By Sam Amico

THE UNSETTLED EAST

Now that Allen Iverson is out for at least a month ... and Vince Carter is out for the rest of the season ... and the Milwaukee Bucks and New Jersey Nets have been outplayed way too much ... and ... well, you get the idea.

No question, the Eastern Conference is crazier than ever as we head into the season's final month.

I know what you're thinking. "If this Amico character is just now realizing the East is up for grabs, then he must have had brain freeze for the last 12 weeks."

That may be true. But things are REALLY wacky now.

Consider:

* Iverson has a broken hand, and his Philadelphia 76ers will probably struggle to get into the playoffs -- although it's my belief that they'll hang on by their fingernails and make another run once there.

* Carter is done for the season with a leg injury, and whether he played or not, things just weren't happening for the Toronto Raptors. Don't ask me how these guys got worse, but they did (remember all the preseason predictions that had Toronto in the Finals?)

* The Nets and Bucks -- two teams I expected to be playing for the conference championship -- have looked a lot less dangerous in the second half of the season. It's true that the Bucks are an experienced bunch when it comes to the playoffs -- but coach George Karl's teams also have a way of self-destructing. As for the Nets, they have zero playoff experience, and may have peaked at the wrong time. Don't misunderstand, I still think the Nets are your conference favorites. But now I gulp when I say it.

* Every time things seem to go well for Orlando, somebody gets hurt. Usually, that guy is Mike Miller, or worse yet, Tracy McGrady. The Magic is a definite darkhorse, a team with a real shot at making it all the way to the Finals. But something about these guys leads me to believe they're still a year and another player -- perhaps Grant Hill -- away.

* What about the Boston Celtics, you ask? Well, I love the trade that brought them Rodney Rogers and Tony Delk. It shows that they realized anyone can win the East -- and the best way to do that is with veterans. Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce are outstanding night after night, but the Celtics still need that consistent third guy. If they find him, they're in the Finals.

* Detroit has played better or as well as anyone during the season's second half. Don't worry, I didn't believe it would last, either. But, hey, let's give the Pistons credit -- they're sharing the ball on offense, and bending their knees and shuffling their feet on defense. It doesn't hurt that Ben Wallace is a rebounding and shotblocking machine. Mostly, though, I like the way Jerry Stackhouse has altered his attitude and amended his game. These guys have a great shot.

* Finally, let's not forget Indiana, Washington, and a lot of expert's sleeper pick, Charlotte. The Hornets are the a completely different team than the one that struggled before the all-star break, and they have a healthy Jamal Mashburn to thank. It's not outlandish to think they could squeak into the playoffs -- then make the Finals.

As for the Pacers and Wizards, well, only one is going to make it. I'm sticking with my original pick (the Wizards), although I don't expect either team to get very far if they make it. Then again, the way the East is shaping up, we could see them playing for the conference title. And I really believe that.

All of which just goes to show that while the East is crazy ... well, as Oscar-winner Denzel Washington intensely stated in the movie Training Day, it ain't got nothing on me.

WILD WEST

Things should be just as wild in the Western Conference, as teams battle for The Right to Play the Lakers. Unlike the East, this conference has a clear-cut favorite. But watching much-improved teams such as Sacramento, Dallas, and Seattle will make for the best postseason in a very long time.

Popular opinion states that either Sacramento or Dallas will be the Lakers' biggest challenger. That could be true, but my pick is the Portland Trail Blazers. If you ask me (and you are, because this is my newsletter), Portland is slowly securing its spot as the NBA's second-best team. If the Blazers don't run into the Lakers in the second round, I think they'll be in the Western finals.

Then again, we all know the Blazers are but one Rasheed Wallace technical away from total collapse.

MORE EAST STUFF

Another interesting thing about the Eastern Conference playoff race? The idea that it should be even better next season.

I have a feeling Atlanta, Cleveland and even New York will make a push for the postseason in 2003. Atlanta and Cleveland just need another season to gel (and perhaps one more good player each), while the Knicks just need to rediscover their intensity (a point guard wouldn't hurt, either).

Having said that, I realize this leaves me open to hundreds of e-mails from Knick fans, who are dying for another chance to criticize their team. I know, because I receive such e-mails on a daily basis. So ... fire away, guys.

GOLDEN STATE WOES

I still believe in the Golden State Warriors. With the right coach, a quality draft pick and a minor trade or two, the Warriors can be respectable and in the playoff race as early as next season.

The more I watch the rookie backcourt of Jason Richardson and Gilbert Arenas, the more I like the Warriors' future. Throw in Antawn Jamison, and it's clear that the Warriors have three quality players to build around.

Too bad they aren't in the East.

NO DOUBTING THOMAS

Is it just me, or has forward Kurt Thomas become the Knicks' second most important player, behind Latrell Sprewell, but way ahead of $100 million man Allan Houston?

Thomas is one Knick who has responded well to the coaching change (Jeff Van Gundy to Don Chaney). He also plays with tons of passion, an obvious sign of someone who has a true love of the game. Better yet, Thomas manages to keep a low profile -- even in the media-mad world of NYC.

Too bad he hasn't figured out a way to rub off on his teammates.

