Express-News Power Rankings

[Kori Ellis]

NBA power rankings

Web Posted: 10/30/2005 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...s.6ad5787.html

Express-News NBA beat writer Mike Monroe rates the league's 30 teams:

1. San Antonio Spurs

Last year: 59-23 (won NBA championship)

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Starters: Guards — Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili; center — Nazr Mohammed; forwards — Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan.

Arrivals: Michael Finley, Nick Van Exel, Fabricio Oberto.

Departures: Tony Massenburg, Devin Brown, Glenn Robinson.

Analysis: The defending champions only got better over the summer, beating out the Suns, Heat and Timberwolves for Finley, the Heat for Van Exel. With Duncan and Ginobili both fresher to start the season, there is no reason to believe they should not win another le.

2. Detroit Pistons

Last year: 54-28 (lost in NBA Finals)

Coach: Flip Saunders

Starters: Guards — Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton; center — Ben Wallace; forwards — Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace.

Arrivals: Jason Maxiell, Maurice Evans, Dale Davis.

Departures: Darvin Ham, Elden Campbell.

Analysis: The departure of Larry Brown was more ugly than it should have been and many players look forward to a fresh start with Saunders. Saunders will use a lot more zone defense and has the personnel to make it work. If Darko Milicic is ready to make a real contribution, they will be better than last season.

3. Indiana Pacers

Last year: 44-38 (lost in Eastern Conference semifinals)

Coach: Rick Carlisle

Starters: Guards — Jamaal Tinsley, Stephen Jackson; center — Jeff Foster; forwards — Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal.

Arrivals: Sarunas Jasikevicius, Danny Granger.

Departures: Reggie Miller, Dale Davis, James Jones.

Analysis: After their season was submarined by the suspensions that followed the infamous brawl in Detroit, the Pacers are positioned for a run at the Eastern le. With Ron Artest back, their defense will be substantially better. Biggest question: Can Jackson, with help from Jasikevicius, provide the kind of long-range shooting Reggie Miller once did?

4. Miami Heat

Last year: 59-23 (lost in Eastern Conference finals)

Coach: Stan Van Gundy

Starters: Guards — Jason Williams, Dwyane Wade; center — Shaquille O'Neal; forwards — James Posey, Udonis Haslem.

Arrivals: Jason Williams, Posey, Antoine Walker, Gary Payton, Jason Kapono.

Departures: Eddie Jones, Rasual Butler, Damon Jones, Keyon Dooling, Qyntel Woods.

Analysis: The biggest question in Miami is how committed Williams is to playing under control and how committed Walker is to understanding Wade and O'Neal are the scorers on this team? There aren't many coaches in the league under more pressure to win, right from the start of the season, than Van Gundy. The roster changes club president Pat Riley made demand it.

5. Houston Rockets

Last year: 51-31 (lost in Western Conference first round)

Coach: Jeff Van Gundy

Starters: Guards — Rafer Alston, David Wesley; center — Yao Ming; forwards — Tracy McGrady, Stromile Swift.

Arrivals: Swift, Derek Anderson, Luther Head.

Departures: Scott Padgett, Clarence Weatherspoon.

Analysis: Adding Swift to the starting front line may turn out to be one of the best free-agent moves of the offseason. Playing alongside Yao, Swift finally should realize the potential his physical gifts always have promised. Yao is stronger and had a summer off from international play. Anderson, an amnesty free agent, should get plenty of time as a swingman and is another outstanding addition.

6. Phoenix Suns

Last year: 62-20 (lost in Western Conference finals)

Coach: Mike D'Antoni

Starters: Guards — Steve Nash, Raja Bell; center — Kurt Thomas; forwards — Shawn Marion, James Jones.

Arrivals: Thomas, Boris Diaw, Bell, Pat Burke, Eddie House, Jones, Dijon Thompson.

Departures: Quentin Richardson, Joe Johnson, Steven Hunter, Bo Outlaw, Walter McCarty.

