Team-by-Team Look at the NBA for the 1993-94 Season

Team-by-team rundown of the Western Conference for the 1993-94 NBA season, in predicted order of finish, with prominent additions and subtractions (rookies are listed with draft selection number):

Western Conference/Pacific Division

Portland Trail Blazers

LAST SEASON: 51-31, 3rd; lost 3-1 to San Antonio in first round.

COACH: Rick Adelman (6th season with Trail Blazers; 244-119).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Chris Dudley, Buck Williams, Harvey Grant, Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED Dudley (free agent), Grant (trade with Bullets), G James Robinson (No. 21). LOST C Kevin Duckworth (trade with Bullets), G-F Mario Elie (trade with Rockets).

STRENGTHS: Drexler (19.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg. 5.7 apg) can do it all, and he’ll be better this season if his leg woes stay behind him. . . . Sixth Man winner Cliff Robinson (19.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 163 blocks) is a force at both ends, and the swap of Dudley (7.2 rpg in only 19.7 mpg, 103 blocks) for Duckworth is huge in the increasingly defensive-oriented West. . . . Rod Strickland (13.7 ppg, 7.2 apg) ran the point effectively, and Porter (18.2 ppg, 143 3s) will likely be relegated to third guard duty, which may suit him. . . . Grant (18.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg) fits in nicely as yet another very athletic scorer and rebounder.

WEAKNESSES: Williams (career low 8.3 ppg) will be 34 in March and he and Jerome Kersey (10.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg) have to adapt to reduced minutes. They have absorbed to bulk of the pounding in the past, along with Mark Bryant, who may end up elsewhere. . . . The Blazers, with no 7-footers, need Dudley (5 DQs) and Robinson (8) to avoid silly fouls because the other options are weak. . . . Dudley (45.0 FT pct) is a gate attraction from the free throw line.

JORDAN FACTOR: No Michael means no finals for the Bulls, and that will be inspiring, rejuvenating news to all Western Conference wannabes, like Portland.

OUTLOOK: It’s closing in on put-up-or-shut-up time for the aging Blazers, and with Jordan gone, this could be the season they make all the noise.

Phoenix Suns

LAST SEASON: 62-20, 1st; lost 4-2 to Chicago in NBA Finals.

COACH: Paul Westphal (2nd season with Suns; 62-20).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Mark West, Charles Barkley, Cedric Ceballos, Dan Majerle, Kevin Johnson.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED F A.C. Green, F Rod Higgins and C Joe Kleine (free agents). LOST F Richard Dumas (drug suspension), F Tom Chambers (free agent).

STRENGTHS: Barkley (25.6 ppg, 12.2 rpg) is now the NBA’s No. 1 attraction, and with back trouble causing him to think retirement, he’ll be more motivated than ever to win. . . . Guard trio of Majerle (16.9 ppg, 167 3s), Kevin Johnson (16.1 ppg, 7.8 apg) and Danny Ainge (11.8 ppg, 150 3s) is the NBA’s best, with Frank Johnson and Negele Kinght capable insurance. . . . Ceballos (12.8 ppg, NBA best 57.6 FG pct) starts and Higgins adds another 3-point threat. . . . Green (12.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg) adds toughness, which should help preserve Charles.

WEAKNESSES: Oliver Miller has the tools to be a starter in the pivot, but he won’t be as long as his favorite tools remain the knife and fork. . . . West is a good 15-20 minute man, and Kleine will help a bit, but there’s nothing scary in the group. . . . Kevin Johnson adjusted to Barkley’s arrival, but remains a question mark because his penetrating style often leaves him wounded. . . . Loss of Dumas (15.8 ppg) hurts some, but not as much as losing Johnson again would.

JORDAN FACTOR: Jordan’s 41-point scoring average against the Suns in last season’s NBA Finals was the highest in league history.

OUTLOOK: The Suns also know that a Michael-free ‘93-’94 means a chance for someone else to kiss the trophy. Is this Sir Charles’ final bow?

Seattle SuperSonics

LAST SEASON: 55-27, 2nd; lost 4-3 to Phoenix in conference finals.

COACH: George Karl (3rd season with SuperSonics; 201-218 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Sam Perkins, Shawn Kemp, Derrick McKey, Kendall Gill, Gary Payton.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED Gill (trade with Hornets), C Ervin Johnson (No. 23). LOST G-F Eddie Johnson (trade with Hornets).

STRENGTHS: Athletically, no one can match the SuperSonics. Kemp broke through in his fourth season (17.8 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 146 blocks), and doesn’t turn 24 until November. . . . Ricky Pierce (18.2 ppg) returns to sixth man, where he’s lethal, and Gill (16.9 ppg) could blossom in his escape from Charlotte. . . . Perkins (13.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and McKey (13.4 ppg) are solid at both ends, and Michael Cage (8.0 rpg in 26.3 mpg) is a relentless rebounder.

