NBA BASKETBALL
Around the NBA: The Amico Report
<December 13, 2001>

By Sam Amico

TRY CATCHING THIS Z

It's hard to believe this big man with really bad feet can make such a major difference.

That's all you can think if you've seen Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas enter the Cavaliers' rotation once again. Without Ilgauskas, the Cavs are absolute mush. With him, they are true contenders -- even after their horrific start.

All of this is even more remarkable when you consider that most of Ilgauskas' NBA career has been spent in a coat and tie, not sneakers and baggy shorts.

I was there in 1996 when former Cavs general manager Wayne Embry stepped to the podium and announced that the team had used its first-round pick to select Ilgauskas out of Lithuania.

The Cavs also chose Vitaly Potapenko in that draft, and after hearing Embry announce the names of his picks, most people thought he was simply sneezing into the microphone. Zydrunas what? Pota-who? God bless you, Mr. Embry.

Anyway, a lot of critics felt that the '96 draft was a real bust for Cleveland. Potapenko was traded to Boston after two seasons, and Ilgauskas, well, he played in just 111 games in five seasons entering this one. That's less games than some high school players accumulate in a varsity career.

To put it in better perspective, during his first five years, Ilgauskas missed two entire seasons, played just five games in another, and only made it through 24 last year.

Then ... the feet ... simply ... give out. Every time. And then the Cavs immediately head straight for the sewer. Cavs point guard Andre Miller is outstanding, perhaps the NBA's least-appreciated player. But again, this team goes nowhere when Ilgauskas is in street clothes.

Ilgauskas hammered that point home in a recent game against Houston. Rockets center Kevin Willis was once called the league's strongest man -- but he simply looked like its oldest on this night, as Ilgauskas continuously abused Willis with dunks and reverse layups. Yes, Ilgauskas is 7-foot-3, 260 pounds, yet he has the grace to shoot reverse layups.

But that's not the only reason Cleveland coach John Lucas is more hyperactive than usual. Lucas has also seen improved play in Cavs such as Chris Mihm, Wesley Person, and mostly, Lamond Murray.

Murray has been unstoppable since Ilgauskas' return, making the most of the big man's ability to create open shots for teammates.

So a word of advice for Cavs fans: Enjoy it. Ilgauskas may not last long (heck, he could be injured again by the time you read this). But you may have the league's second-best center when Ilgauskas is healthy. At the very least, you have the Lithuanian Bill Walton -- and that should count for something.

Just like the sore-footed Walton once did, Ilgauskas can turn a team around all by himself. And there aren't many NBA centers left who can say that.

CENTER OF ATTENTION

I know I've written this before, but it can't be said enough -- Washington rookie center Brendan Haywood was the steal of the draft, in a draft full of steals.

Just like Cleveland with Ilguaskas, the Wizards have looked like an entirely different team since Haywood has come on board (he missed the first month with a hand injury).

No less than Michael Jordan said Haywood's quick productivity probably has to do with the fact he stayed in college all four years. Interestingly, Haywood was drafted by Cleveland late in the first round, immediately traded to Orlando for Michael Doleac, then shipped to Washington for Laron Profit. Think those teams are kicking themselves about now?

ALL-STAR ADDITION

The NBA's All-Star Weekend in February will now include a three-on-three game. Each team will consist of one NBA player, one WNBA player, one NBA legend, and one random celebrity off the bench.

Best way to win this game? Triple team the NBA player.

LINEUP SHAKEUP

Only three teams had used the same starting lineup in every game played through Dec. 12 -- the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Jersey Nets. Is it any surprise that all of those teams are good?

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks didn't have one player who started every game.

Then there's the Portland Trail Blazers. They have 10 guys who don't even bother to show up some nights.

HORNET WITH A STING

Small forward Lee Nailon has been quite a find for the Charlotte Hornets. Nailon was drafted by the Hornets in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1999 draft, but played in the Italian League the following season.

He returned to Charlotte last year, but was unimpressive, averaging four points and playing in just 42 games.

Today, Nailon is scoring in double figures most nights, and has been exactly what the Hornets need now that regular starter Jamal Mashburn is on the injured list.

When Mashburn comes back, the team may want to use Nailon as trade bait. They could probably get a first-round draft pick in return, which would be very valuable if they do indeed move to a new city (as long as they don't draft another Kirk Haston).

Speaking of the Hornets, what's gotten into center Elden Campbell? The man simply cannot miss.

GARNETT'S GOODNESS

More impressive to me than Pau Gasol's recent dunk over Minnesota's Kevin Garnett was Garnett's reaction.

That's right, Memphis rookie Pau Gasol drove the baseline past Garnett, and threw down a rim-rattling dunk as Garnett tried to block it -- only to draw a foul. Then Gasol immediately turned around and got in Garnett's face, letting him know that he'd been dunked on.

Garnett coolly looked the other way, paused for a moment, and then laughed. His smile said, "Wow! Did you see that?"

I'll be honest, I was just waiting for Garnett to punch Gasol. Instead, he did the professional thing (even when Gasol didn't). He simply let it go -- something that didn't used to be done very often in the NBA.

I read a piece the other day in a national magazine that said the NBA players' behavior on the court -- which is the only kind I care about -- seems to be "much better" this season. I couldn't agree more.

During the 1990s, the players had developed a reputation of disrespect for everything and anything. All they seemed to care about was how much money they made and how many shots they took, critics said.

Now, it seems as if the players are going out of their way to conduct themselves like the highly-paid professionals they are. Garnett, who in my opinion is the league's second-best player, is just one wonderful example of that.

