Buzzing to a New City: in the musical chairs that is the post-Bulls Central, the Hornets are marching into New Orleans in hopes their praises will be sung as division champions - Central Division

THE DETROIT PISTONS HAVE every reason to believe they will repeat as Central Division champions in 2002-03. Recent history says they won't.

Both Milwaukee and Indiana, defending division champs and the Great East Hopes entering both of the past two seasons, crumbled like blocks of feta. Two years ago the Pacers, realizing their group likely had reached the end of the line, dismantled and started over. Last season the Bucks, with their Big Three, coach George Karl's discipline, and the over-the-top addition of Anthony Mason, simply flopped.

But these Pistons were built to last, and they seem to have come to grips with what much of the rest of the league has not: You don't Shaq-proof a team. It can't be done.

Unfortunately, neither can you make time stand still. The Pistons overachieved last season, and despite adding a potential game-changing point guard in Chauncey Billups and making the even-talent trade of Jerry Stackhouse for the Washington Wizards' Richard Hamilton, they could be lapped.

The Hornets and Indiana trail only the New Jersey Nets among East teams when it comes to their caches of talent, and both Central clubs are at least a little more experienced than Detroit at jockeying for playoff positioning. And besides, if there is one player who can do for his team what Jason Kidd did for the Nets last season, it's the Hornets' Baron Davis.

1. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Giving Charlotte fans one final, bittersweet sendoff. The Hornets stumbled through a 44-38 regular season in front of a whole mess of empty seats. The Charlotte faithful, sick of owner George Shinn and team management, simply stopped coming to games after it became clear the club would set up shop elsewhere in 2002-03. Point guard Davis and his mates did what they could to make up for all the unpleasantness, making a run at the Nets in the second round of the playoffs before closing up shop.

NEW FACES: In a twisted bit of irony, given the player transience of today's NBA, the Hornets' roster is one of the few unchanged aspects of the franchise. In a bit of a shocker, Davis re-upped in the offseason, making the only significant player movement an addition: Courtney Alexander, a shooting guard acquired from the Washington Wizards for the Hornets' first-rounder in last summer's draft. Alexander, a potentially dominant scorer who didn't pan with the Dallas Mavericks or Washington, could become New Orleans' starting 2-guard.

ON THE COURT: Davis obviously is the franchise's meal ticket, but the Hornets also are proud owners of one of the biggest and most imposing front lines in the East Center Elden Campbell and power forward P.J. Brown gave the team quite a presence on defense and on the boards--and that was before backup center Jamal Magloire emerged as one of the toughest young big men on the block last season.

If the Hornets could count on Jamal Mashburn staying healthy for a full season, their superiority up front would be unquestioned. Unfortunately, Mash has too often been mushed--an abdominal injury and a mysterious virus last season alone--to be considered a sure thing in the lineup. But Lee Nailon has filled in admirably for Mashburn, and Stacey Augmon and George Lynch are defensively gifted veterans who provide outstanding depth on the wings.

Alexander, at 6'5", is a better fit at shooting guard than incumbent David Wesley (6'1") but Wesley is the better 3-point threat of the two. Either way, both will receive their share of minutes, because Wesley can--and will--spell Davis at the point.

OFF THE COURT: Whether New Orleans is capable of supporting an NBA team in its second attempt is debatable, but so far everything is turning up Mardi Gras gold--yes, even the Hornets' teal and purple duds have been given a Midas touch. More important, initial ticket sales were reportedly brisk and New Orleans Arena has undergone a series of upgrades, including the addition of luxury suites, to accommodate its new tenants.

WHY THEY'LL FINISH FIRST: Because they are the biggest, deepest, baddest team in the East. And Davis is another Kidd in the making.

2. INDIANA PACERS

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Proving why Donnie Walsh is the most underrated, and arguably best, GM in the biz. Walsh's masterstroke remains a Dale Davis-for-Jermaine O'Neal deal that will pay dividends for the next decade. Additionally, his recent drafts have been right on the money and last season's blockbuster, which sent Jalen Rose and Travis Best to the Chicago Bulls, wasn't too shabby. Indiana didn't storm the league after the trade, but it did win its last five to squeak into the playoffs and throw a scare into the Nets in the first round before succumbing in overtime of Game 5.

