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Best Case Scenario Three things need to happen for the Grizzlies to win 42 games and slip into an eighth seed in the Western Conference this season. Pau Gasol needs a little help from his friends on the boards. 1. Someone has to rebound. The Grizzlies ranked 28th in the league in defensive rebounding last season. With five bigs on their roster, there's no excuse for poor rebounding this season. Lorenzen Wright, Pau Gasol and Stromile Swift all have the potential to be solid on the boards. Bo Outlaw is the type of scrappy player that will also help in the paint and James Posey is a capable rebounder for a swingman. The Grizzlies can score all they want, but if they don't protect the glass, Hubie Brown's defensive philosophy of holding teams to one shot just won't fly. 2. Someone has to make the leap. Whether it's Gasol, Swift, Jason Williams or Mike Miller, one of the Grizzlies' young players has to step up and take over. This team lost an enormous amount of games in the fourth quarter because no one took charge with the game on the line. All four players have the talent to do it. If just one of them can give a consistent effort every night, at home or on the road, Brown will finally have the cornerstone he covets. 3. Jerry West uses that depth for a trade. There's another reason West stockpiled his roster this season. "When you have a lot of depth," West said, "that's your best chance to make a trade." If their top young players continue to develop, West may be able to package them together with a player like Wesley Person (in the last year of his deal) and land a true star in return. Worst Case Scenario The Grizzlies will be looking at 34 victories and a lottery pick next summer if the following three things happen. 1. The Grizz don't learn how to defend. The Grizzlies also struggled with their man-to-man defense last season. Coach Hubie Brown used a mixture of zone defenses to hide their inability to guard, but would like to utilize more man-to-man defense this season. James Posey will be called upon to guard the opposing team's best perimeter defender. New acquisitions Jake Tsakalidis and Outlaw are big defensive upgrades in the paint. Swift and Gasol have both bulked up this summer and appear more physically capable of guarding the position. But let's not kid ourselves, this team still has a long way to go defensively. 2. They continue to lose on the road. Under Brown, the team went just 2-21 against the West on the road. That's a sign of a young, leaderless team. All-Stars put up consistent numbers wherever they play. Last season, the Grizzlies' best players did not. 3. Too much depth hurts chemistry. West believes that there's no such thing as too much depth. Brown's 10-man rotation will provide lots of opportunities. But with several guys in contract years (Gasol and Battier will be looking for extensions, Swift will be a restricted free agent next summer) will everyone put the team above his own ambitions? Swift seems to be the guy to watch. He's developing rapidly, but it will be next to impossible for him to grab that starting four spot away from Gasol. If Gasol comes on as well, there may not be enough minutes to keep them both happy. Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN.com's ESPN Insider.

Allen will let Sonics decide his fate By Terry Brown NBA Insider Tuesday, October 7 Updated: October 7 12:09 PM ET To be a Sonic, or not to be a Sonic. That is the question for Ray Allen. "There is a direction that is going to be taken with this team or with other teams, and things are going to start to open up," Allen said in the Tacoma News Tribune. "What is going to happen is, I have to start to think about what is going to happen in terms of, am I here or am I not here? And that is something you don't want to have to do. "I don't ever want to deal with what Jason Kidd dealt with in New Jersey because you can't focus on your team. That takes a lot away from you. In fairness to my side, if the team takes care of what they have to do. ..." Allen As it stands now, Allen has two years left on his current deal that will pay him $28.1 million. If he were to sign an extension this season, the maximum he could get would be a five-year deal worth about $100 million. If he were to sign an extension next season, he could get a six-year deal worth about $126 million. "My contract is right in front of us right now," Allen said. "At this stage right now we have to start some conversations . . . I am not in a rush to do it at this point, we have this whole year. It has got to be something that has to mutually come to the forefront. They know it has to be done, and I am not thinking about it, but I know it is looming on the horizon." Allen is 28. Either package would very likely make him a Sonic for the rest of his career. And, if you're wondering, here's what he's done in less than one season with them already (with last year's salaries in parenthesis). Ray Allen ($12.3 million) Last year in Seattle: 24.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.9 apg, 1.6 spg, 44 percent shooting from the field, 92 percent shooting from the line and 2.7 triples per game. Compare those numbers to other shooting guards in the league last year. Kobe Bryant ($12.3 million) Last year: 30 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 5.9 apg, 2.2 spg, 45 percent shooting from the field, 84 percent from the line and 1.5 triples per game. Allen Iverson ($12.3 million) Last year: 27.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.7 spg, 41 percent from field, 77 percent from the line and one triple per game. Allan Houston ($14.3 million) Last year: 22.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 0.6 spg, 44 percent from the field, 91 percent from the line and 2.1 triples per game. Recently, Iverson signed an extension that would, if played out, make him the longest tenured Sixer in that franchise's history. Mike Miller, shooting guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, also signed an extension believed to be a six-year, $48 million deal after being traded to the team mid-season as was Allen. Mike Miller ($2.6 million) Last year in Memphis: 15.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.6 spg, 43 percent from the field, 84 percent from the line and 1.3 triples per game. For the Sonics, they won only 40 games last season, missed the playoffs and are most likely looking at another year of financial loss. They paid out $53.1 million in player salary last year, which placed them 16th in the league, right behind the Pacers, who won 48 games, but ahead of the Spurs, who won 60 games and the NBA title. "You kind of put the ball in their court," Allen, who also acts as his won agent, said. "They are the ones who have to put their best foot forward because at the end of the day, I am either going to be here or I can walk. I can always decide I am taking that or I can become a free agent. Right now, I am not going anywhere. "I think it is the good faith in this team and what direction are we going to move in and are we trying to win a championship? When I discussed this with (Buck owner Herb Kohl), it wasn't a painstaking process at all. We mutually agreed what was going to be paid, plain and simple. It turns into a nasty business when you feel like you want to nickel and dime. I just want to be dealt with straightforwardly. I am smart enough to know what is going on, I know the (collective bargaining agreement), I know what other players are being paid. Financially, I am set for the rest of my life, so I am not worried about that. It is going in and taking care of what I have to take care of." Mutombo to the Knicks? The New York Post is reporting that the New York Knicks are on the verge of not only adding Dikembe Mutombo to their roster, but also Nick Van Exel. Mutombo Mutombo, who is expected to clear waivers 48 hours after the Nets officially release him, is expected, says the paper, to sign a two-year deal with the Knicks for about $9 million. This would then allow the team give up post player Kurt Thomas, along with Charlie Ward, to the Warriors in exchange for Nick Van Exel, who has a $2 million buyout clause in his contract and has publicly announced that he would like to play for the Knicks. Thomas responded to the speculation in the New York Daily News: "I didn't work hard to give someone my starter's job," he said. "I'm not even concerned with that until the deal goes down. It's not even worth commenting on. Until then, I've just got to focus on the guys that are here." Recently, Mutombo has said that he would like to return to play in Philadelphia but the Sixers are believed to have offered him only $1 million per season. "It will play itself out in the next couple of days," Sixer general manager Billy King said in the Philadelphia Inquirer. "If I were a betting man, I think he'll wind up north of Philadelphia." The Dallas Mavericks, who still have their full $4.9 million exception, are also interested in Mutombo but appear unlikely to make the necessary financial commitment to get him. "There's been communication with his agent, but from a family standpoint it appears staying out East is his priority," team president Donnie Nelson said in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram. Rice running out of options In the last week or so, Glen Rice, a former all-star and NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, has been traded from the Houston Rockets to the Utah Jazz and then waived by Utah, which made him a free agent. The Los Angeles Times is now reporting that Rice worked out for the Clippers Sunday night and the team is likely to sign him to the veteran's minimum once he officially clears waivers. Rice, one of the Top 50 scorers in NBA history, is 36 years old and has a history of leg injuries. Peep Show By Terry Brown NBA Insider Tuesday, October 7 Updated: October 7 8:46 AM ET Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Garnett not only likes having Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen on his team, he's already taken to calling him by his new "Red Bull" nickname. "I like him like that," KG said in the Star Tribune. "Because you start to think that it's playoffs, y'know? Did you see him in that drill today? He was getting into it with everybody. I like that. It's intense, but I'm intense, too. It's about time we got somebody just as passionate as me." Battie Boston Celtics: The demise of Tony Battie's right knee has been greatly exaggerated. "I couldn't sleep last night just thinking about it," Battie said to the Boston Herald, "but after the reassurance from the doctor that everything looked well, I was all right." Battie hurt his knee last year and required surgery. He had a restless night worrying and I had a restless night worrying, and it's as good a news as we could have gotten,'' coach Jim O'Brien said. "It was good news. There's no tear. There's no really bad stuff happening. They should be able to get him back onto the court in very quick order. They're going to get the swelling in his knee down with just some therapy.'' Indiana Pacers: Don't tell Isiah Thomas, but Austin Croshere isn't really missing him since Rick Carlisle took over for him. "It's a great offense and I'm having a good time with it," Croshere said in the Indianapolis Star. "We move the ball a lot. There's a lot of misdirection. Anytime you have two good post players in Jermaine (O'Neal) and Al (Harrington), you can space the floor. That's going to help a lot." Crawford Chicago Bulls: Jamal Crawford no longer has a heralded "franchise savior" playing ahead of him, a knee injury or a coach looking over his shoulder. For the first time in his career, he is the starting point guard for the Bulls during training camp. "I just feel totally different," Crawford said to the Chicago Tribune. "I'm more at ease. I'm concentrating on my own game, getting better and getting this team to the playoffs." Madsen brings dogged styled to Timberwolves Steve Aschburner / Minneapolis Star Tribune Worry over Battie's knee needless Steve Bulpett / Boston Herald Croshere having fun on floor Mark Montieth / Indianapolis Star Bulls' Crawford has manner of a man K.C. Johnson / Chicago Tribune ESPN Web Inside the NBA Draft NBA Depth Charts E-mail Chad Ford ESPNLocal links Ford: Running out of patience ESPN Tools Email story Most sent Print story Daily email ESPN.com | Fantasy Games | Member Services

