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 Arenas, 23, has become a top-notch scorer with impressive shooting range and is averaging 24.3 points and 5.0 assists. He has yielded some of the playmaking load to shooting guard Larry Hughes, which has helped Arenas focus on piling up points.

Next The Wizards have been good enough to challenge the Heat in the Southeast Division. thanks to a fun, fast-paced offense with three weapons--Arenas. Hughes and Antawn Jamison. Hughes is out with a broken thumb and is expected to return later this month. The interior defense is spotty, but the Wizards still figure to be in the thick of the playoff race and even could wind up with home-court advantage in the first round. Not bad for a team that has not won a playoff series since 1981-82.

Chris Bosh, PF, Raptors

Then During nearly 50 years in and around the NBA, Tom Heinsohn has carved out an impressive legacy as a player (eight titles), coach (two titles) and broadcaster (23 years). He also knows something about being overlooked--Heinsohn was nearly cut from the Celtics before his rookie year. In that respect, he has something in common with Raptors big man Chris Bosh, who also is often overlooked. Bosh reminds many of forward Larry Nance, but Heinsohn disagrees. "I think he'll be better than Larry Nance. I think he will really dominate. There are not a lot of teams that have big people. He's very quick, with long arms. He can shoot, rebound--he's very competitive. If he plays for a team with a running style, he'll really be something special because he can get up and down the floor."

NOW Bosh, 20, has improved steadily over his first two seasons, learning to play in the post and also solidifying his status as a sweet-shooting lefty. Entering the week, Bosh was averaging 17.6 points and 9.1 rebounds since the Raptors Vince Carter on December 17.

Next The Raptors are not going to win the East, but playing in the weak Atlantic Division, the team has carved out a chance to make the playoffs--mostly thanks to Bosh. Toronto has switched its emphasis to Bosh's inside scoring, backed by the perimeter play of Morris Peterson, and the team started the new year with an 8-4 run.

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