NEW FACES: The Pacers had been in overhaul mode the last few years, so this offseason was a time to step back and admire their work. The result: A younger, deeper, more athletic and more versatile group. Brad Miller, Ron Artest, and Ron Mercer--who arrived in the Bulls trade--still have some getting acquainted to do, but they each only have been Pacers for months now. Freddie Jones, an athletic wingman out of Oregon, and backup point Erick Strickland, are true newcomers.

ON THE COURT: Like the vast majority of teams in the Central, the Pacers have holes. But here's what the rest of the division's teams are saying: Cry me a river. Indiana has length, athleticism, versatility--and lots of it.

Brad Miller (7'0") and O'Neal (6'11"), one of the league's established stars at age 24, complement each other well at the power spots, essentially trading roles on offense and defense.

Artest is a poor shooter, but he is a stud defensive stopper with enough spare parts for his offensive game to keep defenses honest. Point guard Jamaal Tinsley makes Artest look like Rick Barry, but Tinsley's lack of shooting skill is offset by his keen ability to set up team-mates and his quick hands on defense.

Reggie Miller, the franchise stalwart, remains one of the league's best and most clutch shooters. He is the only Pacer age 30 or older, and the team finally can afford to rest him because it has a capable scorer (Mercer) and defender (7'0") Jonathan Bender) in reserve. Al Harrington, coming off a torn ACL, will be the bench's top man and could replace Artest in the lineup once he is feeling himself again. Center Jeff Foster and forward Austin Croshere are fine backups who have starting experience.

OFF THE COURT: Normally, all is quiet on the Midwestern front. In a day and age when high-profile athletes who manage to avoid police blotters seem worthy of sainthood, the Pacers usually are the NBA's 12 apostles. But Artest was arrested this summer after allegedly leaving a menacing phone message with a former girlfriend. When the organization went young, it might not have considered that there would be growing pains off the court, too.

WHY THEY'LL FINISH SECOND: Because these babes, as talented as any team in the division, must learn to crawl before they can walk.

3. DETROIT PISTONS

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Stunning the Central. The Pistons, following a season in which they lost 50 games, hired as their head coach former Pacers assistant Rick Carlisle, who persuaded Stackhouse to pick his spots on offense and got a team made up mostly of castoffs and misfits to play together. Bringing in forward Cliff Robinson and re-signing sixth man Corliss Williamson were key moves, but the team also received unexpected contributions from reserve guard Jon Barry and Yugoslavian center Zeljko Rebraca, and no one could have predicted superstardom for defensive dynamo Ben Wallace.

NEW FACES: Worries over Stackhouse's future salary demands saw him jettisoned to the Wizards for Hamilton. While Hamilton's sweet stroke is everything Stackhouse's isn't, Rip lacks the grit, durabilty, intensity, and leadership Stackhouse brought to the table in Detroit.

Detroit hasn't had a true point guard in years, and free agent acquisition Billups does nothing to change that. But Billups at least has shown he can run a team's offense while taking care of his own.

First-round pick Tayshaun Prince is a little light but long (6'9"), can shoot, and is versatile. Mehmet Okur, a 6'11" forward from Turkey who can shoot and has inside game, is more likely to make an immediate impact.

ON THE COURT: There's no secret to the Pistons' success: defense, rebounding, and selflessness. Stackhouse, a 29.8 ppg scorer in 2000-01, actually saw his shooting percentage drop under 40% as he toned down his gunning last season. But the overall effect was positive for the team, which became less predictable on offense and kept everyone sharp. Hamilton brings better accuracy to the table, and chances are his shooting will sharpen with a dynamic running mate in the backcourt like Billups.

The frontcourt is no-frills: Wallace, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is a shot-blocking and rebounding machine; Robinson can defend all three frontcourt positions and is a decent secondary scoring option; and Michael Curry, at 34, remains a fine position defender.

The bench is even better this season, with Williamson (voted the NBA's top sixth man last season), Barry, Rebraca, and point guard Chucky Atkins (last season's starter) being joined by Okur and Prince.

OFF THE COURT: Wallace made bobble-head history last season when his likeness was immortalized not once, but twice--in cornrows and an afro. We won't try to predict Wallace's next coif creation, but put in our vote that he pities us fools in a retro Mr. T mohawk.

