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The Los Angeles Lakers have exercised a fourth year contract option on Andrew Bynum, it was announced today. Additionally, the team has also picked up the third year contract option on Jordan Farmar.Bynum, an early entry candidate for the 2005 NBA Draft, became the youngest player in NBA history to be selected when the Lakers used their first round pick (10th overall) to acquire the 7'0" 285 lb. center. Appearing in all 82 games last season, Bynum averaged 7.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.56 blocks in 21.9 minutes. Farmar, the Lakers first round draft pick (26th overall) in the 2006 NBA draft, played in 72 games last season, averaging 4.4 points and 1.9 assists in 15.1 minutes. The 6-2 guard who also played in three games last season for the team's D-League affiliate, the D-Fenders, made NBA history when he became the first player in league history to see action in same-day D-League and NBA games on April 1.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are exploring the possibility of signing 13-year veteran Juwan Howard to improve their depth before Wednesday's season opener against the Dallas Mavericks.

Howard's contract was bought out by the Minnesota Timberwolves today.

With restricted free agent Anderson Varejao still unsigned in a messy contract holdout, Howard would fit nicely with LeBron James and the Cavaliers, who are desperate for experienced frontline help.

Howard has averaged 16.1 points and 7.1 rebounds in his career. Last season, he averaged 9.7 points and 5.9 rebounds in 26 minutes for Houston.

Also today, the Cavs signed rookie swingman Demetris Nichols to a contract and waived forward Noel Felix.

As TNT prepared to tip off its 24th season of NBA coverage this week, studio analysts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith of Inside the NBA studio weighed in on all things basketball during a network news conference Monday.

Barkley said the Los Angeles Lakers should trade the unhappy Kobe Bryant before he leaves via free agency.

"You can't let him opt out and not get anything in return for him," Barkley said. "At this point, you just make the best deal you can get." If they can get "two young players or three and a couple of draft picks, that's a good deal," he added.

Smith added the Laker "who takes the most shots, makes the most money, plays the most minutes and gets the most accolades is the most unhappy. That's kind of amazing to me."

The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have traded guard Beno Udrih to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for a protected 2008 second round draft pick. The 6-3 Udrih was selected by the Spurs in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft, with the 28th overall pick. In three seasons in San Antonio he appeared in 207 regular season games, averaging 5.2 points and 1.8 assists in 13.0 minutes.

The New Jersey Nets opened two roster spots on Monday, trading swingman Bernard Robinson, centre Mile Ilic and cash considerations to the New Orleans Hornets for veteran guard David Wesley.

The Nets have told Wesley not to report and the team will eat the guaranteed portion of his US$1.75-million contract, general manager Ed Stefanski said. The team will waive Wesley at some point, he added.

Wesley's salary will count against the NBA's $55.63-million salary cap. The trade also helped the team get under the league's luxury tax level of $67.87 million, Stefanski said.

Teams have to pay a $1 tax for every $1 they are above the tax figure.

"What it does for us is that it gives us roster flexibility," Stefanski said. "We now have 13 guys, and the max you can have is 15. We feel good about that flexibility going forward."

There are no immediate plans to fill either roster spot, Stefanski said.

Wesley has averaged 12.5 points and 4.4 assists during 14 seasons in the NBA, including the 1993-94 campaign with the Nets. He played in 35 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, averaging about 10 minutes.

Robinson appeared in 10 games with the Nets after being acquired from Charlotte in January.

A second-round selection in the 2005 draft, Ilic appeared in five games as a rookie in 2006-07, getting one rebound in six minutes. He also appeared in nine games with the Colorado 14ers of the NBA Development League, averaging 5.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.78 blocks.

"In Mile's case, obviously, he's happy," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said. "There was no opportunity for him to play here and that's a credit to the other guys here. I think with Bernard, he was coming around, but the way we looked at it was it was a way to create roster flexibility down the line."

