By Sam Amico

TALKIN' PRO BASKETBALL

A conversation with myself about the greatest game on earth:

Question: Well, Sam, you spent the summer trashing NBA players for their performance in the World Championships, criticizing Sports Illustrated, and dragging AAU coaches through the muck. Feelin' pretty good about yourself?

Answer: Uh, not really.

Q: And for all your criticism of Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce on the court -- I believe you implied he was selfish -- isn't he about to receive a $50,000 grant from the NBA and Fannie Mae Foundation for his community service work?

A: Um, I guess so?

Q: And didn't Pierce tell Peter May of the Boston Globe that Pierce's biggest thrill is helping those in need? Didn't Pierce say, "No matter what I ended up doing (for a living), I would still try to make a difference" ?

A: (Gulp) ... He did?

Q: You betcha. So was it really necessary to come down so hard on Pierce and the rest of his U.S. teammates? Did they really deserve to be pummeled in print? And can't you admit that most of them are really good guys who just had some bad games?

A: Am I on trial here? If so, I plead the fifth.

Q: It's just that you've always said the NBA was third behind God, your family and your friends. You've always been different from a lot of writers in that you truly LOVE the NBA. I just want to know if that's changed?

A: Absolutely not.

Q: Then start explaining.

A: Well, to be totally honest, I am more excited about this NBA season than I've been in a long time.

Q: You say that every year.

A: Can I finish, please? Anyway, you must understand that all those young players who entered the league four, five, even six years ago are coming into their own. They are now ready to replace the superstars of the past. I'm talking about players like Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, and yes, even Pierce. Then there are players such as Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan, people who have already established themselves as future Hall of Famers.

Q: So are you saying it's become a great league again?

A: Actually, I've never considered it anything but great. True, it suffered through a couple of down seasons, but that was to be expected following the lockout and retirement of Michael Jordan in 1998. Believe me when I say the NBA is back!

Q: Are you aware this is your last newsletter before training camp begins? And has excitement about that fact been causing you to lose sleep?

A: Yes and double yes.

Q: Who do you think were some of the big winners this offseason?

A: Well, as much as a lot of people will hate to hear this, I think the Lakers improved by acquiring Tracy Murray and rookie Kareem Rush in the trade with Toronto. Murray will give them another outside shooter off the bench -- a valuable commodity in Phil Jackson's triangle offense. And Rush will be a big, athletic backup to Kobe Bryant for years to come.

Q: Anybody else?

A: You also have to like what New Jersey has done, landing Dikembe Mutombo, Chris Childs and Rodney Rogers. Those three are better than the men who they replaced -- Keith Van Horn, Anthony Johnson and Todd MacCulloch. Sacramento, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, Washington, Phoenix and the Clippers are the others on my list of summertime's best movers and shakers.

Q: It's starting to sound like your summer wasn't too bad, either. It sounds like you still really love the NBA, and root for the league and it's players like a 10-year old fan.

A: All of that is so very true. But can I conclude by making one request?

Q: What's that?

A: Will you please keep quiet while we're watching games this season?

Q: Only if you share the remote.

MAGICAL RETURN

Word out of Orlando is that Grant Hill's ankle is strong, and that he's been playing in pickup games with other members of the Magic, including Tracy McGrady.

Hill reportedly is playing with tons of confidence, making sharp cuts to the basket and displaying the agility that made him one of the league's top performers three seasons ago in Detroit. As you all know, Hill signed with the Magic in 2000, but has played a total of 18 games in two seasons after injuring his ankle.

All of this is good news for Magic fans, who have been waiting to see Hill team with McGrady in the backcourt. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Mike Miller will be in his third season, and has shown improvement each year -- which means Orlando should have three 6-foot-8 guys hanging out on the perimeter.

Most of all, the NBA needs guys like Hill. He's unselfish on the court and a model citizen off of it. He's also thankful for the opportunity to play in the NBA, and has never conducted himself like he's bigger than the game.

Let's hope Hill can complete his comeback.

