By Sam Amico

ONE WAY TO KNOCK IT OFF

It's time for the NBA to put its first down on fighting.

I'm more sure of that than ever after watching Kobe Bryant and Reggie Miller go at it following the Indiana Pacers-Los Angeles Lakers game March 1.

In case you missed it, Miller said something to Bryant, then Bryant quickly went after Miller. They ended up grabbing each other and rolling around in something that resembled more of a dance than a fight. That, of course, is not to say it was pretty.

Miller and Bryant each received a two-game suspension, which led me to ask, "Two games? Why not just stick them in a penalty box and let them cool off for a couple of minutes?"

My other question is, who in the NBA office decides these things? I mean, who concluded that Shaquille O'Neal should be suspended for three games for throwing a punch at Brad Miller -- and that Kobe and Reggie only deserved to miss two?

I don't get it, and I bet a lot of players, coaches and fans don't either. That is why I say the NBA needs to come up with a clear plan, one that will make guys think twice about taking that first swing.

From now on, suspend players five games for fighting. Make it an automatic punishment for the first altercation. If a player is involved in a second fight, suspend him 10 games -- no questions asked.

Now, those of you who know me know that I'm not big on criticizing the NBA. I am a huge supporter of the league and I root for the players and teams like a 12-year old. And this isn't meant to be insensitive, but once the buzzer sounds and the ball stops bouncing, I quit caring about the men on the court. I wish them well and all, but I prefer not to know about divorce hearings or court appearances. It's none of my business.

The bottom line: When I watch a game, that is exactly what I want to see -- a game. If I want to observe a bunch of oversized men trying to beat each other senseless, I'll tune in to a Mike Tyson press conference.

Sure, there's the old Heat of the Battle reason for getting upset, and I'm not saying that an occasional scuffle is all that bad. Heck, some people actually enjoy hockey, don't they?

But we need to make sure hockey stays hockey and basketball remains basketball. Lengthy suspensions by the NBA would do just that.

COOL JAZZ

As I sit down to write this, the Utah Jazz have won nine of their last 11 games.

The Jazz probably won't win the NBA title, but I have a feeling they will ruin the season of one of the Western Conference's younger, more fashionable teams. I say this for three reasons:

* John Stockton. He'll be 40 on March 26, but it's obvious the NBA's all-time steals leader knows when to turn it up a notch. After watching him struggle against some no-name opponents earlier in the season (Milwaukee benchwarmer Rafer Alston among them), Stockton has gotten better as the games become more meaningful. His abusing of the Lakers' Lindsey Hunter on March 6 is perhaps the best example of that.

* Karl Malone still makes crucial shots. Malone isn't quite the muscle-bound intimidator he once was (although he's darn close), and he tends to start slowly most games. Then comes the fourth quarter, when Malone seems to will the ball in the basket. Also, like Stockton, he appears to be as good as ever on defense -- the aspect that counts most in the postseason.

* The play of youngsters like third-year forward Scott Padgett, and rookies Jarron Collins and Andrei Kirilenko. I'll be honest, if you had told me Collins would be starting at center and Padgett was receiving meaningful minutes toward the end of the regular season ... well, I probably would've assumed Stockton and Malone decided to retire before the All-Star break. But Collins, Padgett and especially, Kirilenko, are maturing at a rapid pace.

Now, just imagine if the Jazz had a reliable shooting guard.

One final Jazz thought: Can anyone else see the team selecting Gonzaga point guard Dan Dickau with its first-round draft pick? Actually, Dickau is more likely to be a second-rounder, and his style of play reminds me more of Rod Strickland than Stockton.

TV TALK

After taking some to reflect, here are some thoughts on the NBA's new television package with ABC, ESPN and Turner Sports.

* I don't like the fact that ABC won't broadcast any playoff games. The postseason is when the NBA is at its best, and it just seems odd that the network will air the Finals, but not one game leading up to it. Is this the way to get casual fans excited? Worse yet, there are plenty of people in rural and inner-city areas who don't get cable and still have to use the old rabbit-ear antennas. Guess they don't count.

* I do love the fact that games will return to Friday nights (on ESPN). The NBA used to own Fridays, but for some inexplicable reason it switched its Turner telecasts to Thursdays. But now there will finally be some games to kick off the weekend once again -- a wise move when you consider the current lame sports lineup on Friday nights.

CAVS TALK

While on the topic of broadcasting and Fridays, I may as well use this opportunity to shamelessly promote myself yet again. I'll be joining Mike Snyder on the Cleveland Cavaliers radio network Friday, March 8, before the Cavs game in Milwaukee. The Cavs flagship station is WTAM 1100-AM.

LOTS OF KIDD-ING AROUND

One thing we should all enjoy about the New Jersey Nets? They play like a college team -- or, more accurately, a bunch of guys who are having an absolute blast every time they step on the floor.

Even after a two-point loss in Phoenix, point guard Jason Kidd said that the Nets "we're having a lot of fun, and that is what this is about."

Earlier this season, I had my doubts that Kidd, Kenyon Martin, Kerry Kittles and the rest would be able to maintain their Best in the East status. But now, it's getting to the point where you can't help but to expect -- and root for -- the exciting Nets to go deep into the playoffs.

