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Hoops 101 NBA teams go back to school in preseason
For many NBA teams, training camps are a lot like back-to-school season. And not just because of the presence of such teenagers as Darius Miles and Jonathan Bender. With so many questions surrounding chemistry (the Blazers and Knicks), biology ( Alonzo Mourning' s kidneys and Zydrunas Ilgauskas' feet), economics ( Chris Webber and Dikembe Mutombo ) and those new teachers right out of college ( Lon Kruger and Leonard Hamilton ), it can all be as confusing as the first day of class. So to prepare for the 2000-01 NBA season, we offer an academic primer. Call it Hoops 101.
ChemistryNo subject figures to be more important this season. In Portland, coach Mike Dunleavy must somehow find a way to mesh the talents and egos of frontcourt stars Arvydas Sabonis, Rasheed Wallace, Shawn Kemp and Dale Davis, while also keeping loose-cannon point guard Damon Stoudamire from pouting over his lack of p.t.
If Dunleavy succeeds, and the team's aging bodies hold up, the Blazers could concoct a winning potion. Chemistry issues also figure prominently in New York, which must find a way to blend the perimeter talents of Latrell Sprewell, Allan Houston and newly acquired Glen Rice, and in Miami, where coach Pat Riley must teach his defensive rules to newcomers Eddie Jones, Anthony Mason and Brian Grant. As for that Larry Brown-Allen Iverson mix in Philly, safety goggles and protective gloves should be worn at all times.
BiologyAlways a key component of any winning grade in the NBA. In San Antonio, doctors will be watching carefully as Tim Duncan attempts to rebound from the knee injury that derailed the Spurs' repeat title hopes a year ago. Same in Orlando, where Grant Hill' s broken left foot, which required offseason surgery, still hasn't completely healed.Cleveland's playoff hopes will rise and fall on the health of $71 million center Ilgauskas, coming off a foot injury that sidelined him nearly all of the past two seasons. Perhaps the biggest concern, however, is in Miami, where all-star center Mourning is currently out with a mysterious kidney ailment. Without Zo, Miami's title hopes go the way of the fetal pig.
EconomicsBoring, perhaps, but a subject crucial to any prosperous future.Just ask fans in Charlotte and Houston, where voter referendums next month will determine whether the Hornets and Rockets, respectively, stay in town or move to greener pastures (Hello, Louisville!). Speaking of moving, Kings forward Chris Webber and Hawks center Dikembe Mutombo figure to head next year's free agent class, meaning each will be spending the next eight months fending off more suitors than a Homecoming Queen. As for the league, it will be trying to find a way to reverse that slide in attendance and TV ratings. No plans for a walk-a- thon yet, but expect to see a lot of the Lakers on NBC.
New teachersIt wouldn't be a new year without at least a couple of young, well- meaning teachers right out of college to bring a fresh jolt of energy and enthusiasm. In Atlanta, Lon Kruger takes over a dismal team with more youngsters than a kindergarten class. At least Isaiah Rider won't be around to disrupt matters anymore. Then there's Leonard Hamilton, who will try to turn around that band of underachieving Wizards in Washington without having to ask the boss, Mr. Jordan, to join the class. If Hamilton or Kruger need any advice, they can always dial up Rick Pitino in Boston or Tim Floyd in Chicago and ask. On second thought, never mind. Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a comment.
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