Friday Insider

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Class of 2001

poised for major impact

by Chad Ford

Also Below: Are the Jazz ready to lose the Mailman? | What can the Knicks do with $9 million? | Big surprise: Vin Baker off to a slow start | Stoudemire continues to wow Suns | Turf Wars Update | Peep Show

Last week we took our swings at the pathetic draft class of 2000. A week later, given several developments in training camp, it's probably worth comparing 2000 with the increasingly impressive class of 2001.

Everyone knew the class of 2001 was filled with upside, but the operative word in 2001 was potential Four high school players, two freshman, two international players and one JUCO star were taken in the lottery. They were all fine players, but certainly the five-year rule was going to apply with this group.

Apparently not. The high school kids are finding their groove, both international players have landed starting jobs and the Celtics are counting on that JUCO to replace former Sixthman of the Year Rodney Rogers. Want to put things in perspective. As of today, only two players from the class of 2000 — Kenyon Martin and Darius Miles — have locked down starting positions on their teams. The class of 2001? Fourteen players are projected to start this season.

It's way too early to start labeling, but the class is shaping up to challenge the class of 1994, 1996 and 1998 as the best of the past decade. Insider breaks down how the impact that these super sophs may have in year two.

All-Stars in the Making

Pau Gasol, Memphis

Drafted No. 3

Gasol's 17.9 ppg and 8.9 rpg last season weren't a fluke. He's bulked up even more for this season and the Grizzlies are seriously thinking about giving him some minutes at center. With the additions of Drew Gooden, Michael Dickerson and Wesley Person to shoulder some of the offensive load, look for Gasol to really explode this year.

Richard Jefferson, Nets

Drafted No. 13

Jefferson was the best player at the Shaw's Summer Pro League, where he averaged 22 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 6.5 apg on 50 percent shooting. His athleticism, court savvy and improving outside shot were all on display at camp the past few weeks and coach Byron Scott feels that Jefferson has the potential to be the team's leading scorer. But what has really impressed the team is Jefferson's ball handling. Look for him to spell Jason Kidd at times this year, and make a great run at the All-Star team.

Rock Solid

Tony Parker, Spurs

Drafted No. 28

His numbers were modest (9.2 ppg, 4.3 apg), but his impact wasn't. Parker steps into year two with more experience and he'll need it. Now that Terry Porter's retired, there isn't a veteran to bail him out if things get tough in the fourth. The word from Spurs camp is that coach Gregg Popovitch isn't worried -- Parker looks better than ever.

Jamaal Tinsley, Pacers

Drafted No. 27

Tinsley had an amazing run last season (9.4 ppg, 8.1 apg) before running head first into the rookie wall. He spent all summer in Florida working out and getting in top shape. He still needs to work on that jump shot, but Isiah Thomas and company are confident that Tinsley will be able to push them deep into the playoffs this season.

Jason Richardson, Warriors

Drafted No. 5

It didn't take long for Richardson to steal away the starting job from Larry Hughes. This season, Richardson is aiming higher. With Antawn Jamison trying to prove he can fit in, Richardson has the potential to become the leading scorer in coach Eric Musselman's high-octane offense. If he can just learn how to get to the line, he'll be a handful.

Shane Battier, Grizzlies

Drafted No. 6

Battier was solid during his rookie season (14.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.8 apg). Will he ever be more than that? Newcomer Gordan Giricek is pressing Battier for the starting small forward position, but coach Sidney Lowe is reluctant to send Battier to the bench. While the Grizzlies admit that eventually, Battier will be their sixth man, his maturity and defense are essential if their young starting unit plans on succeeding.

Starting to heat up

Eddy Curry, Bulls

Drafted No. 4

Curry's offense is way ahead of his defense, but given that he's 6-foot-11 and weighs 285, low-post offense will do. Curry has looked unstoppable, at times, in the paint this preseason. His rebounding and defense still need a lot of work, but it's been a while since we've seen a true center with this much offensive prowess.

Joe Johnson, Suns

Drafted No. 10

Johnson's game was a little too laid back for the Celtics, but considering the tug-of-war between Stephon Marbury, Shawn Marion and Penny Hardaway for touches, Johnson's do-it-all game was a godsend. Coach Frank Johnson has already anointed Johnson as the starting two guard and has even experimented with him at point guard in camp. He won't put up monster numbers, but if Johnson can pick up the point, his value goes through the roof.