ATLANTIC DIVISION



Boston Celtics -- Three perennial All-Stars 30 and over, a 21-year-old PG to get them the ball, a lightly-regarded coach, and a populace accustomed to winning. Think there's a little pressure on Doc Rivers? No championship guarantees here, but they'll be in the hunt barring extended injuries to Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Count on Ray Allen to miss some time. Though they could certainly do worse than Rajon Rondo at the point (see Telfair, Sebastian), they'll also have to find a way to keep Kendrick Perkins on the court and Tony Allen under control. Brian Scalabrine provides comic relief as well as an occasional triple. Still need another reliable vet off the bench. (Prediction: 51-31)

New Jersey Nets -- Health and Vince Carter's shot selection will determine things. Nice to have the efficient Richard Jefferson and Nenad Krstic back healthy, but if the newly-signed VC insists on hoisting 30-footers, it won't matter much. Jason Kidd is still around to run the show, and new big Jamal Magliore provides some much-needed muscle down low, as well as the obligatory airball from the free throw line. The bench is solid with the underrated Bostjan Nachbar, Marcus Williams and first-round pick Sean Williams. Jason Collins will once again finish the season with more fouls than points, but is a valuable help defender. Provided the Nets aren't in violation of child labor laws by employing coach Lawrence Frank, they'll be a tough out in the Eastern Conference playoffs. (Prediction: 48-34)

Toronto Raptors -- Won't sneak up on anyone this time, but might be even better. With a true star in Chris Bosh in their camp, surrounded by another big man on the rise in Andrea Bargnani and a potent PG combo in T.J. Ford and the heady Jose Calderon, the Raptors can shoot you out of the gym. Jason Kapono is on board to help spread the floor, and the fearless Carlos Delfino strengthens the bench. Might lack the interior toughness required for post-season success, but have mastered the up-tempo style enough to overcome it most nights during the regular season. (Prediction 46-36)

New York Knicks -- The latest roster addition, PF Zach Randolph, coming off a "23 and 10" campaign, is a nice player. But there is a reason why the Blazers were anxious to rid themselves of him and his $60 million obligation. There's also a reason why Phoenix wanted to get rid of Stephon Marbury (attitude and huge contract), and Quentin Richardson (tricky back/contract), Chicago wanted to get rid of Eddy Curry (can score but poorly-conditioned, lazy on defense and doesn't rebound) and Jamal Crawford (poor shot selection and contract), San Antonio wanted to get rid of Malik Rose (contract), and Washington and Seattle didn't bother to re-sign Jared Jeffries (can't play) and Jerome James (Oliver Miller II/Mel Turpin III), respectively. And, without mentioning the now-deposed Maurice Taylor, Jalen Rose, and Steve Francis, take a wild guess where they all wound up. Isiah Thomas, must somehow mold this cast, many of whom need the ball all the time and cannot play without it, into a cohesive unit while distributing minutes and shots. They have more than enough offensive firepower to amass some wins, but not enough basketball smarts to do it consistently. No need to discuss defense, assists, or turnovers. Some nice young players on the roster, like David Lee and Renaldo Balkman, will have trouble getting significant minutes. Too bad. (Prediction: 37-45)

Philadelphia 76ers -- Nice second-half run last season, primarily due to the euphoria that most basketball players experience when they actually touch the ball -- a rare occurrence during the Allen Iverson/ Chris Webber era. But this is a new day, and the lack of talent will be difficult to overcome over the course of a full season. Andres Miller and Iguodala are steady and spectacular, respectively, and sharpshooter Kyle Korver gives punch off the bench, but shot-blocker Sam Dalembert can't shake the injury bug, and there's a huge hole at SG. Talented rookies Jason Smith and Thaddeus Young will have to grow up quickly; slithery 6'1" SG Louis Williams simply needs to grow. (Prediction: 25-57)