"Athleticism is one thing...I thought we were athletic when we lined up with Nazr/SAR/DJ/Glover/JT??" If you think about it, SJax brings almost the identical skill set that DJ brought, yet slightly more developed. SJax is "reputed" to a degree for hitting the spot up three and for being able to finish above the rim...but he has the added ability to "slash," though manytimes somewhat out of control or at ill times...it also works out quite a bit, resulting in at least a foul. SJax 6'8, 215, born April 1978, perhaps unwisely, came directly out of Oak Hill Academy HS, same HS that produced DJ 6'9, 201, May 1980, left after his freshmen year (similar in ways to Maggette) and had tremendous athleticism, a good spot three point shot, very solid perimeter D, esp. due to his "length", but questionable handles...primarily because he rarely drove with the ball or dribbled at accelerated speeds...and had a tendency to look lost/uninterested at times ~I still really like(d) the guy

See, now we're getting somewhere. However, this is the part of the argument about which I agree with you...Theo is in fact "undersized." On Offense: Hopefully it won't matter much as Reef will draw most of the attention and some double teams, combined with (hope) more uptempo play, thus leaving fewer back to the basket chances for Theo...plus he likes to curl and take the six foot jumper anyhow, no jump hooks from him. On D: yeah, it's a problem. However, review that list again. I completely agree with Mourning, Big Z, maybe, maybe Deke (stone hands who may not even be in the East)...and Haywood, who gave Theo fits last year if I recall correctly (for whatever reasons, probably the ones we're discussing). If Doleac or Collins consistently take him in the post, then he ought to be traded while he still has any value at all...

can you think of one that's available?

So Basically, what you've said is that Reef is of slighter build than: Malone - I hate, but arguably the best pf in the hx of the game and really hit the weights for many many years Brand - who's "undersized" in terms of height (and probably isn't 6-8), but considerably wider, probably stronger. J. Howard - who's same height, 15 lbs more...but not as talented...probably had the same "hype at their peaks" The rest, regardless of being taller or shorter, a pf/tweener, such as Gasol/ Garnett/ Wallace, ~ all of who play pf (only one a better outside shot) ~ weigh less; all of the "true sf's," including Mash, are lighter, if not shorter (exc. Peja) I'm just not seeing "undersized," esp. in the East... and about GRob...please...we know he needs to lose about 10 to 15...

We've traveled this road again, and I agree about Theo's abilities against such centers...but who are they in the East? Who are they in general? As for Reef...he's not undersized. He's = Webber in size, and size is an argument that you'll never hear about him...mentality and toughness could use an upgrade perhaps, but it's not a size issue, nor really a strength one...he's plenty big enough, mobile enough...

no. forget Deke. he's wrong for this team for so so many reasons...and moving Reef to sf is a similarly bad idea, as is moving SJax to sg... let Deke go to a team that can use him...and for his sake, I hope he decides to stay in the East...for ours, I hope he goes to the West... ~though the idea about someone trading some bad contracts to Utah is a good one, but really, who do they have that you'd trade for?~

Actually, I "like" the way things are set right now, and aren't so sure about some of your "certainties." We now have an athletic team, or at least above average athleticism, at every starting position. There's no reason that with a full, healthy roster to go into training camp with a full coaching staff that we can't solve many of the things you pointed out...this team should plan to push the ball...esp because we're young, i.e. we would most likely turn the ball over some/foce shots in the half court (esp. SJax). Theo can certainly run...he's much, much more mobile than most centers out there... out of curiousity, what is the reasoning behind your constant yammering that Reef needs a big bodied C behind him? That Theo needs a big PF beside him (did he have that in Philly?)? The most important thing on this team is going to be leadership. a) Coaching staff; now set, with more "surplus" than has been here since most can remember with four assts. b) Reef's team again, plus it's not his first year in Atl...he's got to say it's his team... c)...the most important one on the court - JT. He's off his rookie contract. He knows he's going to be playing pg, and he knows (somewhat well) the people who are going to be playing alongside him - he's got to stop this nonsense he spouted off last year about being young and assume a playoff Bibby-like attitude, i.e. "this is Webber's team...but I'm not afraid to take the last/clutch shots. I'm the leader, the floor general."

you can't take that crap (bashing of teammates/teammate being selfish) to the media while that player is still with the team unless the team is winning to some degree...(aka Shaq and Kobe, even Ray and GRob) and you're looking for answers/ways to improve... airing it to the media would be, shall we say, an unwise decision for "chemistry"

"Nailand" hasn't shown me that he even has a contract past the end of training camp...and I sorta hoping that he doesn't. Really, what's the point? We know that we're grooming/have invested Diaw at the SF position, we need a long distance threat, we actually have plenty of players under contract now...what real use do we have for him? I'd prefer him over Hansen (I think), but we've signed Hansen, for at least the season if not three...