Vladimir Radmanovic, Sonics

Drafted No. 12

With Vin Baker gone, and the international invasion already completed, Radmanovic will get ample opportunity to ply his wares in Seattle this season. Is he really a power forward? He won't grab 10 boards a night, but he's strong, a good athlete and will draw big men away from the basket with his perimeter game. He looks destined to become a star.

Troy Murphy, Warriors

Drafted No. 14

Murphy took advantage of a coaching change and an obvious rift between management and Danny Fortson to slip in the back door and grab the starting power forward slot. And why not. He's bulked up considerably over the summer, has a big size advantage over Fortson and Jamison, and he possess a terrific inside-outside game. He also won't camp out in the paint every possession, giving Jamison opportunities to work down low as well. He's got the potential to be an 18 and 8 guy this year.

Brendan Haywood, Wizards

Drafted No. 20

He may be the starting center by default, but that's not all bad. With Jahidi White out, the Wizards don't have a lot of other choices, but Haywood seems to be progressing just fine. He's already a force on the defensive end, a smart shot blocker and his offensive game is emerging.

Gilbert Arenas, Warriors

Drafted No. 31

Arenas is caught in a camp battle with Bobby Sura, but his stellar play in the preseason seems to be winning over coach Musselman. That's amazing when you consider that before last season, Arenas never played a minute of point guard.

Jarron Collins, Jazz

Drafted No. 53

He was supposed to be the ugly step-sister to twin Jason. Instead it's Jarron, not Jason, with a starting job. Of course, when you look at the Jazz's depth chart, there isn't much competition. Greg Ostertag just donated a kidney, Curtis Borchardt is out with a broken foot and John Amaechi was a huge bust. Still, you can't knock a guy for taking advantage of a situation.

Kenny Satterfield, Nuggets

Drafted No. 54

Another starter by default, Satterfield has one year to prove he has what it takes to be an NBA point guard. The Nuggets' only other option is rookie Junior Harrington. Kiki Vandeweghe is a big Satterfield fan, but he'll have to resist the temptation to shoot every time he touches the ball.

Headed in the right direction

Eddie Griffin, Rockets

Drafted No. 7

It's only a matter of time before Griffin laps Mo Taylor and Kenny Thomas and claims the starting power forward position. He's still young, raw and impressionable, but he and Yao Ming would give the Rockets one of the best shot-blocking tandems in the league. The Rockets absolutely refused to part with him when the Sonics called about a sign-and-trade for Rashard Lewis. In another year or two the lineup of Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, Bostjan Nachbar, Griffin and Yao will be one of the toughest in the league.

Kwame Brown, Wizards

Drafted No. 1

Last season was a disaster. This summer was a disaster. But judging by the first four Wizards preseason games, Kwame is finally finding his groove. He's averaging 18 ppg on 58 percent shooting from the field and 8.3 rpg in 29 mpg. More important, he's shown aggressiveness at both ends of the court. If Kwame keeps it up, he'll be the team's starting power forward on opening night.

Tyson Chandler, Bulls

Drafted No. 2

He's had an up-and-down offseason that was punctuated Wednesday by a concussion and a broken tooth. Chandler has put in a lot of work, is aggressive on the defensive end and still has loads of talent. But, his offensive game is progressing much slower. Can the Bulls afford to start Chandler and Curry? For now, Donyell Marshall or Marcus Fizer may be the better call.

Kedrick Brown, Celtics

Drafted No. 11

He's progressed faster than even the Celtics thought he would. GM Chris Wallace already calls him the Celtics' best-on-the-ball defender. He's strong, athletic and could eventually be the missing piece to the puzzle for the Celtics. However, a severely sprained ankle has slowed his progress. Expect him to get regular minutes in Jim O'Brien's rotation when he's healthy.

Michael Bradley, Raptors

Drafted No. 17

With Keon Clark and Hakeem Olajuwon gone, Bradley is finally seeing the light of day after a frustrating rookie season. He had a big 8-point, 16-rebound game versus the Bulls in the Raptors' second preseason game, but he still has a little ways to go. He should have the opportunity to log between 15 and 20 minutes a game this season.

Jason Collins, Nets

Drafted No. 18

Dikembe Mutombo may eat away at some of Collins' minutes this season, but the Nets believe that ultimately he has the skills to be their center of the future.

Zach Randolph, Portland

Drafted No. 19

Right now he's a summer league rock star, but GM Bob Whitsitt is starting to clear the deck a little so Randolph can get some minutes in the regular season. He has soft hands, devastating low-post moves and an NBA body. If he can keep his weight down and his head on straight he has a bright, bright future.