WHY THEY'LL FINISH THIRD: Everything can't break right two straight years, and New Orleans and Indiana are getting better.

4. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: In a funk and out of the playoffs. The Bucks, everyone's pick to win the Central last season, indeed looked like the team to beat in getting off to a 9-1 start. But from there, injuries, poor chemistry, and a complete lack of chutzpah did them in, and they went 32-40 the rest of the way.

NEW FACES: The team's utter collapse in a season it expected to make a run at the Finals called for drastic measures. Glenn Robinson, a former No. 1 overall pick, was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks for Toni Kukoc--a classic addition-by-subtraction transaction that ridded the club of a talented offensive but indifferent defensive player and sometimes-divisive influence. Journeyman Kevin Ollie was signed to play the Greg Anthony backup PG role for the season.

ON THE COURT: This no longer is the most talented team in the conference--or even the division. But Milwaukee still has tried-and-true stars in guards Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, and when he's in the right frame of mind, forward Mason. There are a lot of blanks to be filled in beyond that, but one of the reasons the Bucks felt comfortable sending Robinson on his way is because they believe Tim Thomas is ready to take the next step--but Thomas needs to get tougher and become more consistent to make the move pay off.

Center is the team's weakest position, and has been for some time. But when the 7'1", 255-pound Joel Przybilla is healthy, he is a defensive presence like few others, especially in the East. Backup Ervin Johnson has been serviceable at times in the past, but he is coming off a bad year. In this climate, rookies Marcus Haislip, Dan Gadzuric, and Jamal Sampson each could end up seeing time on a team desperate for rebounding and interior defense.

Guard Michael Redd, who made great strides in his second season, is the Bucks' best reserve, and unless Jason Caffey bounces back or Kukoc turns back the clock, there doesn't appear to be much else.

OFF THE COURT: Team chemistry must improve, and losing Robinson should help. But Mason is the X-factor. He is outspoken and has a tendency to dominate the ball too much, which can be aggravating on a club sporting two All-Star-caliber guards. If Cassell--perhaps the team's strongest personality--and Mason can have a meeting of the minds, everything should be kosher.

WHY THEY'LL FINISH FOURTH: They lost a lot of bite in Big Dog, and their frontcourt issues will leave them exposed.

5. ATLANTA HAWKS

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Boring Hawks fans--all three of `em--to death. There hasn't been a buzz around this team since Dominique Wilkins was traded in 1994, which is part of the reason GM Pete Babcock dealt for Shareef Abdur-Rahim--an exciting young star who grew up in the area--before last season. It wasn't enough. So Babcock went out this offseason and got Robinson, giving up next to nothing in the trade. Who knows if it will work, but at least it has Hawks fans talking again.

NEW FACES: Robinson is 20 points and six boards in the bank, so there's no doubt the Hawks got better in the deal. They also drafted Dan Dickau, the small-school wunderkind with the mop-top hair and other-worldly range. Dickau will be lost defending the league's better point guards, but if he does a capable job of directing the offense and stretches defenses with his jumper, he'll manage just fine.

ON THE COURT: Part of the reason the Hawks can afford to think about playing Dickau and 6'2" Jason Terry in the same backcourt is because Theo Ratliff finally seems to be healthy. Because of injuries, Ratliff has missed more games in the last three years (136) than he has played in (110). But when healthy, he is a defensive enforcer and a fair low-post threat on offense.

Ideally, the Hawks would like to see Terry, a natural 2-guard, play the point. Of course, this isn't a perfect world, so some sort of mishmash rotation of Terry, Dickau, and Shaw's Summer League MVP Dion Glover probably will have to do at the 1. The good news: That's far better than what the Hawks have had there in recent years.

There is some concern about whether Abdur-Rahim and Robinson can coexist, but it shouldn't be an issue. Abdur-Rahim is crafty around the basket and doesn't like to stray far from the lane, and Robinson would just as soon shoot jumpers all day. One way or another, the Hawks need the scoring, and there should be enough touches to go around.

OFF THE COURT: Added to Kruger's staff in the offseason was Terry Stotts, a former Bucks assistant who, among other things, acted as the buffer between the often-acerbic Karl and his players. Kruger, who still is earning the respect of NBA people, will find a man like Stotts invaluable on his staff--especially while coaching Robinson, the moody former Buck.