CENTRAL DIVISION



Detroit Pistons -- With the veteran core intact, the Pistons are assembling a nice collection of young legs, as well. Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson all have a chance to crack the rotation. Still, after watching slow centers drive effortlessly around Chris Webber, it's clear the team has been adversely affected by the absence of Ben Wallace. Now it's Rasheed's turn to man the middle, and there's enough veteran experience around for a few more playoff runs. Perhaps Flip Saunders might even get invited to a practice or two. (Prediction: 52-30)

Chicago Bulls -- Must be nice to be rewarded for making the playoffs the last two years with lottery picks. Young, hard-nosed team with that added young size - Joakim Noah and Aaron Gray -- to their already potent perimeter. Assuming they don't bust up the roster to acquire Kobe Bryant, the young vets Gordon, Deng, and Hinrich, plus vets Ben Wallace -- a 2006 free agent signing made possible by dumping the contracts of Eddy Curry and Jamal Crawford on Isiah Thomas while getting two lottery picks for good measure - and Andres Nocioni are back for more aggression. Sophs Tyrus Thomas, off a nice playoff run, and Thabo Sefalosha will rate minutes, too. Still lacking a low-post scorer, but a dangerous team. (Prediction: 50-32)

Cleveland Cavs -- As time goes by, we'll develop a greater appreciation of what Lebron James accomplished last year by getting this crew to the NBA Finals, weak conference notwithstanding. Andy Varejao - who has apparently lost his mind - thinks he's the one responsible for the run and allegedly wants $9-10 mil per year for his efforts. His absence weakens the bench, and the lack of roster moves amid conference-wide improvement doesn't bode well. A return to form by Larry Hughes and rapid improvement from Daniel Gibson and the athletic, but wild Shannon Brown would help. (Prediction: 44-38)

Milwaukee Bucks -- Another team destroyed by injuries, but defense is still a foreign concept. Offensively potent with Michael Redd, Mo Williams, Charlie Villanueva and Andrew Bogut, along with a scrapper in Desmond Mason, they also have some reluctant parties in rookie Yi Jianlan and the re-upped Charlie Bell. A soft group that needs to scour the waiver wires in search of a designated banger. (Prediction: 35-47)

Indiana Pacers -- First-year coach Jim O'Brien will go up-tempo, feature 3-point shooting and stress defense, but this team's fortunes will be dictated by the mental and physical state of the star player, Jermaine O'Neal. Pacers could surprise if youngsters like Danny Granger, Shawne Williams and Ike Diogu emerge, Troy Murphy returns to his pre-Don Nelson days, Jamal Tinsley stays healthy and thrives in the open court, and any contribution from Mike Dunleavy, Jr. is gladly accepted as a windfall. That's a lot to ask. Names like Kareem Rush and Travis Diener are being mentioned as important cogs. Scary. (Prediction 30-52)



SOUTHEAST DIVISION



Washington Wizards -- Injuries and dueling centers were a bit much to overcome last year, but with the three stars healthy and some reinforcements on the way, there's no reason to think the Wizards won't be playing in early May. Pencil in Arenas - now in his contract year - for scoring and lousy shot selection, with Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler ringing up impressive numbers as well. DeShawn Stevenson is the "glue guy", while youngsters like Nick Young and skilled big man Andray Blatche might be ready to contribute. However, defensive apathy and lack of productivity in the low post will once again prevent a deep playoff run. (Prediction: 49-33)

Orlando Magic -- Now that Stan Van Gundy has been untied, he'll have a chance to make an impact with one of the league's future stars, Dwight Howard, who will team up with Rashard Lewis -- a free agent signing made possible by dumping Steve Francis' contract on Isiah Thomas - to form a potent inside-outside combo. The loss of Grant Hill, even if he seldom suited up, will be felt. The loss of Brian Hill, however, will not. Improved play from Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick is a must, and the Magic could use more inside help for Howard, perhaps from Adonal Foyle. We'll soon find out why two teams have given up on Darko Milicic already. Trevor Ariza, also acquired in the Francis trade, provides energy off the bench. (Prediction: 42-40)

