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Troubled waters NBA season has already seen its share of tribulations
Updated: Tuesday December 05, 2000 8:19 AM
NBA insider Marty Burns spoke with CNN/Sports Illustrated's Larry Smith about the goings-on around the league on CNN's "This Week in the NBA" Sunday: Larry Smith: After showing up an hour late for a game against the Pacers, Isaiah Rider played only four minutes. The Lakers knew of Rider's past when he joined the team; what does his future hold? Marty Burns: I think the Isaiah Rider situation has reached a critical juncture right now. This was the second time he was late for a game in about 10 days and after the game he and GM Mitch Kupchak had a long conversation in the hallway and I don't think they were talking about the Florida recount. The Lakers are at the point where they are not going to put up with too much more from Rider. I think he is a great weapon for that team, but he's got to show up on time and play by the rules. Otherwise, the Lakers are going to let him go. Smith: Nate McMillan replaced Paul Westphal as coach of the Sonics and right away he's made a difference by shuffling the lineup and sending Vin Baker to the bench. Baker had his best shooting game of the season against the Lakers the other night, but will he be happy long-term coming off the bench? Burns: That's the question for Nate McMillan. Baker is a guy who has been an All-Star and an Olympian, but he has also been a guy who has struggled with his confidence in the past. How long McMillan can keep him happy on the bench is the question. Also, Ruben Patterson is a guy playing for a new contract next year, so he is another player who will not be too happy going to the bench. It will be interesting to see how McMillan can keep these guys happy and focused on winning. Smith: Offense is down all around the league. Didn't the league issue rule changes over the summer to increase scoring? Burns: Yes, they did, but it hasn't had the effect they had hoped for so far. Some of the offensive screens have been called for fouls, coaches have gone away from that and more to isolation, one-on-one play. So in a way, it has had the opposite effect. It has led to some of the more boring aspects of the game. I think, however, the players will adjust and as time goes on, it will get better. Smith: How big was Joe Smith's signing with the Detroit Pistons? Burns: It was boon for the Pistons for a number of reasons. One, it gave them credibility around the league. Joe Dumars had to out-recruit Dallas owner Mark Cuban to get Smith and that sent a message to the players saying this might not be the basketball backwater that they thought it would be when Grant Hill left. Two, it has given them some flexibility to make some other moves. They've already traded Cedric Ceballos to the Heat; they also have Jerome Williams, who they may be able to move to the Clippers for Corey Maggette. Signing Smith has just been a big help to the Pistons all across the board. Smith: What has impressed you the most about Karl Malone over the years? Burns: Well, whether you love him or hate him, you've got to respect the Mailman for his work ethic. When he came into the league, he was a sub-50 percent free-throw shooter and he worked at it and made himself better. He was at 60 percent the next year, at 70 percent the next year, and then 70 percent throughout his career. Since then, he has led the league in free throws made, I think, eight times. Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com.
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