Gerald Wallace, Kings

Drafted No. 25

He's the 10th man on a loaded Kings roster, but Wallace's athleticism and defense will get him more minutes this year. Everyone in Sacramento agrees that he was a steal at pick No. 25.

Mehmet Okur, Pistons

Drafted No. 38

Okur actually begins his rookie season this year, but after playing professionally in Turkey the past few years, he doesn't act like a rookie. The Pistons plan on Okur giving them big minutes right away. Like most European big men, he has a coveted inside-outside game. Unlike most European big men, he has a toughness in the paint that should allow him to thrive in the NBA.

Loren Woods, T-Wolves

Drafted No. 46

He fell from a possible lottery slot into the second round on draft night after teams questioned the health of his back and his head. But Woods stayed healthy, was on his best behavior last season and he's being rewarded this year. With Joe Smith hurting, the Wolves have played him some at power forward Woods responded with a nice 14-point (on 7 of 8 shooting), 7-rebound game versus the Heat. Expect him to play a much larger role in their rotation this season.

Stuck in Neutral

DeSagana Diop, Cavs

Drafted No. 8

Once again, Cavs GM Jim Paxson was the laughingstock of the NBA when he passed up Joe Johnson, Richard Jefferson and Vladimir Radmanovic for Diop. Will he be Trajan Langdon revisited? Is Diop Yinka Dare's twin? Diop's done little this preseason but the Cavs knew he'd be a project. Check back in another year or two.

Rodney White, Nuggets

Drafted No. 9

White caught a huge break when the Pistons traded him to the Nuggets this summer. Conventional wisdom said that White has the talent to be the Nuggets' starting small forward. He's very raw, but the Nuggets know they're going to lose. Why not get him as much playing time as they can this year. White, however, has hit another speed bump. He hasn't been particularly impressive in camp and Jeff Bzdelik, a stickler for defense, hasn't been giving him the minutes everyone expected. That may change, but right now White's future doesn't look as hot as it did a few weeks ago.

Steven Hunter, Magic

Drafted No. 15

A torn ACL has derailed Hunter's attempt to rebound from a miserable rookie year. The Magic, in desperate need of some frontcourt help, would've given Hunter every opportunity to earn a starting position. As it stands now, Hunter isn't expected back until February.

Raul Lopez, Wizards

Drafted No. 24

Lopez suffered a partial tear of his ACL while preparing for the World Championships and is expected to miss the entire season. This is the second ACL injury Lopez has suffered in the past two season. The Jazz, however, still believe he is the heir apparent to John Stockton.

Samuel Dalembert, Sixers

Drafted No. 26

Dalembert suffered a knee injury in the preseason, but has vowed to play through the pain. The Sixers could sure use him. With Derrick Coleman out and only Todd MacCulloch to anchor the frontline, Dalembert could see a major increase in minutes this season.

One Foot out the Door

Kirk Haston, Hornets

Drafted No. 16

A so-so summer league and a deep Hornets roster hasn't bode well for Haston. He's seen sporadic minutes in the summer league, but the 2-for-13 performance like the one he dropped on the Wizards Thursday night aren't helping things.

Joe Forte, Sonics

Drafted No. 21

The Celtics tried to turn him into a point guard, but all Forte turned into last season was a locker room problem (he actually showed up in the Celtics' locker room wearing a Laker jersey). He's got a new chance on life in Seattle, but with Brent Barry and Desmond Mason running the two, expect him to see a lot of time on the IL.

Jeryl Sasser, Magic

Drafted No. 22

The Magic drafted Sasser ahead of Parker and Tinsley and have lived to regret it every day. With Darrell Armstrong slowing down, Sasser has been an absolute bust. This summer the Magic gave up on the Sasser-at-point-guard experiment and tried to give him some time at the two and three. He played better, but given the Magics' depth at that position, expect Sasser to disappear in another year.

Brandon Armstrong, Nets

Drafted No. 23

Another monumental reach, the Nets fell in love with Armstrong at the Chicago pre-draft camp. He shot the ball well there, but hasn't been able to find his stroke since. Second-round pick Tamar Slay has outplayed him in the preseason leading to speculation that the Nets may eat the final two years of Armstrong's guaranteed contract.

Are the Jazz ready to lose the Mailman?

Karl Malone's comments in Wednesday's USA Today set off a maelstrom in Utah. Malone tried Thursday to clarify comments that he was considering retiring at the end of the season.