LENNY WILKENS ROBBERY

I cannot believe Toronto's Lenny Wilkens finished 27th out of 29 in a fan voting of the NBA's best coaches on a recent network website's poll!

What's the matter with people? Wilkens has not only compiled the most wins in league history, he's done it with teams such as Seattle, Cleveland, Atlanta and Portland. In other words, Wilkens hasn't exactly coached in large markets that tend to draw big-time players.

Rick Adelman of Sacramento was picked as the top choice, and I'm not here to argue with that result. But leaving Wilkens out of the top five was pathetic -- and I can't begin to imagine some people's reason for ignoring him.

Actually, Wilkens has always been one of the NBA's kinder and more soft-spoken players/coaches. My guess is his priorities don't include what people say about him on the Internet.

Let's hope not, because anyone who knows anything about pro basketball knows Wilkens is among the league's greatest -- ever.

For more on Wilkens, you should check out his excellent book, "Unguarded," which was released a couple of seasons ago and co-authored by good friend Terry Pluto.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

What are your thoughts on NBA commissioner David Stern?

One thing's for sure, Stern has become a legend, having been commissioner since 1983. He is the person who implemented the lottery and came up with the idea of televising the draft (among many other things). I'm going to write about Stern next week, and I'll follow my comments with yours. So send them to me at amicoreport@hotmail.com.

E-MAIL ALONZO MOURNING

There's still time to send your well-wishes to Miami center Alonzo Mourning, who is expected to miss the season with a kidney ailment. Send the e-mail to me at amicoreport@hotmail.com, and I'll pass it along to the Heat public relations department in two weeks.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

FROM RED TANNER

Q: What are your thoughts on the Portland Trail Blazers entering the season? It seems like most other NBA writers are blowing them off.

A: Dear Red, it's true that not many folks are expecting great things from the Blazers, and that's largely based on the way the team has underachieved during the previous few seasons. But I think general manager Bob Whitsitt did some nice things this summer, including bringing back retired center Arvydas Sabonis. Whitsitt also landed Jeff McInnis and Antonio Daniels, two more talented guys to come off the bench. Basically, I look at the Blazers as a true darkhorse, a team that is capable of beating Sacramento, Dallas, San Antonio, and even the Lakers, if everything is clicking. Will things click? We'll just have to wait and see. But certainly don't write these guys off.

FROM STAN McCORMICK

Q: I eat, sleep and drink Utah Jazz basketball. They lost Donyell Marshall (Chicago) and Bryon Russell (Washington), but gained Matt Harpring, Calbert Cheaney and rookie center Curtis Borchardt. Do you think they came out even?

A: Dear Stan, I think Marshall and Russell are clearly better all-around players than Harpring and Cheaney -- but yes, I still believe the Jazz came out even. I say that because Harpring and Cheaney will probably be reborn in Utah's deliberate offense, which stresses good shooting, hustle and teamwork. As for Borchardt, I don't think he'll be as polished as second-year man Jarron Collins, who really impressed me in the playoffs last season.

FROM TED HERBUCK

Q: Do the Denver Nuggets stand any chance to make the playoffs?

A: Dear Ted, no. At least, not this season. But I do like how the team is building for the future. Unlike recent seasons, the Nuggets seem to have a plan. If Kiki Vandeweghe stays on as GM, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Nuggets become one of the league's elite once this current Laker run is finished. In the meantime, Ted, I would still pay close attention in Denver. The Nuggets may not win much, but they'll definitely be young and exciting.

SAM'S SLAMS

At this writing, there are still some veteran free-agent point guards out there who are sure to be signed during training camp. They are Rod Strickland, Mookie Blaylock, Dana Barros and Greg Anthony. ... The CBA held its annual draft last week, and you will see plenty of names you know (that includes you, Trevor Huffman fans). Check it out at cbahoopsonline.com. ... Thanks for all of your thoughts, and please keep them coming. I wish I had enough time to reply to every e-mail, but it's just not possible. I do, however, read them all. ... Enjoy the start of training camp!