WHY THEY'LL FINISH FIFTH: Ratliff can't stay healthy, and without him this is a bad, bad defensive club.

6. TORONTO RAPTORS

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Disappointing fans who thought it was the Raptors' year. Hakeem Olajuwon was mostly hurt and was a shadow of his former

self when he wasn't. Antonio Davis again got stuck playing out of position at center. Vince Carter missed the last 13 games--and Toronto played its best basketball of the season without him.

NEW FACES: Despite last season's failures, Toronto didn't do much rejiggering in the offseason. Lindsey Hunter was acquired to provide depth at guard and scoring off the bench. Nate Huffman, a 27-year-old rookie center who had been playing in Europe and was somewhat coveted for his size (6'11") and potential, was given a two-year contract. Forward Chris Jefferies, a first-rounder acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Hunter trade, has some potential but is coming off a knee injury.

ON THE COURT: Carter's summer charity exhibition ia Toronto proved his left knee will not be an issue this season. He scored. He dunked. He run, jumped, and cut like a teenager. If Carter is healthy--and manages to stay that way--the Raptors at least have a shot at the playoffs.

Forget critics who claimed Toronto was better off without him. That's crazy talk. Sans Carter, the Raptors are a troupe of bit-part players asked to play leading men.

Davis is a warrior, point guard Alvin Williams is a ball of barbed wire, and forward Jerome Williams is a locomotive. Even reserve guard Dell Curry, not a day over 147 years old, remains a deadeye sniper. Morris Peterson, who ranked a close second to Davis as the team's secondary scorer last season, is the closest thing the Raptors have to play Scottie Pippen to Carter's Michael Jordan. But none of them is capable of carrying a team.

It doesn't look like they'll have to, but even if Carter is good to go, Toronto boasts a dreaded donut lineup. Olajuwon may retire, and Eric Montross, though serviceable in short stretches, is not an NBA starting center. Even if Olajuwon sticks it out, the bench will be weaker than it was a year ago.

OFF THE COURT: This summer the Raptors signed Peterson to a contract extension that will keep him in Toronto for the next two seasons. Was it the right move? The team has made questionable financial commitments to Olajuwon and Jerome Williams in the last two years, and one of the consequences was having to watch free agent and rising star Keon Clark walk this summer.

WHY THEY'LL FINISH SIXTH: Not enough constellations to support the big star.

7. CHICAGO BULLS

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Showing signs that the team's post-Jordan Dark Age might not last forever. Twenty-one wins isn't anything to party in Grant Park over, but the development of big men Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry and a trade that netted potential All-Star Rose is reason enough to get excited again.

NEW FACES: Jay Williams is the popular preseason Rookie of the Year pick, if only because he appears to be the most complete package of any first-year player. Don't bet against him. With his ability to distribute and finish, Williams is just the player Chicago needs running their offense. The Bulls also added second-tier free agent Donyell Marshall and hard-nosed rebounder and defender Corie Blount, making them deeper and more talented.

ON THE COURT: The names of Rose, Chandler, Curry, and Williams can be chiseled into the starting lineup. Other than that, everything is up for grabs. Marcus Fizer, who's seen his lottery-pick sheen dull as he's slipped down the ladder, could end up the third or fourth man off the bench. Eddie Robinson, the Bulls' big free-agent signing of 2001, played in only 29 games last season and could explode if healthy.

Marshall will be an effective scorer and rebounder whether starting or coming off the bench. Trenton Hassell, a staunch defender and dynamic offensive player who started 47 games as a rookie, will have to fight for minutes. Jamal Crawford, who is fully recovered from an ACL injury, will have opportunities to get big minutes off the bench.

Coach Bill Cartwright had the right idea after taking over for the ousted Tim Floyd last season, stressing defense and fundamentals. But as long as the Bulls stubbornly stick to the Triangle Offense, players like Williams and Robinson will be playing away from their strengths.

OFF THE COURT: The Rose trade, and more importantly his subsequent embrace of a leadership role on a 21-win team, was a key turning point in GM Jerry Krause's seemingly-endless rebuilding efforts. Complimenting Rose is a young core with bright upsides. Believe it or not, the Bulls might still improve quickly enough to become the East's team of the `00s.

