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© Volume 4 Issue 1 1997 - ‘98 NBA Season Preview Edition November 1997

BASKETBALL FOR THOUGHT by Kris Gardner, e-mail: [email protected] My 25% Theory

The 1997 - 1998 Season is Filled w/ Questions The NBA is cyclical. As a result, teams experience tran- “Wow, he 1997 - 1998 sitional periods in their quest I coach? NBA season is to pursue the NBA title. I should How underway and it believe teams are either have many promises to be a building for a championship stayed games will very exciting year. The or rebuilding toward a cham- in the Eastern Conference should pionship. Consequently, I Seat- Nuggets be a battle every night with believe the league throughout tle?” lose this nearly every team improving its history, will always have a H season? from the previous season. class system consisting of ow How The Western Conference has elite teams, good teams, much many a legitimate (on paper) 7 mediocre teams, and bad of triple dou- teams, sorry Minnesota, who teams. The teams will gener- should be locks for the play- Den- bles will © ally break down along a 25% offs. As the season pro- line for each category. As a gresses, many questions will How much of ’s incentive laden contract result, the following is how be answered: will be paid to either the league office or the Bulls? the 1997 - ‘98 season breaks Will the Bulls down: pull off their “Repeat Three - peat”? nis Rodman’s incentive Detroit’s collect Teams w/ an Immediate Goal Will Houston’s Charles laden contract will be paid to this season? of a Championship Entering Barkley’s new body guard either the league office or the Will any teammates be This Season : get arrested when someone Bulls? How many games in able to help Golden State Chicago, Utah, Houston, Mi- throws ice on him? a row will the Bulls win guard win ami, New York, LA Lakers Will the when returns games for the Warriors? and Seattle. lack of scoring production to his All - NBA status after Which team is from the posi- his surgery? going to end the season play- Teams Moving Toward the tion keep them from achiev- When will Dallas GM ing for? Championship : ing elite status? fire Can Houston’s Big Atlanta, Detroit, Charlotte, When will the and name as- Three: , San Antonio, Phoenix, Port- Celtic players break down sistant coach Garry St. Jean land, and . from head coach Rick (Continued on page 13) Pitino’s aggressive trapping Inside This Issue Page(s) Teams on Their Way Up / philosophy? Teams on Their Way Down : How are the Charlotte Basketball For Thought; My 25% Theory 1 Washington, Minnesota, Or- Hornets going to resolve NBA State of the Team Address 2, 3 lando, Milwaukee, , their problems with veteran NBA Team by Team Key Off - season Moves 4, 5 LA Clippers, Golden State, guard Muggsy NBA Opening Day Team by Team Rosters 6 - 9 and Sacramento. Bogues? Roundball Predictions 10 How long will it take Teams that are Rebuilding / Reviewing Recent NBA Trades 11, 12 Cleveland head coach Mike Building for the Future : NBA News 13, 15 Fratello to resort to his slow Dallas, Toronto, New Jersey, down tactics? Will Shawn An Early Look: 1998 NBA Free Agents 14 Boston, Denver, Philadel- Kemp ever admit to himself: Roundball “Rim” Shots; Upcoming Features 16 phia, and Vancouver.

The Houston Roundball Review P.O. Box 70516 Houston, TX 77270 - 0516 888-ROUNBAL www.houstonroundballrev.com Page 2 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review

NBA State of the Team Address by: Kris Gardner (As of November 2nd) Atlanta Hawks : ble with quick ball clubs orado basketball icon from NBA player with a great Summary : A healthy Alan who can pressure the ball high school and college. perimeter shot. As long as Henderson will be key to the and up the tempo. Dennis LaPhonso Ellis was disap- ’ feet don’t success of the Hawks this Rodman is not quite ready pointed to start the season cause him problems, Indi- season. Last year he had vi- to play 30 to 35 minutes a on the injured list. How- ana should be successful. ral pancreatitis which lim- game. Toni Kukoc is not ever, his health is key to the LA Clippers : ited his effectiveness for just in shape from resting his Nuggets winning 30 plus Summary : The Clips are about the entire season. If foot all summer. Hope- games this season. the Clips. has he stays healthy, Alan, fully, MJ will receive : looked good early on; how- while coming off the bench, enough help from his team- Summary : The Pistons ever, he has been the only will provide the Hawks the mates so he won’t wear went from being a team one. Rookie forward Mau- scoring everyone says they down before Pippen returns without a center last season rice Taylor looks like a good lack at the small forward in either late December or to a team without a power player. Taylor has much position. early January. forward. If they can get more offense than Bo Out- : : consistent production from law who left for Orlando; Summary : Head coach Summary : The Cavs and / or Theo however, the Clips will miss continues to signed and Ratliff, they could really Bo’s ability to create havoc form the Cs in his own im- to contract contend for the best record on defense. age. Acquiring Walter Mc- extensions. Rookie center in the East. Grant Hill is LA Lakers : Carty, Dontae’ Jones, and looked better than he was last Summary : from the good in the first 2 regular year—scary thought. energizes Lakers’ fans every Knicks for was season games. Rookie Golden St. Warriors : time he touches the basket- a good move. Mills really guard has Summary : The Warriors ball. As long as Shaq re- didn’t fit in with the type of already assumed the lead- acquired and covers from his strained ab- style Pitino likes his teams ership role of running the David Vaughn from Or- dominal muscle, look for to play. Acquiring Roy club from . Sura lando for . Shaw to be dealt for Rogers from the Grizzlies is best suited to slash to the should be able to help La- . Shaq for basket and dunk over trell Sprewell once Brian slapping Utah C Greg Os- should give Boston the nec- somebody. gets healthy. Joe Smith is tertag during practice the essary shot blocker to an- : going through the motions. day of the regular season chor their full court defense. Summary : He’s too light to play power opener was really an imma- Rookie should have arrived from forward and not a good ture move which doesn’t has strug- playing in the Australian enough perimeter shooter to bode well for the club’s gled and Pitino has already Pro League. If the Mavs be a small forward. The championship aspirations. shopped him around the can stay healthy, they Warriors will struggle all : league. should be able to compete season. Summary : ’ of- : night in and night out as : fense should really help the Summary : well as surprise some Summary : Heat this season. As long as has struggled early adjust- teams (re: Seattle). Shawn decided not to retire. Why can be a ing to where his new team- Bradley has gained weight don’t the Rockets have consistent offensive threat, mates want the ball. The and kept it on; so, he problems with their 3 point Mashburn can remain with Hornets best ball distributor, should improve his produc- guards like the Warriors did the Heat. However, Pat Ri- , is not tion this season. all last season? The team ley finally realizes that happy with how the club is : needs to reduce their Mash is not similar to Grant handling him. Bogues be- Summary : turnovers. Rookie Rodrick Hill like Riles indicated lieves his knee is healthy may be the best point guard Rhodes is going to help this when he acquired Mash last enough to play; but, the from this summer’s Draft. club all year long. season. What does it mean Hornets aren’t so sure. The Nuggets reportedly : that the Heat have a win- : turned down an offer from Summary : The Pacers lack ning record without Zo? Summary : Losing to the the Celtics to acquire of quickness could be a : Celtics in the first game of Chauncey Billups for Jack- problem the entire season. Summary : The Bucks the regular season is no big son which says a lot con- has made have improved their team deal. The Bulls have trou- sidering Billups is a Col- himself into a legitimate (Continued on page 3) The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 3

NBA State of the Team Address by: Kris Gardner (As of November 2nd)