WEAKNESSES: The enormous talent is sometimes impossible for hard-nosed Karl to harness, yet he keeps looking for someone other than Nate McMillan to run the show. McMillan is solid, underrated and needs to play. . . . The Sonics are sometimes guilty of watching Kemp. . . . Other than 7-2 Rich King, who played 12 minutes last season, Seattle’s tallest player is the rookie Johnson at 6-11.

JORDAN FACTOR: The Sonics, with several players sculpted like Adonis, drafted one--Adonis Jordan of Kansas--with the 42nd choice overall.

OUTLOOK: In a division where height is secondary to talent, the Sonics will challenge to the end, and could even emerge as the only ones left standing.

Los Angeles Clippers

LAST SEASON: 41-41, 4th; lost 3-2 to Houston in first round.

COACH: Bob Weiss (1st season with Clippers; 183-227 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Stanley Roberts, Loy Vaught, Danny Manning, Ron Harper, Mark Jackson.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED G Terry Dehere (No. 13), F Henry James, F Tom Tolbert and F Mark Aguirre (free agents). LOST F Ken Norman (free agent).

STRENGTHS: A balance of young and veteran players gives the Clippers the look of a team poised to state its case as an up-and-coming franchise. Reborn Jackson (14.4 ppg, 8.8 apg) loves LA, and Manning (22.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg) emerged as the all-around player he was supposed to be. . . . Vaught (9.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg) provides toughness and much promise, especially with more playing time, and Harper (18.0 ppg, 177 steals) can still electrify at either end of the floor.

WEAKNESSES: Food. In Roberts (11.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and John Williams, the Clippers possess the two most talent-wasting players in the NBA. Both eat too much, work too little and show glimpses of the ability hidden beneath their abundant girth. . . . Manning’s unhappiness is disruptive, and the trade that fell through with Miami won’t help matters. He wants out. . . . Norman (15.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg) will be missed, especially in crunch-time.

JORDAN FACTOR: Harper, who in 1986-87 became the first player called “the next Jordan,” may be ready for the most complete season of his career.

OUTLOOK: The Clippers would be a playoff favorite, but the odds of them going anywhere positive ballooned with Roberts’ and Williams’ waistlines.

Los Angeles Lakers

LAST SEASON: 39-43, 5th; lost 3-2 to Phoenix in first round.

COACH: Randy Pfund (2nd season with Lakers; 39-43).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Vlade Divac, Elden Campbell, Doug Christie, Anthony Peeler, Sedale Threatt.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED F George Lynch (No. 12), G Nick Van Exel (No. 37), C Sam Bowie (trade with Nets). LOST F A.C. Green (free agent), G Byron Scott (free agent), C Benoit Benjamin (trade with Nets).

STRENGTHS: The candidates for front-line roles are plentiful, but so are the question marks. Peeler (10.4 ppg) was impressive as a rookie and is now expected to replace Scott. . . . Lynch has Green-like skills, but he won’t have Green to learn from. . . . Divac (12.8 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 140 blocks) and Bowie (9.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg) form a decent 1-2 pivot punch, and Threatt (15.1 ppg, 6.9 apg) steadies an otherwise green backcourt.

WEAKNESSES: James Worthy (14.9 ppg, 44.7 FG pct) faltered badly last season, and he’s the only link to greatness remaining. A history of contending and winning has just about evaporated. . . . Campbell, terrific in the playoffs last season, hasn’t earned extended time during the regular season. It’s time because the guards are liabilities on defense.

JORDAN FACTOR: Worthy and Sam Perkins are the only players left from the 1982 North Carolina team that beat Georgetown 63-62 on a jumper by Jordan to give Dean Smith his first NCAA title.

OUTLOOK: The Lakers mustn’t mistake their playoff wake up call to Phoenix as a sign of anything more than a last stand. It’s rebuilding time, and Jerry West and Co. are off to a good start, but a lottery pick or two would sure help.

Golden State Warriors

LAST SEASON: 34-48, 6th.

COACH: Don Nelson (6th season with Warriors; 753-541 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Chris Webber, Billy Owens, Chris Mullin, Latrell Sprewell, Avery Johnson.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED Webber (No. 1, trade with Magic), Johnson (free agent), F Josh Grant (No. 43, trade with Nuggets). LOST G Tim Hardaway (injury), G Sarunas Marciulionis (injury), F Tyrone Hill (free agent).

STRENGTHS: Resiliency. The Warriors stayed in the playoff race last season despite losing each of their top four players for appreciable stretches. This year, without Hardaway and Marciulionis (again), it will be much tougher, but plenty of firepower remains. Mullin (25.9 ppg, 51.0 FG pct) could score 30 ppg this year, Owens (16.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg) has had a low profile until now, and Latrell Sprewell (15.4 ppg, 73 3s) was the surprise of the rookie class. Add Webber and another exciting product is a given.

WEAKNESSES: Hardaway is the league’s best point guard and most exciting small guy, and his loss--and that of Marciulionis--mean Mullin has to score more and run the offense, too. . . . Hill (10.2 rpg) was the team’s best board man, and Victor Alexander (11.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) doesn’t assert himself underneath. . . . Johnson faded as a starter in San Antonio last year.

