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All they want for Christmas is ...
With Christmas rapidly approaching, let's take a look at the wish lists of a few contending teams. Philadelphia 76ers: Bigger numbers from Toni Kukoc. The small forward probably won't ever be the defensive player Larry Brown would like him to be, but if Kukoc could step up offensively, that would be a huge plus for the Sixers. New York Knicks: A comfortable, productive Glen Rice. For Rice to fit into the Knicks' offense on a consistent basis, he has to be one of the main go-to options on offense. If he's third or fourth, it just doesn't work for him. Cleveland Cavaliers: Outside shooting. Trajan Langdon only plays now and then, and Wesley Person has yet to produce. Charlotte Hornets: A physically fit Derrick Coleman. He would give them another frontline player. If the Hornets have been exceptionally good this year, Santa also would get them a big guard. David Wesley (6-foot-1) and Baron Davis (6-foot-3) are good, but they're both undersized. Utah Jazz: A consistent Greg Ostertag. The center has never had a consistent season for them, but he's been very effective in individual games. When Ostertag plays well, the Jazz win. Dallas Mavericks: Gary Trent playing at a 100 percent and a healthy Don Nelson.
Sacramento Kings: Average defense from Jason Williams. If the Kings' starting point guard could play any kind of consistent defense, it would pick up their first unit. Their second unit is very tough defensively, but their first unit isn't good enough. That's the only thing holding them back. Portland Trail Blazers: Peace and harmony with the referees and a shooting companion for Steve Smith on the perimeter. L.A. Lakers: Defensive help. The Lakers added three guys -- Isaiah Rider, Michael Penberthy and Greg Foster -- who aren't defensive players. The team's intensity level is down some as a whole, but their recent additions aren't defensive minded. San Antonio Spurs: Team chemistry. The Spurs just haven't jelled this season. Derrick Anderson has played well, but they're going to Tim Duncan a lot on the offensive end, and I'm not sure he relishes that role; he'd rather get his points in the flow of the game.
Kevin Loughery is a former NBA player and head coach. He appears each Sunday on CNN's This Week in the NBA.
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