is probably the best coach for the wacky Payton as his skills decline. They’ll hope Desmond Mason becomes a defensive stopper and that Brent Barry stops anyone. It requires a lot of faith. Or caffeine.
ADDED: C Calvin Booth (free agent, Mavericks), F Antonio Harvey (free agent, Trail Blazers), G Anthony Johnson (free agent, Cavaliers), F Vladimir Radmanovic (draft, No. 12, FMP Zeleznik, Yugoslavia), F Predrag Drobnjak (trade with Washington).
LOST: C Patrick Ewing (free agent, Orlando), F Ruben Patterson (free agent, Portland), G Emanuel Davis (free agent, Hawks), F Jelani McCoy (free agent, Lakers), C Ruben Wolkowyski (free agent, Dallas).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 7th, 97.3; Points against, 24th, 97.3; FG percentage, 8th, 45.6; FT percentage, 23rd, 73.2; Three-point percentage: 2nd, 39.9.
19. Washington Wizards
2000-2001: 19-63.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
Tried like heck, but just couldn’t find a spot for the Wizards in the playoffs despite the return of the greatest, mightiest, most wonderful, manly, courageous, stupendous basketball player the universe has ever known, Michael Jordan. So was that one special jump shot or what? Of course if Jordan is hurt they go back to 19 wins or thereabouts.
Jordan is going to be good. He’s going to shoot and score a lot. Pencil him in–forget that, use ink–he will challenge Kobe Bryant as the league’s leading scorer. What, Popeye Jones is going to demand the ball? Everyone wonders how Jordan will deal with the losing, but as long as he’s scoring he’ll be fine. And he’ll be a fine scorer. He knows how to play, and the coach is not about to call a play for anyone else. Jordan will make every fourth quarter the best entertainment of the season as he tries to perfect the comeback from 18 down. And he’ll do it a lot, although probably not enough to make the playoffs. No. 1 pick Kwame Brown isn’t ready to make much of a contribution.
ADDED: F Michael Jordan (unretired), G Tyronn Lue (free agent, Lakers), F Kwame Brown (draft, No. 1, Glynn, Ga., Academy), C Brendan Haywood (draft, No. 20, North Carolina).
LOST: G Mitch Richmond (free agent, Lakers), G Laron Profit (traded to Magic), F Michael Smith (free agent, 76ers).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 12th, 93.2; Points against, 28th, 99.9; FG percentage, 16th, 43.9; FT percentage, 10th, 75.9; Three-point percentage: 27th, 32.4.
20. Houston Rockets
2000-2001: 45-37.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
This is a team that could move up and grab the last playoff spot in the West. Steve Francis is ready to break out and become the West’s best point guard with Payton and Stockton aging and Kidd traded to the East. Francis and Cuttino Mobley are as quick a guard duo as there is. But elsewhere . . .
Maurice Taylor went out for the season with an Achilles’ injury, a huge blow after they passed on Chris Webber to re-sign their own free agents. Hakeem Olajuwon left in a snit–he was being phased out of the offense to accommodate Francis. Shandon Anderson wasn’t happy with his back-seat role and went to New York. They were foiled in their bid to sign Warriors free agent Marc Jackson and also lost Matt Bullard and Carlos Rogers. Kelvin Cato, whom they’ve tried to trade, is supposed to fill the role inside. Not likely. Draft pick Eddie Griffin is a talent, but may have trouble fitting in at first. As he heads for stardom, Francis will determine if they go anywhere.
ADDED: F Glen Rice (trade with Knicks), F Eddie Griffin (draft, No. 7, Seton Hall), G Damon Jones (free agent, Grizzlies).
LOST: C Hakeem Olajuwon (traded to Toronto), F Shandon Anderson (traded to New York), F Matt Bullard (free agent, Hornets), F Carlos Rogers (free agent, Indiana).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 9th, 97.2; Points against, 10th, 94.9; FG percentage, 9th, 45.3; FT percentage, 14th, 75.8; Three-point percentage: 9th, 35.7.
21. Atlanta Hawks
2000-2001: 25-57.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
There’s a new Shareef in town. Actually a familiar one, Atlanta native Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who is part of what could be one of the best turnarounds in recent years. If it works, the Hawks have cleverly parlayed the trade of Dikembe Mutombo and their miserable play into a real starting lineup with Abdur-Rahim joining Toni Kukoc, Theo Ratliff, Jason Terry and underrated Emanual Davis, with Alan Henderson still around to do some backup work.