WHY THEY'LL FINISH SEVENTH: They're still insanely young, and must learn to win together.

8. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Shipping off the franchise's last shred off dignity to--of all teams--the Los Angeles Clippers. In trading point guard Andre Miller for forward Darius Miles, the Cavaliers essentially signed, sealed, and delivered themselves into late-night talk-show monologue hell.

NEW FACES: Other than the addition of Miles, Cleveland didn't change much. The draft yielded Dajuan Wagner, whose one season of college ball was enough for the Cars to decide trading Miller made sense, and Carlos Boozer, who could be a solid addition to the frontcourt rotation.

ON THE COURT: It's a mess. There is some talent here, but just because Strauss, Sinatra, and Hendrix were all fine musicians doesn't mean they should have jammed together. The Cavs' three best players--Miles, Wagner, and Ricky Davis--all own the same slashing, bat-out-of-hell style, which makes one wonder whether center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and power forward Tyrone Hill will become glorified ball boys. And who will hit the outside jumper? Forward Lamond Murray, of course. But when he's on the floor, that's all he's doing. Wagner has range, but Nuke LaLoosh accuracy.

If anything, the Cavs are too optimistic. They are convinced Ilgauskas will not only stay healthy but will return to pre-injury form when the man has played barely a full season of games (91) since his rookie year of 1997-98. They believe Miles is the next Tracy McGrady when he isn't half the shooter T-Mac is. They think Wagner is a point guard; he is not. Now, here's a dash of reality: This team could lose 65 games.

OFF THE COURT: DeSagana Diop, the high school big man drafted by Cleveland in 2001, reportedly has shed something in the neighborhood of 40 pounds since becoming a Cav. That's good news, because Diop sat out much of last season with a knee injury and had offseason knee surgery. The team would like to see him assert himself this season and leapfrog Chris Mihm as the first big man off the bench. That seems unlikely.

WHY THEY'LL FINISH EIGHTH: Too much youth, too little talent, and not a hint of direction.

New Orleans Hornets

Probable Starting Lineup

PG Baron Davis      18.1 ppg, 8.5 apg, 2.10 spg
SG David Wesley     14.2 ppg, 3.5 apg, 40.0% FG
SF Jamal Mashburn   21.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 40.7% FG
PF P.J. Brown       8.4 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 47.4% FG
 C Elden Campbell   13.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.78 bpg

2001-02 Season Leaders

Scoring: Jamal Mashburn, 21.5 ppg
Rebounding: P.J. Brown, 9.8 rpg
Assists: Baron Davis, 8.5 apg
Blocked shots: Elden Campbell, 1.78 bpg
Steals: Baron Davis, 2.10 spg

2001-02 Central Division Standings

                       W    L    PCT     GB    Conf   Division

Detroit Pistons       50   32   .610     --   38-16       20-8
Charlotte Hornets     44   38   .537    6.0   31-23      17-11
Toronto Raptors       42   40   .512    8.0   29-25      17-11
Indiana Pacers        42   40   .512    8.0   27-27      13-15
Milwaukee Bucks       41   41   .500    9.0   29-25      17-11
Atlanta Hawks         33   49   .402   17.0   21-33      11-17
Cleveland Cavaliers   29   53   .354   21.0   20-34      12-16
Chicago Bulls         21   61   .256   29.0   13-41       5-23

                       Home    Road

Detroit Pistons       26-15   24-17
Charlotte Hornets     21-20   23-18
Toronto Raptors       24-17   18-23
Indiana Pacers        25-16   17-24
Milwaukee Bucks       25-16   16-25
Atlanta Hawks         23-18   10-31
Cleveland Cavaliers   20-21    9-32
Chicago Bulls         14-27    7-34

Indiana Pacers

Probable Starting Lineup

PG Jamaal Tinsley    9.4 ppg, 8.1 apg, 38.0% FG
SG Reggie Miller     16.5 ppg, 3.2 apg, 40.6% 3PT
SF Ron Artest        13.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.56 spg
PF Jermaine O'Neal   19.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.31 bpg
 C Brad Miller       15.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 56.2% FG