JORDAN FACTOR: The Bulls only lost Michael (39.3 mpg, 32.6 ppg); the Warriors lost Hardaway and Marciulionis (combined 67.4 mpg, 38.9 ppg).

OUTLOOK: Who knows? Nelson seems to become more magical as the odds get higher against him, but the lack of quality height will be a huge obstacle.

Sacramento Kings

LAST SEASON: 25-57, 7th.

COACH: Garry St. Jean (2nd season with Kings; 25-57).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Duane Causwell, Wayman Tisdale, Lionel Simmons, Mitch Richmond, Bobby Hurley.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED Hurley (No. 7), F Evers Burns (No. 31), C Randy Breuer (free agent). LOST F Anthony Bonner and F Rod Higgins (free agents).

STRENGTHS: Richmond (21.9 ppg), Simmons (17.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and Walt Williams (17.0 ppg) make up a strong young nucleus, and Hurley will love St. Jean’s up-tempo style and help steer them in the direction of the winning he’s accustomed to. . . . Tisdale (16.6 ppg, 50.9 FG pct) is a low post threat.

WEAKNESSES: Besides Simmons and Williams, both true small forwards, there isn’t a complete front court player in the bunch. . . . Causwell missed 27 games, fouled out of 7 others and simply hasn’t developed enough to remain a starter. Breuer once scored 40 points in a game for Minnesota, and that night must rate among the worst in Golden State Warriors’ history.

JORDAN FACTOR: Michael or no Michael, the Kings have sold out virtually every game since the new ARCO Arena (capacity 17,317) opened on Nov. 8, 1988.

OUTLOOK: The growing and learning should accelerate with Hurley running the team, but it won’t really get going until there’s a man in the middle.

Western Conference/Midwest Division

Houston Rockets

LAST SEASON: 55-27, 1st; lost 4-3 to Seattle in conference semifinals.

COACH: Rudy Tomjanovich (3rd season with Rockets; 71-41 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Hakeem Olajuwon, Otis Thorpe, Robert Horry, Vernon Maxwell, Kenny Smith.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED G Mario Elie (trade with Trail Blazers), G Sam Cassell (No. 24). LOST G Sleepy Floyd and G Winston Garland (free agents).

STRENGTHS: Olajuwon (26.1 ppg, 13 rpg, 150 steals, 342 blocks) stepped to the head of the NBA pivot class, scoring at a career-best rate and passing (3.5 apg) at one, too. He’s the game’s best big man. . . . Thorpe (12.8 ppg, 55.8 FG pct, 8.2 rpg), slowed by kidney trouble last year, and Horry (10.1 ppg) teamed with Olajuwon to anchor the third-rated defense in the NBA. . . . Matt Bullard (91 3s) is a surprising outside threat.

WEAKNESSES: The Rockets’ speed rivals any, but a too-fast pace often leads to destructive recklessness. . . . Smith (13 ppg, 52 FG pct, 5.4 apg) is fine for three quarters, but gets benched for Scott Brooks (or Elie) in crunch time, and Maxwell (13.8 ppg, 120 3s, 40.7 FG pct) can be as hurtful to Houston’s chances as to the opposition’s.

JORDAN FACTOR: Olajuwon established his MVP credentials last season and is one of the favorites with Jordan out of contention.

OUTLOOK: Olajuwon got Houston through the first round, but a shallow bench and shaky guard play will again keep them from going much further.

San Antonio Spurs

LAST SEASON: 49-33, 2nd; lost 4-2 to Phoenix in conference semifinals.

COACH: John Lucas (2nd season with Spurs; 39-22).

PROBABLE STARTERS: David Robinson, Dennis Rodman, Terry Cummings, Willie Anderson, Lloyd Daniels.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED Rodman (trade with Pistons), G Sleepy Floyd (free agent). LOST F Sean Elliott (trade with Pistons), G Avery Johnson (free agent).

STRENGTHS: In Rodman (18.3 rpg) and Robinson (11.7 rpg, 305 blocks), the Spurs have become a defensive force justlikethat. . . . Cummings’ return (17.3 ppg in 1992) from knee trouble should help Robinson (23.2 ppg, 55.1 FG pct), who all too often was blanketed in the low post. . . . Dale Ellis (16.7 ppg, 119 3s) can still light it up, and Antoine Carr (13.1 ppg, 53.8 FG pct) was rejuvenated when Cummings’ absence provided him with minutes.

WEAKNESSES: Once again, the point guard spot is weak with Floyd (6.6 ppg, 52 games), 32, being counted on to resuscitate his career after three down years. . . . Robinson, the quickest big man in the league, appears to get disinterested at times. Lucas hopes Rodman can help. . . . Daniels, abundantly gifted, struggled under the microscope last season and is being counted on for even more this time around. Lucas will have to handle that himself.