Miami Heat -- Master motivator Pat ("The Winner Within") Riley, who has never won a title without Magic AND Kareem or Shaq AND Wade in his corner, and conveniently stuffed Stan Van Gundy into a vault with a sock in his mouth while taking credit for the Heat title two years ago, will somehow try to perform miracles with the likes of Jason Williams, Ricky Davis and Smush Parker. That said, the healthy return of Dwyane Wade and more than a half-season from Shaq would still put this team in the post-season and up the value of workers like Udonis Haslem. Team FG percentage already up as a result of dealing Antoine Walker. (Prediction: 41-41)

Atlanta Hawks -- This year's trendy pick to have a breakout season still might be a year away. Thankfully, the availability of a second lottery pick enabled them to select a floor general, Acie Law IV, who will assume the role once Speedy Claxton injures his knee. Joe Johnson is a star, Josh Smith is an attitude away from becoming one, and rookie Al Horford looks to be ready for big minutes. Still must find minutes for Marvin Williams and Josh Childress, less for Tyronn Lue. This is the year Mike Woodson must deliver. (Prediction: 36-46)

Charlotte Bobcats -- Cats have already lost two "rotation" guys for the season in Adam Morrison and Sean May. Added erratic Jason Richardson who will deliver scoring punch, and wisely re-signed Gerald Wallace. PG Ray Felton no longer shares time with Brevin Knight and now must get the FG percentage up. Walter Herrmann and Matt Carroll step in for Morrison on the perimeter. Okafor will miss May's presence inside, and Jeff McInnis is currently the backup PG, presumably to provide "veteran leadership". Not good. (Prediction: 33-49)



WESTERN CONFERENCE



SOUTHWEST DIVISION



San Antonio Spurs -- While the masses were caught up in the run-and-stun antics of Dallas, Phoenix, and Golden State, the Spurs were methodically clamping down on opponents and, with a little help from the suits in the league office, were able to raise the trophy once again. Too bad there were no witnesses, but don't count on it not happening again. Duncan, Ginobilli and Parker are in their prime, though support like Horry and Finley are about done. Coach Pop will continue to drive them hard. (Prediction: 58-24)

Dallas Mavericks -- Dallas' petition to have the Golden State Warriors moved to the Eastern Conference was rejected, but the playoff series exposed several flaws in this 67-win unit. The lack of a veteran floor general -- coach Avery Johnson would have fit the role perfectly -- was evident and was not addressed during the off-season. Devin Harris is not the answer. They'd be better off winning 55 games and leaving the expectations to others. Dirk Nowitzki now labeled a "choker", which is a bit harsh. With Josh Howard and Jason Terry still around, they'll bounce back. (Prediction: 54-28)

Houston Rockets -- With the shackles of JVG now removed, Houston fans now get the other extreme, going from offensive ineptitude to defensive indifference under new coach Rick Adelman. Shane Battier is still around to guard all five opponents, and the PG minutes will be split between Rafer Alston, Mike James, and Steve Francis. Mercy. Fortunately, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady - now trying to shake the "loser" tag - are still around. Bonzi Wells hangs around for minutes too, and might be a sleeper. Luis Scola looks to man the PF slot. If nothing else, the Rockets will be more exciting to watch (Prediction: 47-35)

New Orleans Hornets -- Chris Paul now has a couple of shooters to spot on the perimeter after breaking down defenses and ankles in Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson, while Tyson Chandler and David West do the dirty work inside. Bobby Jackson, Hilton Armstrong and rookie Julian Wright head a mediocre bench corps. Nice squad who will battle for one of the last two playoff spots. (Prediction: 42-40)

Memphis Grizzles -- Marc Iavaroni puts in the "Phoenix Offense", which is not for everyone. Damon Stoudamire will run the show until Mike Conley, Jr. is ready, which, in the coach's eyes will be sometime around Thanksgiving. Pau Gasol and Mike Miller are back strong and should thrive in the new system, while Rudy Gay, Stromile Swift, and Hakim Warrick look for consistency. The Grizz will be better, but will have trouble cracking 40 wins. (Prediction: 34-48)