By Chad Ford ESPN.com Editor's note: Here's a glimpse of the good -- and the bad -- that could happen to the 2003-04 Seattle SuperSonics. Best Case Scenario Three things need to happen for the Sonics to win 44 games and slip into a seventh or eighth seed in the Western Conference this year. Jerome James, left, has a clean slate with Sonics head coach Nate McMillan. 1. This team has to learn how to defend. Hopefully, some of Nate McMillian's defensive intensity from his playing days runs off on his cast of Seattle matadors. While the team boasts tons of offensive firepower, the Sonics are hardpressed to find a defensive stopper on this team. Free-agent pickup Antonio Daniels will help. Look for him to be the first guy off the bench for the Sonics this year. His ability to play both backcourt positions will give McMillan the flexibility he needs to lock down backcourt stars. Moving Vladimir Radmanovic exclusively to the four will also help. Radmanovic did a decent job stopping some of the bigger fours in the West last season. The small forwards are the ones who really lit him up. 2. James has to produce this year. Jerome James has the size, athleticism and offensive talent the Sonics need in a center. What he didn't have last season was the head. James' carelessness with the ball, combined with a lackadaisical effort blocking shots and rebounding, earned him a spot in McMillian's doghouse. This year, McMillian is forgetting the past. He needs James to step up. Neither Calvin Booth nor Vitaly Potapenko, the other two heads of Seattle's three-headed monster in the middle, have the talent to play major minutes. With the Sonics stuck playing Radmanovic or Reggie Evans at the four, they need someone with size and toughness to police the paint. If the 7-foot-1 James can't get it done, teams will continue to abuse the Sonics in the paint. If James realizes his potential, the Sonics will be very dangerous this season. 3. Barry passes as a real point guard. The loss of Gary Payton in February and Kevin Ollie this summer left the team without a true point guard in the backcourt. The plan is to play Brent Barry and Allen together, bring Daniels off the bench and hope for the best. Both Barry and Allen are good ball handlers and both have a knack for finding the open man. Together, the two averaged 11 assists and 4.7 turnovers per game. Not too bad. Barry had a 16-assist game against the Bucks and 13-assist games against the Blazers and Lakers after Payton left, so McMillian knows he's capable. But the team is also quietly praying that first-round pick Luke Ridnour recovers from his offseason abdominal surgery quickly. If the offense fails to produce, Ridnour's up-tempo style will be a great fit ... if he's ready. Worst Case Scenario The Sonics will be looking at 32 victories and a high lottery pick next summer if the following three things happen. 1. Injuries. The team just doesn't have enough depth anywhere to sustain an injury to a starter. Losing Nick Collison was a major blow. If Allen or Lewis went down, it would be a disaster. Right now, the team is looking at a three-guard rotation, a four-forward rotation and the three-headed monster at center. However, no one on the Sonics' bench really has what it takes to play starting minutes in the league. James is the most injury prone of the starting five, but watch out for Allen. The past few years in Milwaukee, nagging injuries have slowed Allen down at times. He's taking on a much larger load this year. Will the weight of the team eventually bring him down? 2. A lack of chemistry and leadership. Can everyone share the ball? Allen and Lewis will divide up the bulk of the shots. Can Barry, Radmanovic and James sacrifice their stats for the good of the team? For years, it was Payton who personally handed out touches and shots. With no real floor general on the floor dominating the ball, who is going to decide who gets the shot in clutch situations? Also, how will all of the personalities mesh? McMillan had run-ins with James, Radmanovic and Joe Forte last season. With such a thin bench, he can't afford to keep players in the doghouse. McMillan knows that if the Sonics are going to have a shot at the playoffs, they're going to have to work issues like this out quickly. The team has a brutal schedule the last month of the season. If they don't get it rolling out of the gates, they may not get it rolling at all. 3. Booth continues to give nothing. Even if James has a breakout season, someone will have to spell him. Booth is the top candidate because he's the team's best shot blocker. But his fragile body and tentative play have made him a ghost in Sonics games. He played just 47 games last year, but averaged just 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.3 minutes a game. For all the money that he's making, the Sonics need Booth staying healthy and contributing at least 20 minutes and two blocks a game in the middle. Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN.com's ESPN Insider.

McInnis will push Stoudamire at the point By Chad Ford NBA Insider Send an Email to Chad Ford Friday, October 3 Updated: October 3 11:15 AM ET For the first time in awhile, the Blazers don't have the depth that they once did. The past few years, there was a position battle for almost every spot on the roster. The perpetual logjams often caused the chemistry problems that made the Blazers so infamous. With things thinned out, will the team just get along? Unlikely. There are still questions at the point, shooting guard and small forward, which should make for some interesting fodder this season. Portland Trail Blazers Point Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Damon Stoudamire 8 5-10 6.9 ppg, 3.5 apg in 22.3 mpg When he isn't getting busted by the DEA or pouting about his minutes or role on the team, Stoudamire is still the team's best playmaker. When he sticks to passing and playing defense, he's usually OK. 2. Jeff McInnis 6 6-4 5.8 ppg, 2.3 apg in 17.5 mpg McInnis will push Stoudamire for the starting job this season. He's not a saint either, but he actually played pretty well his last season with the Clippers. Shooting Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Bonzi Wells 5 6-5 15.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg in 31.9 mpg Wells is a dominant scorer and one of the best guards in the NBA when it comes to posting up his defender. When he isn't fighting with the coach, insulting fans or spitting on other players, he has star potential. 2. Derek Anderson 6 6-5 13.9 ppg, 4.3 apg in 12.2 mpg When he's healthy, Anderson may be the second-best playmaker on the team. Was second on the Blazers in assists last season and will play some minutes at point guard this season alongside Wells. Small Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Rasheed Wallace 8 6-11 18.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg in 36.3 mpg Will move to small forward full time this season. Wallace tends to prefer taking perimeter shots anyway and this clears room for Zach Randolph to start. Will also see minutes at power forward. 2. Qyntel Woods 1 6-8 2.4 ppg, 1 rpg in 6.3 mpg He was the most dominant scorer in the summer league this year and coach Maurice Cheeks is promising that Woods will get plenty of minutes this season. He'll also see a few minutes at shooting guard. 3. Ruben Patterson 5 6-5 8.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg in 21.2 mpg Patterson is the team's best defender, but his attitude will hurt his chances of being a contributer this season. He's still demanding a trade but the Blazers are struggling to find a taker. Power Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Zach Randolph 2 6-9 8.4 ppg, 4.5 apg in 16.9 mpg He averaged 13.9 ppg and 8.7 rpg in the playoffs and was the Blazers' best, and only inside threat. He's capable of averaging 20 ppg and 10 rpg. If he does, the Blazers will be back in the playoffs for a 22nd consecutive season. 2. Travis Outlaw R 6-9 -- Skinny high school star is an unbelievable athlete, but he has virtually no chance of playing this season. Small Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Dale Davis 12 6-11 7.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg in 29.3 mpg He's getting old. Without Sabonis, the Blazers are going to have some serious issues in the middle this season. 2. Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje 2 7-0 -- Played in just two games last season. Now might be a good time to panic.