(Continued from page 2) dency to tighten their rotation accolades. club is still adjusting to Vin chemistry and their team to 8 or 9 players. Head coach Portland Trailblazers : Baker. Jim McIlvaine hasn’t defense. However, with the ’s motto for Summary : The Blazers been healthy enough to con- Eastern Conference im- the club this year is “It’s are young, big, and ath- tribute at center. Of course, proved, the club still may Time”. Well, it’s been time letic. Combine all those some will say Mac isn’t good not qualify for the playoffs. for the last 5 years. qualities with immaturity, enough to contribute at cen- should be ready : and you have a volatile ter. will make to take off and have an ex- Summary : Mark Price mix. They’ll win games; the best out his last year ceptional season in his 2nd should alleviate some of the but, drive new coach Mike coaching the club. year in the league. The scoring load for Penny Hard- Dunleavy nuts with their Toronto Raptor s : Bucks lack of inside scoring away. The Magic really immaturity. Dunleavy has Summary : The Raptors may prove a problem. made a mistake signing Nick appointed can’t shoot. They can run. Minnesota T’wolves : Anderson to a long term con- team captain. Now, if that They can pass. They can de- Summary : tract. Nick hasn’t been the isn’t a frightening notion, I fend (except in the lane). has played well starting at same since he bricked the 4 don’t know what is. may miss the center so far. Stanley free throws in the Finals : entire season due to his car Roberts has played spar- against the Rockets. If he Summary : The count- accident. ingly thus far because he can’t produce, look for head down to the trading of All - : doesn’t have his condition- coach to play Star guard Mitch Rich- Summary : Apparently, Karl ing yet. If clubs allow Min- Penny at small forward with mond continues. The club Malone will need surgery to nesota to play fast break Mark Price and wants equal value in re- repair an injured tendon in a basketball, the T-wolves are in the back court. turn. They hope to be like finger on his right hand. going to be successful; how- Seattle and acquire a 76ers : However, he won’t have ever, Minnesota’s half court player of All - Star caliber Summary : Talent, thy name surgery until after the season. offense still needs a lot of in the deal. Good luck. is 76ers. The club has vehe- The injury sounds similar to work. Rookie guard Anthony mently denied rumors of a ’s in the past : Johnson is pushing Bobby New Jersey Nets deal involving Jerry Stack- which caused him a lot of Summary : Hurley for the starting house and problems any time his thumb may prove to be one of the spot. to the Lakers for Elden was hit. best scoring point guards in Campbell and Eddie Jones. : : the East. Rookie Keith Van Why would Lakers GM Jerry Summary : Charles Smith Summary : The Grizzlies Horn should be able to play West do that anyway? Allen started the season on the traded to Boston. in about 2 weeks once he’s Iverson is trying to be more injured list which must Grizzlies’ GM Stu Jackson recovered from his injured of a ball distributor this year mean the club has been un- swears the deal was made to ankle. as opposed to being a scoring successful in getting him to improve the club not because should contend for this machine like last year. The retire due to osteoarthritis Roy went public with his year’s league rebounding ti- players and coach Larry in his knee. frustrations at the lack of ef- tle. The Nets will be im- Brown must be patient in or- is a better low post player fort and professionalism the proved this year. der understand how Brown than David Robinson. Grizzlies’ players displayed : wants things to work. Teams are still trying to in the pre - season. Shareef Summary : Acquiring Chris : acquire from Abdur - Rahim will be an Mills and Summary : The Suns are the Spurs. ’s All- Star this season. make the Knicks “2 deep at have more depth and athleti- back is not a concern yet : every position and the deep- cism than perhaps any club in though he started the year Summary : Gheorghe Mure- est club in the league” ac- the league. is on the injured list. san is no where close to being cording to GM Ernie Grun- playing well at point / scoring Seattle Sonics : ready to play. He is still hav- feld. Big deal. Their guard which adds to the mix. Summary : Losing to Dal- ing problems with the turnover totals must de- hopes he and An- las at home in the second strained tendon in his right crease if they hope to seri- tonio McDyess can be the game of the regular season ankle. The Wizards need to ously contend for the title. next “Stockton to Malone” was disappointing; how- get off to a good start. If not, Being 2 deep doesn’t matter combination; however, he ever, the Sonics have their fans will turn on them come playoff time anyway wants championships not just blown a game to the Mavs and it will be much more dif- since coaches have a ten- almost every year. The ficult to make the playoffs. Page 4 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review

1997 NBA TEAM BY TEAM KEY OFF - SEASON MOVES

ATLANTIC DIVISION CENTRAL DIVISION

Boston Celtics: Atlanta Hawks: Key acquisitions : G Chauncey Billups (draft choice), F Andrew Key acquisitions : G (contract extension), F Tyrone DeClercq (free agent), G (free agent), F Dontae’ Jones Corbin (re - signed), G (draft choice), G Eldridge Recasner (acquired from New York), C Travis Knight (free agent), F Walter (re - signed) McCarty (acquired from New York), G (draft choice), Key departures : None. F Chris Mills (free agent), F Roy Rogers (acquired from Vancouver), F John Thomas (acquired from New York) Charlotte Hornets: Key departures : F (LA Lakers), F Chris Mills (traded to Key acquisitions : G (free agent), F J.R. Reid (free New York), G David Wesley (Charlotte), F Eric Williams (traded agent), G David Wesley (free agent) to Denver) Key departures : G (waived)

Miami Heat: Chicago Bulls: Key acquisitions : C (acquired from Sacramento), Key acquisitions : F / G (acquired from Golden State), G / F (free agent), G (re - signed), F G (re - signed) Terry Mills (free agent), G (free agent), G Charles Key Departures : C / F Brian Williams (Detroit) Smith (draft choice) Key departures : G John Crotty (Portland) Cleveland Cavaliers: Key acquisitions : G Derek Anderson (draft choice), G Sherman New Jersey Nets: Douglas (acquired from Milwaukee), G (acquired Key acquisitions : F David Benoit (re - signed), F / C from Phoenix), F Shawn Kemp (acquired from Seattle), G Brevin (acquired from Philly), G Sam Cassell (re - signed), G Sherman Knight (draft choice), G / F Wesley Person (acquired from Phoenix) Douglas (free agent), G (acquired from Philly), F G Bob Sura (contract extension) (draft rights acquired from Philly), F Don MacLean Key departures : G (traded to Milwaukee), F (acquired from Philly) (traded to Milwaukee), F Chris Mills (Boston), G Key departures : G / F (traded to Philly), C Eric Bobby Phills (Charlotte), C (Indiana) Montross (traded to Philly) Detroit Pistons: New York Knicks: Key acquisitions : G (re - signed), G (re Key acquisitions : G (re - signed), C Chris Dudley - signed), G / F Charles O’Bannon (draft choice), C (acquired from Portland), C (re - signed), F Chris (draft choice), F (re - signed), G / F (free Mills (acquired from Boston) agent), C / F Brian Williams (free agent) Key departures : F Walter McCarty (traded to Boston), F John Key departures : F / G Michael Curry (Milwaukee), F Terry Mills Wallace (traded to Toronto) (Miami), F (traded to Vancouver)

Orlando Magic: Indiana Pacers: Key acquisitions : G / F Nick Anderson (re - signed), F Bo Outlaw Key acquisitions : F (draft choice), F (free agent), G Mark Price (acquired from Golden State), F Derek (acquired from Golden State), C Mark West (free agent) Strong (re - signed), C (re - signed), F Johnny Key departures : C / F (traded to GS), F Duane Taylor (draft choice), G (re - signed) Ferrell (traded to GS) Key departures : F Dennis Scott (traded to Dallas), G Brian Shaw (traded to Golden State, F David Vaughn (traded to Golden State). Milwaukee Bucks: Key acquisitions : G Terrell Brandon (acquired from Cleveland), F : Michael Curry (free agent), F Tyrone Hill (acquired from Key acquisitions : F (free agent), F / G Mark Cleveland), C (acquired from Denver), Davis (free agent), F / G Jim Jackson (acquired from New Jersey), Key departures : F (traded to Seattle), G Sherman C (acquired from NJ), G Marko Milic (draft choice), Douglas (traded to Cleveland), G / F (traded to G (re - signed), G (draft rights Denver), F Joe Wolf (traded to Denver) acquired from New Jersey), F (draft rights acquired from New Jersey) : Key departures : F / C Michael Cage (traded to NJ), G Lucious Key acquisitions : G (re - signed), F / G Tracy Harris (traded to NJ), F Don MacLean (traded to NJ) McGrady (draft pick), F Carlos Rogers (re - signed), F John Wallace (acquired from New York), F (re - signed) Washington Bullets: Key departures : None. Key acquisitions : G (re - signed), F (re - signed), G (re - signed) Key departures : None. The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 5