NORTHWEST DIVISION

1. Utah Jazz -- Ultra solid at PG, Center, and PF. Could be equally set at SF if Kirilenko finds peace with the unrelenting Jerry Sloan, one of the best in the business. SG has been a problem spot for years, but second-year gunner Ronnie Brewer will get a crack at it, with rookie Morris Almond looking for minutes. While Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Mehmet Okur are set, the loss of Derek Fisher's leadership will hurt some. Matt Harpring and Paul Millsap bring toughness off the bench. Here's yet another tough playoff opponent in the Western Conference. (Prediction: 50-32)

Denver Nuggets -- Full season with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, with Kenyon Martin back along with Nene, Camby, and for now, J.R. Smith. Lots of talent, but almost as combustible as the Knicks. Still not set at PG with Chucky Atkins injured; other option is Anthony Carter or AI himself. Past Eduardo Najera the bench is not very deep. George Karl already begging the team to defend, as he did unsuccessfully in Milwaukee. Only Camby is listening, but should lock up a playoff spot. (Prediction: 45-37)

Portland Trailblazers -- Bad news: Greg Oden out for the season. Good news: Blazers are likely to get another lottery pick, which they can use to fill the hole at SF. Will be fun to watch this team grow with Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Jarrett Jack, Martell Webster, etc. We'll also find out why Channing Frye's first word upon learning of his trade from the Knicks was, "Hallelujah!" Still not a playoff team even with Oden, but in two years, when these young guys are ready to deal, will use the cap room freed-up by trading Zach Randolph to the Knicks to sign a solid veteran or two. (Prediction: 35-47)

Minnesota Timberwolves -- New era with Garnett gone, but they weren't winning anyway, and probably won't until someone rescues Kevin McHale from his managerial responsibilities. Al Jefferson is a nice start, as is Corey Brewer. Ryan Gomes will help and Randy Foye will get some needed experience this year also. Wolves fans will shed no tears over trading Ricky Davis or the buyout of Juwan Howard. Gerald Green, Rashard McCants, and Craig Smith will be counted on for minutes, while the newly acquired Antoine Walker provides veteran "leadership". Check back in a couple of years. (Prediction: 29-53)

Seattle Supersonics -- Kevin Durant arrives to give hope to a basketball city that, quite frankly, deserves better than the Bob Weiss/Bob Hill-led squads they've been subjected to in recent years. Jeff Green is a good addition though probably not looking at superstardom. PG would be fine if Earl Watson and Luke Ridnour could be combined into one. No star quality at the power positions with Kurt Thomas, Nick Collison, and Chris Wilcox, but each could help a contender. Center Robert Swift will help when fully recovered from the torn ACL. Rough times ahead for new coach P.J. Carlesimo. (Prediction: 26-56)



PACIFIC DIVISION



Phoenix Suns -- Still reeling from the playoff defeat at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, the Suns add Grant Hill, Brian Skinner, and D.J. Strawberry to the already lethal mix. Shawn Marion is back, as is Amare Stoudamire, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, and Leandro Barbosa. Defense still needs improvement, but the catalyst remains Steve Nash, a 2004 free-agent signing made possible by dumping the contracts of Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway on Isiah Thomas. Should do no worse than the Western Conference Finals. (Prediction: 59-23)

Golden State Warriors -- Not a championship contender -- Don Nelson-coached teams never are - but a team no one wants to face in the post-season. Baron Davis is a top-flight player when healthy and in shape. Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Al Harrington, Mickael Pietrus, Matyt Barnes form the perimeter, while Andris Biedrins does the dirty work inside. Add the speedy Troy Hudson and rookie sharpshooter Marco Bellinelli to the track team and opponents should get ready to huff and puff. It's difficult, however, to imagine the Warriors not feeling the loss of Jason Richardson. (Prediction: 46-36)

