Volume CXXXIII, Number 6 October 19, 2001 f

NBA preview: more than just Jordan
J.P. BOX
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

You know that NBA Commissioner David Stern was excited when Michael Jordan announced his comeback. Before Stern struck up this deal with the devil, his cry to fans was "Hey! We got new zone defenses to improve team work!"

The NBA's new slogan is "Hey! We got Michael Jordan." Although NBC, ESPN, and BCN will only be showing Wizards' games, there are actually a lot of other bona fide stars and story lines to follow.

So, for those of you who are not interested in watching streamlined videos of Jordan dunking during pregame warm-ups, eating his pregame meal of steak and fries, or posing in his Haine's briefs, this is your preseason guide to the NBA season.

In the Eastern Conference (yes, that is where the Wizards play), the Orlando Magic are the clear favorite. Fueled by heart and hustle, Orlando nearly scrapped their way into the playoffs during the '99-'00 season. While they were big on heart, a lack of talent ultimately erased any chance of seriously contending for a championship.

During the offseason, however, the Magic shelled out some serious bucks to land Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill. A bum ankle forced Hill to miss most of the season, but T-Mac soared averaging 27 points per game and established himself as one of the premier shooting guards in the league.

Propelled by McGrady's sudden rise to stardom, the Magic fought their way to a 43-39 record and earned a playoff berth.

With a healthy Grant Hill and the addition of Patrick Ewing, the Magic will cruise their way to the top of an injury-ridden and talent-lacking Eastern Conference.

But, what about the Knickerbockers, Heat, 76'ers, Hornets, and Bucks? Please. With the exception of the 76'ers, all of those teams would be clawing and fighting desperately for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

And the sleeper of the East? The Atlanta Hawks will emerge as one of the premier teams in this weak conference. Last year, the Hawks ended the season at 25-57, which was the third worst record in the league.

This year, however, Toni Kukoc, Jason Terry, and Theo Ratliff will push this team out of the cellar and into playoff contention.

In the Western Conference, however, the picture is not as clear. Although the Spurs, Mavericks, Kings, and Lakers are more talented than any team in the East, they will not win the Western crown.

The lucky winner? The Phoenix Suns. Imagine this back court-Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway. Their forwards aren't too shabby either with Shawn Marion, Tom Gugliotta, and Rodney Rogers leading the charge down low.

The only question mark is Penny's health and Iakovos Tsakalidis' production at center. After partaking in Jordan's private practices over the summer, Hardaway claims that he is healthy and ready to play like the super star he was with Orlando.

Tsakalidis, on the other, is only a second year player and never established himself last year as a legitimate center. At 7'2" and 285 pounds, Tsakalidis should be able to slow down Shaq, Duncan, and Robinson - which is all Suns will need from him.

And the sleeper of the West? The Los Angeles Clippers. With the addition of Elton Brandt from the Bulls, the Clips have the chance to become the premier Los Angeles basketball team. At the very least, sportscasters and fans will not refer to Lakers simply as "L.A." - it's a two team town now.

And now the stage is set for the NBA finals - Suns vs. Magic. T-Mac and Hill may steal a game, but the Suns will shine to take the title in a short series.

Attentive readers, are you satisfied with this analysis? Did my sans-Jordan preview get you pumped? Me neither.

With Air Jordan returning this year, there are only four match-ups that really matter to fans. Who was I kidding?

Match-up #4 - Michael vs. Vince Carter. During his retirement, Jordan openly criticized Carter's game. According to His Airness, Vince doesn't have the heart or the quickness to play defense. When the two meet this season, Vince will be vying to prove the old man wrong. Advantage: Michael.

Match-up #3 - Michael vs. Tracy McGrady. McGrady's size and quickness could potentially embarrass the aging and smaller and slower Jordan. However, McGrady skipped college and only has four years of NBA experience. Jordan meanwhile enjoyed lengthy, successful careers at the college and NBA level. Advantage: Michael.

Match-up #2 - Michael vs. Allen Iverson. Even though it would be fun to watch, I would be surprised if these two ever play straight up. If they did, Allen would dribble circles around Michael and toast him for 50 points. Jordan would back down the over-matched Iverson in the post and scorch him for 50 points. Advantage: Equal.

Match-up #1: Michael vs. Kobe. Before Jordan hung up his sneakers three years ago, he passed the torch to Bryant - urging him to continue his aggressive style and always believe in his abilities. Three years later, Jordan's protoge will take on Jordan himself. Kobe's defense is equally tenacious and his offense is equally as effective. Plus, he is 15 years younger than Michael. Advantage: Kobe.