NBA BASKETBALL
All Around the NBA in the Amico Report
<February 14, 2002>

By Sam Amico

GET IT DONE, DENVER

The time has come for the Denver Nuggets to do something, and do it quickly.

That's all I could think after watching Nuggets point guard Nick Van Exel egg on the crowd as it booed him in a Feb. 12 home loss to Boston. Yes, Van Exel was booed in Denver.

It's safe to say this wasn't exactly a repeat of Kobe Bryant hearing it from the boo-birds at the All-Star game. Rather, this was from folks whose top priority is to support the home team. They were saying, "Hey, Nick. The least you could do is show up for practice." After all, if most people just decided not to go to work or bother calling to explain why ... well, most people probably don't even like to think about what would happen.

As for Van Exel, he was removed from the starting lineup. Not that his playing actually has any bearing on the outcome, as the Nuggets are on the fast track to the lottery with or without him.

Now, you may not believe this, but I'm not going to blame Van Exel. Not entirely, anyway. True, the man should have enough decency to show up for work on time and do what's expected of him. I don't think that's too much too ask of an employee, no matter how badly he wants to leave.

Especially when you consider the employee makes enough money to buy all of Colorado.

At the same time, Van Exel made his feelings for the Nuggets made long ago. He absolutely, positively does not want to play for them. He said as much following a loss in Cleveland on Dec. 8. Since then, Van Exel has insisted he'd even re-work his contract if it would help the Nuggets trade him -- and you can't help but find that at least a little bit honorable.

So, hey, Nuggets, trade the guy. And I mean yesterday. Your own fans don't like him, his teammates can't be overly thrilled with him, and Van Exel sure isn't going to make anyone forget about Magic Johnson on the court.

In other words, Van Exel isn't going to alter your fading fortunes -- so dump him. Go for a younger player with a good attitude, or try to get a first-round draft pick in return. Heck, if that doesn't work, go for a second-round pick.

For the Nuggets, losing Van Exel shouldn't be a big deal. The guys who they really need to build the team around don't seem to mind being there. I'm talking mostly about forwards Antonio McDyess and Raef LaFrentz.

McDyess is the ultimate professional, not to mention one of the best forwards in the game when he's healthy. LaFrentz is still developing, but already pretty good. Those two form the foundation of the franchise for years to come.

Then, with a little lottery luck this spring, the Nuggets could be in a position to draft a point guard such as Duke's Jason Williams.

Until then, veteran point man Avery Johnson could help teach the younger players something about a positive attitude, and maybe even something about winning.

And just a wild guess, but leading the home crowd in booing probably wouldn't be among those lessons.

So don't wait another day, Denver. Grant Van Exel his wish.

GOLDEN STATE PATIENCE

The Golden State Warriors have come under fire from a lot of people lately -- from local fans to national media. And it's all because the Warriors have struggled and struggled mightily.

But what can you expect? Remember, the Warriors are a young team in perhaps the greatest conference in NBA history.

No, forward Antawn Jamison hasn't lived up to expectations, but it's obvious he's had to adapt to the return of Danny Fortson and the addition of young talent like rookie Jason Richardson.

I still believe the Warriors only need a couple of things. First, a point guard. As hard as Larry Hughes might try, it's just not his position. Secondly, it wouldn't hurt if Jeff Van Gundy became coach before the start of next season, something that's been rumored as a possibility (although I think interim coach Brian Winters is capable if given time).

Finally, the only thing the Warriors need to do is wait. Older teams such as Utah and San Antonio may begin to fade soon, creating some room for other teams to squeeze into the playoffs.

SAN ANTONIO SLIDE

In the previous newsletter, I wrote that the Spurs will come on strong in the second half of the season. Upon further review -- namely, their loss Feb. 12 at Sacramento -- it appears the Spurs desperately need a consistent scorer other than Tim Duncan.

Otherwise, forget any kind of serious playoff run. Of course, maybe by the postseason Steve Smith will have gotten used to his teammates and become that second option. No matter what happens, the Spurs need to get Tim Duncan more help for the future; Tony Parker was a good start, but another young, athletic big man sure wouldn't hurt.

KING CRITICISM

Speaking of Sacramento, a number of Kings faithful took exception to my ranking the New Jersey Nets as the league's top team at the All-Star break.

I wrote that the Nets "have more weapons" than any team in the NBA. As long as Jason Kidd is point guard, I don't believe that's a "ridiculous overstatement" as an unidentified e-mail charged.

First of all, I'll be the first to admit that I could be wrong about all of this. And my point actually is that the Nets are a better matchup for the Lakers. Could be wrong there, too.

But at the All-Star break, the Nets were playing better than anyone, period. Of course, the great thing about sports is that no one is right, or wrong, until the season ends.

MORE ON MILLER

You may recall that I wrote about Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller, and that he no longer gets nearly enough shots. Well, just the other day I read that Miller is averaging a mere 11 shots per game.

The neglect of Reggie is a big reason why the Pacers may be on the outside looking in for the playoffs. Of course, losing forward Al Harrington for the year (knee) won't help much, either.

ANOTHER WIZARD WONDER

When it comes to the Washington Wizards and this season's success, everyone talks about the improvement of Richard Hamilton, Popeye Jones and Chris Whitney -- and those guys really have become good.

Lost in all of this seems to be backup point guard Tyronn Lue, whose offensive skills are greatly refined. A lot of that has to do with confidence, but his outside shooting and passing are both much, much better since last season.