The problem is injuries. Kukoc has chronic back problems and plantar fascitis; the Bulls always feared he would break down. Ratliff’s fragility irked former coach Larry Brown; he missed 30 games last season and opened camp hurt. Ratliff could be defensive player of the year or a 50-game Marcus Camby-type. If the Hawks hold together they’re in the battle for one of the last playoff spots in the East, though hardly anyone would notice in the United States’ worst pro sports city.
ADDED: F Shareef Abdur-Rahim (trade with Grizzlies), G Emanuel Davis (free agent, SuperSonics), G Jacque Vaughn (free agent, Jazz), F Ira Newble (free agent, Spurs), G Pepe Sanchez (free agent, 76ers).
LOST: F Lorenzen Wright, G Brevin Knight (traded to Grizzlies).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 26th, 91.0; Points against, 15th, 96.2; FG percentage, 22nd, 43.1; FT percentage, 10th, 75.9; Three-point percentage: 9th, 35.7.
22. New Jersey Nets
2000-2001: 26-56.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
Wait until Kidd gets a load of what he left when winter shows up in the next few days. From California to Dallas to Phoenix to the Meadowlands. Kidd won’t like that, but his teammates will. Kidd plays with a frenzy and is always looking to pass. If no one rebounds, he will. He’ll take the shot if you can’t. He should have as much impact on the Nets as Jordan has on the Wizards, other than fans coming to watch. Marbury had the talent, especially on offense, but his teammates had long given up on helping him to his personal goals. They don’t have excuses now with Kidd. They let Evan Eschmeyer go for big bucks and gave them to Todd MacCulloch, and they’re touting rookie shooting guard Brandon Armstrong as a sleeper find.
The outlook is a litany of “ifs.” If Kenyon Martin can become one of the top power forwards in the East . . . If Keith Van Horn can return to his next-Larry-Bird (Tom Gugliotta?) form . . . If Kerry Kittles can make some shots. They’re all injury projects. If they hold together and get open, Kidd will find them. Now whether he can find the exit off the New Jersey Turnpike for the arena is another question.
ADDED: G Jason Kidd (trade with Suns), C Todd MacCulloch (free agent, 76ers), F Richard Jefferson (draft, No. 13, Arizona), C Jason Collins (draft, No. 18, Stanford), G Brandon Armstrong (draft, No. 23, Pepperdine), G Derrick Dial (free agent, Spurs).
LOST: G Stephon Marbury (traded to Suns, C Evan Eschmeyer (free agent, Mavericks), G Kendall Gill (free agent, Heat), F Johnny Newman (free agent), C Jim McIlvaine (waived), F Stephen Jackson (free agent, Spurs), G Sherman Douglas (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 23rd, 92.1; Points against, 22nd, 97.1; FG percentage, 26th, 42.5; FT percentage, 10th, 75.9; Three-point percentage: 25th, 33.3.
23. Detroit Pistons
2000-2001: 32-50.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
There’s the potential for some real soap-opera stuff this season with shoot-’em-if-you-got-’em Jerry Stackhouse supposed to become a distributor with the offense going through him. He’s where the offense usually stops. Newcomer Cliff Robinson isn’t one to pass up a shot when he has the ball, and their touted rookie, Rodney White, went through a lot of schools and a lot of shots in his brief college career. It should be an interesting test for no-nonsense rookie coach Rick Carlisle.
But they have some pieces. Without the body paint and accessories, Ben Wallace is Dennis Rodman-like in rebounding . . . and free-throw shooting. They added the hyper Jon Barry and think they may have something in center Zelijko Rebraca. He has some post presence, and dyed white hair. They’re going to be beaten up at point guard with Chucky Atkins and Dana Barros, and perhaps in the locker room over who gets to shoot.
ADDED: Jon Barry (trade with Kings), Cliff Robinson (trade with Suns), Zeljko Rebraca (trade with Raptors).
LOST: G Jud Buechler, F John Wallace (traded to Suns), G Mateen Cleeves (traded to Kings), F Joe Smith (free agent, Timberwolves), Billy Owens (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 13th, 95.6; Points against, 24th, 97.3; FG percentage, 27th, 42.4; FT percentage, 24th, 72.1; Three-point percentage: 15th, 35.0.
