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Denver Nuggets
Head Coach:
Mike Evans
Internet Site:
http://www.nba.com/nuggets/
2000-01 Record:
40-42 (6th place, Midwest Division)
Team Outlook:
Like the Cavaliers, the Nuggets seem to be a player or two away from really making a differ-
ence in their division. As their near-.500 record indicates, Denver has the ability to play with the majority of
teams in the Midwest Division. Adding to an already veteran-heavy club, they’ve rolled the dice this offsea-
son hoping that veterans such as Scott Williams and Avery Johnson can provide production off the bench.
Key Performers:
#24 PF Antonio McDyess
Some were surprised when he was drafted with
the #2 overall pick in 1995, but McDyess has
developed into one of the top power forwards in
the Western Conference. His incredible quickness
to the rim and nose for the ball down low make
him a complete player on both ends of the floor, as
his 20.8 ppg and 12.1 rpg last season attest.
#31 PG Nick Van Exel
“Nick the Quick” came into the NBA with a “shoot
first” mentality, but as he’s grown older, the left-
hander has developed into one of the leading
assist men in the NBA. He’ll still let fly a few three-
pointers (leading the team with 135 last year), but
his playmaking skills and quick first step are what
set him apart.
Detroit Pistons
Head Coach:
Rick Carlisle
Internet Site:
http://www.nba.com/pistons/
2000-01 Record:
32-50 (5th place, Central Division)
Team Outlook:
A perfect marriage of team and city, the Pistons rely on their blue-collar ethic on the boards
to outmuscle and outwork other teams. The frontcourt defense is solid with unheralded Ben Wallace, and
the team has a true drawing card in high-flying scorer Jerry Stackhouse, but Detroit will need other players
to pick up some of the offensive punch if this team is to make a serious playoff run.
Key Performers:
#42 SG Jerry Stackhouse
This former college player of the year is rapidly
developing into a bona fide NBA superstar. His
slashing and leaping abilities rival those only of
fellow UNC alum Vince Carter, and his 29.8 points
per game last year trailed only league MVP Allen
Iverson. He IS the offense for Detroit, as just about
every offensive possession funnels through him.
#3 C Ben Wallace
It may be hard to envision someone that averages
6.4 points per game as a “key performer,” but
Wallace is as sensational a defensive player as
there is in the league. At 6’9”, he doesn’t have the
height to match most power forwards and centers
in the NBA, yet his 1,052 total rebounds were
more than any other player in the league last year.
Golden State Warriors
Head Coach:
Brian Winters
Internet Site:
http://www.nba.com/warriors
2000-01 Record:
17-65 (7th place, Pacific Division)
Team Outlook:
Sure, every team looks back at “what ifs” at the conclusion of the season. For the Warriors,
the song has been the same for a number of years now: “what if we could stay healthy?” With a solid front
line of Antawn Jamison, Danny Fortson and Erick Dampier, and an explosive backcourt of Larry Hughes and
rookie Jason Richardson, this team has the talent to improve markedly over their 17-win season a year ago.
Key Performers:
#33 SF Antawn Jamison
Jamison can make it look easy. His soft hands,
smooth touch and ability to snake his way to the
basket make him a threat on every offensive pos-
session. He may not get a great deal of national
recognition just yet, but All-Star Games are clearly
in his future.
#20 PG Larry Hughes
It’s hard to believe he’s still just 22 years old!
Much of the team’s fortunes will revolve around
how Hughes can handle the move from shooting
guard to point man this season. He’s excellent at
creating his own shot, but if he learns to create
shots for others, this team could be an instant
playoff contender.
Chicago Bulls
Head Coach:
Bill Cartwright
Internet Site:
http://www.nba.com/bulls/
2000-01 Record:
15-67 (8th place, Central Division)
Team Outlook:
With one of the youngest and most inexperienced squads in the NBA, the Bulls will have to
rely on youthful enthusiasm to get by this year. They’ll be buoyed by the return of former Bull Charles
Oakley, who adds an instant credibility to the front line. They also have a solid bench full of role players
and a couple of young first-rounders who figure to bring much-needed energy to the club.
Key Performers:
#5 SG Ron Mercer
Playing for his fourth team in four years, Mercer
may have found a home in the Windy City. His 19.7
ppg were a career-high, and he figures to be even
more of a go-to guy this season in the absence of
Elton Brand. He’ll be asked to take on more of a
leadership role this year as well, and should be able
to push his scoring average over twenty a game.
#3 C Tyson Chandler / #2 PF Eddy Curry
IIt will be a trial by fire for these two teenagers
taken with the #2 and #4 picks in this year’s draft.
You can bet they didn’t run into a lot of guys like
Karl Malone or Robert Traylor in their high school
leagues last year. Still, both have enormous
upside, and could patrol the paint for the Bulls for
years to come.
Dallas Mavericks
Head Coach:
Don Nelson
Internet Site:
http://www.nba.com/mavericks/
2000-01 Record:
53-29 (T-2nd place, Midwest Division)
Team Outlook:
Things are definitely on the upswing in Big D. Not only is the logo and arena new, but so is
the belief that this team has the capability to go a long way in the playoffs. With just the right mix of
emerging youngsters, stars coming into their prime and a bench full of proven veterans, the Mavs may be
the favorite to overtake Utah and San Antonio in the Midwest Division.
Key Performers:
#41 SF Dirk Nowitzki
In just his third NBA season, Nowitzki established
himself as one of the premier scorers in the league.
At 7’0”, he may be the tallest small forward in
league history, which creates all sorts of matchup
problems. The floppy-haired German can beat you
both with his jumper and by driving to the basket,
and at 23 years of age, he’s only going to get better.
#4 SG Michael Finley
An all-star two years running, this six-year vet is
coming into his own as one of the most outstand-
ing all-around players in the game today.
Underrated no longer, count on Finley to have his
hands on the ball if the game’s on the line.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Head Coach:
John Lucas
Internet Site:
http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/
2000-01 Record:
30-52 (6th place, Central Division)
Team Outlook:
The Cavs have never seemed ready to have that breakout season in recent years, but things
could finally be looking up in Cleveland. Point guard Andre Miller is developing into one of the best in the
Eastern Conference, and the frontcourt combination of Lamond Murray, Tyrone Hill, Michael Doleac and
Chris Mihm is improving. The Cavs should have enough weapons to play with most of the teams in the
Central Division.
Key Performers:
#24 PG Andre Miller
Few realize that in just his second season, Miller led all
Eastern Conference point guards in assists a year ago. On
the agenda this year – improving upon his scoring aver-
age. His quick hands and good court awareness stand
out, but he’ll need those points per game to increase sig-
nificantly if this club hopes to be playoff contenders.
#11 C Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Sure he’s injury prone - you’d be too if you had
screws in both of your feet. But when this
Lithuanian big man is in the lineup, the Cavs are a
markedly different team. Few players in the NBA
clog the lane better than this 7’3”, 260-pounder.