1997 NBA TEAM BY TEAM KEY OFF - SEASON MOVES

MIDWEST DIVISION PACIFIC DIVISION

Dallas Mavericks: : Key acquisitions : C Chris Anstey (draft choice), G Key acquisitions : C / F Erick Dampier (acquired from Indiana), F (free agent), G (contract extension), F Dennis Scott (acquired from Indiana), F (draft (acquired from Orlando),G Erick Strickland (re - signed) choice), G Brian Shaw (acquired from Orlando), F Key departures : G Sasha Danilovic (Italy) (acquired from Chicago), F David Vaughn (acquired from Orlando). Key departures : F Scott Burrell (traded to Chicago), F Andrew Denver Nuggets: DeClercq (Boston), F Chris Mullin (traded to Indiana), G Mark Key acquisitions : F / C (draft choice), F Price (traded to Orlando). (draft choice), C (free agent), G (re - signed), G (acquired from Seattle), G Bobby : Jackson (draft choice), G / F Johnny Newman (acquired from Key acquisitions : G James Robinson (free agent) Milwaukee), F Eric Williams (acquired from Boston; contract Key departures : G (Sacramento), F Bo Outlaw extension), F Joe Wolf (acquired from Milwaukee) (Orlando), G / F Malik Sealy (Detroit) Key departures : F / G (traded to Seattle), F Antonio McDyess (traded to Phoenix), F (waived), C Ervin : Johnson (traded to Milwaukee) Key acquisitions : G (free agent), F Rick Fox (free agent), F (re - signed) Houston Rockets: Key departures : C / F Travis Knight (Boston) Key acquisitions : F (re - signed), G Emanual Davis (re - signed), F (re - signed), F Eddie Johnson Phoenix Suns: (re - signed), G Matt Maloney (re - signed), G / F Key acquisitions : F (re - signed), G (re (draft choice), C (draft choice) - signed), F Antonio McDyess (acquired from Denver), G Kevin Key departures : None. Johnson (re - signed), F George McCloud (free agent), F Clifford Robinson (free agent), C John Williams (re - signed) : Key departures : None. Key acquisitions : F (contract extension), C (draft choice), C (acquired from LA Portland Trailblazers: Clippers) Key acquisitions : G John Crotty (free agent), F (free Key departures : C Dean Garrett (Denver), G James Robinson (LA agent), C / F (draft choice), F Clippers), C Stojko Vrankovic (traded to LA Clippers) (contract extension) Key departures : F Clifford Robinson (Phoenix), C Chris Dudley San Antonio Spurs: (traded to New York) Key acquisitions : C / F Tim Duncan (draft choice), G (re - signed) Sacramento Kings: Key departures : None. Key acquisitions : F (free agent), G / F Olivier Saint - Jean (draft choice) Utah Jazz: Key departures : G Tyus Edney (Boston), F Brian Grant (Portland) Key acquisitions : G / F (re - signed), F (re - signed), G (re - signed), G Seattle Sonics: (re - signed), C (signed a 6 yr. contract extension), F Key acquisitions : G (free agent), F Vin Baker (re - signed), G (draft choice). (acquired from Milwaukee), F / G Dale Ellis (acquired from Key departures : F Stephen Howard (Seattle). Denver), F Stephen Howard (free agent), F (free agent), G (re - signed), F Aaron Williams (free agent), G Vancouver Grizzlies: / F David Wingate (re - signed) Key acquisitions : G (free agent), G Key departures : F Terry Cummings (Philly), F Shawn Kemp (draft choice), F / G (acquired from Houston), F Tony (traded to Cleveland) Massenburg (acquired from Boston), C (contract extension), G Chris Robinson (re - signed), F Otis Thorpe (acquired from Detroit) Key departures : G Greg Anthony (renounced), F Roy Rogers (traded to Boston), F Aaron Williams (Seattle) Page 6 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review NBA OPENING DAY TEAM BY TEAM ROSTERS (October 31, 1997) BOSTON CELTICS NEW YORK KNICKS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 11 G 5’11 163 1 Chris Childs G 6-3 195 4 Chauncey Billups G 6’3 202 14 Chris Dudley C 6’11 240 12 F 6’7 200 33 Patrick Ewing C 7-0 240 7 Dee Brown G 6’2 192 I 25 Ron Grandison F 6’6 220 45 Andrew DeClercq F-C 6’10 230 20 G 6-6 200 I 20 Tyus Edney G 5’10 152 2 Larry Johnson F 6-7 263 29 F-C 6’10 242 42 Chris Mills F 6’7 216 13 Dontae’ Jones F 6’8 220 8 Pete Myers F-G 6’6 190 40 Travis Knight C 7’0 235 34 F 6-9 245 0 Walter McCarty F 6’10 230 3 G 6-5 185 5 Ron Mercer G 6’7 210 21 G 6-2 190 I 9 G 6’6 230 52 F 6-8 225 I 99 Roy Rogers F-C 6’10 230 32 C 6-11 260 55 John Thomas F 6’9 255 8 F 6’9 225 ORLANDO MAGIC Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. MIAMI HEAT 25 Nick Anderson G-F 6’6 228 Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 10 G 6’1 180 2 G-F 6’8 224 34 F 6’8 220 8 C 6’10 270 54 F 6’10 245 42 P.J. Brown F 6’11 240 1 Anfernee Hardaway G 6’7 215 31 Duane Causwell C 7’0 240 12 Derek Harper G 6’4 206 11 Todd Day F-G 6’6 188 I 9 Tim Kempton F 6’9 255 10 G 6’4 195 I 8 C-F 6’11 240 I 12 Malcolm Huckaby G 6’2 218 45 Charles “Bo” Outlaw F 6’8 210 21 Voshon Lenard G 6’4 205 5 Mark Price G 6’0 180 9 G-F 6’6 220 24 Danny Schayes C 6’11 260 24 Jamal Mashburn F 6’8 250 4 C 6’11 253 6 Terry Mills F 6’10 250 33 F 6’9 240 I 33 C 6’10 261 I 17 Johnny Taylor F 6’9 220 5 Eric Murdock G 6’1 200 21 Gerald Wilkins G-F 6’6 225 I 14 Charles Smith G 6’4 194 30 Mark Strickland F 6’9 220 PHILADELPHIA 76ers NEW JERSEY NETS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 44 Derrick Coleman F 6’10 260 22 David Benoit F 6’8 220 34 Terry Cummings F 6’9 250 45 Michael Cage F 6’9 248 7 Mark Davis F-G 6’7 210 10 Sam Cassell G 6’3 185 3 G 6’0 165 33 C 7’0 265 22 Jim Jackson F-G 6’6 220 20 G 6’1 195 I 20 Marko Milic F-G 6’6 235 21 G 6’3 210 00 Eric Montross C 7’0 270 15 F-C 6’10 230 9 Doug Overton G 6’3 190 13 G 6’5 216 I 12 Anthony Parker G-F 6’6 215 I 54 C 6’10 242 42 G-F 6’6 218 12 Lucious Harris G 6’5 205 I 41 F 6’8 239 I 11 G 6’1 180 1 Tim Thomas F 6’10 230 30 G 6’5 179 23 G 6’4 190 I 24 Don MacLean F 6’10 235 35 F 6’7 240 44 Keith Van Horn F 6’10 220 55 Scott Williams C-F 6’10 230 55 Jayson Williams F 6’10 245 WASHINGTON WIZARDS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 40 G-F 6’7 215 S 52 Terry Davis F-C 6’10 250 44 F 6’9 225 31 F 6’7 230 5 F 6’9 250 I 23 Tim Legler G 6’4 200 I 77 Gheorghe Muresan C 7’7 303 35 F 6’7 228 2 G 6’0 169 I - Injured list 1 G 6’3 185 S - Suspended list 30 Ben Wallace F-C 6’9 245 4 F 6’10 245 12 Chris Whitney G 6’0 170 43 Lorenzo Williams C 6’9 230 The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 7