ATTENDANCE DOWN

Even with all of the hoopla surrounding Michael Jordan's return -- and the NBA champions once-again being from only the largest of markets -- attendance is down league-wide.

The league average was 16,784 last season, and is at 16,299 now. And remember, Jordan's Wizards are selling out everywhere, as are the Lakers.

Meanwhile, the Nets are averaging just 9,690 fans per game. So much for the idea of needing two teams in the New York City-area.

Also, those figures are for PAID attendance only. Some people -- or more accurately, corporations -- pay for their seats and then don't bother to show up. This means some arenas are so empty on game night that they have become a peaceful place to get in touch with your higher self (Cleveland, Atlanta, even Miami).

POSTER CHILD

Has any NBA player ever had more vicious dunks slammed in his face than poor little New York point guard Mark Jackson?

He's on all the Michael Jordan highlight reels, and once was leaped over by Tom Chambers. Now, there's a highlight in which Boston's Paul Pierce comes storming down the middle of the lane, and practically pulls the rim down on Jackson's head.

Jackson is a nice guy and a fine point guard, but the man just stands under the basket at the wrong time -- all the time.

KINGS OF THE EAST

It's too bad the Sacramento Kings aren't in the Eastern Conference. They deserve to be in the NBA Finals, but won't ever get there if the Lakers stay healthy. If they were in the East, no question, they're in.

It's also too bad for the Seattle SuperSonics that they can't play the Lakers every night. After beating the Lakers at the Staples Center (Dec. 11), the Sonics had won five of their last six against Shaq and company.

That loss, by the way, was the Lakers' first at home -- and first time they had lost back-to-back games since last March.

MORE ON CARTER

This from reader Mike Gladstone on Toronto Raptors guard Vince Carter:

"In your previous newsletter, somebody asked about Vince Carter blowin' it in the fourth quarter -- I know what you're bout. He really misses a lot of those potential game-winning shots. I've thought about that before, and it's not just in that Game 7 last year.

However, in the game against Denver the other night, playa was CRAZY! Overtime and Denver had everyone from Nick Van Exel to Ryan Bowen gettin' big hoops, but Toronto was ALL Vince.

He hasn't been great at those, but in that game against Denver he was pullin' for them better than he's ever done late before. I know this came after you wrote your response, so no hate. Just wanted to make sure you'd point that out next time, cuz at least this time, Vince proved us wrong."

(Dear Michael, you're right! - S.A.)

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

FROM AKO CHEN
Q: After signing Jimmy Jackson, it appears all that Miami Heat coach Pat Riley has done is get rid of two problems (Anthony Mason and Tim Hardaway) and replace them with two other problems (Jackson and Rod Strickland).

Do you think Jackson will actually help this team? Will Riley start him even though Jackson doesn't play good defense? Will Eddie Jones move to small forward again?

A: Dear Ako, your questions are definitely legitimate. Will Jackson help this team? Well, I don't think he could possibly hurt it, based on how bad it is now. Will Riley start Jackson? Only if Riley gets tired of watching Anthony Carter play 32 scoreless minutes, as he's done a few times this season. Will Jones move to small forward? If Jones is lucky, he'll move not only to small forward, but to another city, as the Heat are sinking fast.

FROM ROBERT GREER
Q: Who do you think has been the most surprising non-rookie this year?

A: Dear Robert, the first name that comes to mind is second-year Los Angeles Clippers guard Quentin Richardson, the early favorite for top sixth man honors. Richardson has been inconsistent, but when he's good, he's VERY good. Another reason of many to watch the Clippers.

I could think of a few others, but I am going to let the readers do that. E-mail me your thoughts on the most improved/surprising players and I'll print them next week (please be concise).

VONTEEGO WATCH

This is the regular segment of the newsletter in which I update the status of Philadelphia 76ers backup guard Vonteego Cummings.

Vonteego, my friends, scored 28 points Dec. 8 against Memphis. Twenty-eight points! I recently wrote that Cummings may be in trouble once Eric Snow returns from an injury, but that has changed for a couple of reasons.

First, Vonteego has played very well (28 points!) when he gets the minutes, and secondly, Speedy Claxton was placed on the injured list on the same day Snow came off of it. Best of all, Vonteego seems to have secured a spot in the league -- so it won't matter if the Sixers eventually waive or trade him. He'll find a team.

This week's Vonteego fact: Vonteego says if he had one superpower, it would be to always make the right decision on the court.

SAM'S SLAMS

Chicago forward Charles Oakley said the Indiana Pacers are "one player away," and that he could be that player. The obvious question is, "away" from what? ... Jeff Van Gundy will coach in the NBA again. He's right up there with George Karl and Lenny Wilkens as NBA lifers who are very good at living the NBA life. ... Ever noticed how the oldest guy on the Los Angeles Clippers' roster has the last name of Rooks? Just wondering. ... Does anyone else think the Dallas Mavericks' new uniforms make them look like they belong in the Chinese Basketball Association? Every time they take the court, I'm just waiting to hear the announcer say, "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your Shanghai Sharks." ... Speaking of the Mavs, second-year forward Eduardo Najera has been looking VERY good lately. ... Speaking of uniforms, what's with the Nets' gray road outfits? Last thing this team needs is to enhance its reputation of being bland.

CONTACT ME

E-mail questions and comments to me at amicoreport@hotmail.com. I will try to answer all questions in the newsletter, but you must include your full name.

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