NBA 1999 PREVIEW (PART 2)
by Gerry Wang

Midwest Division
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1.) UTAH JAZZ- I hate those damn Mormon dirty, little white boy players, but they win, and they have a storied tradition of winning. Now that MJ's gone, is this Karl Malone's chance at his first title? I hope not. --> Player to watch: Bryon Russell- this man deserves to be on another team--one where he'll be used to his fullest potential. He's got game, but is too restricted in Utah's pussy pick and roll half-court scheme.

2.) SAN ANTONIO SPURS- This town ain't big enough for the two of 'em y'all. The Twin Towers will loom over the NBA for another year, and Sean Elliott is back. The Spurs really did a good job at plugging their holes via the free agent market. They got Steve Kerr, Mario Elie, Jerome Kersey, and also added Antonio Daniels to back up Avery Johnson. They will whoop ass but still lose to the premiere teams of the NBA.

--> Player to watch: Tim Duncan- If The Worm doesn't play, then Duncan will probably lead the NBA in rebounding. Plus his scoring average should increase, unless he gets a sophomore jinx. We all know hell will freeze over first.

3.) HOUSTON ROCKETS- Title-contenders now that they got Scottie Pippen. But their team is still full of geezers, and they have a huge disadvantage in the front court. Matt Maloney ain't gonna get the job done. The bench is also lacking depth. Pippen will have to pick up the slack, but can he thrive w/o MJ?

--> Player to watch: Michael Dickerson- sweet shooter from Arizona that should provide good offense off the bench with his 3-point stroke.

4.) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES- Replaced Googs w/ Joe Smith. Except Joe ain't got size or an outside touch. But they have a nice youthful nucleus consisting of wunderkind Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury, plus they got Dean Garrett back. He oughta provide some rebounding and shot-blocking. But ultimately, the bench is too shallow. --> Player to watch: Kevin Garnett- The kid does it all. Plus he plays with such a raw energy and zeal that you know he love the game and enjoys every minute of it.

5.) DENVER NUGGETS- They won't be the laughingstock of the league anymore. The Bulls and Clippers share that distinction now. They actually have a mediocre team. Antonio McDyess, Nick Van Exel, Chauncey Billups, and Raef LaFrentz are all talented young players. If they click w/ the chemistry, the Nuggets will actually be more tolerable to watch.

--> Player to watch: Eric Williams- he hogs the ball all the time, but he can put the rock in the hole. Coming off a major injury last year, so he should catch people off guard.

6.) VANCOUVER GRIZZLIES- They are a good team in the making. It just takes time. They have a superstar in Shareef Abdur-Rahim, a good young PG in Mike Bibby, and an ogre of a C in ""Big Country" Bryant Reeves. If Felipe Lopez can finally prove he can live up to his previous hype, the Vancouver Grizzlies will look sharper than ever.

--> Player to watch: J.R. Henderson- once again, a tribute to a fellow UCLA alum. He ain't that good, but he can score down low. Probably won't get much playing time, but we'll see if he can become an ardent towel waver.

7.) DALLAS MAVERICKS- Do you know who we have to blame for the demise of the Mavericks? Toni Braxton! She caused a rift between the Triple Js-- Jason Kidd, Jim Jackson, and Jamal Mashburn. That was an awesome trio. Now they have Michael Finley, Steve Nash, and Cedric Ceballos as their new triumvirate. Bleech.

--> Player to watch: Steve Nash- should have a good year. Finally gets the chance to start, after being stuck in Jason Kidd's shadows the past 3 years or so. The guy can pass.

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RECAP
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1.) Utah Jazz
2.) San Antonio Spurs
3.) Houston Rockets
4.) Minnesota Timberwolves
5.) Denver Nuggets
6.) Vancouver Grizzlies
7.) Dallas Mavericks

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