Lacking a true center on his roster last season, coach Doug Collins was persuaded in January to give assistant coach Johnny Bach's pet project, power forward Theo Ratliff, a chance to start in the pivot. Ratliff responded by averaging 8.2 points and shooting 56% as a starter. With Brian Williams now on board, Ratliff, a 6'10" shot blocker extraordinare who averaged 4.1 blocks per 48 minutes, will move back to his natural position. "I'm glad I had the opportunity to play the 5 last season so I know what it's like and what I need to work on—getting stronger and being more aggressive," says Ratliff, who is entering his third season. "But the 4 is my natural position, and that's where I will shine."