Analysis: They would be ranked higher had not Amare Stoudemire been declared out for four months. But they still have two All-Stars, including the reigning MVP in Nash. They still want to run, too, but that is going to be a lot less effective until Stoudemire returns.

7. Sacramento Kings

Last year: 50-32 (lost in Western Conference first round)

Coach: Rick Adelman

Starters: Guards — Mike Bibby, Bonzi Wells; center — Brad Miller; forwards — Peja Stojakovic, Kenny Thomas.

Arrivals: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Wells, Francisco Garcia, Jason Hart, Ricky Paulding.

Departures: Bobby Jackson, Darius Songaila, Cuttino Mobley, Maurice Evans, Eddie House.

Analysis: They have been reshaped dramatically, but the signing of Abdur-Rahim helps to keep them among the league's elite. Their free-flowing style really suits his game. Plus, Stojakovic passed on playing for Serbia-Montenegro in the European championships, which means he should be closer to the real Stojakovic than he was during an injury-plagued 2004-05 season.

8. Denver Nuggets

Last year: 49-33 (lost in Western Conference first round)

Coach: George Karl

Starters: Guards — Andre Miller, Voshon Lenard; center — Marcus Camby; forwards — Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin.

Arrivals: Earl Watson, Julius Hodge, Linas Kleiza.

Departures: Luis Flores.

Analysis: The Nuggets surged after George Karl replaced Jeff Bzdelik on the bench at midseason, and the belief is they will become a division- le contender with a full season under his command. Plus, look for Anthony to have a true breakout season. They have a logjam at point guard, with one too many Earls — Watson and Boykins.

9. Dallas Mavericks

Last year: 58-24 (lost in Western Conference semifinals)

Coach: Avery Johnson

Starters: Guards — Jason Terry, Doug Christie; center — Erick Dampier; forwards — Josh Howard, Dirk Nowitzki.

Arrivals: DeSagana Diop, Rawle Marshall, Josh Powell.

Departures: Michael Finley, Shawn Bradley, Alan Henderson.

Analysis: They used to have their "Big Three." Dirk Nowitzki is the only one of the three left, and they got nothing back for either Steve Nash or Finley. They will be better defensively with a full season under Johnson and with Christie at big guard, but they are not going to score the way they once did.

10. New Jersey Nets

Last year: 42-40 (lost in Eastern Conference first round)

Coach: Lawrence Frank

Starters: Guards — Jason Kidd, Vince Carter; center — Nenad Krstic; forwards — Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins.

Additions: Antoine Wright, Jeff McInnis, Lamond Murray, Scott Padgett, Marc Jackson, Linton Johnson III, Ben Handlogten.

Departures: Brian Scalabrine, Ron Mercer, Jabari Smith, Travis Best.

Analysis: With a full season together, you can look for Kidd and Carter to become one of the league's best guard tandems. Those two, plus Jefferson, are All-Star-caliber players and that is usually enough to make for an elite-level team. The key for them will be Krstic, whom they expect to have a breakout season.

11. Washington Wizards

Last year: 45-37 (lost in Eastern Conference semifinals)

Coach: Eddie Jordan

Starters: Guards — Gilbert Arenas, Antonio Daniels; center — Brendan Haywood; forwards — Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison.

Additions: Butler, Daniels, Chucky Atkins, Calvin Booth, Andray Blatche.

Departures: Larry Hughes, Kwame Brown, Steve Blake, Juan Dixon, Anthony Peeler, Laron Profit, Damone Brown.

Analysis: Losing Hughes to free agency was huge, but they did a masterful job of filling the hole he left by doing the sign-and-trade deal with the Lakers that brought Butler, then signing Daniels. They've got two All-Star-caliber players, Arenas and Jamison, and a deep bench.

12. Cleveland Cavaliers

Last year: 42-40

Coach: Mike Brown

Starters: Guards — Damon Jones, Larry Hughes; center — Zydrunas Ilgauskas; forwards — LeBron James, Drew Gooden.