I - Injured list S - Suspended list CENTRAL DIVISION ATLANTA HAWKS DETROIT PISTONS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 50 Greg Anderson C-F 6’10 250 4 Joe Dumars G 6-3 195 10 Mookie Blaylock G 6-1 185 33 Grant Hill F 6-8 225 52 F 6’8 215 1 Lindsey Hunter G 6-2 195 33 F 6-6 225 43 Grant Long F 6-9 248 46 Chris Crawford F 6’9 235 44 Rick Mahorn F 6-10 260 22 Ed Gray G 6’3 210 23 Aaron McKie G 6’5 209 44 F 6-9 235 I 5 Charles O’Bannon G 6’5 209 32 F-C 6’11 245 31 Scott Pollard C 6’11 265 2 Anthony “Pig” Miller F 6’9 255 42 F-C 6-10 225 55 C 7’2 258 52 Don Reid F-C 6-8 250 I 5 Eldridge Recasner G 6’3 190 I 10 G 6’2 195 8 G 6’8 215 14 Malik Sealy F-G 6’8 200 20 Donald Whiteside G 5’10 170 8 Brian Williams C 6’11 260 13 Jerome Williams F 6-9 206

CHARLOTTE HORNETS INDIANA PACERS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 15 G 6’3 200 4 G 5’11 182 1 Tyrone Bogues G 5-3 141 21 Etdrick Bohannon F 6’9 220 30 G-F 6-5 205 I 44 Austin Croshere F 6’9 235 00 G 6-2 189 33 F-C 6’9 230 12 C 7-1 260 32 F 6’11 230 8 Tony Farmer F 6’9 244 20 Fred Hoiberg G 6’4 203 52 F-C 7-1 245 13 G 6’3 185 14 Anthony Mason F 6-8 250 I 9 Derrick McKey F 6’10 225 13 Bobby Phills G 6’5 226 31 G 6’7 185 7 J.R. Reid F-C 6’10 247 17 Chris Mullin F 6’7 215 41 G-F 6-8 220 53 F 6’10 235 4 David Wesley G 6’1 202 5 G 6’8 210 I 32 Travis Williams F 6’7 224 45 Rik Smits C 7’4 265 41 Mark West C 6’10 246 I 3 G 6’3 180 CHICAGO BULLS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. MILWAUKEE BUCKS I 22 F 6’6 226 Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 1 G 6’2 191 34 Ray Allen G 6-5 205 30 G-F 6’6 228 7 Terrell Brandon G 5’11 173 24 Scott Burrell F-G 6’7 218 22 F 6’6 216 35 F 6’8 256 15 Michael Curry G 6’5 227 9 G 6’6 216 11 F 6’8 255 23 Michael Jordan G 6’6 216 30 Armon Gilliam F 6-9 260 25 G 6’3 181 42 Tyrone Hill F 6’10 250 53 C 7’0 271 25 F-G 6’9 254 7 Toni Kukoc F-G 6’11 232 40 Ervin Johnson C 6’11 245 13 C 7’2 292 I 28 C 6-11 275 I 33 Scottie Pippen F 6’7 228 9 F 6’6 222 91 Dennis Rodman F 6’7 220 5 G 6-0 160 34 C 7’0 277 13 F 6-7 235

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS TORONTO RAPTORS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 23 Derek Anderson G 6’5 195 21 C-F 6’11 220 6 G-F 6’5 210 13 Doug Christie G-F 6’6 205 I 27 Tony Dumas G 6’7 190 00 Chris Garner G 5’10 156 35 F 6-10 235 54 F 6’8 250 I 20 Greg Graham G 6’4 182 I 25 John Long G 6’5 200 45 Cedric Henderson F 6’7 215 1 Tracy McGrady G-F 6’8 210 11 Zydrunas Ilgauskas C 7-3 238 31 G 6’1 195 32 Henry James F 6’8 220 34 Carlos Rogers F 6’11 220 4 Shawn Kemp F 6’10 256 24 Reggie Slater F 6’7 255 12 Brevin Knight G 5’10 173 I 40 C 7’0 264 1 Wesley Person G 6’6 195 20 G 5’10 171 52 C-F 6-10 280 3 Zan Tabak C 7’0 245 44 Shawnelle Scott C 6-11 250 44 John Wallace F 6’9 225 3 Bob Sura G 6-5 200 42 Walt Williams F-G 6’8 230 I 4 Sharone Wright C-F 6’11 260 Page 8 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review MIDWEST DIVISION DALLAS MAVERICKS MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 44 C 7’6 248 43 G 6’6 220 55 Adrian Caldwell F-C 6’9 265 I 15 F 6’9 245 I 42 Ace Custis F 6’7 211 21 Kevin Garnett F 6’11 220 24 Hubert Davis G 6’5 183 I 40 Paul Grant C 7’0 245 4 Michael Finley G-F 6’7 215 24 F 6’10 240 45 A.C. Green F 6’9 225 31 G 6’4 195 I 13 Martin Muursepp F 6’9 235 3 G 6’2 180 3 Kevin Ollie G 6’4 195 42 Sam Mitchell F 6’7 215 I 4 G 6’2 190 44 Cherokee Parks F-C 6’11 240 6 G 6’3 201 30 G 6’3 195 7 Dennis Scott F 6’7 229 53 Stanley Roberts C 7’0 290 20 Erick Strickland G 6’3 210 22 F-C 6’11 255 40 F 6’9 240 5 G-F 6’6 220 52 F 6’9 240 4 G 6’2 175 35 F 6’5 230 SAN ANTONIO SPURS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. DENVER NUGGETS 1 G 6’1 190 Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 15 G 6’4 200 4 Tony Battie F-C 6’11 240 21 Tim Duncan F-C 7’0 248 I 20 LaPhonso Ellis F 6’8 240 32 F-G 6’8 220 15 Danny Fortson F 6’7 260 4 G 6’2 190 21 Dean Garrett C 6’11 250 7 F 6’9 225 5 Anthony Goldwire G 6’2 182 2 G-F 6’6 215 13 Bobby Jackson G 6’1 185 6 Avery Johnson G 5’11 180 30 Priest Lauderdale C 7’4 325 41 Will Perdue C 7’0 240 22 Johnny Newman G-F 6’7 225 I 45 Chuck Person F 6’8 235 I 55 C-F 6’9 250 50 David Robinson C 7’1 250 23 G 6’5 208 31 F 6’7 250 14 Eric Washington G 6’4 190 I 54 Charles Smith F 6’10 245 32 Eric Williams F 6’8 220 3 F 6’8 225 17 Joe Wolf F-C 6’11 254 25 C 7’0 266

UTAH JAZZ HOUSTON ROCKETS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 40 Shandon Anderson F 6’6 208 4 Charles Barkley F 6’6 252 55 Antoine Carr F 6’9 255 50 Matt Bullard F 6’10 240 10 Howard Eisley G 6’2 177 15 Emanual Davis G 6’5 195 44 C 6’11 250 22 Clyde Drexler G-F 6’7 222 14 Jeff Hornacek G 6’4 190 17 F-G 6’5 210 25 G 6’1 170 32 Othella Harrington F-C 6’9 235 31 F 6’9 241 8 Eddie Johnson F 6’8 215 32 F 6’9 256 12 Matt Maloney G 6’3 200 43 Chris Morris F 6’8 220 34 C 7’0 255 00 Greg Ostertag C 7’2 280 20 G 6’1 185 3 Bryon Russell F 6’7 225 1 Rodrick Rhodes G-F 6’6 225 I 12 John Stockton G 6’1 175 I 41 Joe Stephens F 6’7 273 11 Jacque Vaughn G 6’1 190 42 F-C 7’0 245 I 43 Serge Zwikker C 7’3 273