JORDAN FACTOR: The Spurs were 2-0 against Chicago last year, winning 103-99 despite Michael’s 42 points on Jan. 24, then winning 107-102 in overtime at Chicago on March 5 with Jordan sidelined by an infected foot.

OUTLOOK: The Spurs are too reliant on the man in the middle and too thin elsewhere to get any further than the conference semifinals.

Utah Jazz

LAST SEASON: 47-35, 3rd; lost 3-2 to Seattle in first round.

COACH: Jerry Sloan (8th season with Jazz; 345-263 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Felton Spencer, Karl Malone, David Benoit, Jeff Malone, John Stockton.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED F Tom Chambers (free agent), Spencer (trade with Timberwolves), C Luther Wright (No. 18). LOST C Mike Brown (trade with Timberwolves), F Larry Krystkowiak (free agent).

STRENGTHS: Karl Malone (27 ppg, 55.2 pct, 11.2 rpg) and Stockton (15.1 ppg, 12 apg) play in sync better than any tandem in the league, and both will be back at full strength this year after a season of post Olympic exhaustion. . . . Jeff Malone (18.1 ppg, 49.4 pct) is still steady, and Jay Humphries (8.8 ppg) is an able backup at both guard spots. . . . Chambers (12.2 ppg), when paired with Karl Malone, will probably improve because he’ll have open shots.

WEAKNESSES: Fading Mark Eaton has back trouble, so Spencer and the untested Wright--health permitting--will be expected to clog the middle with more than just a combined 575 or so pounds. . . . Tyrone Corbin (11.6 ppg, 50.3 FG pct, 6.3 rpg) and David Benoit (8.1 ppg) need to provide more than spotty scoring.

JORDAN FACTOR: Karl Malone’s scoring has declined for three straight seasons after a high of 31 in 1989-90, but a summer off, a fat contract extension, and a Michael-free scoring race may inspire the Mailman to deliver like never before.

OUTLOOK: Sloan’s in the hot seat, the Malones and Stockton aren’t getting any younger and Utah still has a pivot problem. If someone steps forward there, so will the Jazz. If not, its one round and out--again.

Denver Nuggets

LAST SEASON: 36-46, 4th.

COACH: Dan Issel (2nd season with Nuggets; 36-46).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Dikembe Mutombo, LaPhonso Ellis, Reggie Williams, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Bryant Stith.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED F Rodney Rogers (No. 9), F-C Brian Williams (trade with Magic), G Reggie Theus (free agent), G Darnell Mee (No. 34, trade with Warriors). LOST F-C Anthony Cook and G Todd Lichti (trade with Magic), C Robert Werdann (free agent).

STRENGTHS: With mostly young, impressionable players, Issel has the chance to teach more than most coaches. Abdul-Rauf, formerly Chris Jackson (19.2 ppg), flourished last year, winning Most Improved honors, and Rogers (Mailman II?) and Williams fill out a solid front line with Mutombo (13.8 ppg, 13 rpg, 287 blocks), Ellis (14.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 111 blocks) and Reggie Williams, Issel’s captain and steadying influence (17 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 126 steals).

WEAKNESSES: Young energy and daredevil tendencies in the backcourt make for exciting, often ineffective play, leading to easy hoops the other way. Despite the passing game, the Nuggets were 26th in assists last season, indicative of guards who look to shoot first. Management probably hopes the coaching-aged Theus will help, but he’s always had the same problem.

JORDAN FACTOR: The Nuggets’ 109-102 victory over Chicago last Jan. 30 left the Bulls at 7-8 for the month, their first losing month since April 1989.

OUTLOOK: All that front court talent puts Denver back in the playoff race, and the Nuggets figure to stay there into the final week of the season.

Minnesota Timberwolves

LAST SEASON: 19-63, 5th.

COACH: Sidney Lowe (2nd season with Timberwolves; 13-39).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Mike Brown, Christian Laettner, Chuck Person, Doug West, Micheal Williams.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED G Isaiah “J.R.” Rider (No. 5), Brown (trade with Jazz). LOST C Felton Spencer (trade with Jazz).

STRENGTHS: Laettner (18.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg) exceeded the expectations of most as a rookie, showing the grit and toughness some doubted he possessed. . . . West (19.3 ppg, 51.7 FG pct) is the best guard no one knows about, Williams (15.1 ppg, 90.7 FT pct, 8.7 apg, 165 steals) is flashy and lightning quick, and Person (16.8 ppg, 118 3s) can hurt with streaky long distance shooting.

WEAKNESSES: Person also hurts with his attitude, getting in spats with Laettner, a passionate winner. . . . Rider, considered a certain star by many, was the last unsigned first-rounder, and Luc Longley, a first-round bust two years ago, hasn’t shown the desire to put his 7-2, 265-pound frame to effective use anywhere near the glass. . . . Brown is an improvement over Spencer, but he isn’t a full-time player and backup candidates Tellis Frank and Greg Dennis aren’t even good part-timers.

