It’s too bad the bubble teams of the Western Conference can’t jump ship and inject some quality into the mediocre central. In Charlotte, Milwaukee and Toronto, the quality of the NBA Central division goes only three deep. The division might be worth watching if Seattle, Phoenix, Minnesota, Los Angeles (Clippers, of course) and Houston could join.
But they can’t, which means Chicago/Atlanta and Detroit/ Cleveland games are in store. Why don’t I expect to see games in the conference on television?
Of the three teams with a chance, Milwaukee is the only one with a legitimate shot into the finals. The Bucks were one game away from the NBA Finals a year ago, losing to Philadelphia in Game 7. Not since the days of Oscar Roberton and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar had Milwaukee come so close.
Winning it if they get there? Now that’s another story.
Charlotte Hornets
The NBA is in the 21st century. The game of basketball has changed and, more importantly, so have fashion styles. The Hornets wisely embraced the change, switching to team headbands for the playoffs. The Hornets rode the mighty power of the headband to Game 7 with Milwaukee before it fizzled out. But they will carry the momentum into this season.
The Hornet starting five is as good as any in the league. Point guard Baron Davis is a budding superstar, and David Wesley and fadeaway master Jamal Mashburn can put the biscuit in the basket. P.J. Brown and Elden Campbell clean things up underneath. But lack of depth at bench could be a question. Top reserves include Jamaal Magloire, George Lynch, Stacey Augmon and Matt Bullard.
But the Hornets have to be shooting themselves in the foot for rejecting Michael Jordan when he attempted to become part-owner of the team. Instead of Jordan coming back to play for a contender in Charlotte, he is delegated to saving the Wizards. Good luck.
I’m thinking Jordan could have put fans in the stands.
Projected Record: 51-31
Milwaukee Bucks
Why would I, an avid Bucks fan, not have Milwaukee in first place in the Central after the acquisition of all-star Anthony Mason less than a week ago?
My doubts stem from just that. Although the Bucks opened with an impressive overtime win in Salt Lake City, Mason’s jersey was so new it didn’t even sport the commemorative U.S. ribbon (I could tell from the nosebleeds).
With Mason, Sam Cassell, Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson all on the same team, how will there be enough balls to go around? The opener went well, but how about through 82 games? When the numbers aren’t there, I expect some players to get grumpy?most notably underpaid alien-child grouch Sam Cassell.
Also, why trade Scott Williams to make room for Mase? Williams was the heart of the Bucks through the playoffs last year. Can Mase do the same?
Perhaps the biggest question for the jump shooting Bucks is the inside game. Ervin (No magic) Johnson and Joel Przybilla hold down the center position. Yikes.
Of course, if the Big 4 do their job, it won’t matter.
Projected Record: 50-32
Toronto Raptors
Everyone loves Vinsanity. Carter can dunk, shoot, sky, even keep a franchise in Canada (Imagine that). He’s got a supporting cast in teammates Alvin Williams, Antonio Davis, Chris Childs and Jerome Williams. With the addition of Hakeem Olajuwon, many have tabbed the Raptors the team to beat in the Central.
I disagree.
Carter is too soft, Olajuwon is too old, and Carter’s calling the shots hurt the team (The Raptors lost Charles Oakley, who criticized Carter after not performing).
Also, what’s he thinking missing a basketball game to receive his college diploma? Doesn’t he realize he’s not in college anymore?
Projected Record: 46-36
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta will turn heads this year, as well as their win-loss record for the better.
The Hawks can do nothing but improve from a 25-57 finish with the talent they possess. The addition of Shareef Abdur-Rahim to Jason Terry (19.7 points per game), Alan Henderson (10.5 ppg) Nazr Mohammed (12 points, 9 rebounds a game) and Toni Kukoc (.473 shooting percentage) will reap rewards. Add a healthy, former Sixers shotblocker Theo Ratliff, and the Hawks could be playoff-bound.
The only question is at point guard, where the start will go to either Emanual Davis or Jazz departee Jacque Vaughn. Does it matter?
The Hawks have enough firepower. Just give the ball to ‘Reef and let him get a taste of the playoffs.
Projected Record: 44-38
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are still in search of an answer for the Rik Smits departure. While the Dunkin’ Dutchman was not much to look at, his value to the team was unmeasurable. Another exchange student, Slovenian Primoz Brezec, will try to fill the void along with starter Jeff Foster.
In Reggie Miller, Jalen Rose and Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana puts talent on the floor every night. Only problem is the Pacers can’t equate the talent into wins.
With Jonathon Bender and Al Harrington, the Pacers could rival the Bulls in high school-to-pro projects not yet panned out. If one of them does, Indiana could improve. Don’t count on it.
Projected Record: 39-43
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have Jerry Stackhouse (29.8 ppg) and afro sporting 6-foot-8 rebounder Ben Wallace (13.2 rebounds a game) on the roster.
That’s pretty much it.
The acquisition of Clifford Robinson from the Suns will boost his numbers, but multiple players are needed to turn the Detroit project around.
Can Rodney White, Jon Barry, Corliss Williamson, Dana Barros and Chucky Atkins really turn this team into a playoff-caliber one? Didn’t think so.
Projected Record: 30-52
Cleveland Cavaliers
The additions of Tyrone Hill and Jumaine Jones to this Cavalier team will make it better, but not good.
Jones has a bright future, Hill is a seasoned veteran, and they both have playoff experience. But utilizing that playoff experience could be a stretch.
Ute alum Andre Miller is a triple-double threat every night, but the threat of the Cavs winning that game or any game is very unlikely.
Projected Record: 28-54
Chicago Bulls
Trading away franchise centerpiece Elton Brand for an unproven high schooler? General Manager Jerry Krause either took the rebuilding clich to a new plateau or will turn out to be a genius in a couple years. I don’t believe it’s the latter.
In drafting high schoolers Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry, Krause could make a case for an AAU title or a win in the McDonald’s All-America game, but not an NBA title. Especially in today’s switch-teams-to-see-how-cool another-jersey-will-look era. The Bulls will develop the young talent, only to see them bolt for a successful franchise.
Chicago has a solid cast of supporting players. The only problem is they have no standouts. One has to emerge. Charles Oakley (Toronto) and Eddie Robinson (Charlotte) will provide the Bulls with some respectability, the emphasis on some. The Bulls have a pair of shooters in Ron Artest and Ron Mercer.
But these are temporary replacements. The only way to see the real meaning is to wait a couple years and determine if Krause is a genius or if he should do it all over again.
Projected Record- 20-62.