Their time is now: the Bulls have gone from sad-sack losers to sizzling contenders in a season that has been dominated by young, rising stars

NOW Parker, 22, is averaging 15.1 points and career bests in assists (6.1), rebounds (3.6) and shooting (49.0 percent), though he still takes the brunt of Popovich's criticism. Along with backcourt mate Manu Ginobili. Parker has helped get the Spurs on the fast break more and boost the team's scoring average to 96.9 points.

Next The question with Parker remains: Can he do it in the playoffs? He was on a roll through the first six games of the playoffs last year, then flamed out as the Spurs lost four straight to the takers. Parker's talent is unquestionable, but he is running a team expected to win a title, which brings a lot of pressure.

Amare Stoudemire, C, Suns

Then Nate Thurmond, one of the greatest defensive players in league history and one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players, has faced some fearsome big men, such as Elvin Hayes and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Keeping up with Amare Stoudemire, he admits, would be difficult. "His level of athleticism for a guy his size is amazing. He looks like a guy who never leaves the gym--he came in, out of high school, with a ready-made body. That's a key for him. He's been able to just work on his game because his body was ready for all the physical contact you take in the paint. Now, you watch his footwork, and to me, his spin moves are akin to is that fluid. But he is so ferocious in attacking the basket, that makes him different from Hakeem. What they have in common is the one thing that every great player has: desire. He has the desire to be the best, and that's why you see his game get better all the time."

NOW Stoudemire, 22, has improved this season despite being out of position at center. He has added better ballhandling and a nice 15-foot jumper to his repertoire. He's second in the league in shooting (57.4 percent), fourth in scoring (26.1 points per game) and, undoubtedly, leads the league in power dunking.

Next The Suns have been one of the biggest surprises in the league, thanks primarily to the rapport between point guard Steve Nash and Stoudemire. With its nonstop attacking offense, Phoenix :figures to remain near the top of the West and could Secure the top seed in the playoffs. When the pace slows as it typically does in the playoffs, Stoudemire's shooting and finishing ability in halfcourt sets will become even more important, as will his ability to protect the paint defensively.

Gilbert Arenas, PG, Wizards

Then Former All-Star guard Phil Chenier is a link to the great Washington teams of the 1970s, and he says guard Gilbert Arenas can help lead the Wizards to greatness of their own: "He's one of the quickest players in the league, but the thing is, he is so strong for his size. I have seen him blow by his defender, get picked up by a big man, take a hit that would have knocked down most other guards and still finish the play. He goes to the free throw line a lot because of that. He is stronger than Tiny Archibald was and much faster than Earl Monroe and Walt Frazier. The best guy to compare him to would be Jo Jo White because he is the same kind of guard who can give you different speeds and still be strong with the. ball."