"I want to enjoy this season like it's my last one," Malone told the Salt Lake Tribune. "I don't know if I've ever done that. I've always said, 'I've got three more out there,' or 'I've got two more out there.' In essence, I want to enjoy this one like it's my last one because that's what I've got to work with."

While Malone was predictably coy about what his plans were, he did clarify why we went public with his desires.

"I feel [that] everything I say and do, they're [the Jazz] waiting to see what's going to happen next. I don't want it to be like that," said Malone, whose four-year, $66.5 million contract expires next July, just three weeks shy of his 40th birthday. "I want them to make decisions for this franchise as if I'm not here. . . . [And] I hope the fans enjoy what I as a player can bring to them. . . They've got to make their decisions and I've got to make mine."

The Jazz should be in exceptionally good shape salary-cap wise next season. With Malone and John Stockton (who's expected to retire) coming off the books, the Jazz will have only $21.5 million in committed salaries next season. With the cap expected to be somewhere around $42.5 million next year, the Jazz will have plenty of money to be players in the free-agent market. If Malone decides to keep playing and demands a salary near the $19.25 million he's making this season, the Jazz would lose most of that cap room. That has led to speculation that Malone's comments were the beginning of a full season worth of contract negotiation.

If Malone and Stockton do retire, the team will have plenty of work to do. Priority No. 1 will be to find a young, tough power forward to replace Malone. Tim Duncan and Jermaine O'Neal will both be unrestricted free agents next summer, but both are leaning heavily toward re-signing with their own teams. Elton Brand will be a restricted free agent, and given the Clippers' history of not paying their players, he could be a prime candidate. Brand has the blue collar approach that Jerry Sloan loves.

The Jazz also expect to target restricted free-agent point guard Andre Miller. The team still has high hopes for Raul Lopez, but given his two devastating knee injuries the past two seasons, the Jazz aer not sure what his long term potential will be.

Malone: Seize the Game

Phil Miller / Salt Lake Tribune

What can the Knicks do with $9 million?

The joke running around the league Thursday went something like this. Scott Layden has $9 nine million worth of cap exceptions at his disposal. We hear Frederick Weis is looking for a long-term deal.

It's cruel, but Layden's track record when it comes to spending money isn't too hot. Allan Houston's pulling down $14.3 million this season. Shandon Anderson is earning $6.1 million. Howard Eisley rakes in $5.3 million. Charlie Ward? $5.8 million. Travis Knight? $4 million.

In other words, league executives weren't exactly trembling in their boots when the NBA awarded the Knicks a $4.58 million disabled player exception Thursday after they determined that Antonio McDyess was out for the season. Combine that with the $4.5 mid-level exception that the Knicks never used this summer (Michael Doleac signed for the $1.4 million veteran's exception) and Layden has money to burn.

If he can find a good use for it, he'll be the first. The Heat signed Cedric Ceballos with their medical exception in 2000. The Spurs used theirs for Samaki Walker a few years back. The Rockets tried to use theirs on Marc Jackson last summer before the Warriors (thankfully) decided to match.

Layden can't combine the exceptions on one player, and the disabled exception can only be used on one player, meaning that his hands are tied to a certain extent.

The Knicks best hope is to try to work out a multi-player deal, trading the exception to make up the difference in salaries. With so many teams trying to get under the luxury-tax threshold, teams may be willing to deal if it makes their cap situation better. The unsubstantiated rumors were flying fast and furious by the end of the night.

Several GM's that Insider talked to confirmed that they had made calls to Layden, but declined to discuss the players they were willing to part with. Nick Van Exel's name continues to be the most bandied about. The Knicks actually couldn't use their exception on Van Exel (he makes more than $4.5 million) but could try to resurrect a Spree-for-Van Exel deal. The Knicks are also expected to revisit discussions with the Warriors concerning Danny Fortson (again, because of Fortson's salary, a multi-player trade would be required). Other possible candidates whose salaries fit into the Knicks' exception include the Grizzlies' Stromile Swift, the T-Wolves' Rasho Nesterovic, the Bucks' Anthony Mason and the Hornets' George Lynch.

NBA gives Knicks money to burn

Frank Isola / New York Daily News

Big surprise: Vin Baker off to a slow start

The Boston Globe has the least shocking headline of the NBA preseason. "Baker struggling to find his game."

Really? Didn't see that one coming. Baker, who lost his game about four years ago, has ate himself sick trying to find it. He did come to Celtics camp in good shape and seemed genuinely pumped to be out of Seattle.

