CNN/SI

Utah
By the Numbers
Projected Lineup
Inside Note
Outlook
Atlantic
Central
Midwest

1.Utah
2.San Antonio
3.Houston
4.Minnesota
5.Denver
6.Dallas
7.Vancouver

Pacific
 
Underground NBA



   
Note From the Underground

Though forward Karl Malone has told local reporters to stop saying he's unhappy with his contract, the Mailman, who has two years left on his deal with the Jazz and will earn about $5 million this season, has been hinting that he thinks he's underpaid. It didn't help that he felt owner Larry Miller failed to support him when he criticized some of his teammates' off-season work habits. The result is that Malone, 34, seems open to the possibility of leaving Utah when his pact expires. "I have two years to win a championship with the Jazz," he says. "After two years, who knows?"