Coach...or First Class?

20. Bulls
Marquee free agents won't come, though lottery picks should be plentiful. Unfortunately, there are also two Jerrys—Krause and Reinsdorf—too many.

21. Nuggets
Antonio McDyess is a rising star, but as the mutiny in December suggests, this group is no walk in the park.

22. Jazz
What comes after the aging combination of Stockton to Malone? Crotty to Ostertag? Salt Lake City's not exactly a mecca for free agents.

23. Nets
It's great having Stephon Marbury, but how long will it be until he grows weary of watching teammates troop to the injured list?

24. Pistons
If free-agent-to-be Webber returns home, you have a title contender. If not, you have to listen to endless Bill Laimbeer stories.

25. Hornets
Bad omens: sagging attendance, possible move to another city, presence of Derrick Coleman.

26. Hawks
Stain of the Steve-Smith-for-Isaiah-Rider trade will take a long time to erase.

27. Cavaliers
They're forever teetering on the edge of the playoffs, delaying a complete rebuilding effort.

28. Grizzlies
Have flopped in Vancouver for a reason: their won-loss mark.

29. Clippers
Your mission: Accept a pitiable salary and teach young players who will flee at the earliest opportunity.