Western Conference

Sporting News, The, Feb 21, 2000

Dallas

Rodman's arrival is causing other players to change roles

During the All-Star break, practice time was needed to give new PF Dennis Rodman an understanding of the playbook and new defensive rules. In his first game back, Rodman was whistled for five fouls and was constantly checking with the referees for what he could and couldn't do under the new rules.... Coach Don Nelson countered Seattle's small lineup last week by starting 6-11 Dirk Nowitzki, normally a small forward, at center Rodman opened at power forward, and Nelson combined them with the high-energy trio of SF Cedric Ceballos, SG Michael Finley and PG Erick Strickland.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: As long as he behaves, Rodman appears to be a good fit. Rodman doesn't need the ball to be effective. He gets it off the glass, passes quickly to the wing and the break is on. On set plays, Rodman is lifted on the weak side, and his job is to occupy one or two defenders who are trying to keep him away from the glass. That provides more room for Finley and Ceballos to operate on offense. It also means C Shawn Bradley will get fewer minutes. --Ken Sins

Denver

Van Exel's injury reveals team's thin pickings at point

By placing PG Chris Herren on the injured list after the team's trade for SG Tariq Abdul-Wahad and F/C Chris Gatling, coach Dan Issel was left with only Cory Alexander to use as the backup point guard and part-time starter. PG Nick Van Exel missed two of three games before the break and doesn't seem to be getting better. With four guards on the active roster, Issel was forced to use Fs James Posey and George McCloud at point. Herren needs to be in the mix, so F Roy Rogers or F Popeye Jones could be moved to the injured list.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: In a loss to the Spurs last week, most of Denver's starters saw the game from the bench in the fourth quarter PF Antonio McDyess, C Raef LaFrentz and Van Exel, who was hurt, didn't play in the final 12 minutes. With the reserves on the floor, the Nuggets forced seven turnovers and outscored the Spurs 26-18, pulling within five points late. Alexander led the reserves with eight points in the fourth quarter. The defense filled the passing lanes, played with more energy than the starters and moved the ball more on offense.--Michael BeDan

Golden State

Dampier back from injury, but for how long?

At the All-Star break, the team was pleased with the long-term prospects for two key injured players, C Erick Dampier and F Antawn Jamison. In the short term, however, there was disappointment Jamison's strained left knee prevented him from participating in All-Star festivities. Dampier got his first start of the season in Miami, as coach Garry St. Jean decided to step up his comeback from two knee surgeries earlier this year. Dampier played 30 minutes and scored a season-high 15 points. Dampier likely will see more action in the next two weeks, and it's reasonable to think he is being showcased. Jamison and G Vonteego Cummings are the only untouchables on the roster.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Dampier was given a week to ease back into the flow and the rotation. When he started, plays were called for him and he became a focal point of the offense early, particularly in the second quarter. Dampier said he felt more comfortable in that game than in any to that point. But he was not the factor he should be on defense, and Miami exploited that. --David Steele

Houston

Give Thomas a shot and watch what happens

With the schedule getting tougher, it's time for the team to address its offensive problems. It has two players, PF Matt Bullard and G/F Walt Williams, who pretty much need to be set up in order to get shots, and that's a luxury it can no longer afford. Especially because it starts C Kelvin Cato, who is a big man without a fundamental bigman offensive game down low. One answer could be putting F Kenny Thomas in the starting lineup. Thomas has shown a knack for creating his shot, and he has also displayed a knack for exploiting mismatches. He's too quick for power forwards, and he's too big and too good down low for most small forwards. Thomas is still learning, but the team has nothing to lose by giving him a chance.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Bullard still is toiling at power forward, even though he is better suited for small forward duty. When Bullard is flowing and knocking down his shot, the Rockets are tough to stop because it opens up the floor for players such as Gs Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley. When Bullard is off his game, the Rockets are in trouble because the offense gets unbalanced.--Michael Murphy

L.A. Clippers

Todd could be the Solution for inexperienced squad

The team stumbled into the break with six straight losses and defeats in 20 of its past 22 games. With the type of talent on the roster, led by F Maurice Taylor, G Derek Anderson and F Lamar Odom, the team figured to be putting things together at this time of the season. Instead, the Clippers may be lucky to win 25 games. So coach Chris Ford was fired and replaced by assistant Jim Todd. Todd's strong college coaching background could help in reaching his young team. With assistant Dennis Johnson's experience along with hard-working assistant Rex Kalamian, the team could respond and finish the last nine weeks over .500. This may force owner. Don Sterling to keep Todd and give the team momentum into the offseason.