JORDAN FACTOR: Thomas Jordan, who came to camp with the Wolves after playing last year in Spain, doesn’t figure to be much of a factor this year.

OUTLOOK: Unlike their expansion brethren, the Wolves have no real identity, something that may change once Laettner gets together with super-cocky Rider.

Dallas Mavericks

LAST SEASON: 11-71, 6th.

COACH: Quinn Buckner (first year as head coach).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Sean Rooks, Doug Smith, Jamal Mashburn, Jim Jackson, Derek Harper.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED Mashburn (No. 4), G Lucious Harris (No. 28), G Fat Lever (return from injury). LOST G Mike Iuzzolino (free agent).

STRENGTHS: Mashburn combines with Jackson (16.3 ppg, 39.5 FG pct, 4.7 apg) as the start of a new nucleus in Dallas, with surprising Rooks (13.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg) a serviceable pivotman and Smith (10.4 ppg) still expected to blossom. . . . Harper (18.2 ppg) will provide leadership for as long as he stays, and anything Lever (35 games in last three seasons) supplies will be a plus.

WEAKNESSES: The last thing Buckner needed was to lose brutish stalwart Terry Davis (12.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg) to a freak accident. Davis will be back, but will he be the same? . . . Greg Dreiling and Darren Morningstar are getting a chance to earn backup roles, vividly illustrating a dire situation in the pivot, and Randy White and Morlon Wiley are still taking up valuable roster space.

JORDAN FACTOR: Not even Michael could get the Mavs into the playoffs, but one season and one more lottery pick from now, Dallas may be ready.

OUTLOOK: With a rookie coach feeling his way and two college stars just adapting to the pro game, the Mavericks will do more learning than winning.

Eastern Conference/Atlantic Division

New York Knicks

LAST SEASON: 60-22, 1st; lost 4-2 to Chicago in conference finals.

COACH: Pat Riley (3rd season with Knicks; 644-247 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, Charles Smith, John Starks, Doc Rivers.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED F Anthony Bonner (free agent).

STRENGTHS: Team defense. Led league in fewest points allowed (95.4). Team has worked on a full-court press in the exhibition season with the hope of creating more points off turnovers. . . . Ewing (24.2 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 161 blocks) still seeking his first NBA title. He’s 31 and continues to be one of league most dominant centers. . . . Starks has gone from marginal CBA player to one of NBA’s most exciting players. He has excellent range and is an explosive leaper. His dunk over Michael Jordan in East Finals last year provided Knicks’ best highlight film material. . . . Smith (12.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Oakley (6.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg) and Anthony Mason (10.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg) provide depth and strength at forward. Tony Campbell and Bonner back them up. Rivers (7.8 ppg, 5.2 assists per game) provides veteran leadership.

WEAKNESSES: Knicks were fourth-worst in team scoring last season at 101.6 points per game. . . . Ewing’s knees have taken a pounding over his career. Without him they are no longer an elite team. . . . Greg Anthony needs to become trusted floor leader and must improve his slingshot jumper.

JORDAN FACTOR: With Michael Jordan’s retirement, Knicks hold moniker of East favorite.

OUTLOOK: Coach Pat Riley has this team poised for the NBA Finals. Knicks will be an elite team and should be able to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Orlando Magic

LAST SEASON: 41-41, 4th.

COACH: Brian Hill (First year).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Shaquille O’Neal, Larry Krystkowiak, Nick Anderson, Anthony Bowie, Scott Skiles.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED G Anfernee Hardaway (3), F Larry Krystkowiak (free agent), G Todd Lichti (trade with Denver). LOST F Brian Williams (trade with Denver). F Tom Tolbert (free agent). F Terry Catledge (waived).

STRENGTHS: In a word, Shaq. The 1992-93 Rookie of the Year was simply awesome last season, averaging 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds while outplaying almost every center in the league. . . . The addition of Hardaway gives the Magic another potential superstar, and the rookie from Memphis State won’t be asked to contribute more that necessary . . . Nick Anderson quietly averaged just under 20 points per game last season (19.9).

WEAKNESSES: Jeff Turner and Larry Krystkowiak won’t provide too many rebounds from the power forward spot. Luckily, they won’t be counted on to score much. . . . Dennis Scott figures to see much more bench time than he’s used to due to the arrival of Hardaway. Could be traded during the season. . . . O’Neal needs to drastically improve his foul-shooting. He shot 59% from the line last season, so other teams continually dared him to beat them from 15 feet away.

JORDAN FACTOR: Using endorsements as a measurement, Shaq is next in line for role of NBA’s most-marketable.

OUTLOOK: This team is a lock to reach the playoffs, but they lack the experience to get to as far as the conference finals.

New Jersey Nets

LAST SEASON: 43-39, 3rd. Lost 3-2 to Cleveland in first round.