Small forward is only question mark By Chad Ford NBA Insider Send an Email to Chad Ford Monday, October 6 Updated: October 6 11:20 AM ET We know who's starting at point guard. We know who's starting at shooting guard. We know who's starting at power forward. And we know who's starting at center. It's the same guys you keep seeing on your all-star ballot; the same ones you see in commercials; the same ones you'll be applauding in Springfield, Mass., one of these days. In fact, the only position up for grabs is perhaps the one at which the Lakers are deepest. And the question may not come down to who the best player or best athlete or best shooter is, but rather which one complements his teammates the best, even if that means being the best at not being the best player. With training camp now in full swing, the only question for the Lakers is which small forward wants most to go along for the ride. L.A. Lakers Point Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes Gary Payton 13 6-4 20.4 ppg, 8.3 apg in 40.1 mpg Two years ago, Payton posted a career-high in assists with 9.0 per game. Last year, he was at 8.8 per game with the Sonics and 8.3 overall. And for most of those two years he was not only his team's best scorer, but also its best passer; not only the team's best perimeter scorer but also its best option when isolated down low. Not only was he the team's best offensive weapon but also the team's best defensive stopper. It all has come at a price ... or rather, it will. His career average of 18.3 points per game, which he has bettered in each of the last 10 seasons, is due for a beating. Derek Fisher 6 6-1 10.5 ppg, 3.6 apg in 34.5 mpg Fisher was in the right place at the right time as the starting point guard for the three-time champions. Never averaged more than 4.4 assists per game. Has hit only 397 triples in 462 games. But when he did, they were big. Not quantity, but quality, he'd tell you. But as he loses a step on defense and his field goal percentage hovers around 40 despite never seeing a straight-up defender, he may have just lucked out again. On the bench, backing up a hall of famer, Fisher can make one or two crucial shots at the end of quarters or halves or games, and that'll be all we remember him for. Jannero Pargo 1 6-1 2.5 ppg, 1.1 apg in 10.1 mpg Fisher got a job with the Lakers when Ron Harper couldn't keep up on defense with the speedy youngsters. Pargo got a job with the Lakers when Fisher couldn't keep up with those same speedy youngsters. Now the Lakers have a guy who has been named to eight consecutive All-Defensive First Teams and was defensive player of the year in 1996. Guess who just lost a job ... Small forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes Kobe Bryant 7 6-7 30 ppg, 5.9 apg in 41.5 mpg The Lakers won their first of three titles with Bryant averaging 22.5 points per game, then lost their three-year lock on the throne after he averaged 30. The scary thing for opponents, though, is that he has increased his assists every season. Last year he also posted career highs in rebounds, steals, 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage while ranking second in the league in triple-doubles. The courtroom isn't going to distract him. It'll only remind him why he's on this planet in the first place. Kareem Rush 1 6-6 3 ppg, 1.2 rpg in 11.5 mpg Opportunities will be limited to three or four minutes a game when he is actually on the court with an open look, and in those few precious moments he will live or die on one or two shots./td> Small forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes Devean George 6 6-8 3.7 ppg, 1.3 apg in 13 mpg The Lakers are great at this. They're great at that. But what they're not is young and athletic. George is both. In fact, that's all we're sure he is at this point. Seriously, it actually takes effort to look as lost as he does on the court when your only job is to stay somewhere between the biggest player on the floor and the best. Last year, George got his first taste of starting and responded by scoring fewer points at a lower shooting percentage. Repeat that again, and he could easily go from first to third on this depth chart. Rick Fox 12 6-7 9 ppg, 4.3 rpg in 28.7 mpg If Rick Fox doesn't regain his starting position from George once he's healthy later in the season, he'll lose it next season to Luke Walton. But this is a franchise that moves on tradition just as much as on talent, so don't count on Fox losing his position after being wounded in the line of duty. He'll begin there when he comes back. He just may not finish there. But that doesn't mean he'll be any less effective coming off the bench. He remains one of the few players who can give his team exactly what it needs while never trying to take a larger role than the team is willing to give. Luke Walton R 6-8 -- Not quite sure yet if he's a better shooter, passer, defender or dribbler, or all of the above, none of the above or just a heck of a lot smarter than everyone else on the court. They say he is Tex Winter's type of pupil, Phil Jackson's type of player and Mitch Kupchak's type of person to entrust this studded line up to. But, then again, he could be just another rookie with a famous father. Bryon Russell 10 6-7 4.5 ppg, 3 rpg in 19.8 mpg Hasn't officially made the team yet, but even the Lakers might be able to use a guy with 96 playoff games under his belt returning home with something still to prove. Power forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes Karl Malone 18 6-9 20.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg in 36.2 mpg Karl Malone isn't just any power forward. He very well could be the greatest power forward in the history of the game. Has a career average of 10.2 rebounds but hasn't averaged double digits in six seasons. His career scoring average of 25.4 points per game absorbed last year's 20.6. But even half that much would be nearly twice as much as Robert Horry averaged in the playoffs (5.6 ppg). And for good measure, he posted a career high in assists at 4.7 per game a season ago. Slava Medvedenko 3 6-10 4.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg in 10.7 mpg With both O'Neal and Bryant calling for the ball, Slava can go from anonymous to another shot at a full-time job within seconds of checking in. Now, he's playing behind the guy who could very well become the league's all time leading scorer but also did a little passing, rebounding and defending in his time. Slava sinks or swims under this tutoring. Brian Cook R 6-9 -- Drafted this kid for the future. Pen and pad until then. Center Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes Shaquille O'Neal 11 7-1 27.5 ppg, 11.1 rpg in 37.8 mpg The fact that he has won only one MVP award is our fault. But if he doesn't win it this year after seeing Tim Duncan hoist his second one last year, the fault will be his. At his best, Shaq is arguably the greatest center of all time. At his worst, he is simply the greatest center of his time. Somewhere in between is the idea that we're condemning a man who has taken 14,072 shots in his career and made more than 57 percent of them. Horace Grant 16 6-10 5.2 ppg, 1.6 rpg in 17 mpg Has played with Shaq, alongside Shaq, against Shaq and now, after 16 years, will play behind Shaq. And while he won't be able to do all of things he wants to do on the floor, he won't do any of the things he's not supposed to do, either. Jamal Sampson 1 6-11 -- If he ever gets off the bench, it's the surest sign the Lakers are doing extremely well. Or extremely poorly.

