Indiana and Houston set for NBA title

The saying "better late then never" can be associated with many things. This year NBA season is a prime example.

After almost seven months of an owner's lockout, the players and owners finally agreed to a contract. This agreement will hopefully lower the salaries of certain players and make the game respectful once again.

Commentary Nick Luchko

baseball strike is well in the works.

Both sides say that they are happy with the deal that was cut, but their most important achievement might be their biggest loss.

It is suspected that many fans of the NBA will jump ship and a possible repeat of the 1994

To add insult to injury. the 1''BA will be losing the services of maybe the greatest player ever to put on a uniform.

Michael Jordan has retired from the game, citing that "[The fans] had no more interest." Many fans are upset at this because Jordan was considered an icon.

The retirement of Jordan, with the addition of the lockout, has experts saying that the fans will stay away.

Since Jordan is retiring, it also seems that the six-time world champion Chicago Bulls have given up a run at their fourth championship in a row and seventh in the l 990s.

Scottie Pippen, Luc Longley and Steve Kerr have all been traded away, leaving only Toni Kukoc and Ron Harper as members of the greatest team in the '90s. Dennis Rodman is mulling over retirement, while Tim Floyd has replaced Phil Jackson as coach. This move has disappointed many Bull fans. Brent Barry has signed a $27 million contract and should provide a spark for the revamped Bulls.

Now that the Bulls have come back to the pack, the NBA title is wide open for anyone to grab.

In the Atlantic Division, the New York Knicks have become younger and should vie for the Conference Title.

With the additions of Marcus Camby, Latrell Sprewell. Kurt Thomas and Dennis Scott, along with the return of a healthy Patrick Ewing, the Knicks look to take over for the Bulls.

The Miami Heat lost their bid to get Sprewell, but still have a strong nucleus that now includes former 76ers player Clarence Weatherspoon.

Boston might be the sleeper team in the East. A young team, with a superstar in Antoine Walker, the Celtics did an excellent job in the draft, picking Kansas standout Paul Pierce and picking up former No. 2 pick Tony Battie in the free agent market.

The Nets did a good job of getting Jayson Williams to sign for seven years. Adding 7'0" Jim Mcilvaine will allow a stable force in the middle.

Penny Hardaway looks to be on the way out in Orlando if he goes looking for some big time players in return. Drafting Utah's Michael Doliak and Arizona's Miles Simon should provide youth to an aging team.

Washington traded Chris Webber to Sacramento and looks to lose Rod Strickland. However, Mitch Richmond will provide leadership to a still well-balanced team.

The 76ers lose the services of Joe Smith and bad boy Derrick Coleman to free agency. However, they resigned Theo Ratliff and picked up Matt Geiger to fill the hole of a center that they have been seeking for many years. Look for Larry Hughes to be real strong.

In the Central Division, Indiana looks like the team to beat.

After taking the Bulls to seven games last year, the Pacers return with their entire starting five, plus they pick up the reliable Sam Perkins.

Atlanta re-signed their main man in Alan Henderson. However, they got nothing in return for Christian Laettner, who was traded to Detroit.

Speaking of the Pistons, the addition of Laettner brings a reunion with former Duke standout Grant Hill. Jerry Stackhouse and Joe Dumars both re-sign.

Charlotte lost both Vlade Divac and Matt Geiger, but picked up Derrick Coleman and still have a dominant force in Glen Rice.

Cleveland has a strong young nucleus in Shawn Kemp, Bobby Sura and Wesley Person.

The main question is: do they have enough experience?

Milwaukee should develop a new attitude with coach George Karl. The starting five of rookie Robert Traylor, Glenn Robinson, Tyrone Hill, Ray Allen and Terrell Brandon should be hard to beat.

Toronto will build for the future with Tracey McGrady and Vmce Carter. Charles Oakley and Doug Christie might be moved to get even younger.

In the West. the conference title is wide open, with all eight teams in the playoffs having a shot at the championship in June.

The Midwest division shouJd be fierce, with Houston winning.

A team with Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley already looks good. But when the Houston Rockets added Scottie Pippen, it became a sure contender for the NBA title. The Rockets also did an excellent job in the draft, with the selections of Bryce Drew and Michael Dickerson.

San Antonio has the "twin towers"-Tim Duncan and David Robinson-to lead them again. In free agency, they picked up some long range shooting in Steve Kerr and Mario Elie.

The Utah Jazz is an old team that might have one more shot at the :--iBAtitle. Karl Malone and company have everyone back and made no significant moves in the off-season.

Minnesota lost Tom Guglliotta to Phoenix but picked up Joe Smith. The main question is if Stefan Marbury will stay or go.

After losing 70 games last year, the Denver Nuggets look to improve greatly. The additions of Antonio McDyess and Nick Van Exel provide leadership. Rookie Raef Lafrentz should be a force in at the power forward.

Vancouver has two young superstars in Shareef AbdurRahim and Bryan Reeves. The only question is, when they are they going to sign a proven all-star?

Dallas might be the worst team in the NBA. Many unproven youngsters, aging veterans and bad trades have no one shouting the "stars are bright deep in the heart of Texas."

The Pacific division looks to be the most competitive division once again, but the Lakers are the best.

The Los Angels Lakers have many superstars in Shaquille O' Neal, Kobe Bryant and Eddie Jones. They should be the favorites. The only thing the Lakers must learn is to put their ability before their egos.

Seattle has kept its superstars in Gary Payton and Vin Baker, but after that it's very bleak. Billy Owens was a good pickup.

Portland will surprise many people this year. A strong front line in Rasheed Wallace and Arvydas Sabonis, with guard Damon Stoudamire, is a dangerous mix for other teams.

Phoenix lost McDyess but signed Gugliotta and was able to keep Rex Chapman and Cliff Robinson. Luc Longley fills a hole in the middle.

Golden State is a team that is in limbo. Trading Latrell Spreewell will extinguish a lot of animosity within the team. However. this team is made of many has-beens and never-willbes. They must build around Antawn Jamison.

The Sacramento Kings finally shipped out unhappy guard Mitch Richmond and got the infamous Chris Webber from Washington. They also picked up Vlade Divac and selected Jason Williams, who has been referred to as the '·next Rodman."

Last and least, the Los Angels Clippers will once again go for being one of the worst teams in the NBA. Many unproven players, coach Chris Ford-who has failed everywhere he has been-and a No. 1 draft pick who just started to play basketball four years ago. Only the Clippers.

The NBA looks to have a good season. It's too bad that most of its fan base might be boycotting a sport that is unique in its own way.

Nick Luchko's prediction: Indiana over Houston in seven MVP: Scottie Pippen

Rookie of the Year: Paul Pierce