Looking At The East

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

ON THE WAY UP IN A BEAUTIFUL GROOVY BALLOON:

Atlanta: A healthy Ratliff, a real PG, and the Big Dog wants your
respect.

Chicago: A franchise PG, Curry spices things up, tradeable depth, a
great
addition in Marshall.

Indiana: Maturation of outstanding youth overcomes Isiah's horrid
coaching.

Milwaukee: Better chemistry through living and Karl's summer's blunders
help him stay focused this season.

New York: The East's best PF in McDyess means easy offense for Sprewell
and Houston.

New Jersey: An impact defensive center, Kidd overpowers, Jefferson
emerges,
and a great bench.

New Orleans: It's Mardi Gras time for a healthy Mashburn, the ever
improving
Magloire, and a bonafide scorer in Alexander. Hmmm, could Campbell and
Wesley be
available for trade?  Paging Chris Wallace.....

Orlando: King of the Hill makes it so, but they need to deal Miller for
a big man.

Washington: No team added more quality players in the off season.


ON THE ROAD TO NOWHERE IN THE SLOW LANE

Cleveland: Tank, Baby Tank. But they only get James, if the Fixer
decrees it.

Detroit - Sprewell's lost will be felt, as he was a dominant regular
season player.

Miami: Pat Riley has uttered the dreaded "R" word.


TOO CLOSE TO CALL 867-5309

Boston: No PG, they're due for the injury bug, the highs and lows of Vin
Baker,
atrocious low post defense, rebounding questionable, teams in the East
have
improved, but they still have Pierce, and time for a trade by the
deadline.

Philadelphia - Never underestimate the coaching genius of Larry Brown,
but the injuries may overwhelm.

Toronto: Olajuwon was toast, so getting him to retire was a positive.
That said, wither Vince Carter this season?

Ray