Peep Show By Terry Brown NBA Insider Monday, October 6 Updated: October 6 10:31 AM ET Washington Wizards: Christian Laettner doesn't care if Kwame Brown plays power forward or center. He just wants to see Kwame Brown play. "I think Kwame could be dominant," said Laettner in the Washington Times. "In terms of Kwame, I think the only thing he needs is minutes. Even if he has a couple of bad games in a row you need to keep giving that kid minutes because he's so big and strong and quick and explosive. Kwame really has so much to work with." Ming Houston Rockets: Yao Ming is back. And so are the throngs of media looking for a piece of him. "I think it will keep getting better," Yao said of handling the crush of attention in the Houston Chronicle. "I have to count on myself to find the answers." His new coach agrees. "The only thing I want to teach him is to say no and to prioritize (and) to say no to whatever it is that gets in his way," Jeff Van Gundy said. "You give up a certain part of your privacy when you are a star, and you're more captive on the road. It's not like when I go out, people are swarming me. When he goes out, he's going to draw attention. That's part of the price of fame." Los Angeles Lakers: Phil Jackson felt the Lakers had had enough of basketball, Kobe's off court distractions and everyday injuries. So he cancelled practice and had the team play paintball at a nearby military base in Hawaii. "We want them to have some occasions to be together in situations that aren't all basketball, and still let them grow a little bit as a group, so they can absorb the amount of energy people have," Jackson said in the LA Times. "Gary Payton's got a big mouth. They're learning that about him. He's a heckler. He gets after people. Horace Grant is a fun guy to have as one of those guys who gets heckled. Karl is dangerous on the rookies. They're watching their step around him, because they'll be sent for a shaved ice, water, chicken, whatever he wants. So, there's some things the group is learning about each other's behavior that's important for team building." Golden State Warriors: Last year, Jason Richardson didn't like the Warriors and didn't like his coach. This year, it's different. "We're good now,'' he said in the San Francisco Chronicle. "This season we're trying to start clean, get a better relationship. We're talking a lot more, we're getting to know each other a lot better and spending a little time off the court.'' And don't think it has a lot to do with the fact that he's now got a point guard who would rather pass the ball to him rather than shoot it. "Nothing against Gilbert (Arenas) or Larry (Hughes), but if you have a true point guard, they read the court a lot better,'' Richardson said. "They know where a guy is going to be at, and they know how to deliver the ball. It's going to be really good to have a true point guard.'' Detroit Pistons: With new coach Larry Brown, point guard Chauncey Billups is off and running. "It's going to be a match made in heaven," Billups said in Michigan Live. "I want to get better. I want to win a championship. I want to be an all-star at some point. I think he's the best guy to get me to that level." And that means his teammates are going to have to do a little more running, too. "For me, that puts pressure on me to get all my guys to run," Billups said. "That's not what we're used to. We're in good enough shape to do it, but it's a certain type of mentality you have to have to run every time, to be looking for opportunities early in transition." Utah Jazz: Point guard Raul Lopez began his NBA career with a busted knee. Center Chris Borchardt began his NBA career with a broken foot. Now, both of them are looking for a new beginning. "It felt amazing," said Borchardt in the Salt Lake Tribune. "To be out there with Raul, knowing what we've gone through together, it meant a lot. It felt great." He wasn't the only one. "It was something special," added Lopez. "I felt a little weird, I was so nervous. It was strange for me. I played in the second quarter, so it [would not have been] a surprise if I didn't play again." Hill Orlando Magic: Apparently, it wasn't enough for Grant Hill to tell everyone that he wanted to return by February. Now, he's saying January. "ABC wanted to pair me with Al Michaels to do [NBA] commentary, but they want me to commit for the full season and I can't. Not if I think I can come back in January," Hill said in the Orlando Sentinel. Minnesota Timberwolves: Don't look now, but Troy Hudson just realized that there are two starting point guards in the same Minnesota team. "At this point, I don't look at it as a challenge," he said in the Pioneer Press. "I made my mark on this team. They know what I can do. I'm just coming in here and being myself and playing basketball." But head coach Flip Saunders believes that having both Sam Cassell and Hudson are good things. "I think there's going to be challenges because they're both viable No. 1s," Saunders said. "I'm going to put the five best players on the floor that play the best together. They're going to be matched up against each other in practice. I think what it's going to do is make them better." Laettner: Kwame ready to emerge John N. Mitchell / Washington Times Yao arrives for camp a year wiser Jonathan Feigen / Houston Chronicle Jackson Brushes Off Practice for Bonding Tim Brown / Los Angeles Times JRich wanted to leave Warriors Brad Weinstein / San Francisco Chronicle Lopez, Borchardt finally can play Phil Miller / Salt Lake Tribune Brown, Billups want Pistons to run more A. Sherrod Blakely / Booth Newspapers Hill hopes he can change timetable Brian Schmitz / Orlando Sentinel Hudson isn't sure he gets the point Mike Wells / St. Paul Pioneer Press

By Jerry Bembry ESPN the Magazine Editor's note: Here's a glimpse of the good -- and the bad -- that could happen to the 2003-04 Portland Trail Blazers. Best Case Scenario The Blazers have been to the postseason for 21 straight seasons. To accomplish a 22nd consecutive trip to the playoffs, these three things need to happen. A rejuvenated Rasheed would be so money for Portland. 1. Wallace plays with focus and fire. With his talents, Rasheed Wallace could have had sole ownership of Portland. But his sullen demeanor -- combined with the team's intent to shake the "Jail Blazers" image -- leaves him expendable. The best case scenario for Wallace is that he plays the good soldier in the final year of his current deal (paying him $17 million this season) before he becomes a free agent. It would benefit him, in terms of getting another lucrative contract, and it would also benefit the Blazers, who might possibly get equal value in return if Wallace can adjust his image. 2. Stoudamire undergoes a career rejuvenation. Coming home has not been good for Damon Stoudamire who, along with his problems off the court, seems to have lost his confidence on the court. When he struggled a year ago, the Blazers went to Scottie Pippen at the point, and the team nearly upset the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. There's no veteran leader like Pippen to bail this team out now, leaving the point guard position as Stoudamire's to lose (with Jeff McInnis and Robert Pack eagerly waiting in the wings). Now 30 years old, Stoudamire has to show some maturity and demonstrate the ability that once led him to average 20 points in this league. 3. Randolph emerges as a stud. True, Bonzi Wells has a nice post-up game for a swingman. But what this team lacks is a big body who can throw his weight around in the paint and score with his back to the basket. Zachary Randolph, in stretches, demonstrated that last year. At 6-foot-9 and 253 pounds, Randolph is the only player on the roster who is agile enough and, more importantly, willing to throw his body around in the paint. With Arvydas Sabonis gone and a Western Conference with superior post-up big men, Randolph's success over a long season will likely dictate Portland's postseason chances. Worst Case Scenario The Blazers won't keep their playoff streak alive if the following three things happen. 1. Randolph can't handle his bigger role. It's one thing to talk the talk, telling everyone you're willing to shoulder more of the team's load. But teams will be ready for Randolph this season, and they will focus on being physical with him to slow him on the court. 2. Cheeks can't control 'Sheed. The Philly connection, you have to think, was part of what helped Maurice Cheeks better understand his star player last season. But it will be up to Cheeks to light a fire under Wallace. A solid season for Wallace is a must for the team to have more flexibility in moving the soon-to-be free agent. 3. Wells or Anderson is called on to play the point. Pippen had the right demeanor in moving from forward to point guard last season. He set up his other players and was not concerned with scoring. But if either Wells or Derek Anderson is playing there, that means that Stoudamire and McInnis failed miserably. Jerry Bembry is general editor (NBA) for ESPN The Magazine. You can reach him via e-mail at Jerry.Bembry@ESPN3.com.