L.A. Lakers -- Anyone else wonder what Kobe Bryant looks like when he's happy? Had the entire package -- championships and recognition as one of the game's best but it still wasn't enough. Wanted all the glory, too. Exit Shaquille O'Neal, enter Andrew "Bleeping" Bynum. Now wants to be traded to a contender, apparently not realizing the pieces that make those teams contenders will be the cost of obtaining him. His best bet is to stay where he is, let guys like Bynum, Luke Walton, Javaris Crittendon grow, hope guys like Kwame Brown and Brian Cook figure things out, learn to get the best out of the multi-skilled Lamar Odom and hand out with one of the game's best coaches in Phil Jackson. Championships are not a birthright. (Prediction: 44-38)

L.A Clippers -- The Clippers are back. Those imposters who were making playoff appearances and having Hollywood stars show up at Staples Center when the Lakers WEREN'T playing have left the building. The franchise is now as jinxed as ever. With franchise cornerstones Shaun Livingston and Elton Brand both out with devastating injuries, that leaves injury-prone guards Sam Cassell and Brevin Knight to run the show and the underachieving Tim Thomas (also injured) to get the bulk of Brand's minutes. Center Chris Kaman tries to rebound from a sub-par season, Cuttino Mobley is on the decline and Corey Maggette wants to -- and should - start. Rookie Al Thornton has turned some heads in the pre-season. Is the LA Sports Arena still renting out? (Prediction: 33-49)

Sacramento Kings -- Former UNLV Runnin' Rebel and NBA star Reggie Theus brings an iron hand to Northern California, preaching discipline and defensive responsibility. Let's just hope Spencer Hawes' uncle Steve or Mike Bibby's father, Henry, both former NBA-ers, don't remember Reggie getting buried on the bench for almost an entire season by Bulls coach Kevin Loughery for defensive apathy. While Reggie isn't the first matador to preach defense upon joining the coaching ranks, he'll have his hands full with this deficient group of stoppers. Ron Artest will get in the stance when he's on the court - another uncertainty. Bibby, now injured, along with Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Kevin Martin, Mikki Moore and the youngsters. Another long year in Sacramento. (Prediction: 30-52)



Finals: San Antonio over Chicago in 6

Carmelo Anthony has been telling anyone who will listen that this could be the best Denver Nuggets team ever.

He's anxious to prove it's more than just words.

"It's looking real good out there for us. We've got everything we need," the Nuggets All-Star said.

Denver has Allen Iverson in for a full season, Kenyon Martin back after two microfracture knee surgeries, Nene on the mend and NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby patrolling the middle.

Then there's Anthony, who was second in the league in scoring last season, averaging 28.9 points a game.

The forward has even shored up his one glaring weakness: "He's made strong steps forward in his maturity and in his professionalism and in his responsibility," coach George Karl said.

Anthony spent the summer helping Team USA secure a spot for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing by winning the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament.

His desire now is to guide Denver on a deep run through the postseason.

"A championship, that's our goal," Anthony said.

First, the Nuggets have to find a way to get out of the first round of the playoffs. They've lost in the opening round four straight seasons, including last year when San Antonio beat them in five games en route to the NBA title. Denver is confident they're closing the gap on the world champions.

"We're not far away from the Spurs," Anthony said. "We're going to fight this year. We're going to leave it all out there on the court."

Denver didn't do much tinkering with its lineup in the offseason, just a couple of tweaks. The Nuggets went out and signed Chucky Atkins after Steve Blake bolted for Portland. The team also traded forward Reggie Evans to Philadelphia for Steven Hunter and Bobby Jones.

Other than that, though, the Nuggets didn't make much of a splash in the free agent market.

Then again, the Nuggets view Martin almost as a free agent pickup. He's back this season after his second microfracture knee surgery. He played only two games last year.

"I'm geeked," he said. "It's been a long road, and it's taught me how to be patient."

Anthony will now also have a full season to work with Iverson. The Iverson deal went down in December just as Anthony started serving his 15-game suspension for his involvement in a brawl with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

A training camp together has only solidified the chemistry between the talented tandem.