VANCOUVER GRIZZLIES Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 3 Shareef Abdur-Rahim F 6-9 230 I 4 Marcus Brown G 6’3 185 23 Pete Chilcutt F 6-11 240 33 Antonio Daniels G 6’4 195 30 G-F 6-4 229 I 32 Doug Edwards F 6-7 228 34 George Lynch F 6-8 228 7 Sam Mack F-G 6’7 220 44 Tony Massenburg F 6’9 250 I - Injured list 11 G 6-1 180 S - Suspended list 40 Ivano Newbill F-C 6’11 245 7 G 6-4 208 50 Bryant Reeves C 7-0 275 I 5 Chris Robinson G 6-5 208 10 Otis Thorpe F 6’10 246 The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 9 PACIFIC DIVISION GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS PHOENIX SUNS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 11 B.J. Armstrong G 6’2 185 2 Mark Bryant F-C 6’9 245 12 G 6’2 182 1 F 6’7 220 35 Erick Dampier C 6’11 265 I 24 Tom Chambers F-C 6’10 230 20 Dell Demps G 6’4 210 17 Rex Chapman G 6’4 195 33 Duane Ferrell F 6’7 215 7 Kevin Johnson G 6’1 190 31 Adonal Foyle F 6’8 250 32 Jason Kidd G 6’4 212 52 C 6’11 255 17 Horacio Llamas C 6’11 285 S 34 F 6’8 245 15 F-C 6’10 234 3 F 6’9 230 21 George McCloud F 6’8 225 I 20 Brian Shaw G-F 6’6 215 34 Antonio McDyess F 6’9 220 8 Dickey Simpkins F-C 6’10 264 I 40 F-C 6’10 260 32 Joe Smith F 6’10 225 13 Steve Nash G 6’3 195 50 C 7’0 280 30 Cliff Robinson F 6’10 235 15 Latrell Sprewell G 6’5 190 18 John Williams C-F 6’11 245 43 Larry Stewart F 6’8 230 I 34 David Vaughn F-C 6’9 240 PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 7 Kenny Anderson G 6’1 168 31 Brent Barry G 6’6 195 17 Vincent Askew F-G 6’6 235 33 , Jr. C 7’3 212 2 F-G 6’8 205 I 32 James Collins G 6’4 196 31 Kelvin Cato C-F 6’11 255 15 Darrick Martin G 5’11 170 12 John Crotty G 6’2 194 7 F 6’7 236 44 Brian Grant F 6’9 254 52 G-F 6’7 215 19 Sean Higgins F-G 6’9 215 2 G 6’1 180 I 53 C 7’0 245 26 James Robinson G 6’2 180 5 Jermaine O’Neal F 6’11 226 54 F 6’7 255 34 Isaiah Rider G 6’5 215 23 F 6’9 260 11 C 7’3 292 35 F 6’9 240 I 33 F 6’8 250 11 Stojko Vrankovic C 7’2 260 30 Rasheed Wallace F 6’10 225 55 F 6’11 240 21 G 6’4 185 I 10 F 6’8 256

LOS ANGELES LAKERS SACRAMENTO KINGS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 20 Jon Barry G 6’5 210 3 Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf G 6-1 162 23 F 6’9 235 24 Terry Dehere G 6’4 190 43 F 6-10 242 51 Lawrence Funderburke F 6’9 230 8 Kobe Bryant G 6-6 200 I 40 Kevin Gamble G-F 6-6 225 41 F-C 6-11 250 54 Derek Grimm F 6’9 230 2 G 6-1 200 7 G 6-0 165 17 Rick Fox F 6’7 242 10 Anthony Johnson G 6’3 190 5 Robert Horry F 6’10 230 30 F-G 6-9 225 6 Eddie Jones G 6-6 190 0 Olden Polynice C 7-0 250 34 Shaquille O’Neal C 7-1 330 2 Mitch Richmond G 6-5 215 45 F-C 6-10 260 I 9 Olivier Saint - Jean G-F 6’6 223 I 24 Shea Seals G 6’5 210 I 32 Kevin Salvadori C 7-0 231 9 G 6-1 183 34 Michael Smith F 6-8 230 13 Michael Stewart C-F 6’10 230 4 F 6-7 245

SEATTLE SUPERSONICS Status No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. 2 Greg Anthony G 6’1 180 42 Vin Baker F 6’11 250 I 2 James Cotton G 6’5 220 9 Dale Ellis G-F 6’7 215 33 G 6-3 190 I 44 Stephen Howard F 6’9 250 7 Jerome Kersey F 6’7 225 22 Jim McIlvaine C 7-1 260 I 10 Nate McMillan G-F 6-5 200 I - Injured list 20 G 6-4 190 S - Suspended list 14 F-C 6-9 255 11 F 6-10 235 13 Eric Snow G 6-3 200 15 Aaron Williams F-C 6’9 225 25 David Wingate G-F 6-5 185 Page 10 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review Roundball Predictions

ROOKIES TO WATCH EASTERN CONFERENCE (listed alphabetically) Atlantic Division Central Division Note: rookies who should make a positive, and in some cases, 1. Miami, 59 - 23. 1. Chicago, 56 - 26. immediate impact on their team 2. New York, 58 - 24. 2. Charlotte, 54 - 28. 3. Washington, 46 - 36. 3. Detroit, 53 - 29. Derek Anderson, G, Clev. Bobby Jackson, G, Den. 4. Orlando, 43 - 39. 4. Atlanta, 52 - 30. Kelvin Cato, F / C, Port. Anthony Johnson, G, Sac. 5. New Jersey, 39 - 43. 5. Indiana, 48 - 34. Keith Closs, C, LAC Brevin Knight, G, Clev. 6. Philadelphia, 34 - 48. 6. Milwaukee, 42 - 40. Antonio Daniels, G, Van. Ron Mercer, G, Bos. 7. Boston, 28 - 54. 7. Cleveland, 40 - 42. Tim Duncan, F / C, SA Rodrick Rhodes, G / F, Hou. 8. Toronto, 34 - 48. Lawrence Funderburke, F, Sac. Charles Smith, G, Mia. Ed Gray, G, Atl. Tim Thomas, F, Phila. PLAYOFF TEAMS Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, Clev. Keith Van Horn, F, NJ Miami , Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Charlotte, Indiana, and Washington. PLAYERS TO WATCH Note: based on past health problems, volatility, off - court EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS problems, new contracts or teams, or projected improvement. Chicago vs. Miami

Shareef Abdur Rahim, F, Van. Walter McCarty, F, Bos. EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMP Ray Allen, G, Milw. Antonio McDyess, F, Phoe. Chicago, 4 - 3. Isaac Austin, F / C, Miami Chris Mullin, F, Ind. Vin Baker, F, Seattle Jermaine O’Neal, F, Port. Terrell Brandon, G, Milw. Greg Ostertag, C, Utah WESTERN CONFERENCE Dee Brown, G, Bos. Vitaly Potapenko, C / F, Clev. Midwest Division Pacific Division. Kobe Bryant, G / F, LAL Bryant Reeves, C, Van. 1. Houston, 56 - 26. 1. LA Lakers, 58 - 24. Sam Cassell, G, NJ Isaiah Rider, G, Port. 2. San Antonio, 52 - 30. 2. Seattle, 55 - 27. Derrick Coleman, F, Phil. Stanley Roberts, C, Minn. 3. Utah, 50 - 32. 3. Phoenix, 51 - 31. Sean Elliot, F, SA David Robinson, C, SA 4. Minnesota, 43 - 39. 4. Portland, 49 - 33. LaPhonso Ellis, F, Den Glen Robinson, F, Milw. 5. Dallas, 33 - 49. 5. Sacramento, 36 - 46. Kevin Garnett, F, Minn. Dennis Rodman, F, Chi. 6. Vancouver, 25 - 57. 6. LA Clippers, 34 - 48. Brian Grant, F, Port. Bryon Russell, F, Utah 7. Denver, 22 - 60. 7. Golden State, 30 - 52. , Orl. Dennis Scott, F, Dal. Tyrone Hill, F, Milw. Rod Strickland, G, Wash. Fred Hoiberg, G, Ind. Bob Sura, G / F, Clev. PLAYOFF TEAMS Lindsey Hunter, G, Det. Otis Thorpe, F, Van. Houston, Seattle, LA Lakers, Shawn Kemp, F, Clev Antoine Walker, F, Bos. Utah, San Antonio, Portland, Toni Kukoc, F, Chi. Brian Williams, C, Det. Phoenix, and Minnesota. Jamal Mashburn, F, Miami Jerome Williams, F, Det. WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS MOST IMPROVED TEAMS LA Lakers vs. Houston (listed alphabetically) WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMP Boston Celtics Milwaukee Bucks LA Lakers, 4 - 3. Dallas Mavericks Philadelphia 76ers Indiana Pacers San Antonio Spurs New Jersey Nets Vancouver Grizzlies NBA FINALS LA Lakers vs. Chicago