Arrivals: Hughes, Donyell Marshall, Jones, Alan Henderson, Mike Wilks, Martynas Andriuskevicius.

Departures: DeSagana Diop, Dajuan Wagner, Robert Traylor, Jeff McInnis.

Analysis: A fresh start, beginning with a new owner (Dan Gilbert), GM (Danny Ferry) and coach (Mike Brown). Plus, a new big guard who will be a stopper in Hughes. They are still LeBron's team, but King James has a lot more help now and finally should get to make his playoff debut.

13. Chicago Bulls

Last year: 47-35 (lost in Eastern Conference first round)

Coach: Scott Skiles

Starters: Guards — Kirk Hinrich, Chris Duhon; center — Tyson Chandler; forwards — Andres Nocioni, Ot a Harrington.

Arrivals: Darius Songaila, Tim Thomas, Michael Sweetney, Jermaine Jackson, Malik Allen, Eddie Basden.

Departures: Eddy Curry, Antonio Davis, Frank Williams, Lawrence Funderburke.

Analysis: The trade that sent Curry and Davis to the Knicks dramatically changed this team's makeup, and it remains to be seen what kind of fallout it will have. For one thing, Chandler is a much better power forward than a center. They will struggle to duplicate last season's success.

14. Boston Celtics

Last year: 45-37 (lost in Eastern Conference semifinals)

Coach: Doc Rivers

Starters: Guards — Dan au, Paul Pierce; center — Raef LaFrentz; forwards — Brian Scalabrine, Al Jefferson.

Arrivals: Scalabrine, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, au, Curtis Borchardt.

Departures: Antoine Walker, Gary Payton.

Analysis: With Payton and Walker gone, they're one of the younger teams in the league and woefully thin at point guard, where Delonte West or Marcus Banks will have to come to the fore and replace au as the starter if they are going to make any waves in their division.

15. Memphis Grizzlies

Last year: 45-37

(lost in Western

Conference first round)

Coach: Mike Fratello

Starters: Guards — Damon Stoudamire, Eddie Jones; center — Lorenzen Wright; forwards — Mike Miller, Pau Gasol.

Arrivals: Bobby Jackson, Jones, Hakeem Warrick, Stoudamire, John Thomas.

Departures: Jason Williams, James Posey, Bonzi Wells, Stromile Swift.

Analysis: They have made the playoffs two seasons in a row and after an extreme summer makeover still figure to be a playoff team. Stoudamire and Jackson give them a much better point-guard situation than they had when Williams was getting most of the minutes there. Jones has a lot to prove.

16. Philadelphia 76ers

Last year: 43-39 (lost in Eastern Conference first round)

Coach: Maurice Cheeks

Starters: Guards — Allen Iverson, Andre Iguodala; center — Samuel Dalembert; forwards — Kyle Korver, Chris Webber.

Arrivals: Steven Hunter, Lee Nailon, Shavlik Randolph, Louis Williams.

Departures: Aaron McKie, Marc Jackson.

Analysis: Iverson and Webber get an entire season to discover how to co-exist on the same court and a new coach to demand it. Iguodala is primed for a breakout season. They're not deep enough to challenge the Eastern elite.

17. Orlando Magic

Last year: 36-46

Coach: Brian Hill

Starters: Guards — Keyon Dooling, Steve Francis; center — Kelvin Cato; forwards — Grant Hill, Dwight Howard.

Arrivals: Dooling, Bo Outlaw.

Departures: Doug Christie, Andrew DeClerq, Andre Barrett, Brandon Hunter.

Analysis: Hill spent his first summer in the past five years actually working on his game, rather than rehabbing an injury. If he is back to anywhere near his All-Star form, the Magic could be a surprise playoff team. Howard is ready for a breakout season after a rookie campaign that showed so much promise.

18. Los Angeles Lakers

Last year: 34-48

Coach: Phil Jackson

Starters: Guards — Smush Parker, Kobe Bryant; center — Chris Mihm; forwards — Lamar Odom, Kwame Brown.

