Before the season starts, let's play 20 questions

Sporting News, The, Nov 6, 1995 by Shaun Powell

New season, new Michael, same NBA champ, same Clippers. Different questions.

1. What are the Rockets' chances of three-peating? Very good, if not solid. Success hasn't spoiled this team. No bickering, jealousy or big-headedness often associated with winning two consecutive titles exists here. Only one player, Vernon Maxwell, had his own agenda last season, and he moved on to Philadelphia. The Rockets will not beat themselves. Assuming Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler stay healthy, the Rockets' only uncharted territory is coping with the role of title favorites.

2. How will Shaquille O'Neal's injury affect the Magic's season? If the repaired thumb forces him to sit for two months, then it will play a huge factor come playoff time when home-court advantage is needed. If the Pacers, Hornets or Knicks are leading the conference when Shaq returns, there's a chance. If it's Chicago, then the Magic are probably doomed.

3. Are the Magic lacking anything? Nothing that better free-throw shooting can't cure. Making them when it counts - Hello, Nick Anderson - will satisfy this team's only true weakness.

4. What 1994-95 playoff teams will have trouble returning next spring? The Celtics, Hawks and Cavaliers, with the Celtics the most unlikely. M.L. Carr's rebuilding project is just getting started. Celtics fans should strap themselves in those plush, new Fleet-Center seats and prepare for a rough trip.

5. What contending team may make a line-up change in midseason? If Mark Jackson is starting at point guard for the Pacers in March, it will be a mild surprise. Jackson was often benched in the fourth quarter last season because Coach Larry Brown favored Haywoode Workman's defense. Now, there's a chance impressive rookie Travis Best could make Jackson obsolete.

6. What was the most underrated offseason move? With little W, the Jazz signed freeagent forward Chris Morris. One of the more infamous inmates with the Nets last season, Morris is thrust into a completely different environment. If Morris comes to practice with loose shoelaces, Karl Malone will tie them into a noose. Although his decision-making isn't the sharpest Morris gives the Jazz much-needed athletic skill and big-play potential.

7. Will Coach Butch Beard's headaches continue? Last we looked, Derrick Coleman was still with the Nets.

8. Have the Cavaliers bailed out on the season already. Perhaps, but General Manager Wayne Embry did the right thing by trading his two best players, Mark Price and Hot Rod Williams, and investing in the future. Had Embry waited any longer, he would have been stuck with a pair of aging veterans. Price is injury-prone and becomes a free agent next summer, while Williams carries a heavy contract. Sure, Mike Fratello doesn't have much to work with, but for a coach who somehow produced a playoff appearance from last season's makeshift team, anything is possible.

9. What blockbuster trade could occur before the February 22 deadline? Alonzo Mourning will be a free agent next summer. If the Hornets believe he can't be re-signed, don't be surprised if they move him, rather than watch him walk while they get nothing in return.

10. Did the Suns' best chance for an NBA title with Charles Barkley slip away two years ago? It sure looks that way. Kevin Johnson, Danny Manning and Barkley never seem to be healthy at the same time. Williams helps, although the Suns could have used him last season when they were up 3-1 on Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets. For a team that was once an automatic contender, there sure are a lot of "its".

11. Will the Spurs miss Dennis Rodman? In some ways, yes. Rodman's presence on the boards turned David Robinson loose. Now, Robinson must stay closer to the basket. That may hurt him when he gets his crack at Olajuwon.

12. Can Don Nelson make a difference with the Knicks? A new coach and a new philosophy can't change old players. Nelson comes with some grand aesthetic plans, but he may have to chuck them for the sake of victories. The Knicks are made for defense. While this is Nelson's team, these are Pat Riley's players.

13. What is John Lucas hoping to accomplish in Philadelphia? An improvement on 24 victories would be nice. Truthfully, a most improved player award for Shawn Bradley and a rookie of the year award for Jerry Stackhouse would make Luke deliriously happy.

14. What team can't wait until the season ends? The Sonics have nothing to gain in the regular season. So what if they win 55 games? Give them 60. Who cares? Just advance past the first round this time.

15. What's the real reason Barkley decided against retirement? He saw the contracts given to A.C. Green and Manning.

16. What teams will surprise? The Warriors (everyone's in harmony), Bucks (playoffs are possible) and Bullets Price helps, if he's healthy).

17. Who will become first-time All-stars? Chris Webber, Glenn Robinson and one of two Western Conference point guards, Nick Van Exel or Jason Kidd.

18. Who will emerge as the best rookie center? Not Big Country. Not Cherokee Parks, who is actually a forward. Try Arvidas Sabonis, 30, the Blazers 'rookie' who comes with pro experience.