But the results on the court have been discouraging. Baker started things off on the right foot with a 11-point, 7-rebound debut against the Knicks. He then recorded 18 minutes, 2 points, 5 fouls, 3 rebounds versus the Bulls. Fifteen minutes, 0 points, 4 fouls, 4 rebounds versus the Nets. And an embarrassing 14 minutes, 2 points, 6 fouls, 0 rebounds versus the Nets on Thursday.

In the last three games, Baker has more fouls than points and rebounds combined. He does have a sore ankle and he's learning a new offense, but this is pretty ridiculous, right?

"There's no discouragement at all," Baker told the Globe. "I'll figure it out in the next couple weeks. All the experience I can get with this team is important. I have to stay on the floor and fight through it. It's still a learning process for me."

Coach Jim O'Brien is trying to be patient. "I thought he had a tough night, however you want to look at it," O'Brien said. "Hopefully, it was because of a banged-up ankle."

Meanwhile, did we mention that former Celtics Rodney Rogers and Joe Johnson are lighting it up in New Jersey and Phoenix?

You can't write Baker's obituary after just four preseason games (actually it should've been written two years ago) but we're downgrading his status to critical.

Baker's struggling to find his game

Peter May / Boston Globe

Stoudemire continues to wow Suns

Jerry West claims that Drew Gooden is a lock for the Rookie of the Year award. Considering Gooden's strong play over the past month, it's hard to argue with him. But he may get some strong competition from the unlikeliest of sources.

High school phenom Amare Stoudemire continues to defy expectations. After a season watching kids like Kwame Brown and Tyson Chandler struggle, no one expected this from the rookie. Stoudemire dropped 17 points and 11 boards on the Rockets Thursday.

Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich is happy with Yao Ming, but he's seen up close what he passed in Gooden and Stoudemire.

"We knew he was going to be a dynamo," Tomjanovich told the Arizona Republic. "He's going to wind up being a great player. The good thing about him is a lot of guys that young, you can't put them in the game. But, physically, he can hang right now with anybody."

Suns coach Frank Johnson, asked again whom Stoudemire reminds him of from past NBA players, repeated comparisons to a young Shawn Kemp, but threw out a new name: Moses Malone.

"He goes after everything like Moses," Johnson said. "And he's got that little gait like Moses, with an arrogance about his walk."

Even his teammates can help but give him praise. "He's going to make the Suns look very good for drafting him," Penny Hardaway said.

Stoudemire shows flashes of promise

Bob Young / Arizona Republic

Turf Wars Update

Bulls: Jamal Crawford returned to practice Thursday, but the writing was on the wall. Coach Bill Cartwright wants a leader at point guardand Jay Williams, despite erratic play, has shown more leadership qualities. Crawford apologized to teammates for the outburst, but couldn't promise it wouldn't happen again. He's frustrated, but GM Jerry Krause continues to maintain that he won't trade him. "Charles Oakley wanted to be traded last year," Krause told the Sun Times. "But Oak didn't get traded, did he? I have every confidence in Jamal that he will do the right thing. He's an extremely valuable player to this organization and was a very high draft choice at No. 7. And we have a very good situation here with two outstanding point guards."

Bucks: Coach George Karl is still looking for a starting center. Joel Przybilla will miss the start of the season with an ankle injury and Ervin Johnson has been unable to play his way off the second unit. Karl's strategy at the moment has Toni Kukoc, Anthony Mason and Tim Thomas all playing on the court together. "Can we get away with it with Mason as the big guy?" Karl told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Can we rebound? Can we gang rebound with five guys?" Rookie Dan Gadzuric has also played well, leading to speculation that Johnson may become expendable. "There was a lot of conversation. I don't think there is any question we looked at all of our options -- cheaper options, trade options, unload options," Karl said. "There was a lot of research on what to do."

Magic: The team's starting five is starting to come into focus. Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill were no brainers, but coach Doc Rivers began camp by saying that the other three positions were up in the air. Jacque Vaughn seems to have locked down the starting point guard position and Pat Garrity will likely get the nod at the four. "He's making a case that he's not going to allow anybody to overtake him," Rivers told the Orlando Sentinel. At center, things are still wide open. Horace Grant will probably win the spot if he's healthy, however, he's recovering slowly from offseason surgery. "I tried to dunk the other day, and it just wasn't there," Grant said.

Sonics: Coach Nate McMillan said Thursday that he likes Vladimir Radmanovic coming off the bench and may start Predrag Drobnjak instead. With Jerome James hurting, Dorbnjak may be the team's best rebounder.