Arrivals: Brown, Laron Profit, Andrew Bynum, Von Wafer, Aaron McKie, Parker, Corie Blount.

Departures: Caron Butler, Chucky Atkins, Vlade Divac, Jumaine Jones.

Analysis: Their biggest summer acquisition was Jackson. With the Zen Master back on the bench, they should be back in the playoffs. Bryant is intent on regaining his status as first-team All-NBA. That, alone, ought to take the Lakers to the postseason.

19. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last year: 44-38

Coach: Dwayne Casey

Starters: Guards — Marko Jaric, Trenton Hassell; center — Michael Olowokandi; forwards — Wally Szczerbiak, Kevin Garnett.

Arrivals: Marko Jaric, Dwayne Jones, Rashad McCants, Richie Frahm, Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Bracey Wright.

Departures: Sam Cassell, Ervin Johnson, Fred Hoiberg.

Analysis: After missing the playoffs, they underwent an extreme makeover, including a new coach. Their key, as always, is Garnett. He's still young, but he's already got a lot of NBA miles on his body. It might be possible to make a return to the playoffs had they found a productive center, but it's still Olowokandi.

20. Golden State Warriors

Last year: 34-48

Coach: Mike Montgomery

Starters: Guards — Baron Davis, Jason Richardson; center — Adonal Foyle; forwards — Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy.

Arrivals: Ike Diogu, Monta Ellis.

Analysis: With Davis on the roster for the entire season, some expect the Warriors to make the playoffs, but they are still lacking too much interior power to get there. Foyle remains one of the league's most overpaid centers. They may be in the mix late in the season and, if they are, Davis is the kind of go-to guy who might be able to carry them.

21. New York Knicks

Last year: 33-49

Coach: Larry Brown

Starters: Guards — Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford; center — Eddy Curry; forwards — Quentin Richardson, Maurice Taylor.

Arrivals: Curry, Antonio Davis, Channing Frye, David Lee, Richardson, Jerome James.

Departures: Allan Houston, Tim Thomas, Michael Sweetney, Kurt Thomas, Jermaine Jackson, Bruno Sundov, Jerome Williams.

Analysis: They got a complete face lift, from one end of the bench to the other, giving Brown a fresh lump of clay to mold, which is what he does best. They will be better, but they're still not ready to join the Eastern elite.

22. Los Angeles Clippers

Last year: 37-45

Coach: Mike Dunleavy

Starters: Guards — Sam Cassell, Cuttino Mobley; center — Chris Kaman; forwards — Corey Maggette, Elton Brand.

Arrivals: Mobley, Cassell, Yaroslav Korolev, Walter McCarty.

Departures: Ricky Brunson, Bobby Simmons, Kerry Kittles, Mikki Moore, Marko Jaric, Rodney White.

Analysis: The fact that Most Improved Player award winner Bobby Simmons departed as a free agent did nothing for their reputation. However, getting Cassell and Mobley did. Trouble is, if things go badly early, Cassell could go south — and take Mobley with him.

23. Seattle SuperSonics

Last year: 52-30 (lost in Western Conference semifinals)

Coach: Bob Weiss

Starters: Guards — Luke Ridnour, Ray Allen; center — Vitaly Potapenko; forwards — Rashard Lewis, Nick Collison.

Arrivals: Rick Brunson, Mikki Moore, Johan Petro.

Departures: Jerome James, Antonio Daniels.

Analysis: After a breakout season and a fine showing in the playoffs, they let coach Nate McMillan get away and lost two key members of their playoff rotation. They didn't add anyone of real significance, so this is a team headed for a fall from the top of the Northwest Division.

24. Milwaukee Bucks

Last year: 30-52

Coach: Terry Stotts

Starters: Guards — T.J. Ford, Michael Redd; center — Jamaal Magloire; forwards — Bobby Simmons, Andrew Bogut.

Arrivals: Bogut, Simmons, Ervin Johnson, Charlie Bell, Josh Davis, Magloire.