COACH: Chuck Daly (2nd season with Nets, 519-342 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Benoit Benjamin, Derrick Coleman, Chris Morris, Kenny Anderson, Kevin Edwards.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED C Benoit Benjamin (trade with Lakers) G Kevin Edwards (free agent), F P.J. Brown (Europe), F Armon Gilliam (free agent), G Rex Walters (16). LOST G Drazen Petrovic (died), C Sam Bowie (traded to Lakers), C Chris Dudley (free agent), F Bernard King (retired).

STRENGTHS: Coleman is one of the league’s premier power forwards. He averaged 20.7 points and 11.2 rebounds last season. More importantly, he single-handedly took control for the Nets when injuries decimated their roster at the end of the season. . . . Anderson was playing well until be broke his wrist midway through last season. Ready for a breakout year, Anderson is the key to this team’s success.

WEAKNESSES: The loss of Petrovic, who died in a car crash in Germany, is devastating. The Croatian shooting guard was the team’s leading scorer and one of the top 3-point shooters in the league. Nets have no one to replace him. . . . With so many new faces, team will take a while to gel. . . . No depth.

JORDAN FACTOR: Coleman turned down $65 million long-term contract. Memo to Derrick: Be like Mike, sign the deal, make the money.

OUTLOOK: Team did better than expected in playoffs last year, mainly because of Coleman and Petro. Getting back to that level will be tough, but Daly is the coach to do it.

Miami Heat

LAST SEASON: 36-46, 5th.

COACH: Kevin Loughery (3rd season with Heat; 415-593 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Rony Seikaly, Grant Long, Glen Rice, Harold Miner, Steve Smith.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED C Manute Bol (free agent), LOST: G Kevin Edwards (free agent).

STRENGTHS: Rice is an explosive scorer and Loughery said he’s been “the best player in training camp.” . . . Miner, who came into camp 15 pounds lighter than last year, could become a star if given the ball enough. . . . Seikaly has shown himself to be a better-than-decent NBA center, but must come to play every night. . . . Bol is an improvement over last year’s backup center, Matt Geiger.

WEAKNESSES: Heart. This team should have improved and made the playoffs last season, but instead wound up with two fewer wins than they had the previous season.

JORDAN FACTOR: Miner, nicknamed “Baby Jordan” even before he won last year’s slam dunk contest, is “almost an entirely different player” so far during the preseason, according to Loughery.

OUTLOOK: Tough to call. Should benefit from the weakening of other East teams, but has to show the hunger necessary to position itself strongly for playoffs.

Washington Bullets

LAST SEASON: 22-60, 7th.

COACH: Wes Unseld (seventh season with Bullets; 178-287 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Kevin Duckworth, Pervis Ellison, Tom Gugliotta, Calbert Cheaney, Michael Adams.

ALTERATIONS: ADDED C Kevin Duckworth (trade with Trail Blazers), G Calbert Cheaney (6), C Gheorghe Muresan (30), F Kenny Walker (Europe). LOST F Harvey Grant (trade with Trail Blazers).

STRENGTHS: Ellison won’t have to busy himself with opposing centers as he moves to power forward to make room for Duckworth. . . . With Gugliotta also on front line, Bullets have added much-needed size. . . . Cheaney, the college player of the year in 1992-93, should make up for some of the points lost in the Grant trade.

WEAKNESSES: Injuries. Cheaney got hurt in the first practice, Ellison is still recovering from two off-season knee operations, Larry Stewart has a broken foot, LaBradford Smith has a separated shoulder, Don MacLean has a pulled stomach muscle.

JORDAN FACTOR: Rex Chapman can dunk with the best of ‘em.

OUTLOOK: If injuries don’t continue to be a problem, Bullets have shot at No. 8 playoff spot.

Philadelphia 76ers

LAST SEASON: 26-56, 6th.

COACH: Fred Carter (2nd season, 7-19).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Shawn Bradley, Clarence Weatherspoon, Tim Perry, Jeff Hornacek, Johnny Dawkins.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED: C Shawn Bradley (2), G Dana Barros (trade with Hornets), G Greg Graham (17, trade with Hornets), G Sean Green (trade with Pacers), C Moses Malone (free agent), G Alfonso Ford (32). LOST G Hersey Hawkins (trade with Hornets), F Armon Gilliam (waived), G Ron Anderson (released).

STRENGTHS: Hopefully, patience is their greatest strength. They’ll need plenty as they wait for the 7-foot-6 Bradley to develop into an NBA player. Meanwhile, they have Malone back to tutor Bradley. . . . Weatherspoon will be asked to improve on his 15.6 ppg average, and he should be able to. . . . Hornacek averaged 19.1 last year, could score more this year with Hawkins gone.

WEAKNESSES: Lost their leading scorer, Hawkins (20.3 ppg), and released most of their non-starters when they signed Bradley. Too many new faces. . . . Bradley “will get thrown around” by opposing centers, Carter said.

JORDAN FACTOR: With a nickname like “Spoon,” watch Weatherspoon reports for forecast of bright future of one of basketball’s biggest unknown stars.

