In the hunt.

[JB <jimmetz@xxxxxxx>]

EASTERN Conference Atlantic
			W L PTS GB STR HOME AWAY CONF
Nets 		29 14 .674 - W-1 19-2 10-12 19-6
Celtics 	26 18 .591 3 1/2 W-2 16-8 10-10 20-12
76ers 		23 21 .523 6 1/2 W-1 14-9 9-12 16-12
Magic 		23 23 .500 7 1/2 L-2 13-9 10-14 15-13
Wizards 	21 23 .477 8 1/2 L-3 14-10 7-13 16-14
Knicks 	18 24 .429 10 1/2 W-1 13-12 5-12 12-19
Heat 		15 28 .349 14 L-1 9-11 6-17 10-16

Central 	W L PTS GB STR HOME AWAY CONF
Pacers 	32 12 .727 - W-3 21-1 11-11 22-7
Pistons 	28 15 .651 3 1/2 L-1 15-5 13-10 19-10
Hornets 	23 21 .523 9 L-1 15-7 8-14 14-11
Bucks 		21 21 .500 10 W-2 11-9 10-12 17-14
Bulls 		17 27 .386 15 W-2 15-7 2-20 13-19
Hawks 		16 28 .364 16 W-2 13-11 3-17 9-18
Raptors 	11 33 .250 21 W-1 6-15 5-18 7-20
Cavaliers 	8 36 .182 24 L-6 5-15 3-21 4-22

	Looking at the above standings, I'm quite surprised that there seems 
to be only one playoff spot up for grabs. At this point,with no signs 
of a surprise finish, there seems to be only nine teams to reckon with. 
As it stands, all of the teams with a .500 record or better would make 
the playoffs and the Wizards, the closest below .500 team, are five 
games behind the Celtics, while we are only three games behind the 
division leading, Nets.
	With injuries to three of our five starters, it's no longer acceptable 
to think that other teams injuries are what has kept us in the race.
	Everyone has commented how amazing it is  that we could win a few 
games without Walker, but hell, Tony Battie and Tony Delk, were giving 
us pretty solid seasons.
	I think it's time to consider that the  move for Long, the continued 
development of Brown,Baker and Bremer and the success of Walter McCarty 
have given us a depth that few thought we had.
	It pains me to see a twelve million dollar, "rotation guy," at back up 
center, but that's what we've got and for now, it's working.
	I'm all for O'Brien to keep Walker, Battie and Delk, out for as long 
as necessary, to insure they are totally healthy.
	I'm also all for bringing in a real point guard. Did Jessen suggest 
Khalid El-Amin? Sounds good to me, although as was suggested in todays 
"Insider" the C's may be very interested in re-acquiring Alvin 
Williams, a player a lot more to O'Brien's liking. He's big, plays 
defense and shoots the long ball, while also being a better distributer 
that any we have.

Chad Ford:
The other player to keep your eye on is the Raptors' Alvin Williams. 
The emergence of Rafer Alston, combined with the team's lackluster 
play, has management looking to cut costs. You can add Jerome Williams 
and Antonio Davis to this list as well, but Alvin is generating the 
most interest right now. First, he's a big point guard, something just 
about everyone in the league covets. Second, his contract is pretty 
long, but he's not making outrageous money (around $5 million a year). 
Where will he land? Look to Boston, where the combo of Shammond 
Williams and Tony Delk is struggling. The Celtics could offer a package 
of Shammond Williams (free agent this summer) and Eric Williams (one 
more year left on his contract) that would allow the Raptors to clear 
some cap room.

	
		JB

	Unchain My Heart !