#4 in the East

[gene kirkpatrick <gk_tyler@yahoo.com>]

I just don't buy the theory that we will be as low as
#8 in the East.  WADR, I think we're looking down the
court at the other team during warm-ups and thinking,
"these guys are so big."  Well, some of them are, but
we can play the game, too.

l.  None of the teams can match our 2,3,4 positions. 
Even the Bucks with Cassell, Allen and big dog (at 1,
2, 3?) are, at best, equal to JJ, PP and Antoine.  Our
ability to dominate with those 3 on the floor will
overmatch most teams, esp. in the East.  And each of
our guys now has a better backup with KB and McLeod
available.

2.  I think JJ has more chance of having a great
season than Zo, or Mashburn, or Camby for that matter.
 And those three are vital to their teams.  I think we
are tending to estimate the opponents at their optimum
and the Celts more sanguinely.  We're on a major
upswing while NY and Miami are clutching to hold on.

3.  Our weak spots are three deep.  Both at 5 and 1 we
have capable back-ups, three of them, and that's not
so bad.  We don't expect those spots to win games for
us, just to hold their own.  Who's going to overwhelm
us other than Shaq?

4.  Our new depth, even if some of it is green, will
keep us from suddenly losing control of games.  We're
clearly going to be better defensively with JJ, KB and
Forte playing about 40 minutes.  And their offense has
the potential to win games for us.

4.5  Part of that depth is the vast improvement we
should see in Palacio and Blount.  Don't underestimate
the impact of guys who play a role much better than
last year.

5.  I'm running on fumes now, so I'll summarize. 
We're like the ancient Israelites who look at the
enemy and proclaim them to be Giants.  Not in the
East, they're not.  I give Philly (experience and
coaching, not a talent edge) and Milwaukee (same
reasoning) a better winning percentage.  Toronto
should have the horses to be up there.  The others we
can take.  

Finally, to paraphrase Mr. Inside (Josh O.)-- we can't
yet comprehend the talent influx we have in those
three youngsters.  Nor have we figured in the value of
a resurgent fan base at the games.  Nor the immense
contribution the list can make to our GM thru Mr.
Inside.

Gene (I'll replay these opinions--that's all they are,
what do I know down here in E. Texas?--when it's time
to predict the season)
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