By Sam Amico / the Amico Report

5. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Coach: George Karl, fifth year.

Last season: 41-41, did not make playoffs.

Starters: C Ervin Johnson, F Anthony Mason, F Tim Thomas, G Ray Allen, G Sam Cassell.

Key subs: G/F Michael Redd, F Toni Kukoc, F Jason Caffey, C Joel Przybilla, F Marcus Haislip (r), C Dan Gadzuric (r).

New faces: Kukoc, Caffey, Haislip, Gadzuric, F Cedric Henderson, G Kevin Ollie.

Strengths: Allen and Cassell still form one of the league's most potent backcourts, and despite what Shaquille O'Neal and the rest of America thinks, Karl can coach. Thomas is an up-and-comer who only needs to adapt to a starting role.

Weaknesses: There isn't much to scare opponents up front. Mason is a little past his prime, and Johnson, while one of the all-time great guys, has no offensive skills.

Outlook: The Bucks have talent, no question. It's just that for some reason, they can't seem to put it together -- and apparently, not even Karl can figure out why. A big problem is their lack of defenders, particularly Cassell and Mason. Both have the ability, but seem to go with the old adage, "I promise not to guard you if you don't guard me." The Bucks believe that trading Glenn Robinson and his 20 points per game will make them better. They may be right -- but someone besides Cassell and Allen needs to assert himself. If that happens, Milwaukee will challenge in the East.

Radio: WTMJ-620 AM.

6. DETROIT PISTONS

Coach: Rick Carlisle, second year.

Last season: 50-32, lost to Boston in second round of playoffs.

Starters: C Zeljko Rebraca, F Ben Wallace, F Michael Curry, G Richard Hamilton, G Chauncey Billups.

Key subs: F Corliss Williamson, F/C Clifford Robinson, G Jon Barry, G Chucky Atkins, C Mehmet Okur.

New faces: Hamilton, Billups, G/F Tayshaun Prince (r).

Strengths: It took all of one season for Carlisle to prove he is a great basketball mind. As an added bonus, his players trust and like him. Wallace is a defensive and rebounding wonder, and is pretty much everything that's right with the NBA. Hamilton is future all-star after learning under Michael Jordan last season in Washington. Williamson is talented, underrated and unselfish.

Weaknesses: The Pistons don't have one guy who seems willing to step forward and be vocal when needed. The person who did that last season, Jerry Stackhouse, has been replaced by Hamilton -- and he prefers to keep quiet off the court.

Outlook: If Carlisle pulls a repeat and squeezes every ounce of ability out of his players, there is no reason Detroit can't win 50 again. But that's a lot to ask, especially since the new backcourt of Hamilton and Billups will need time to adjust. Something else to consider is that the guy who may be the best leader on the team (Williamson) doesn't even start. Bottom line? Trading Stackhouse means Detroit will be better in the long run -- but may have taken a step back in the present.

Radio: WDFN-1130 AM.