NBA CHAMP Chicago, 4 - 3. The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 11 Reviewing Recent NBA Trades (Salaries May not be Accurate; Analyses are posted on the web site w / i 2 days of the trade) October 28, 1997: Mack to Vancouver in ex- Brian Shaw, Golden St.: $3.75 M forward spot (Donyell Mar- “Celts Get Roy Rogers” David Vaughn, G. State: $326 K change for a future 2nd round Mark Price, Orlando: $4.09 M shall), head coach P. J. Car- pick. lesimo may be forced to play The Boston Celtics ac- Who got the better of the Sprewell at small forward, quired F Roy Rogers from Note : Houston gets the pick deal ? Shaw running the offense, and the Vancouver Grizzlies in in either 1999 or 2000. Golden State. Armstrong as the shooter. exchange for F Tony Massenburg and a future 1997 - ‘98 Salary : Why ? The Warriors gained salary 2nd round pick. Sam Mack, Vancouver: $326 K Throughout the pre - season cap flexibility with the trade the Magic looked like Penny plus another big forward in Notes: Who got the better of the and 11 other guys. No one David Vaughn who will add to ¨ Rogers can be a free deal ? else could deliver consistent their front court flexibility agent in the summer of Houston. point production. Acquiring which could possibly lead to 1999. Mark Price helps alleviate more trades. ¨ Massenburg will be a Why ? Vancouver needed a 3 point that problem. He is one of the free agent after the ‘99 October 23, 1997: shooter on the club. Mack top 3 point shooters in league - ‘00 season. “Knicks Acquire Mills in 5 can supply that; however, history. The Magic lost their Player Deal” 1997 - ‘98 Salaries : he’s a very streaky shooter. 3 point ability when they Roy Rogers, Boston: $763.1 K traded Dennis Scott for The New York Knicks ac- Tony Massenburg, Van.: $750 K Houston is very deep at small Derek Harper. quired veteran forward with Mario Elie, Who got the better of the Chris Mills and 2 second Eddie Johnson, plus the flex- "Mark shoots the ball ex- deal ? round draft picks from the ibility of having guards tremely well," coach Chuck Boston. Boston Celtics in exchange for Clyde Drexler and rookie Daly said. "His addition will give us increased depth in the rookie F John Thomas, sec- Why ? Rodrick Rhodes play the backcourt. And he has the ond year forwards Walter Mc- Roy Rogers, 6’10”, should position left Mack with very ability to score, which has Carty and Dontae’ Jones, and provide the Celtics the shot little opportunity of making been a deficiency of ours." G Scott Brooks. blocker necessary to anchor the club. the pressing and trapping Golden State has wanted to Notes : style of play head coach October 27, 1997: rid itself of the three point ¨ Boston waived Scott Rick Pitino wants to uti- “Mark Price Goes to Or- guard monster of Price, B.J. Brooks on 10 / 27. lize. The only negative for lando” Armstrong, and Bimbo ¨ The Knicks can choose Boston is Rogers’ bad Coles since February. Ac- any 2 of the Celtics 6 sec- knees which he has had The Golden State Warriors quiring Shaw gives the War- ond round picks over the since his playing days at acquired G Brian Shaw and riors more size in the back- next 4 years. Alabama. F David Vaughn from the court as well as versatility. Orlando Magic in exchange 1997 - ‘98 Salaries : Massenburg really didn’t for G Mark Price. Chris Mills, New York: $2.6 M ``Mark did a very good job for Walter McCarty, Bos.: $862.6 K fit into Pitino’s style of us,'' Coach P.J. Carlesimo Dontae’ Jones, Boston: $795 K play. He should back up Notes : said after practice Monday. John Thomas, Boston: $640.4 K Otis Thorpe at power for- ¨ Shaw and Vaughn are Scott Brooks, Boston: $326 K ``But we have not liked the ward and Bryant Reeves free agents after this sea- situation with the three point at center. Tony, 6’9”, is a son. Who got the better of the deal ? guards from Day 1.” banger who is a solid re- ¨ Price has 2 years, includ- Neither club. bounder and low post de- ing this season, left on Shaw, 6’6”, can back up La- fender. his contract totaling $9 Why ? M.; however, he agreed trell Sprewell at the big Knicks’ head coach Jeff Van to restructure his deal to guard and also run the of- Gundy summed up the deal “Mack goes to Vancou- fense. ver” give the Magic an option very well: “We’re trying to to get out and make a win right now.” Well, the trade easier. With the Warriors inconsis- Knicks better win right now The Houston Rockets tent production from the small (Continued on page 12) traded swingman Sam 1997 - 98 Salaries : Page 12 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review Reviewing Recent NBA Trades (Salaries May not be Accurate; Analyses are posted on the web site w / i 2 days of the trade) (Continued from page 11) starting small forward before next summer. ment toward youth: because they have little or too long. ¨ Denver waived Douglas no future left after this on 10 / 27. ``We wanted to remain com- deal. Dontae’ Jones is the key to ¨ Douglas signed with New mitted to the young guys and the trade. He has yet to live Jersey on 10 / 31 for one give Sherman the opportunity Chris Mills signed a seven up to expectations from his year at the league mini- to go to a team where he could year, $33.6 M contract days at Mississippi State. mum of $272, 250. step in as a starter.'' with Boston earlier this Many have questioned his summer as a free agent. maturity and work ethic. 1997 - ‘98 Salaries : ``We've got Bob Sura in the He is expected to back up Sherman Douglas, Den: $4 M process of establishing himself Greg Graham, Clev.: $1.5 M Larry Johnson at the ''This is a dream come true,'' at point guard, Brevin Knight small forward spot. Jones said of the deal. ''I Who got the better of the as his backup and Derek An- needed the change. It's more deal ? derson, who also can play Knicks GM Ernie Grun- of a free-lance style. I can't Denver. there,'' Embry said. feld believes: "Mills is wait to play the Knicks four just hitting his prime. He times a year.'' Why ? Look for Brevin Knight to be- makes us two-deep at every "Cleveland has been after come the Cavs floor leader as position. We are as deep as ''Jones is the X factor,'' Pitino Greg Graham from the time the season progresses. Sura any team in the league." said. ''He could be a great we got him from Seattle,'' makes too many mistakes run- player for us. Or he could be Nuggets vice president of bas- ning the offense and head "We feel we have at least a a bust.” ketball operations Allan Bris- coach really four-year window to get it tow said. "It was advanta- hates mistakes. Knight, on the done," added Patrick Ew- John Thomas was expected to geous to us to go ahead and other hand, is a born leader. ing. "And that's our goal. be groomed as a future re- do the trade, because it was To get it done now." placement for Knick main- going to be very difficult for Relying on their youth indi- stay Charles Oakley at the Greg to fit into our plans.'' cates the Cavs are willing to Patrick is not quite accu- power forward position. accept the growing pains rate. The Knicks window Now, he should add some Rookie guard Bobby Jackson young players go through. is not 4 years. In truth, it’s much needed bulk and tough- has emerged as the starter for Sura is not a great floor leader no more than 2 years and ness to the Cs frontline. new Nuggets’ head coach Bill and Knight is a rookie trying the window is closing fast. Hanzlik. Douglas saw lim- to get acclimated to the league. The Celtics also gained much ited minutes during the pre - Both must be effective enough Walter McCarty was play- needed salary cap flexibility. season, thus far, with Cleve- to get teammates Shawn ing very well this pre - sea- McCarty and Jones are free land. Sherman will be com- Kemp, center Zydrunas Il- son. However, some ques- agents in the summer of 1999 peting with Anthony Gold- gauskas, and forward Vitaly tioned whether the 6’10”, while Thomas is eligible for wire and for Potapenko the ball when and 230 pound forward could free agency in the summer of the back up spot to Jackson. where they want it. maintain his impressive 2000. pre - season performance "Sherman is a veteran point Greg Graham won’t see a lot throughout the regular sea- October 20, 1997: guard,'' Bristow said, "but he's of minutes for Cleveland. He son. “Sherman Marches to Den- going to have to come in and is a good athlete; however, at ver” earn a spot on the club.'' 6’4”, he isn’t a great shooter McCarty joins former col- nor is he effective running a lege coach Rick Pitino in The Denver Nuggets acquired With Douglas a free agent ball club. Boston. veteran point guard Sherman next summer, the Nuggets ''I love this trade,'' said the Douglas, a second round pick have freed up an additional This trade seems to stamp the Kentucky alumnus. ''I can't in 2000, and an undisclosed $1.7 M under their salary cap Cavs as a .500 club this year. wait to get back to playing amount of cash from the to try and acquire top market Coach P's style. I'm famil- Cleveland Cavaliers in ex- free agents. iar with what he wants, change for G Greg Graham. what he expects, what's Cleveland, on the other hand, expected of you.'' He Notes : wants to continue its move- should become Boston’s ¨ Douglas is a free agent The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 13 Season Filled w/ Questions NBA NEWS: Injuries and