ANOTHER BAD TRADE

We just can't get enough of bad trades.

Longtime Milwaukee fan Matt Segel e-mailed this gem: "I think the worst move the Bucks have ever made was trading Dirk Nowitzki for Robert Traylor. If the Bucks had no idea that Nowitzki would be so good, why did they bother drafting him?"

Matt, good point. I always enjoy your thoughts, including the one labeling Orlando fans as the ones with "the worst karma." Matt said that the Magic allowing Shaquille O'Neal to sign with the Lakers was "the worst personnel move ever." I tend to agree.

NUGGET OF ANGUISH

Denver point guard Tim Hardaway is out with an injured foot, and since the team traded Nick Van Exel and Avery Johnson ... well, guys like George McCloud and Voshon Lenard are now bringing the ball up the court.

In case you don't follow the Nuggets, having McCloud run your offense is like choosing Barry Manilow to be an honorary guest at the Headbangers Ball. It's just not pretty. Then again, it was good enough to beat the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 25.

Anyway, I am happy to see little-used rookie point man Kenny Satterfield finally receive some quality playing time. Wonder if second-round draft pick and talented point guard Omar Cook -- who created a stir by holding out and is now playing in the bush leagues -- has any regrets.

NO FLASH IN THE PAN

Celtics forward Paul Pierce had this to say about my Kent State Golden Flashes and their wonderful run in the NCAA Tournament: "You don't see no Kent States in the NBA playoffs."

Guess Pierce forgot about the 1999 New York Knicks, who were the No. 8 seed entering the playoffs -- but made it all the way to the Finals before losing to San Antonio.

FRIENDLY GM

This is one of those stories you never hear about, but Atlanta Hawks general manager Pete Babcock often goes into the stands during the first half of home games -- and gives tickets to fans sitting in the second level. The tickets are for seats much closer to the court, where the lucky recipients sit for the second half.

Babcock is one of the all-time nicest people in the NBA, and says, "I like to reward some of our fans who spend their hard-earned money to come see us play."

DRAFT SPECIAL

Speaking of Babcock, he is one of a few men who took the time to talk with me and explain how NBA teams prepare for the draft. Phoenix's Dick Van Arsdale, Houston's Carroll Dawson and Boston's Chris Wallace are the others.

I tell you this because around the time of the 2002 draft in June, I will be sending out a three-part special with their insights and comments about what transpires in the weeks leading up to the draft, as well as what goes down on draft day.

So keep your eye on the inbox in June.

DRAFT DISAPPOINTMENT

If Duke's Jason Williams is worthy of being the No. 1 pick, then it's true -- the NBA really is slipping in terms of talent.

I love Williams' toughness and wonderful attitude. And who could possibly be bothered that he's graduating from Duke? But as a player, he mostly reminds me of former Michigan State all-American and ex-Phoenix Suns coach Scott Skiles.

Skiles was selected by Milwaukee with the No. 22 pick in the 1985 draft. He had a couple of nice seasons later in Orlando, but Skiles sure wasn't worthy of being the No. 1 pick -- and if you ask me, neither is Williams.

CAVS AND THE DRAFT

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have blown their two first round choices by selecting DeSagana Diop with the No. 8 pick and trading Brendan Haywood for Michael Doleac -- but they did land free agent Ricky Davis. And having Davis is the same as having a top 15 pick.

Davis is young, athletic, and passionate, perhaps overly so. Once he tones it down and learns the pro game a little better, he could turn into an all-star. Davis had his troubles at Iowa and left after his sophomore year. He played in the minors last season, and was waived by the Miami Heat prior to this one.

SIMON SAYS ... I'M CBA'S BEST

Former Arizona star Miles Simon was named CBA newcomer of the year. Simon, a 6-foot-4 swingman for the Dakota Wizards, averaged 23 points per game and led the league in three-point accuracy at 46 percent.

Meanwhile, Rockford forward Kenneth Inge was named rookie of the year. He was joined on the CBA all-rookie team by Ken Johnson, Sean Lampley, DeSean Hadley, and Shawn Daniels.

SAM'S SLAMS

Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Sun-Times have reported that the Bulls will try to sign Los Angeles Clippers free-agent center Michael Olowokandi. The Clippers say they'll match any offer for Olowokandi, although it'll be interesting to see if that stern warning holds up if the Bulls overpay him. ... You know the NBA lacks centers when there's this much fuss being made over Michael Olowokandi. Personally, I'd rather have Kevin Willis, and he's something like 728 years old and unemployed. But at least he's tough. ... Speaking of tough, a recent poll on The Sporting News Web site asked if Nets forward Kenyon Martin has become the NBA's nastiest player. Sixty percent of the readers answered no. I don't think he's become a dirty player, either, but I do think he has to be very careful. Fortunately, it seems Martin is starting to realize that too, no matter how frustrating. ... Happy 40th birthday to Utah's John Stockton. If the Jazz make the playoffs, and they probably will, then Stockton will have made an NBA record 18th straight postseason appearance... I will try to get to your questions next week, I promise. That is especially true for loyal readers John Fike and Jon Palmer. In the meantime, keep them coming!

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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