Departures: Calvin Booth, Zaza Pachulia, Daniel Santiago, Desmond Mason.

Analysis: Should make a big improvement, as long as Ford remains healthy. Bogut, the first pick in the June draft, is going to struggle at times, but he upgrades their interior, especially playing alongside Magloire.

25. Utah Jazz

Last year: 26-56

Coach: Jerry Sloan

Starters: Guards — Deron Williams, Devin Brown; center — Mehmet Okur; forwards — Andre Kirilenko, Carlos Boozer.

Arrivals: Williams, Milt Palacio, Brown, Greg Ostertag, C.J. Miles.

Analysis: Kirilenko and Matt Harpring are back from injury and that will make a huge difference. There are two new starters in the backcourt, rookie Williams at the point and ex-Spur Brown at shooting guard — big improvements from last season.

26. Portland Trail Blazers

Last year: 27-55

Coach: Nate McMillan

Starters: Guards — Sebastian Telfair, Martell Webster; center — Joel Pryzbilla; forwards — Darius Miles, Zach Randolph.

Arrivals: Steve Blake, Juan Dixon, Jarrett Jack, Martell Webster, Charles Smith.

Departures: Nick Van Exel, Damon Stoudamire, Derek Anderson, Richie Frahm, Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

Analysis: McMillan's biggest coaching challenge in his first season here — teaching his young backcourt players how to survive in the NBA. That, and finally harnessing Miles' talent and athleticism. He will need more than one season to turn around this bunch.

27. New Orleans/OKC Hornets

Last year: 18-64

Coach: Byron Scott

Starters: Guards — Chris Paul, J.R. Smith; center — P.J. Brown; forwards — Chris Andersen, Desmond Mason.

Arrivals: Paul, Brandon Bass, Rasual Butler, Arvydas Macijauskas, Kirk Snyder, Mason.

Departures: Dan au, Lee Nailon, Jamaal Magloire.

Analysis: Paul has a shot at winning rookie of the year because he is going to get plenty of playing time and he makes his teammates better. He just needs better teammates.

28. Charlotte Bobcats

Last year: 18-64

Coach: Bernie Bickerstaff

Starters: Guards — Brevin Knight, Kareem Rush; center — Primoz Brezec; forwards — Gerald Wallace, Emeka Okafor.

Arrivals: Raymond Felton, Sean May, Jake Voskuhl, Jumaine Jones.

Departures: Jason Hart, Malik Allen, Tamar Slay

Analysis: They move into a new arena, but they've got pretty much the same lineup that went 18-64 in their expansion season. Felton and May aren't enough to make a big improvement.

29. Atlanta Hawks

Last year: 13-69

Coach: Mike Woodson

Starters: Guards — Joe Johnson, Josh Childress; center — Zaza Pachulia; forwards — Josh Smith, Al Harrington.

Arrivals: Johnson, Pachulia, Marvin Williams, Salim Stoudamire, John Edwards.

Departures: Jason Collier, Boris Diaw, Peja Drobnjak.

Analysis: They should be a lot better, but they had the league's worst record last season, so that is not saying much. Collier's death was a setback, too, as he was expected to play a more vital role this season.

30. Toronto Raptors

Last year: 33-49

Coach: Sam Mitc

Starters: Guards — Mike James, Morris Peterson; center — Loren Woods; forwards — Jalen Rose, Chris Bosh.

Arrivals: Mike James, Jose Calderon, Joey Graham, Charlie Villanueva.

Departures: Rafer Alston, Donyell Marshall, Milt Palacio, Lamond Murray.

Analysis: Bosh figures to remain the most talented player you've never heard of because the Raptors are going to be awful again. They didn't get better in the offseason — just younger.