(Continued from page 1) Is the defense of the Trade Rumors Charles Barkley, and Ha- Phoenix Suns good enough to As of November 2nd keem Olajuwon survive win in the playoffs? Can Miami Heat C Alonzo should be out about 2 more the regular season without Kevin Johnson be healthy 2 Mourning had surgery on, weeks. G Robert Pack broke any major injuries? seasons in a row? 9 / 27, to repair a partial his left ring finger on 10 / 17 When will new Pacers’ Will Portland’s summer tear of the patellar tendon in and is expected to be out an- coach com- signing of forward Brian his left knee. He is expected other 4 to 6 weeks. F Ace plain that today’s players: Grant backfire? How long out 4 to 8 more weeks. Custis sprained right knee on “don’t play the way I used can Isaiah Rider stay out of 10 / 18 out indefinitely. to”? trouble? Chicago F Scottie Pippen When will Clipper’s When will Sacramento had surgery, 10 / 6, on his New Jersey rookie F Keith owner Donald Sterling fi- trade disgruntled All - Star left foot to repair soft tissue. Van Horn tore a tendon in his nally move his club to Ana- guard Mitch Richmond? He is expected out another 1 right ankle on 10 / 23. He is heim? Can San Antonio center to 2 months. All signs indi- expected to miss about 2 more Will this be the season David Robinson’s back hold cate Scottie will return in weeks. the Lakers mature to the up for the entire season? the beginning of January. level of their immense tal- When will the media tab Washington C Gheorghe ent? rookie forward Tim Duncan Utah G John Stockton had Muresan has been suffering Did the Miami Heat “Rookie of the Year”? surgery (10 / 13) to repair from a strained tendon in his add enough offensive fire- How long will it take for- cartilage in his left knee. right ankle since the opening power to advance further in ward Vin Baker and his new He is expected out another 6 of training camp. He will start the playoffs? Sonic teammates to adjust to to 10 weeks. the season on the injured list. Will the Milwaukee one another? Where will head He is at least 2 weeks away Bucks realize talent alone is coach George Karl be work- Milwaukee C Andrew Lang from playing. not enough to get to the ing next season? had surgery, 10 / 4, to repair playoffs? How many ragged games a broken right ring finger. Detroit G Joe Dumars pulled How many games will will the Toronto Raptors win He is expected out 2 to 3 his left hamstring ,10 / 31, and Minnesota center Stanley while driving their opponents more weeks. could miss anywhere from 2 Roberts be healthy enough nuts with the trapping de- days to 2 weeks if not more. to play? Can Kevin Gar- fenses? How will rookie Indiana rookie F Austin nett handle the pressure of Tracy McGrady perform? Croshere broke a being a marked player for Will Utah’s John Stock- metacarpal in his left hand his exorbitant contract? ton be able to return to his in an on 10 Trade Rumors Is New Jersey rookie Hall of Fame level of play / 10 against Cleveland. He forward Keith Van Horn when he returns from carti- is expected out 3 more à Mitch Richmond to the the next Larry Bird? Why lage surgery? weeks. Lakers for Eddie Jones can’t he be the first Keith How long before Otis and Sean Rooks. Van Horn? Thorpe causes internal strife Phoenix C Loren Meyer à Mitch Richmond, Bobby How many times will in Vancouver? had surgery, 10 / 9, to repair Hurley, Corliss the New York Knicks get When will the Washing- a herniated disc. He is ex- Williamson, and Billy 20 or more turnovers in a ton Wizards’ fans begin boo- pected to be out 2 more Owens to the Knicks for game? When will the ing the team for not living up months. Allan Houston, Chris Knicks’ management real- to expectations? Childs, and Chris Mills. ize there is such a thing as For answers to these Toronto veteran G John à Mitch Richmond to the being too deep of a team? questions and a whole lot Long had surgery, 10 / 4, to Spurs, Will Perdue to the Will Orlando’s Penny more, enjoy this NBA season repair a broken jaw. He had Pistons, and Theo Ratliff, Hardaway supplant MJ because, unfortunately, one plates inserted and should et al to the Kings and and lead the league in scor- more question will be asked be out about another month. Spurs. ing? after the playoffs: When will à Mitch Richmond to about How long can Philly the 1998 - 1999 NBA season Dallas G Erick Strickland half the NBA. coach co - begin as a result of the lockout sprained ligaments in his exist with disgruntled for- / strike? right ankle on 10 / 17. He ward Derrick Coleman? Page 14 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review An Early Look: Team by Team List of 1998 Free Agents (This list will be updated throughout the season). As of November 4th

Atlanta Hawks: F Tyrone Corbin, F Alan Henderson, F New Jersey Nets: F David Benoit, G Sherman Douglas, G Kevin Christian Laettner Edwards, F Jayson Williams