Just another reason to give Michael Jordan that MVP trophy.

ANIMOSITY FOR ANTOINE

I recently spoke with a former NBA great who told me this:

"I hate it when (Boston Celtics forward) Antoine Walker does that little dance after he makes a shot. If he had done that back in my day, I would have ruined his career the next trip down the floor. Then I'd go find the television producer who broadcast it and ruin his career."

Disclaimer: I love Antoine Walker and that little dance. Also, most TV producers I know are women.

YET ANOTHER CORRECTION

Want to know the difference between sportswriters and public relations people? Sportswriters live off rumors; PR folks are concerned with facts. I've also found that PR people are a lot smarter.

More evidence of this came from Chicago Bulls media services coordinator Matt Lloyd, who corrected my mistake regarding Brad Miller.

Miller scored 32 points against Memphis (Jan. 27), and reader Brandon Williams asked when was the last time a Bulls center scored at least that many points. I incorrectly answered Artis Gilmore, who scored 32 in 1982.

Matt pointed out that Dave Corzine scored 34 in 1984. Thanks, Matt. And sorry, Brandon.

YOUR E-MAILS

FROM CLIVE WATSON
Q: What, no vote for New York guard Allan Houston for the All-Star team? According to his salary, he is the Knicks' franchise player. Looks like a bad investment. Also, how about Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion for Best Player Never to Have Made an All-Star Team? Marion's numbers this season: 19 points, 10 rebounds, one block.

A: Dear Clive, you'll get no argument from me on either of those points. Marion is one Sun who has his act together at all times, and what a productive -- and breath-taking -- act it is.

FROM LAWRATOU BAH
Q: My name is Lawratou Bah (19 years old, girl). I'm French, but originally from Senegal (West Africa), and I read your report every week on Insidehoops.com, and I love it! I just had to say this!

But I think that you should give more props to the Toronto Raptors! I truly believe that they can knock off the Lakers! They have been playing very good lately despite injuries. Didn't you see them beat San Antonio before the All-Star break?

A: Dear Lawratou, always nice when one of the relatives writes in. In all seriousness, I agree -- the Raptors cannot be counted out. They do have my all-time favorite coach in any sport (Lenny Wilkens) and they just need to get healthy.

And isn't it funny how Vince Carter always gets picked on, yet the Raptors aren't half as good when he's in the lineup. In conclusion ... Lawratou, please, write any time!

FROM TOM GOODALL
Q: Sam, in response to your previous newsletter, Cleveland Cavaliers fans will gladly trade DeSagana Diop for Kwame Brown. As for another rookie, is Sacramento's Gerald Wallace just confident or one of those guys who thinks he's a lot better than he really is? Has he developed his game outside of two feet?

A: Dear Tom, if I'm a Cavs fan, I would trade Diop for Ben Poquette. Wallace is confident, and as I mentioned, he probably will have more success with another team. But you're right, he has no outside game -- although I could see Wallace eventually turning into a Shawn Marion-type.

FROM DAN PHILLIPS
Q: Apart from awful Utah Jazz center John Amaechi, who was the last British player in the NBA (if any)? It wouldn't surprise me if Amaechi is the first and last, considering how the low the standard is over here in the UK.

A: Dan, great question that deserves an answer. Can anyone out there help us out? (And take it easy on Amaechi. He's one of the world's nicest fellas).

WEB SITE IS READY

The Amico Report Web site has finally been launched. Besides the newsletter, the site includes a link called "Rebound: Readers Respond," which consists of reader e-mails that are not included in the newsletter.

Also, there is a link entitled "Pick-up Prose." Click on it periodically and you will see a brief editorial by me about the NBA -- and that is also not included in the regular newsletter. So break out the bookmarks and copy the URL.

Here it is: http://www.observer-reporter.com/amicoreport.bsp

I should add that the site is maintained by the Observer-Reporter's Jessica Smith, the Michael Jordan of Web design if you ask me.

TUNE IN TO WHTK

Those of you in the Rochester, N.Y., area can hear me talk about the NBA as a guest on Brad Davies' show on WHTK-AM 1280 on Thursday, Feb 14. I will be on the air at 10:30 a.m. (EST), although you should do yourself a favor and check out Brad's show each weekday.

And that, folks, concludes this week's shameless promotion of myself.

SAM'S SLAMS

Through the first half of the season, the Charlotte Hornets had a better road record (14-11) than home (9-14). Hey, why move to New Orleans? The Hornets should just play all their games on the road. ... Through February 12, the Los Angeles Clippers were 0-5 in overtime games. ... The Memphis Grizzlies are the only team with a rookie as its leading scorer (Pau Gasol). ... Teams that I firmly believe will be much-improved during the second half of the season: 76ers, Jazz, Magic, Cavs, and perhaps most of all, the Bulls. ... Chris Porter, Miles Simon, and David Harrison are playing very well in the CBA right now. Also, Leon Smith returned to the league after a brief stint with the Atlanta Hawks, snagging 24 rebounds in his first game back. ... Kobe may have been MVP, but I thought Seattle's Gary Payton is why the West won the All-Star game. Not that anyone cares.

CONTACT ME

E-mail questions and comments to me at amicoreport@hotmail.com. I will try to answer all questions in the newsletter, but you must include your full name.

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If you have friends who are interested in pro basketball, why not sign them up for The Amico Report? It's free, and it always will be. Just send their names and e-mail addresses to amicoreport@hotmail.com.