The Boston Celtics are a team that has struggled for years in the Eastern Conference cellar. Despite some young and talented players the Celtics cannot find a way to win games. PF Antonine Walker (20.5 ppg), a dominant player at Kentucky, is still a solid player in the NBA. The team's star could be Paul Pierce (19.5 ppg), a small forward with strength and quickness. Kenny Anderson (14 ppg, 1.7 spg), the Archbishop Molloy product, can still make plays at the point but has lost a step since he left the Nets. Vitaly Potapenko, who scored 9.2 ppg last season, must play well at center for the Celtics to have a big season. The defensive minded Adrian Griffin starts at shooting guard, meaning tough times for opponents. Off the bench, Tony Battie and Bryant Stith bring experience from their Denver days and could key a Boston resurgence.
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The Miami Heat turned over their roster in an attempt to improve on their pas playoff disasters. Each of the last 3 seasons, the Heat have lost a deciding game to the New York Knicks in Miami. This season, the Heat seek revenge. C Alonzo Mourning is one of the best players in the game and probably its most intimidating shot blocker. However, he was lost for the season with a liver ailment. New PF Brian Grant brings toughness to the Heat, something the team never lacked. SF Anthony Mason brings a unique ball handling ability to the position. He can use his strength and size to match up inside or his quickness to beat a defender off the dribble. SG Eddie Jones (20.1 ppg, 2.67 spg) is one of the premier players at his position in the league and led the league in steals last season. Tim Hardaway, always one of the best players in basketball, returns to help lead the Heat. He averaged only 13.4 points per game last season but has always been a clutch performer. PG Anthony Carter continues to improve as a player and showed signs that he can make an impact in the league.
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The New Jersey Nets are again loaded with talented players. This season, more is expected. Lottery pick Kenyon Martin (18.9 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.39 blg which with the Cincinnati Bearcats) is expected to become an impact player for New Jersey in the near future. He is a great shot blocker and a capable scorer. C Jamie Feick (9.3 rpg) is one of the toughest players in the game and can secure a key rebound. SF Keith Van Horn (19.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg), labeled soft by many, possesses the ability to become a big scorer. SG Kendal Kill (13.1 ppg, 1.83 spg), who replaces the inured Kerry Kittles, is a complete player who can score and defend. The star of the team, PG Stephon Marbury (22.2 ppg, 8.4 apg), is an elite player who can light it up on any given night. He has become an elite player in the NBA.
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The New York Knicks are one of the best teams in the NBA. With a roster of talented players the Knicks seek another trip to the NBA Finals. Without Patrick Ewing, the team must address its rebounding problems. Marcus Camby (7.8 rpg) could be the key to how the team plays this season, as he must plug the middle. PF Larry Johnson (10.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg), once a dynamic scorer with the Hornets, still can score inside and has found his touch from beyond the 3 point arc. SF Latrell Sprewell (18.6 ppg) is an explosive player whose forte is making plays in the open court. SG Allan Houston (team leading 19.7 ppg) is a gifted shooter who was the Knicks' leading scorer last season. Glen Rice, acquired in the Ewing trade, must be able to score points off the bench. PG Charlie Ward can distribute the ball and score an occasional basket. The Knicks also have a deep bench. Kurt Thomas is a strong defender and rebounder and hits a good percentage of his shots. Chris Childs and Erick Strickland are able floor leaders.
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The Orlando Magic are one of the most improved teams in the NBA. They added one of the top players in the league, Grant Hill (25 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 5.2 apg), along with budding star Tracy McGrady (15.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg). These two top talents could vault the Magic to the top of the Eastern Conference. Joining them in their championship quest is point guard Darrell Armstrong, who last season scored 16.2 ppg to go along with 6.1 assists and 2 steals. He is a fearless floor leader and emotional leader. Up front, the Magic have two hard working players in Bo Outlaw and John Amaechi. Off the bench, former University of Florida star Mike Miller is the top gun. Role players such as Troy Hudson, Pat Garrity, and former Knick and Spur Monty Williams could ultimately determine how far this team can go.
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The Philadelphia 76ers have a legitimate shot at winning the Atlantic Division in 2000-2001. Allen Iverson, the 1999 scoring champion and runnerup last season with 28.4 ppg, leads the charge. He is one of the most explosive players in the NBA and can score against anyone. Toni Kukoc, acqired last season in a trade with the Chicago Bulls, brings championship experience and a strong all around game to the team. Tyrone Hill, once an All Star with Cleveland, is a good rebounder. C Theo Ratliff, an All NBA defensive performer, averaged 3 blocks per game in the 2000 season. Role players such as Eric Snow (7.9 assists per game), Aaron McKie, George Lynch, and the hard nosed Matt Geiger also contribute to the success of the Philadelphia 76ers.
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The Washington Wizards are a team that is lacking an identity. If Michael Jordan cannot bring that to a franchise then they really are in bad shape. This team does have several capable players though. Mitch Richmond, coming off a season in which he scored 17.4 ppg, is still a strong scorer. Point guard Rod Strickland, who scored 12.5 ppg and added 7.5 apg, is one of the best in the game. Up front, Juwan Howard (14.9 ppg) really struggled last season to return to the player that he was a few seasons ago. If Howard can return to that level the Wizards have a chance. Felipe Lopez, a former St. John's star, enters to try to bring excitement to the team at the small forward position. Center Jahadi White can rebound, as he pulled down 7 per game last year. Off the bench the spark plug is Richard Hamilton, who scored 9 per game last year. His maturation could determine the success of this team. Cherokee Parks and Popeye Jones are bodies that this team can throw under the basket to cause opponents trouble.
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