2001-02 Season Leaders

Scoring: Jermaine O'Neal, 19.0 ppg
Rebounding: Jermaine O'Neal, 10.5 rpg
Assists: Jamaal Tinsley, 8.1 apg
Blocked shots: Jermaine O'Neal, 2.31 bpg
Steals: Ron Artest, 2.36 spg

Detroit Pistons

Probable Starting Lineup

PG Chauncey Billups   12.5 ppg, 5.5 apg, 2.8 rpg
SG Richard Hamilton   20.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 43.5% FG
SF Cliff Robinson     14.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.19 bpg
PF Ben Wallace        13.0 rpg, 1.73 spg, 3.48 bpg
 C Zeljko Rebraca     6.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 50.5% FG

2001-02 Season Leaders

Scoring: Jerry Stackhouse, 21.4 ppg
Rebounding: Ben Wallace, 13.0 rpg
Assists: Jerry Stackhouse, 5.3 apg
Blocked Shots: Ben Wallace, 3.48 bpg
Steals: Ben Wallace, 1.73 spg

Milwaukee Bucks

Probable Starting Lineup

PG Sam Cassell      19.7 ppg, 6.7 apg, 4.2 rpg
SG Ray Allen        21.8 ppg, 3.9 apg, 43.4% 3PT
SF Tim Thomas       11.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 26.9 mpg
PF Anthony Mason    9.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 50.5% FG
 C Joel Pryzbilla   2.7 ppg, 1.66 bpg, 53.5% FG

2001-02 Season Leaders

Scoring: Ray Allen, 21.8 ppg
Rebounding: Anthony Mason, 7.9 rpg
Assists: Sam Cassell, 6.7 apg
Blocked shots: Joel Pryzbilla, 1.66 bpg
Steals: Glenn Robinson, 1.47 spg

Atlanta Hawks

Probable Starting Lineup

PG Dan Dickau
SG Jason Terry           19.3 ppg, 5.7 apg, 1.85 spg
SF Glenn Robinson        20.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.47 spg
PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim   21.2 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.05 bpg
 C Theo Ratliff          8.7 ppg, 2.67 bpg, 3 games

2001-02 Season Leaders

Scoring: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, 21.2 ppg
Rebounding: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, 9.0 rpg
Assists: Jason Terry, 5.7 apg
Blocked shots: Theo Ratliff, 2.67 bpg
Steals: Jason Terry, 1.85 spg

Toronto Raptors

Probable Starting Lineup

PG Alvin Williams    11.8 ppg, 5.7 apg, 1.65 spg
SG Vince Carter      24.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.0 apg
SF Morris Peterson   14.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.4 apg
PF Jerome Williams   7.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 24.1 mpg
 C Antonio Davis     14.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 42.6% FG

2001-02 Season Leaders

Scoring: Vince Carter, 24.7 ppg
Rebounding: Antonio Davis, 9.6 rpg
Assists: Alvin Williams, 5.7 apg
Blocked shots: Keon Clark, 1.51 bpg
Steals: Alvin Williams, 1.65 spg

Chicago Bulls

Probable Starting Lineup

PG Jay Williams
SG Jalen Rose         23.8 ppg, 5.3 apg, 4.1 rpg
SF Donyell Marshall   14.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 51.9% FG
PF Tyson Chandler     6.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.31 bpg
 C Eddy Curry         6.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 50.1% FG

2001-02 Season Leaders

Scoring: Jalen Rose, 23.8 ppg
Rebounding: Brad Miller, 8.4 rpg
Assists: Greg Anthony, 5.6 apg
Blocked shots: Tyson Chandler, 1.31 bpg
Steals: Ron Artest, 2.78 spg

Cleveland Cavaliers

Probable Starting Lineup

PG Dajuan Wagner
SG Ricky Davis          11.7 ppg, 48.1% FG, 23.8 mpg
SF Lamond Murray        16.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 42.4% 3PT
PF Darius Miles         9.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.2 apg
 C Zydrunas Ilgauskas   11.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 21.4 mpg

2001-02 Season Leaders

Scoring: Lamond Murray, 16.6 ppg
Rebounding: Tyrone Hill, 10.5 rpg
Assists: Andre Miller, 10.9 apg
Blocked shots: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, 1.35 bpg
Steals: Andre Miller, 1.56 spg

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