The
Charlotte Hornets are back from the dead. After starting the season extremely
hot and steadily cooling down ever since, the Hornets have won 6 games
in a row. Seven of their next nine games are at home, so expect the wins
to keep coming. Jamal Mashburn has been huge in the streak with 20 points,
7.5 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game... Dirk Nowitzki, now pretending
to be a center, has averaged around 26 points (on 61% shooting) and 8 rebounds
per game since Juwan Howard's arrival (and Christian Laettner's departure).
In today's NBA, unless you're against the league's select few dominant
centers, forwards can get away with playing the 5 spot... Our people tell
us that the Wizards still stink. We haven't seen them ourselves this season,
as our televisions are still programmed to blur out Wizards players and
only show the opposing team... Since the All-Star game, Rasheed Wallace
is tearing up the league... Will the Blazers sign Rod Strickland? Everyone
thinks so. A few points: Strickland is not exactly the league's poster
boy for positive attitude. With Rasheed's consistent outbursts and general
state of being extremely pissed off, is adding Rod a good thing? Consider
that he may behave just fine if he's truly joining the team with intent
to win a championship. Also consider that Portland isn't a young team.
These star veterans won't suffer much with an additional dose of negative
influence. Final point to consider: this team already has Damon Stoudamire
and Greg Anthony. How much time can possibly be split between these guys?
Would it be good for team chemistry to keep juggling point guards? We'll
analyze this further if the signing actually occurs... The Celtics have
won 7 straight home games. It's their longest winning streak ever at the
Fleet Center, and their longest anywhere in eight years. The key to the
team's success on the offensive end? Hitting three-pointers. On the defensive
end? Actually playing defense... It's actually fun to support the Clippers
this season. Keep your eye on Corey Maggette, who clearly has a real NBA
career ahead of him... A hurting Darrell Armstrong means the Magic go back
to unimpressive performances... Reggie Miller is now 22nd on the NBA's
all-time scoring list... Speaking of great three point shooters, where
is Manute Bol these days?... The Hawks trade benefits them. Toni Kukoc
is reminding everyone that he's still extremely useful on the offensive
end, and Theo Ratliff's injury will help them get a higher lottery pick.
Next season, we predict a 60-win season (give or take 41 wins).