[Kori Ellis]

NBA all-name team

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...e.6824c46.html


ALL-FOOD

Darvin Ham, John Salmons, Eddy Curry, Von Wafer

ALL-KITCHEN

Caron Butler, Brian Skinner, Channing Frye, Brian Cook, Jamison Brewer, Dijon Thompson

ALL-RELIGIOUS

Christian Laettner, Brian Cardinal, Nazr Mohammed

ALL-MONEY

Sean Marks, Greg Buckner, Laron Profit, Penny Hardaway

ALL-PRESIDENT

Brian Grant, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, T.J. Ford, Stephen Jackson

ALL-LITERATURE

Steve Blake, Kaniel ens, Awvee Storey

ALL-SMITH

J.R., Joe, Josh

ALL-JOHNSON

Joe, Anthony, DerMarr, Amir, Ervin

ALL-JACKSON

Bobby, Stephen, Jimmy, Luke, Marc

ALL-JAMES

LeBron, Mike, Jerome

ALL-JONES

Damon, Eddie, Fred, James, Dahntay

ALL-DAVIS

Antonio, Baron, Josh, Ricky, Dale

ALL-WILLIAMS

Aaron, Eric, Jason, Marvin, Alvin

ALL-THOMAS

Kenny, Kurt, Tim, James, John

[Kori Ellis]

Best and Worst of the NBA

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...t.6824c86.html

BEST SHOOTER

Ray Allen, SuperSonics

By shooter, we mean among the real shooters — guards and forwards. Allen's stroke is flawless.

The Kings' Peja Stojakovic a close second.


WORST SHOOTER

Jason Williams, Heat

It's definitely a point guard named Jason, and you could almost flip a coin between Williams and the Nets' Kidd. OK, it came up heads, so it's Williams, 39 percent for his career.


BEST DEFENDER

Bruce Bowen, Spurs

Why do you think he was on the Pistons' Chauncey Billups in crunch time in Game 7 of the NBA Finals?


WORST DEFENDER

Voshon Lenard, Nuggets

Doesn't care much about guards and forwards, but watch out if you're a deer in his back yard.


BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Josh Howard, Mavericks

For $863,640 last season, Dallas got 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Howard is still making less than $1 million ($923,880).


WORST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Tim Thomas, Bulls

His 2004-05 salary was $12.9 million. His 2004-05 numbers: 12.0 points, 3.3 rebounds. And this year, he gets a raise to $14 million.


MOST UNDERRATED

Chauncey Billups, Pistons

How can it be that he has never been an All-Star? Had his Pistons beaten the Spurs in Game 7, he would have been back-to-back Finals MVP.


MOST OVERRATED

Antoine Walker, Heat

Big numbers don't make you a big-time player, but he has been an All-Star

three times. Why?


BEST OFFSEASON MOVE

Lakers rehire Phil Jackson

When you're a mega-millionaire, it takes a lot to admit you were wrong. Dr. Jerry Buss did.

Zenmeister will coax Lakers back to the playoffs.


WORST OFFSEASON MOVE

Joe Johnson leaves Suns

We don't ever want to hear the phrase "It's not about the money" from Johnson's lips. Nobody volunteers to be an Atlanta Hawk, except out of greed.


MOST FUNDAMENTAL

Tim Duncan, Spurs

Come on, there's a reason Shaq dubbed him "The Big Fundamental."


MOST PLAYGROUND

Rafer Alston, Rockets

Once went to the locker room when a coach took him out of a game.


MOST EXCITING

Dwyane Wade, Heat

He's the Kobe Bryant of five years ago, except a much better passer and he gets along with Shaq.


MOST BORING

Andre Miller, Nuggets

Can't jump, doesn't dunk and his "jumper" is pretty much a set shot.


FASTEST

Gilbert Arenas, Wizards

Fastest, not quickest. He'd beat anyone in an end-to-end sprint, with or without the basketball.


SLOWEST

Dikembe Mutombo, Rockets

Mutombo has this distinction until the first game Dallas' Pavel Podkolzine actually gets on the court.


BEST HANDS

Chris Webber, 76ers

Catches everything that comes into the post, regardless of how bad the pass is.


WORST HANDS

Nazr Mohammed, Spurs

Roberto "Hands of Stone" Duran had nothing on Nazr, whose value to Spurs is not based on running the offense through the pivot.


