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Changing landscape Mourning's return makes East race more interesting
Updated: Wednesday March 28, 2001 4:37 PM
One of Alonzo Mourning's great strengths as a center is his ability to run and beat other big men down the floor. No one knows whether he's going to have the endurance to do that for a full 40 minutes during a game, but it certainly does look as though it vaults the Heat from a longshot contender for the Eastern title to one of the favorites.
If 'Zo can give them anything similar to what he did before he came down with this kidney ailment, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks have a new partner in a three-team set of favorites for the Eastern Conference title.
More comeback talkMichael Jordan isn't the only retired guard who is the subject of comeback rumors.
Jeff Hornacek, the Jazz backcourt man who called it quits after last season, has drawn interest from teams looking for veteran help off the bench in the playoffs. Hornacek has reportedly been contacted by the Suns and Lakers, and he mentioned the possibility of returning for a playoff run when he announced his retirement last season.
But Hornacek was talking about coming back to the Jazz, and Utah doesn't seem very interested. Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor says Hornacek's creaky knees make a comeback a longshot. But Utah coach Jerry Sloan says it's at least "a possibility. Jeff could shoot it in wheelchair."
A Sonic after all?Rockets forward Maurice Taylor nearly signed with the Sonics last season, but accepted a one-year, $2.25 million deal from Houston when Seattle wasn't able to trade Vin Baker and clear a spot for him. But Taylor, who will be a free agent again at the end of the year, may finally end up in a Sonic uniform.
The Rockets are planning to pursue Chris Webber with the $12 million they're expected to be under the salary cap, which would leave Taylor out on the open market again. He's made it clear that he would strongly consider Seattle, but only if the Sonics unload Baker, which they will do their best to accomplish this summer.
Rookie race in chaosInjuries to the Warriors' Marc Jackson and the Nets' Kenyon Martin have thrown the Rookie of the Year race into a state of chaos. Jackson has the best stats, but he's played only 48 games and may be out for the year with a groin injury. Martin had a good second half before a broken leg ended his season.
That leaves an opening for two rookies whose who are helping their teams make the playoffs, Toronto's Morris Peterson and Orlando's Mike Miller. Both have played their way into the starting lineup and shot around 40 percent from 3-point range.
It's a four-man race at the moment, and don't be surprised if the award has to be shared for the second consecutive season. Elton Brand and Steve Francis were Co-Rookies of the Year in 1999-2000.
Sports Illustrated senior writer Phil Taylor covers the NBA beat for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com. Click here to send a question to Phil's NBA mailbag.
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