Pistons: Rookie Tayshaun Prince got the starting nod Thursday night and recorded 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Coach Rick Carlisle says Prince has played well enough to become part of the team's regular rotation. "I thought he played a good all-around game, and I think he showed the different things he could do," Carlisle told the Detroit Free Press. "He can do a little bit of everything. He's a guy we're going to have to count on."

Mavs: The team is expected to sign sharp-shooting small forward Walt Williams to a one-year contract. This is a good feeling for me because I really like their style of play," Williams told the Dallas Morning News. "This is an exciting team that has a lot of talent. I think this team can do wonderful things in the playoffs." Expect Williams to battle Eduardo Najera for the backup small forward spot.

Nuggets: The Nuggets reduced their roster to 16 on Thursday by waiving guards Darrick Martin and Bryant Notree. That means there's a good chance that rookie Junior Harrington will make the team and battle Kenny Satterfield for the starting point guard position.

Crawford's problem is partly perception

Roman Modrowski / Chicago Sun Times

Bucks still auditioning for pivot role

Tom Enlund / Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Starting picture becoming clearer

Jerry Brewer / Orlando Sentinel

Grant slowly recovering from surgery

Jerry Brewer / Orlando Sentinel

Three starting spots are still up for grabs

Percy Allen / Seattle Times

Prince fits well for Pistons

Perry A. Farrell / Detroit Free-Press

Mavs expected to sign free agent Walt Williams

Eddie Sefko / Dallas Morning News

No matter his statistics, Posey will be a leader

Aaron J. Lopez / Rocky Mountain News

Peep Show

Rockets: It's official. Yao Ming is a Rocket. Rockets general counsel Michael Goldberg received contracts from the China Basketball Association that he said lacked only signatures, completing negotiations to gain the clearance from the CBA that Yao needs to the play in the NBA. Yao is expected to arrive in Houston on Sunday or Monday. "As a coach, I think I've been blessed, blessed as anybody in this league with the wonderful players I've been allowed to coach," coach Rudy Tomjanovich told the Houston Chronicle. "Of course, you start with the greatest Rocket of all, Hakeem Olajuwon, and then Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Steve Francis. And Yao Ming I think will be an elite player. I feel very excited to be a part of his career."

Clippers: New point guard Andre Miller is already having a big impact on the Clippers. "He seems to have an impact on the team," coach Alvin Gentry told the L.A. Times. "Regardless of the situation, he seems to say, 'Everything is OK.' He missed some shots the other night [in an exhibition at Portland]. After the game, it was as if he was saying, 'Don't worry. When the time comes, the shots are going to go in.' " His teammates are also impressed. "Seeing Andre out there, once we put it all together, it's going to be quite a year," power forward Elton Brand said.

Hornets: Elden Campbell will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to clean up some loose particles. Campbell is expected to miss the start of the season. Jamal Mashburn will miss the remaining exhibition games because of a bone bruise in his left knee. "We're going through a little adversity right now, but it bodes well for some of these guys to pick it up and show me what they really can do under these circumstances," coach Paul Silas told the Times Picayune. "You never know when the injury bug is going to hit you and when your [reserves] time is going to come."

Kings: Coach Rick Adelman is anxious to get Keon Clark back on the floor. "We've got to get him out there because he needs to know what we're doing and where he needs to be," Adelman said of Clark, who was hampered the previous two days with a hyperextended right knee. "Once Keon becomes comfortable with what we're doing, he's going to be fine. But he's got to be on the floor." Adelman told the Sacramento Bee he felt the lanky one could be in better shape. "As long as he's healthy, we're going to force-feed him. I expect next week that we're going to get him a lot of work."

Raptors: Rookie Nate Huffman may have to have arthroscopic surgery on a sore right knee at the beginning of next week and could be sidelined for weeks. "You want to get it done as soon as possible so you can get him back," coach Lenny Wilkens told the Toronto Star.

It's done deal; Yao's a Rocket

Jonathan Feigen / Houston Chronicle

There's plenty to smile about now

Mickey Herskowitz / Houston Chronicle

Miller Makes Fast Impression

Elliott Teaford / Los Angeles Times

'Injury bug' stings Hornets

John Reid / New Orleans Times-Picayune

Roster trimmed to 16; count Clark among the healthy 12

Martin McNeal / Sacramento Bee

Huffman may need surgery

Doug Smith / Toronto Star