By Marc Stein ESPN.com Editor's note: Here's a glimpse of the good -- and the bad -- that could happen to the 2003-04 Los Angeles Lakers. Best Case Scenario To win their fourth championship in the past five seasons -- and maybe even make a run at 70 wins -- these three things need to happen. Shaquille O'Neal has 'slimmed down' from 380 to 345 pounds. 1. Shaq takes his anger out on the rest of the league. Step 1 was an undeniable success. Stung by criticism about his conditioning, Shaquille O'Neal kept his offseason promise to hire a trainer and get fit. He reported to training camp at about 345 pounds, after reportedly playing at around 380 at various points last season. O'Neal didn't like all the blame he received for the Lakers' inability to four-peat, and he's also not pleased that L.A. is hesitant to give him another maximum contract extension. This regular season, Shaq shouldn't lack for motivation. 2. Just in case, Glove and Mailman supply the regular-season intensity. Gary Payton and Karl Malone are two of the few guys in this league who can get away with riding Shaq. And they plan to. They're the hungry newcomers who know that their Laker legacy depends on making this one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Let's see if they can keep Shaq interested in fast-breaking and fitness. Malone, specifically, can also help keep Shaq fresh by giving O'Neal some needed breaks during the 82-game grind, and Payton is poised to alleviate some of Kobe Bryant's load. Kobe used to be responsible for everything -- ballhandling, guarding three positions and scoring 40 points on cue. GP should make his life easier. 3. As a team, L.A. gets off to a great start. Payton is right. A record of 40-2 halfway through the schedule, or something close to that, would certainly get people talking about the success of the team instead of merely focusing on the Bryant case. But it'd also help if a trial date is set for after the season, to lessen the likelihood of a major in-season distraction. Worst Case Scenario The Lakers won't regain their title -- or come close to threatening the Bulls' 72-10 majesty -- if the following three things happen. 1. Frustration with the Bryant situation starts to get serious. So far, it hasn't. Bryant, for the most part, has received overwhelming support from his teammates and the coach. There have only been a few veiled comments at training camp hinting at the idea that the Lakers don't want to deal with Kobe questions every day or a superstar who might be either A) distracted or B) in and out of the lineup. Of course, this could all change if L.A. starts struggling. Then you can expect to hear lots about the distraction factor. 2. Shaq's injuries don't go away. Even with the lost weight, O'Neal had to skip two of the season's first three practices with a newly bruised left heel. Not the way L.A. wanted to see Shaq start the season. To play at the pace Payton and Malone like to play, O'Neal needs full cooperation from his toes, knees, heels, etc. (As an aside, cooperation is an obvious key for the four big egos -- any friction involving Shaq, Kobe, Glove and Mailman could be as costly as a major injury.) 3. Bryant leaves the team for an extended stretch. Given how the Lakers have reloaded, Kobe doesn't have to be the Kobe who reeled off nine straight 40-point games last season. But they do need him teaming with Payton in the backcourt to hold off San Antonio, Sacramento, Dallas and Minnesota in the West. That's how tough this conference is. Besides, even if life would be quieter with Bryant away from the team, his absence could just as easy become a damaging distraction. Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here. Also, send Stein a question for possible use on ESPNEWS. NBA Headlines • Injured Collison will not play for Sonics this season • Wild man in Denver? Rodman may get tryout • Soak up the Sun(s): Marbury wants to stay • Nets set to buy out Mutombo's contract Where will Deke go? ESPN's Top Headlines • Thrashers center Snyder dies in hospital • U.S. loses to Germany in semifinals • Woods rules in Woodstock with AmEx win | Scores • Painful thought: Holyfield 'not going to retire' • Coaches' poll: Vols fall seven spots to 14th

Few certainties about Sonics' frontcourt By Chad Ford NBA Insider Send an Email to Chad Ford Friday, October 3 Updated: October 6 10:13 AM ET Vladimir Radmanovic claims it's time for him to ascend to the role as the Sonics' starting power forward. A potential season-ending injury to rookie power forward Nick Collison may give the Sonics no choice. Of course, there's always the question of last year's starter, undrafted forward Reggie Evans, who remains the team's toughest rebounder. That isn't the only position up for grabs. While chances are Jerome James will claim the starting center position, a healthy Calvin Booth and Vitaly Potapenko are just waiting for James to find his way back into coach Nate McMillan's dog house. Seattle SuperSonics Power Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Vladimir Radmanovic 2 6-10 10.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg in 26.5 mpg Radmanovic has the size, athleticism and scoring acumen to win this job. But his lack of low-post offense combined with his love of playing on the perimeter means that the Sonics are without a true low-post scorer if they start him. Last season McMillan felt he was better coming off the bench because he gave the team's second unit a pure scorer. However, Radmanovic claims that his dip in shooting percentage was due to getting cold on the bench. This year the team is hopeful that Radmanovic will win the position, toughen up on "D" and final realize his potential. Will also see minutes at small forward. 2. Reggie Evans 1 6-8 3.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg in 20.4 mpg Last year's starter won't struggle to get the minutes he did last year if Collison does miss the season. Evans was the team's best rebounder, and the Sonics will need his toughness. 3. Nick Collison R 6-9 -- Collison suffered a dislocated shoulder during the fourth day of camp. He'll likely miss the entire season. Center Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Jerome James 3 7-1 5.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg in 15 mpg James has the most upside, but he's also the most inconsistent. He drove McMillan crazy last summer when he put on so much muscle that he struggled to run the floor. James never really got out of McMillan's dog house. Can he do it this year? McMillan needs him to. He's the best offensive center on the team, and also has the most upside on the defensive end. If he can't put it together, the Sonics will be in big trouble in the middle. 2. Calvin Booth 5 6-11 2.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg in 12.2 mpg The injury prone Booth was supposed to be the savior of the team two years ago. According to McMillan, he still has a role to play. Booth is a top-notch shot blocker, can shoot facing the basket and may replace Predrag Drobjnak running the pick and roll from the high post. 3. Vitaly Potapenko 8 6-10 4.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg in 15.5 mpg Potapenko wasn't happy with his role with the team last year, and given his place on the depth chart, probably won't be any happier with it this year. Point Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Brent Barry 9 6-6 10.3 ppg; 5.1 apg in 33.1 mpg Barry isn't a point guard by trade, but more than held his own at the position during the last 30 games of the season. He led or co-led the team in assists in 23 games last year. He'll also get minutes at the two spelling Ray Allen. Expect his scoring to suffer a bit as he looks to spread the ball around. 2. Antonio Daniels 6 6-4 3.7 ppg, 1.3 apg in 13 mpg Daniels isn't a pure point, but his athleticism and defensive intensity will earn him a lot more minutes this season. 3. Luke Ridnour R 6-2 -- He's the only "pure" point guard on the team and his up-tempo flashy style will fit in well with McMillan's offense. But will he see any minutes? His frail frame and poor defense should limit his action on the court this season. Shooting Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Ray Allen 8 6-5 24.5 ppg, 5.9 apg in 41.3 mpg Allen really blossomed in Seattle once he got the ball in his hands more. His passing ability and unselfishness convinced the team that it didn't need a pure point this season. Expect him to put up monster numbers again this year. 2. Ronald Murray 1 6-4 2.0 ppg, 1.0 apg in 10 mpg Was a scoring machine in the summer league. Exudes confidence on the court. His point guard skills are coming around, but right now he's more comfortable at the two. He could see some minutes this season. Small Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Rashard Lewis 5 6-10 18.1 ppg; 6.1 in 39.5 mpg Lewis continues to blossom in Seattle and McMillan feels that he could attain an all-star level this year. The key will be Lewis' blossoming low-post game. Last season he was effective posting up smaller defenders in the paint. Given the Sonics' lack of a pure paint presence, that's a god send. 2. Ansu Sesay 5 6-9 2.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg in 10 mpg Coming off a terrible season, he needs a strong training camp to get his contract guaranteed this season.