SECRET CELTICS

The more I see of the Celtics, the more I love the trade that brought Rodney Rogers and Tony Delk from Phoenix to Boston. In fact, with Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker refusing to let up, and Delk and/or Rogers being the much-needed third scoring option ... well, I don't think the Finals are out of reach.

Of course, the Celtics could use some consistent play from point guard Kenny Anderson, and better yet, some regular production from the bench (a true center wouldn't hurt either). No matter, the guys seem to enjoy playing for Jim O'Brien, and appear to truly love the role of the underdog.

That's not meant to insult the Suns, who received a real keeper in rookie Joe Johnson in the deal. Johnson will replace Penny Hardaway as the team's shooting guard before the start of next season, and it should be a lot of fun watching Johnson, Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion gel in coming seasons.

CBA NEWS

Former Arizona University standout Miles Simon is tearing it up in the CBA with the Dakota Wizards. Simon leads the league in scoring (24.2 ppg) and is seventh in assists (5.4 ppg). You have to wonder how long it will be before an NBA team gives him a long look.

In other news, Leon Smith has returned to Gary, Ind., after a brief stint with the Atlanta Hawks. Smith is leading the CBA with a whopping 15.2 rebounds per game. He also averages 16.8 ppg. Also, former Ohio State standout center and Miami Heat draft pick Ken Johnson leads the CBA in blocked shots (55) and is third in field-goal percentage (.552).

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

FROM RYAN HEIMBERGER
Q: I am a 14-year old Dallas Mavericks fan and I like their chances in the West with the addition of Nick Van Exel, Raef LaFrentz and to a lesser extent, Avery Johnson. But I have recently read some articles that the trade with Denver was not a good one, that it will "disrupt team chemistry." What's your take on this trade?

A: Ryan, it appears that Van Exel, LaFrentz and the rest of the Mavericks are still adjusting to one another, and that may be why there are some doubters. But the Mavs should be better than ever when the playoffs come around -- and could unseat the Lakers as early as next season if everyone meshes. No question, if Steve Nash, Michael Finley, Dirk Nowitzki ever are injured, we'll all see what a great trade this was for Dallas.

Also, believe it or not, I like this trade for Denver. Juwan Howard is rejuvenated, and the Nuggets will only be a (backcourt) player away from good things if Antonio McDyess ever gets healthy.

FROM CLIVE WATSON
Q: I disagree with just about everyone's assessment of former New York Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy. Until this season, when he left an inferior team, every one of the Knicks teams he coached had the talent to reach the Finals. Van Gundy had more talented teams in New York than Riley did, or than Riley has had in Miami. I believe Van Gundy's teams underachieved.

A: Clive, you're right -- not many people would agree with that assessment of Van Gundy. Especially when you consider the Knicks made to the Finals in 1999 with a still-productive-but-injured Patrick Ewing on the bench.

Still, you make a valid point in that Van Gundy's Knick teams were more talented than Riley's -- and way more talented than the one with which Don Chaney has been cursed.

But you also must consider players like Kurt Thomas, who blossomed under Van Gundy. It's examples like Thomas -- unquestionably one of the league's most-underrated forwards -- that leads me to believe Van Gundy could do very well in a situation like Golden State or Denver. Then again, he recently said that he's not interested in rebuilding a team. That's too bad, because I don't think Phil Jackson is going leaving the Lakers anytime soon.

FROM LYNN BALL
Q: Is it too early to talk about the draft? Who's leaving school? Who's staying? Besides Yao Ming and Jason Williams, are there any real talents?

A: Lynn, if you're asking me, it's never too early talk about the draft. As usual, there aren't many centers out there, although I think the draft will be loaded at forward, particularly if underclassmen such as Indiana's Jared Jeffries and Connecticut's Caron Butler join seniors like Kentucky's Tayshaun Prince and USC's Sam Clancy.

But to be completely honest, you're asking the wrong guy, as my knowledge of the college game is intentionally limited. For better info, check out NBA draft guru Chris Monter's Web site and newsletter at http://www.collegebasketballnews.com.

SAM'S SLAMS

As we prepare for March Madness, I give you yet another reason the NBA is better than college basketball: The NBA doesn't have "Senior Night." ... Through March 6, the Lakers were 7-0 without Kobe Bryant. ... On a recent TNT telecast, play-by-play man Marv Albert called the Lakers "one of the Western Conference's better teams." Gee, Marv. You don't say. ... The Los Angeles Clippers signed Doug Overton to a 10-day contract during the first week of March. I've always liked Overton, but I sure can't say that he belongs in the NBA. ... The "relocation committee" heads to New Orleans at the end of March to see if the city is a fit home for the Charlotte Hornets. Hopefully, the committee will keep in mind that the NBA has already failed in Louisiana and force the Hornets to stay where they are. ... Two men who have thoroughly impressed me since the All-Star break: Portland's Scottie Pippen and Milwaukee's Glenn Robinson. And we all thought they didn't care anymore.

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.

SIGN UP A FRIEND

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.