24. Boston Celtics
2000-2001: 36-46.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
They think their playoff near-miss was the beginning of a rebuilding. It actually was the relief of a tearing down, that being the all-about-Rick Pitino era. Finally relieved of Pitino’s self-involved coaching and ridiculous personnel moves, the players took a breath and found out they could play some. Paul Pierce can play a lot, and Antoine Walker has lots of talent, though he’s a power forward who wants to be a point guard. And that’s where it ends.
The starting five may be the worst in the NBA with slow-and-aging Kenny Anderson, Vitaly Potapenko and Mark Blount or Eric Williams or Tony Battie or someone. It’s a mishmash of talent with a curious surplus of swingmen, though rookie Joe Johnson could be a pretty good one. It’s a team without inside strength or power, a bunch of guys who want to dribble, run and shoot. That can be entertaining, but you don’t win much that way.
ADDED: G Joe Johnson (draft, No. 10, Arkansas), F Kedrick Brown, (draft, No. 11, Okaloosa-Walton CC), G Joseph Forte (draft, No. 21, North Carolina), F Roshown McLeod (trade with 76ers).
LOST: G Bryant Stith, (free agent, Cavaliers), F Jerome Moiso (traded to 76ers), G Adrian Griffin (free agent, Mavericks).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 16th, 94.6; Points against, 20th, 96.8; FG percentage, 25th, 42.8; FT percentage, 20th, 74.0; Three-point percentage: 8th, 36.3.
25. Memphis Grizzlies
2000-2001: 23-59.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
After a year of pretending they really wanted to stay in Vancouver–did anyone believe that?–they took a pile of cash and came to Memphis, that pro basketball hotbed. Expect lots of Elvis jokes, but not as many about the team. Shane Battier may not be the best player from this draft in 2010, but he may well be this year. He’s smart and can shoot. Rookie Spaniard Pau Gasol, a 7-footer, creates Toni Kukoc-style mismatches and Jason Williams . . . well, who knows with Jason Williams.
In trading Abdur-Rahim and Mike Bibby, they are starting over again. Michael Dickerson is left, and the word is he doesn’t want to be. It could be an uneasy relationship if he doesn’t get a contract extension after Williams got his. If that’s the case, Dickerson will be on the market by midseason. And coach Sidney Lowe could be as well. He was brought in to absorb the early losses for new management, and if they start slow, ticket sales will be tough and he’ll understand the local specialty: barbecue.
ADDED: G Jason Williams, G Nick Anderson (trade with Kings), F Lorenzen Wright, G Brevin Knight (trade with Hawks), F Pau Gasol (draft, No. 3, FC Barcelona), F Shane Battier (draft, No. 6, Duke).
LOST: F Shareef Abdur-Rahim (traded to Hawks), G Mike Bibby, G Brent Price (traded to Kings), G Kevin Edwards (free agent), G Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (free agent), G Damon Jones (free agent, Rockets), G Erick Strickland (free agent), G Doug West (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 25th, 91.7; Points against, 26th, 97.5; FG percentage, 16th, 43.9; FT percentage, 6th, 77.0; Three-point percentage: 21st, 34.3.
26. Bulls
2000-2001: 15-67
Postseason: missed playoffs.
Forget security checks, this team will be getting carded. At least there’s a future with teenagers Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler. It’s an interesting mix of two teams, the first a young core with Curry, Chandler and free-agent Eddie Robinson (currently injured), the second with veterans Charles Oakley, Greg Anthony and Kevin Ollie, who want to show they can still play. They’re tough guys and good defenders; with Robinson they can give the Bulls a defensive presence they haven’t had since Jordan and Pippen.
But the fans want to see the young kids, and they are the future, which presents a dilemma for beleaguered coach Tim Floyd. Does he play for the future, knowing he has no chance to compete for the playoffs, or does he try to win as many games as he can after piling up so many losses in three years and becoming the fastest coach ever to 100 losses?
ADDED: F Eddie Robinson (free agent, Hornets), F Charles Oakley (trade with Raptors), C Tyson Chandler (draft, No. 2, Dominguez, Calif. HS), F Eddy Curry (draft, No. 4, Thornwood HS), G Greg Anthony (free agent, Trail Blazers), G Kevin Ollie (free agent, 76ers), G Trenton Hassell (draft, No. 30, Austin Peay)
LOST: F Elton Brand (traded to Clippers), G Bryce Drew (free agent, Hornets), G Jamal Crawford (injured), G Corey Benjamin (free agent, 76ers), C Dragan Tarlac (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 29th, 87.6; Points against, 19th, 96.7; FG percentage, 27th, 42.4; FT percentage, 21st, 73.9; Three-point percentage: 17th, 34.6.