MOST ATHLETIC

Jason Richardson, Warriors

He has got the full package of physical skills and sports the best hang time in the league.


LEAST ATHLETIC

Danny Fortson, SuperSonics

Should be playing in the NFL and not at tight end, either. Nose tackle would suit him.


TOUGHEST

Allen Iverson, 76ers

May be the all-time NBA leader in playing with injuries and he never, ever backs down.


SOFTEST

Keith Van Horn, Mavericks

Mix it up inside? You must be joking.


BEST FLOPPER

(the Vlade Divac Award)

Manu Ginobili, Spurs

Admit it, Spurs fans. If Manu played for another team, you would hate his flopping, too. He wins this because he gets away with it so often.


WORST FLOPPER

(also the Vlade Divac Award)

Mark Madsen, Timberwolves

Flops often, flops big and usually gets called for the block.


BEST HAIR

Ben Wallace, Pistons

(Afro style)

If nothing else, it makes an undersized center seem 7-foot tall.


WORST HAIR

Chris Andersen, Hornets

He calls himself "The Birdman" and his 'do usually looks like a bird's nest.


BEST NAME

Zaza Pachulia, Hawks

When your name sounds like a cologne, you've got something going for you.


WORST NAME

Ervin Johnson, Bucks

Who knew the absence of one little "a" could turn Magic into Tragic?


BEST ARENA

Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

Great place to watch a game. Indiana basketball museum features shrine to high school team that inspired "Hoosiers."


WORST ARENA

Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, N.J.

It's old and cramped, with a tiny visitors locker room, and it's in that goofy Meadowlands sports "complex."


BEST REFEREE

Steve Javie

Now that he has gotten over being a hothead, he's the guy you want to see in the biggest of games.


WORST REFEREE

Violet Palmer

This is not a sexist pick. Why do you think she never has worked a playoff game?

[SA210]

I have to agree about Bruce being the best defender. I think he's underrated and has been skipped over on the award a couple of times.

[Trainwreck2100]

How can it be that he has never been an All-Star? Had his Pistons beaten the Spurs in Game 7, he would have been back-to-back Finals MVP.

I tink it would have been Wallace that got the MVP if they won.

[timvp]

WORST HANDS

Nazr Mohammed, Spurs

Roberto "Hands of Stone" Duran had nothing on Nazr, whose value to Spurs is not based on running the offense through the pivot.

The trashing continues. Soon Spurs fans won't care if Mohammed leaves as a free agent.

Welcome to the San Antonio Spurs Machine. ©

[ShoogarBear]

Ah, come on, LJ. At least that part is pretty true about Nazr's hands.

[Rummpd]

I personally do not put the Rockets that high and still have Dallas above them. 40 point blow out games in a clutch 7th game mean something, as they did in losing to the Mavs so bad last year.

R. Alston is a head case, Swift is athletic but that is about all period. Houston could be a top 5 team but let them prove it.

[E20]

I heard JRich could slam on a 14 foot rim!!!111

[jochhejaam]

Pistons 2nd in the Power Rankings, I'll take that.

[LilMissSPURfect]

i agree that ms Palmer sux!

[Sense]

I personally do not put the Rockets that high and still have Dallas above them. 40 point blow out games in a clutch 7th game mean something, as they did in losing to the Mavs so bad last year.

R. Alston is a head case, Swift is athletic but that is about all period. Houston could be a top 5 team but let them prove it.

That's youre.... stupid opinion.

[Obstructed_View]

They just showed the Bulls/Lakers finals game 1 on ESPN Classic. Vlade stood under the basket with Bill Cartwright and, with no contact, suddenly spasmed and backpedalled about ten feet before dramatically crashing to the floor. He drew the foul. I've never seen Manu do that, and I have yet to have anyone show me a time when he did. Falling in an attempt to get out of having to play defense ain't what he's about. Also, the reason he gets away with it is because most of the time it's a real foul and he just forces the officials to call it.