OUTLOOK: The playoffs are too much to ask of this young team. Improving on 26 wins is a more realistic goal.

Boston Celtics

LAST SEASON: 48-34, 2nd. Lost 3-1 to Hornets in first round.

COACH: Chris Ford, 4th year, 155-91.

PROBABLE STARTERS: Robert Parish, Xavier McDaniel, Ed Pinckney, Dee Brown, Sherman Douglas.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED F Dino Radja (Europe), F-C Acie Earl (19), G Chris Corchiani (free agent), G Brian Oliver (free agent). LOST G Reggie Lewis (died), F Kevin McHale (retired), C Joe Kleine (free agent).

STRENGTHS: There aren’t many. Parish, 40, “hasn’t lost anything yet,” Ford said. . . . Brown and Rick Fox hit the weights and worked on their shooting over the summer. . . . Radja gives the Celtics another banger and Gamble can be a good streak shooter.

WEAKNESSES: There’s no way to replace Lewis, who died of a heart ailment over the summer. He was the team captain and the leading scorer (20.8) and the Celtics had nothing after he collapsed in playoffs and didn’t return. Combined with the loss of Larry Bird and McHale, this team will take years to rebuild itself into a contender.

JORDAN FACTOR: Bulls weren’t only team to lose their superstar unexpectedly.

OUTLOOK: Bleak.

Eastern Conference/Central Division

Charlotte Hornets

LAST SEASON: 44-38, 3rd, lost 4-1 in conference semifinals to Knicks.

COACH: Allan Bristow (3rd season, 75-89).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Johnny Newman, Hersey Hawkins, Muggsy Bogues.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED G Hersey Hawkins (trade with 76ers), F Eddie Johnson (trade with Sonics), G-F Scott Burrell (20). LOST G Kendall Gill (trade with Sonics),

STRENGTHS: Tremendous amount of young talent in Larry Johnson (22.1 points per game, 10.6 rebounds) and Mourning (21.0 ppg, 10.3 rpg). . . . The addition of Hawkins is an improvement on Gill, who didn’t really want to play for the Hornets anyway. . . . Eddie Johnson adds a much-needed scoring threat off bench to take pressure off Dell Curry. . . . Last year’s playoff experience will be a benefit this season, when Hornets figure to be seeded high with a real chance to advance.

WEAKNESSES: Lack of depth was apparent in playoffs. . . . Team still would like to find a better starting point guard than Bogues. . . . Backup center Mike Gminski near the end of his career.

JORDAN FACTOR: How many pairs of Converse can “Granmama” Johnson sell?

OUTLOOK: Chuck Daly calls them “the scariest team in the East.” Not many other teams benefit more from the retirement of Michael Jordan. Hornets have improved through off-season trades and should be division champions. Still a year or two away from being serious title contenders.

Cleveland Cavaliers

LAST SEASON: 54-28, 2nd, lost 4-0 to Chicago in conference semifinals.

COACH: Mike Fratello (1st season with Cavs, 324-250 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance, Tyrone Hill, Gerald Wilkins, Mark Price.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED F Tyrone Hill (trade with Warriors), G Gerald Madkins (CBA), F Chris Mills (22). Lost: Craig Ehlo (free agent), Mike Sanders (free agent).

STRENGTHS: Still have to be considered a favorite for the division title. Finished only three games behind the Bulls last season in the Central Division. . . . Coming off second straight 50-win season and led league in field goal percentage (.497), free throw percentage (.381) and 3-point percentage (.381). . . . Daugherty, a seven-year veteran, has averaged over 20 points for three consecutive seasons. Price and Nance also coming off solid seasons. . . . Fratello is high on Madkins.

WEAKNESSES: Looked terrible in playoffs, almost losing to an injury-ravaged New Jersey team before getting swept by Bulls. Fratello was brought in to get this team to the next level. . . . The loss of Ehlo removes an outside threat who provided 11.6 points per game and played a lot of minutes.

JORDAN FACTOR: No other team should rejoice more over Jordan’s retirement. He killed them in the playoffs for years.

OUTLOOK: Fratello could be just what the team needs to be a powerhouse. A serious contender for conference title.

Chicago Bulls

LAST YEAR: 57-25, 1st. Won third straight NBA championship.

COACH: Phil Jackson (5th year, 240-88).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc, B.J. Armstrong.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED F Jaren Jackson (free agent), G-F Toni Kukoc (Europe), C Corie Blount (25). LOST G Michael Jordan (retirement), G Trent Tucker (released), G Rodney McCray (released).

STRENGTHS: Without Jordan, the greatest strength this team can rely on is experience. When it comes down to playoff time, that could be the key in a series against the Hornets, Magic, or another young team. . . . Pippen (18.6 ppg) remains one of the game’s best forwards, but defenses will be keying on him now. . . . Grant (13.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg) also will be asked to score more.

WEAKNESSES: How do you replace the greatest player in the world? How do you replace 32.6 points per game and the potential for 50? How do you replace the seven-time defending scoring champion? Only one way: Talk him out of retirement.