27. Golden State Warriors
2000-2001: 17-65.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
They might have had the best draft with skywalking Jason Richardson, who jumps like Michael Jordan used to, and Notre Dame’s Troy Murphy. Both have a chance to step in and help right away, and the Warriors need help. They are the Nets West, both in recent success and annual injury problems–Danny Fortson last year, Erick Dampier every year.
They matched Houston’s offer to Marc Jackson, who doesn’t want to stay, which might force a deal of at least one big man before long. They re-upped Antawn Jamison, who can score, but tends to lose interest at times. They’re talking about trying to make Larry Hughes a point guard, which should be interesting because they couldn’t make him a shooting guard. Dave Cowens also seemed uninterested last season, but if they all decide to try they could make some progress.
ADDED: G Jason Richardson (draft, No. 5, Michigan State), F Troy Murphy (draft, No. 10, Notre Dame), G Gilbert Arenas (draft, No. 31, Arizona).
LOST: G Vonteego Cummings, F Corie Blount, G Chris Porter (trade with Philadelphia), F Adam Keefe (free agent), F Chris Mullin (free agent), G Paul McPherson (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 20th, 92.5; Points against, 29th, 101.5; FG percentage, 29th, 40.9; FT percentage, 27th, 70.6; Three-point percentage: 29th, 29.3.
28. Denver Nuggets
2000-2001: 40-42.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
Probably wouldn’t be ranked this low, but Antonio McDyess figures to miss at least half the season after surgery. Signing Isaiah Rider is probably the best way to get coach Dan Issel to quit; Rider and Nick Van Exel will be something to behold in the backcourt, if not off the court.
Raef LaFrentz should improve a full season after knee surgery, and his perimeter shooting should be enhanced by the new rules. They signed Avery Johnson from the Spurs to back up Van Exel, who has balky knees. They’re hoping for continued development from James Posey. They lost ancient Kevin Willis but gained fragile Scott Williams and a No. 1 pick in a trade as new general manager Kiki Vandeweghe gets busy.
ADDED: F-C Scott Williams (trade, Bucks), G Isaiah Rider (free agent, Lakers), G Avery Johnson (free agent, Spurs), C Menk Batere (free agent, China), F Zendon Hamilton (free agent, Clippers), G Omar Cook (draft, No. 32, St. John’s), G Kenny Satterfield (draft, No. 54, Cincinnati).
LOST: G Robert Pack (free agent), C Terry Davis (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 11th, 96.6; Points against, 27th, 99.0; FG percentage, 21st, 43.3; FT percentage, 22nd, 73.7; Three-point percentage: 12th, 35.5.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
2000-2001: 30-52.
Postseason: missed playoffs.
They could move up to, say, 25th or 26th if Zyndrunas Ilgauskas comes back from his 5th foot operation, but hardly anyone is counting on that. The Cavs also drafted a center with foot problems, DeSagana Diop, as no franchise finds more work for foot specialists. Realizing their plight–or trying to extend it–they hired energetic John Lucas as coach. Lucas hasn’t exactly been known as an X’s and O’s genius, except in tic-tac-toe. He’ll keep everyone entertained, and that might help because the team probably won’t.
Andre Miller is a terrific point guard, and Chris Mihm has shown some signs of being able to man the post. They traded for Tyrone Hill, who was there before and is injured again, one reason he’s called Ty Maintenance. Michael Doleac comes from the Magic and can fill in up front. They need Wesley Person to recover from injury woes, though it figures to be mostly a tale of woe for Lucas.
ADDED: F Tyrone Hill, F Jumaine Jones (trade with 76ers), C Michael Doleac (trade with Orlando), G Ricky Davis (trade, Miami), F Reggie Slater (free agent, Timberwolves), Bryant Stith (free agent, Celtics), C DeSagana Diop (draft, No. 8, Oak Hill, Va., Academy).
LOST: F Clarence Weatherspoon (free agent, Knicks), F Matt Harpring, F Robert Traylor, F Cedric Henderson (traded to 76ers), F Chris Gatling (trade, Miami), G Anthony Johnson (free agent, SuperSonics), G Jim Jackson (free agent).
2000-01 NBA RANKS: Points for, 22nd, 92.2; Points against, 17th, 96.5; FG percentage, 14th, 44.2; FT percentage, 8th, 76.5; Three-point percentage: 24th, 33.4.