Boston Celtics: New York Knicks: C Chris Dudley

Charlotte Hornets: G Dell Curry, C Vlade Divac, C Matt Orlando Magic: G Darrell Armstrong, G Penny Hardaway *, Geiger, G Ricky Pierce G Derek Harper, F Ed O’Bannon, C Danny Schayes, C Rony Seikaly **, F Derek Strong, , F / G Gerald Wilkins. Chicago Bulls: F Jud Buechler, G / F Scott Burrell, F Jason Caffey, G Steve Kerr, G Michael Jordan, C Joe Kleine, Philadelphia 76ers: F Mark Davis, G Jimmy Jackson, C Luc Longley, F Scottie Pippen, C Bill Wennington. G Marko Milic, G Doug Overton, G Jerry Stackhouse, F Kebu Stewart, F Clarence Weatherspoon Cleveland Cavaliers: G Tony Dumas, F Henry James Phoenix Suns: F Mark Bryant **, F Cedric Ceballos, G Rex Dallas Mavericks: C Shawn Bradley *, F Dennis Scott, Chapman, G Kevin Johnson, C Horacio Llamas, F George F Kurt Thomas McCloud, F Antonio McDyess, C / F Loren Meyer, F Clifford Robinson, C / F John Williams. Denver Nuggets:F LaPhonso Ellis, G / F Johnny Newman, F / C Steve Scheffler, F / C Joe Wolf, C George Zidek. Portland Trailblazers: F / G Vincent Askew, C Arvydas Sabonis, F Gary Trent Detroit Pistons: G , G Joe Dumars, F / C Rick Mahorn, G Aaron McKie, F Theo Ratliff, Sacramento Kings: G Mahmoud Abdul - Rauf, G Terry F / G Malik Sealy. Dehere, G , G Bobby Hurley, F Billy Owens, C Olden Polynice, C Kevin Salvadori, F Corliss Golden State Warriors: G / F Brian Shaw, F / C Dickey Simpkins, Williamson. F Joe Smith, G Carl Thomas, F David Vaughn. San Antonio Spurs: G Cory Alexander, F Carl Herrera, Houston Rockets: F Charles Barkley, F Matt Bullard, G Clyde G Vinny Del Negro, F Monty Williams, C Will Perdue ** Drexler, G / F Mario Elie, F Othella Harrington, F Eddie Johnson, G Matt Maloney, C Serge Zwikker. Seattle Sonics: F / G Dale Ellis, F Stephen Howard, F Jerome Kersey, G / F Nate McMillan, F / C Sam Perkins, G / F Indiana Pacers: G Travis Best, G Fred Hoiberg, C Rik Smits, David Wingate. C Mark West. Toronto Raptors: F Popeye Jones, G Shawn Respert, Los Angeles Clippers: G Brent Barry, G Eric Piatkowski, G Damon Stoudamire, C Zan Tabak F Rodney Rogers, Loy Vaught Utah Jazz: Los Angeles Lakers: G Jon Barry, F Corie Blount, G Eddie Jones Vancouver Grizzlies: G Blue Edwards, F George Lynch, C , F / C Ivano Newbill. Miami Heat: F / G Keith Askins, C / F Isaac Austin, G / F Todd Day, G Eric Murdock Washington Wizards: F Harvey Grant, C Gheorghe Muresan,

Milwaukee Bucks: F / C , F Tyrone Hill, * Denotes player’s option to become a free agent. Minnesota Timberwolves: F Bill Curley, F Tom Gugliotta *, ** Denotes team’s option. F Sam Mitchell, C / F Cherokee Parks, G Terry Porter, C Stanley Roberts.

* Denotes player’s option to become a free agent. ** Denotes team’s option. The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 15 NBA NEWS 1997 - ‘98 NBA CALENDAR NBA on TNT, TBS, and Sept 18 - 21 NBA League Meetings (Orlando) NBC SCHEDULE Sept. 29 1997 Hall of Fame Induction (for December) ceremonies (Springfield, MA) Starting Times Central Oct. 3 NBA Training Camps officially open TNT Oct. 16 - 18 McDonald’s Championship; Day Date Game Air Time Paris, Tue Dec 2 Seattle at Washington 7:00 Oct. 30 Opening Day Rosters set (5 pm CST) Fri Dec 5 Utah at Portland 7:00 Oct. 31 1997 - ‘98 NBA season begins Tues Dec 9 New York at Chicago 7:00 Jan. 5 10 - day contracts may now be Fri Dec 12 Miami at Indiana 7:00 signed Tue Dec 16 Detroit at New York 7:00 Jan. 10 All player contracts guaranteed for Fri Dec 19 Miami at Philadelphia 7:00 the season Tues Dec 23 Charlotte at Boston 7:00 Feb. 5 - 8 All - Star Weekend (Madison Square Fri Dec 26 Miami at Detroit 7:00 Garden; New York) Tues Dec 30 New York at Orlando 7:00 Feb. 19 Trading Deadline (5 pm CST) Apr. 19 1997 - ‘98 Regular Season ends NBC Apr. 20 1998 NBA Playoffs rosters set by Day Date Game ShowTime Air Time 2 pm CDT Th. Dec 25 Houston at Utah 1:30 2:00 Apr. 23 1998 NBA Playoffs begin Miami at Chicago 4:30 May 10 Early Entry eligibility deadline at 10:59 CDT TBS May 17 NBA Draft Lottery Day Date Game Air Time June 2 - 5 NBA Pre - Draft Camp (Chicago, IL) Wed Dec 3 LA Lakers at Denver 7:05 June 24 NBA Draft (GM Place, Vancouver) Wed Dec 10 LA Lakers at Golden State 7:05 July 1 Free agents may begin negotiating Wed Dec 17 LA Lakers at Chicago 7:05 July 29 - Aug. 9 FIBA World Championship of Þ Schedules are subject to change. Basketball (Thessaloniki and Athens, Greece)

NBA Hires Two Female Referees

On October 28th, two women were hired as full-time NBA referees, marking the first time in major pro sports in the that females will officiate regular-season games in an all-male league. The hiring of Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer was an- nounced Tuesday by the NBA.

Kantner and Palmer were among five new referees added to the league's 58-member officiating staff; another seven refs didn't make the cut.

"They've gotten better each time out," said Rod Thorn, NBA vice president of operations. "Just like the other referees, they've come back from the summer, had training camp and preseason and have gotten used to being out there."

Kantner, 36, was the supervisor of officials in the WNBA. She also has refereed four women's NCAA championship games, includ- ing the 1997 matchup between Tennessee and Old Dominion.

Palmer, 33, was an official in the WNBA, and has officiated college women's games.

The two join Rashan Michel, Rodney Mott and Derek Richardson as the NBA's five new additions to the 58-member crew. The regular season starts October 31st. Page 16 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review ROUNDBALL “RIM” SHOTS Upcoming Fea- tures TRIVIA TIP - INS LAST MONTH’S QUESTION: Who holds the NBA record for ONLINE: Detroit Pistons forward Grant Hill and Seattle Sonics most field goals made in the a NBA Who’s Hot / Who’s guard Gary Payton headline the 10 players named to first quarter? Not; updated weekly. represent USA Basketball in the 1998 FIBA Men’s b NCAA Player, Freshman, World Championship in Athens, Greece. ANSWER: and / or “Diamond in the On April 9, 1978, David Rough” article, including The other players chosen were: Atlanta’s Christian Thompson of the Denver photo; monthly. Nuggets made 13 field goals in Laettner, Glen Rice of the Charlotte Hornets; Wash- ington F Chris Webber; Minnesota forwards Kevin the first quarter in a 139 - 137 NEWSLETTERS: loss at Detroit. Garnett and Tom Gugliotta; newly acquired Seattle F a NCAA Player, Freshman, Vin Baker, new Milwaukee point guard Terrell and / or “Diamond in the THIS MONTH’S QUESTION: Brandon; and New York G Allan Houston. Rough” article—Dec. Who was the first person to b NBA Players of the Week, lead the NBA in scoring and Gugliotta was named to replace the Lakers Shaquille etc., beginning in Dec. assists in the same season? O’Neal who turned the invitation citing a desire to c CBA Call - ups—beginning take time off from international competition until the in December or January. 2000 Olympics which will be held in Sydney, Aus- Did You Know? tralia. On Oct. 12, 1979, Larry Bird * The December newsletter made his debut as a rookie The team will be coached by Houston Rockets head against the Houston Rockets. will be available around the coach, who will be assisted by the middle of the month. Also, in the same game, Lakers’ , Mike Jarvis from George Wash- Boston’s scored the ington University and Illinois’ . first three - point basket in NBA history with 3:48 left in The World Championship is held every four years and The 2nd page of our ad in the first quarter of a 114 - 106 is contested by 16 national teams. The event will be Big Yellow at: victory at Boston Garden. held from July 29th to August 9th. http:// www.bigyellow.com/tx/ houston_round.html Tell a friend about You may e-mail comments or questions to: is missing due to technical The Houston Round- [email protected] problems. ball Review!!! or send comments or questions by “snail mail” to: The Houston Roundball Review Big Yellow is working to P.O. Box 70516 correct the problem. Houston, TX 77270 - 0516

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