JORDAN FACTOR: Playoffs start April 26. Will he be back?

OUTLOOK: Without Jordan, this team looks very ordinary. Look for Bulls to acquire a scorer in a trade.

Indiana Pacers

LAST YEAR: 41-41 (5th). Lost 3-1 to New York in first round.

COACH: Larry Brown (1st year with Pacers, 434-342 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Rik Smits, Dale Davis, Detlef Schrempf, Reggie Miller, Pooh Richardson.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED G Ledell Eackles (free agent), G Haywoode Workman (free agent), F-C Scott Haskin (14).

STRENGTHS: Miller is one of league’s best guards and would match his jumper against anybody’s. He made 40% of 3-point shots last season and made 167 of them--most in the . . . NBA. Smits (14.3 ppg) has quietly become one of league’s better centers. . . . Dale Davis gets almost no credit league-wide for what he contributes to this team--most blocked shots, most offensive rebounds, best field goal pct. . . . Schrempf is best European in NBA.

WEAKNESSES: No personality, no pizzazz, no respect. Not to mention no bench. . . . Smits came into camp at least 20 pounds heavier than Brown wanted. . . . Must avoid eighth seed in playoffs--it hurt them last season.

JORDAN FACTOR: Reggie Jordan, a rookie free agent guard from New Mexico State, averaged 3.6 points and 8.2 minutes in first five exhibition games.

OUTLOOK: Team looks the same as it did last season. Brown needs to find a style that suits this team so it can get a higher playoff seed and have a chance at surprising people.

Atlanta Hawks

LAST SEASON: 43-39, 4th. Lost 3-0 to Chicago in first round.

COACH: Lenny Wilkens (1st year with Hawks, 869-749 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Andrew Lang, Kevin Willis, Stacey Augmon, Dominique Wilkins, Mookie Blaylock.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED C Andrew Lang (free agent), F Doug Edwards (15), G Craig Ehlo (free agent).

STRENGTHS: Wilkins is the favorite to be the NBA’s scoring leader now that Jordan has retired. ‘Nique poured in 29.9 ppg last season on 47% shooting. . . . Willis recorded a ton of double-doubles--double figures in points and rebounds in the same game. . . . Augmon helps take the defensive pressure off Wilkins. . . . Coach Wilkens has had playoff success in the past with Cleveland.

WEAKNESSES: Biggest weakness last year was depth, but that problem has been solved with offseason acquisitions. . . . Lang will have problems with other centers in this conference. Backup John Koncak is a stiff.

JORDAN FACTOR: Atlanta fans were the only ones in NBA who didn’t sell out home arena last season when Bulls came to town. That happened in playoffs. Look for more empty seats against the Bulls this year.

OUTLOOK: Shouldn’t get swept in first round of playoffs. In fact, may even advance to second round.

Detroit Pistons

LAST SEASON: 40-42 (6th).

COACH: Don Chaney (first year with Pistons, 217-266 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Olden Polynice, Terry Mills, Sean Elliott, Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED Sean Elliott (trade with Spurs), F-C Greg Anderson (free agent), G Lindsay Hunter (10), G Allan Houston (11). LOST F Dennis Rodman (trade with Spurs).

STRENGTHS: Thomas and Dumars still one of the finest backcourt duos in league. . . . Throwing Elliott into the mix gives Pistons another scorer and a young talent who should stick around for years. . . . Hunter and Houston allow Chaney to switch to younger backcourt that will be able to run more. They also allow Chaney to cut Thomas’ and Dumars’ minutes, allowing them to be a little fresher come playoff time.

WEAKNESSES: Lost Rodman, the league’s two-time defending rebounding leader. Mills may not be capable of picking up the slack, meaning shooters will have to make a greater percentage of their outside shots. There’s no depth at forward.

JORDAN FACTOR: One less superstar who hates Isiah Thomas.

OUTLOOK: Without more height and bulk, this team will have hard time against larger clubs. Should squeeze into eighth playoff spot.

Milwaukee Bucks

LAST SEASON: 28-54 (7th).

COACH: Mike Dunleavy (2nd season with Bucks, 129-117 overall).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Frank Brickowski, Ken Norman, Blue Edwards, Todd Day, Eric Murdock.

KEY ALTERATIONS: ADDED F Ken Norman (free agent), C Vin Baker (8), C Greg Ritter (free agent). LOST C Moses Malone (free agent)

STRENGTHS: A quick team that will trap and press to create turnovers--3rd in league in steals last season. . . . Day is extremely talented and got plenty of playing time in his rookie year. . . . Orlando Woolridge, Brad Lohaus, Anthony Avent and Dan Schayes give them some depth.

WEAKNESSES: No height. Even with the addition of the 7-foot Baker, Milwaukee still will face larger teams almost every night.

JORDAN FACTOR: Ritter, a 7-foot-5 brute, is more unlike Jordan than any other player in the league.

OUTLOOK: Last place seems a certainty.