Who will be left out of Hubie's Top 10? By Chad Ford NBA Insider Send an Email to Chad Ford Monday, October 6 Updated: October 6 7:56 AM ET The Grizzlies have the most talented, deepest team in the history of the franchise. That doesn't guarantee they'll make the playoffs, but it does make for an interesting camp battle at virtually every position. Coach Hubie Brown plays a 10-man rotation, meaning that there are going to be five very unhappy players on the Grizzlies' roster this season. Who are they? Insider breaks down the race to be one of "Hubie's 10." Memphis Grizzlies Center Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Lorenzen Wright 7 6-11 11.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg in 28.3 mpg He gives the team a lot of energy, but the Grizzlies know he's playing out of position. His body can only handle so much pounding. He's missed significant time to injuries the past two seasons. Brown would love Wright to get back up to the 9.4 rpg he averaged during the 2001-02 season. 2. Jake Tsakalidis 3 7-2 4.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg in 16.5 mpg Gives the Grizzlies the strong, wide body they coveted, but his slow feet and raw offensive skills don't make him the answer in Memphis either. Power Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Pau Gasol 2 7-0 19 ppg, 8.8 rpg in 36 mpg One of the best offensive big men in the game. Brown wants Gasol to become a more physical defender this year. Gasol hired a personal trainer this summer and looks like he added around 15 pounds of muscle. Still, he'll never be the power player in the paint that West covets. But as far as finesse power forwards go, he's one of the best. 2. Stromile Swift 3 6-9 9.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg in 22.1 mpg A light bulb went on in Swift's head after the All-Star break and he put up some pretty impressive numbers. He came into camp this year in shape and focused. If he builds upon what he did late last season, Swift may finally live up to his billing as the No. 2 pick in the draft. Expect him to get major minutes at the four and five this season. 3. Bo Outlaw 10 6-8 4.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg in 22.5 mpg Brown and West both love him. Outlaw's one of those guys who can, with his energy, help any team in the league. Outlaw can play three positions on the floor and will fill in any holes Brown finds this season. 4. Ryan Humphrey 1 6-8 1.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg in 9.3 mpg He has virtually no chance of making the rotation this season. Don't be surprised if he spends the year on the injured list. Small Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. James Posey 4 6-8 10.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg in 30.3 mpg Before you send in the e-mails, let it be noted that Brown explicitly told me to put Posey here. Mike Miller, he claims, will play two guard this season. Posey will be the three. It probably doesn't matter. The team brought Posey in to defend. He's athletic, strong and will be looked upon as the team's stopper this season. 2. Shane Battier 2 6-7 9.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg in 30.6 mpg Followed up an impressive rookie campaign with a so-so sophmore year. But his real value isn't in the stat sheet. Battier's hustle and versatility make him the perfect sixth man off the bench. Look for Battier to also get some time at the two this season. 3. Theron Smith R 6-8 -- Undrafted rookie was a real find in the summer league. He may be the Grizzlies strongest player. His inside game is tough and his perimeter game is developing. He probably won't play this year, but he's a kid to watch down the road. Shooting Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Mike Miller 4 6-8 15.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg in 33.6 mpg Doc Rivers used him primarily as a spot-up shooter. Brown likes to let Miller handle the ball, run the floor and take his man off the dribble. In just a few months, he's quietly turning Miller into the complete player we thought he could be when he won Rookie of the Year. Expect big things from him this season. 2. Wesley Person 9 6-6 11.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg in 29.4 mpg The teams' best perimeter shooter. He's getting old, but he'll still play a key role in the Grizzlies' offense this season. 3. Dahntay Jones R 6-6 -- He's an excellent athlete and a solid defender, and his shooting looks much better in training camp. But unless the team trades Person, he's unlikely to see much playing time this year. 4. Michael Dickerson 5 6-5 4.8 ppg, 1.3 apg in 14.5 mpg He reinjured his "sports hernia" in training camp and the feeling is that he'll likely retire. What a shame. Point Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes 1. Jason Williams 5 6-1 12.1 ppg, 8.3 apg in 31.7 mpg Was one of the best point guards in the league during the second half of the season. Led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio among starting point guards. The Grizzlies hope he takes the next step this year and improves his shot selection. Williams shot just 38.8 percent from the field last year. 2. Earl Watson 2 6-1 5.5 ppg, 2.8 apg in 17.3 mpg He's one of Jerry West's favorites. Watson plays with a lot of energy and appears to be firmly entrenched as the team's No. 2 point guard. 3. Troy Bell R 6-1 -- He was one of the best pure scorers in the draft. He's an excellent athlete and defender. The questions are, one, what position does he play and two, will he play? Brown thinks that Bell could emerge as a Bobby Jackson-type combo guard. But will it be this year? Bell thinks he's getting minutes, but if everyone stays healthy, it's hard to see how he'll crack the rotation.

Where will Mutombo go? By Chad Ford NBA Insider Send an Email to Chad Ford Monday, October 6 Updated: October 6 10:28 AM ET This summer, we introduced you to Dikembe Mutombo the person. Now meet Dikembe Mutombo the player. He's 7-foot-2. Eighty-seven years old. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year has played 12 years in the NBA. Last season, he played only 24 games. It was the first time in his career that he played fewer than 74 games. It didn't take long for Nets officials to figure out why the Sixers were in such a hurry to trade Mutombo for anything the previous summer. Mutombo Whispers that Mutombo was spent have been floating around the league for months. After the Nets landed Alonzo Mourning in July, the Nets started to get proactive about speeding up what looked like a long, long goodbye. Sometime today or Tuesday, the Nets are expected to announce that Mutombo, the guy who was supposed to help the team win a championship, will be bought out. Rod Thorn is going to pay Dikembe something in the neighborhood of $27 million NOT to help his team win a championship. Sometime around Thursday or Friday, once Mutombo clears waivers, a mob of teams (already setting up base camp at the foot of Mt. Mutombo) will begin a wild, wild race to reach the summit first. NBA teams need size. Mutombo could be 187 and teams would still make the effort as long as he stands in the middle, blocks some shots and waves that little finger at his terrified opponents. Who will win the race for Mutombo? Insider breaks down the top contenders. Remember, money still matters. Mutombo ate essentially $10 million in guaranteed money to get bought out. He and David Falk will be looking to recoup that money if they can. 1. Toronto Raptors (cash available -- $3.3 million of the $4.9 mid level exception) The upside: The Raptors are thought to be the front-runner. GM Glen Grunwald has been trying to acquire Mutombo via trade all summer. Right now, the team has only two stars, Vince Carter and Antonio Davis, and both of them break down on a regular basis. Adding Mutombo's presence in the middle would be huge to their shot at the playoffs. The downside: Even with Mutombo, this team may not be a playoff team. Remember Hakeem Olajuwon? You can't rely on centers past their prime to be the X-factor on a team. Mutombo has a better shot at winning a championship somewhere else. 2. New York Knicks (cash available -- $4 million of the $4.9 mid level exception) The upside: The Knicks have been a big man away from contending ever since Patrick Ewing started his decline. Scott Layden has flirted with trading for Mutombo the last several years. If he could pick him up for cheap, it seems like a slam dunk. The move would give the team more flexibility to trade someone like Kurt Thomas, assuming that Antonio McDyess comes back and is healthy. The downside: Even with Mutombo, are the Knicks really a contender? In the East, anything is possible, but if Mutombo's dead set on winning a championship, he's got better possibilities elsewhere. 3. Portland Trail Blazers (cash available -- full $4.9 million mid level exception) The upside: With the loss of Arvydas Sabonis this summer, the Blazers are desperate for some size in the middle. They too flirted with trading for Mutombo, but were reluctant to take on the remaining two years, $37 million left on his deal. If Mutombo is truly healthy, the Blazers will, once again, be loaded with talent 1-5. The downside: It's the Blazers. Mutombo, one of the nicest guys in the league, probably doesn't need the grief. Given the amount of talent in the West, Mutombo's still looking at a potential sixth seed in the playoffs (and a first-round ouster) even if everything does come together in Portland. 4. Dallas Mavericks (cash available -- $4.5 million of the $4.9 mid level exception) The upside: Dallas is a team on the verge of winning a championship. Its one weakness is in the middle. The Mavs need a tough shot blocker and rebounder. Mark Cuban flirted with Zo this summer. It seems like Mutombo wouldn't be a bad consolation prize. The downside: It's tough to think of one. Mark Cuban would pay him and he'd have a great shot at a title. 5. Phoenix Suns (cash available -- full $4.9 mid level exception) The upside: The Suns had everyone scratching their heads when they gave away starting center Jake Tsakalidis just to clear a little cap room. Maybe they had something else up their sleeve. The team has flirted with Mutombo for years, and he would give the Suns that defensive inside presence they've always lacked. The Suns would be right in the mix with Mutombo on board The downside: Phoenix has been trying to clear cap space. Making a move like this would cost the Suns some major cash via the luxury tax. Given that, they're a young team; do they really want to make this kind of move? 6. Philadelphia 76ers (cash available -- full $4.9 mid level exception) The upside: The Sixers were anxious to dump Mutombo last summer. Now they appear interested in re-acquiring him. Maybe it's because the current plan has them starting Derrick Coleman in the middle. With top teams like New Jersey, Detroit and New Orleans sporting big front lines, they need the size. The downside: Will Mutombo really want to return after the Sixers dumped him? The answer may be yes. His family still lives in Philly. 7. Indiana Pacers (cash available -- full $4.9 mid level exception) The upside: The team lost Brad Miller this summer and looks a little thin up front. The Pacers have high hopes for Scot Pollard, but a healthy Mutombo would be an upgrade. The downside: The team is right on the edge of the luxury tax and doesn't want to pay it. Mutombo would push the Pacers over, making it unlikely that they'll sign him. 8. Denver Nuggets (cash available -- roughly $8 million under the cap) The upside: It would be a nice homecoming. Mutombo is a hero in Denver and the team just happens to need help in the middle. Kiki Vandeweghe is nostalgic and Mutombo could help win the hearts of a disenfranchised fan base. The downside: Mutombo would have to kiss an NBA title goodbye. The Nuggets would be better with Mutombo, but they wouldn't be contenders. Other teams like Memphis, Orlando, San Antonio and Miami would be in the mix if they had any money left. Their lack of cap space or a mid-level exception will probably kill their chances of landing Mutombo. Around the League The Nets' decision to dump Mutombo has GMs around the league scratching their heads. From a financial perspective, it makes a lot of sense. If reports are true that Mutombo ate $10 million worth of guaranteed money, that means that the Nets savings will be around $20 million because the team is a luxury-tax payer. Given that the team is up for sale, the move may help expedite the sale of the team. However, for a team that's very much in the hunt for a championship, the move is odd. The Nets will have no control over where Mutombo goes. If he's as healthy as they claim (some GMs seriously doubt it) Mutombo could hop across the street to a team like the Sixers and come back to haunt them in the playoffs. Mourning The team did have a logjam in the middle, but there are zero guarantees that Alonzo Mourning will make it through the season. His backup is Jason Collins, a decent young player, but he's nothing compared to a healthy Mutombo. The move also didn't set well inside the locker room. Mourning, who was wooed to New Jersey with promises of a championship, thinks that bottom line is more important than a championship to Nets management. "You understand why they made the decision," Mourning told the New York Times. "But I'm extremely disappointed because the purpose of this whole thing is to try to win again, try to get yourself in a position to win. That's the purpose of it. It goes to show you that their main objective isn't about whether this team wins a championship or not. "The guys who are on this court - that's our concern, whether the team can win the championship or not. People in the front office, their concern is obviously making the dollar and doing what they have to do in order to make this organization attractive to somebody else that wants to buy it. If you unload some of the salary, it's going to make it look a little bit better on paper. But it's unfortunate that it had to come to something like that. It's a cold business. "There's nothing wrong with being the biggest team in the league - nothing at all. To tell you the truth, him leaving, this definitely takes away from our depth. At the same time, we're improving possibly another team on the East Coast." It hasn't taken long for the injury bug to take major hits on several top clubs. Over the weekend, the Sonics learned that Nick Collison was out for the year with a dislocated shoulder. The move will really hurt their depth at the four, a major problem area for the team last season. Taylor The Rockets got similar bad news from Mo Taylor. While the team hasn't decided whether he'll have season-ending surgery yet on his dislocated shoulder, the news is a blow. Taylor had slimmed down and was in good shape in camp. Coach Jeff Van Gundy expected him to seriously challenge third-year forward Eddie Griffin for the starting power forward role. With Taylor out at least a month, the weight now falls squarely on Griffin's shoulders. Injuries to Jonathan Bender and Caron Butler are less serious, but hurts their chances of having the breakout seasons their teams hoped for. Bender was supposed to compete for big minutes backing up Jermaine O'Neal at the four. Now that he's out after knee surgery, expect Austin Croshere to come in and fill the void. The Heat don't have someone to fill in right away for Butler. But his loss will definitely hurt the Heat's chances of coming out of the gate strong. Look for Lamar Odom to slide over to the three and someone like Malick Allen or Samaki Walker to take over at the four. Speaking of injuries, Michael Dickerson may (finally) be ready to retire. Reports several weeks ago that Dickerson's retirement was imminent were premature. However, he re-injured his sports hernia last week and is, once again in a tremendous amount of pain. Dickerson Dickerson spent countless hours rehabbing the injury this summer and the latest injury was a huge blow. For the first time ever, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, conceded to Insider that his retirement was a possibility. "The pain isn't the issue," Bartelstein said. "Michael can play with the pain. But the constant re-injury takes its toll mentally. You can only do this for so long." Privately, sources inside the Grizzlies aren't optimistic. While they aren't pushing Dickerson to retire, they think that sometime this season he's likely to pull the plug. If he does, he'll immediately come off their cap. League sources say that Mike Miller's new extension with the Grizzlies is for six years, $48 million. Lamar Odom's first-year salary in Miami? $9,963,596. Now you know why some teams felt that Pat Riley seriously overpaid for Odom.

which is exactly why many people on this board want to see steve smith...who brings a very good longrange game, vet leadership, knows atl. etc... the other option is Hubert Davis, who was recently released by the Pistons - he's everything S. Smith is, without the atl name, but younger and probably ready to contribute more... having one vet in the backcourt would be great...now is the time for JT to step up and say hey, I'm off my rookie contract, I'm a vet now, time to become a vocal leader on this team, in the lockerroom, and in this backcourt...

doubtful, esp. if the rumors concerning the second year option being a player's option are true...that would indicate that if he blows up and gets offers elsewhere, he can pursue them...but if he gets hurt of something, he's got the insurance to stay here another year (much like Email).

do you really think that he came here without the "promise" of a big pay day if he didn't prove himself? this is the most absurd post...yeah, I'm sure we said, "you're young. if you cont to improve and have a break out year, we'll up the anty and end up paying more for you" and I hope we said that, esp. if it's what allowed us to get him at a bargain price these first year(s).

that's your draft lottery? seriously? *cough* Utah will finish higher than Milwaukee because of coaching and fan support - things won't crumble as quickly around Sloan, despite having crap for a team...Mil-e-wah-k's fans will hate the losing, miss the stars of the Big Three, and blame the mgt. for putting crap on the floor...TT is their cornerstone vet now...pray for TJ Ford...

what are the details? never done a league before but thinking about it? can anyone send me a personal message with general gist/ est. time requirements per day etc.