"Last year, we didn't have everybody on the court at one time," Anthony said. "We got a whole month (of training camp) together before we even start playing."

The brakes may be applied to the Nuggets' high-octane offense this season. Although Anthony is one of the top scorers in the league, and Iverson has scored 20,824 career points, Denver wants to become more defensive minded.

After all, it's worked for the Spurs.

"Defense wins titles," Eduardo Najera said. "The better teams play defense."

Camby couldn't agree more. He likes the fact the team is stressing defense. He's predicting big things out of the Nuggets.

"I think we have a team assembled here that can make a lot of noise," said Camby, who had a league-leading 3.3 blocks a game last season. "If you look at the talent, we stack up against the best teams in the NBA. It's all about going on and proving it."

Anthony has a win total floating around in his mind.

"60," he said with a grin.

Karl squirmed at that number. The Nuggets team record in the NBA is 54 in 1987-88.

"I've heard guys talk about 60 games," Karl said. "And 60 games is probably a couple steps further than I think we can do. We should try to be the best team in Denver Nuggets NBA history, and that's not out of the question. I think we can win 52-to-55 games."

Denver has to stay healthy, which has been easier said than accomplished. Martin has been hobbled by his knees the last two seasons and the Nuggets are still taking it easy with Nene, who tore the ACL in his right knee on opening night in 2005.

"My knees are fine," Nene said. "This is going to be great, having the whole team back together."

The Nuggets will be without guard J.R. Smith for three games after the team suspended him for "conduct detrimental to the team." He was recently issued a summons on charges including assault after an incident at a night club.

Smith was also suspended 10 games last season for his role in the Knicks brawl.

Last summer, Smith was cited for failure to stop at a stop sign and improper passing in a car crash that killed his friend, Andre Bell, in New Jersey.

In Karl's opinion, the success of the Nuggets boils down to cohesion on the court.

"We are going to be judged on how we play as a team," Karl said. "We have enough talent to be a great team."

Anthony feels that way as well.

"We have no excuses this year," he said. "We have everybody back. Our main thing is just everybody being healthy throughout the season. If we have that, big things can happen."

After watching the Miami Heat sputter offensively in the preseason, Pat Riley realized his team was in desperate need of perimeter help.

He's counting on newly acquired Ricky Davis to provide an immediate boost.

Davis will slide into the injured Dwyane Wade's spot at starting shooting guard when the Heat open the regular season next week, Riley said Thursday, one day after the Heat pulled off a five-player trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.Miami sent Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac and Wayne Simien to the Timberwolves, along with a conditional first-round draft pick, for Davis and Mark Blount.

"The securing of a perimeter player who could score, who could shoot, who had experience as a starter transcended all other needs. And that's why we did it,'' Riley said. "The preseason showed we didn't have what we needed presently at that position, even though I think we have players who can help us.''

!!!!!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ portland came into the 4th quarter down by ten. then brandon roy got in a rythem and helped portland defeat seattle. lamarcus aldridge had 31 points and 13 rebounds brandon roy had 22 points, martell webster had 19 points,travis outlaw had 13 points. AWESOME GAME!

A.I. SHOULD GET A BLOG THAT

WOULD BE AWESOME!!!

If Brandan Wright stood behind Sonics big men Nick Collison and Chris Wilcox, the Warriors rookie would simply drop out of sight.

But stack him up against Seattle's beefy starters with the game on the line, and the only thing to drop was coach Don Nelson's jaw.

The Warriors' rail-thin rookie didn't just hold his own against Collison and Wilcox during Tuesday's exhibition win over the Sonics. Wright outplayed them down the stretch, using his Inspector Gadget arms to rebound and show off his shooting range.

With Nelson turning the game over to his youngsters, Wright came through with seven points and six rebounds in a 14-minute showcase that took his coach completely by surprise.

"He was just terrific," Nelson said. "And I wasn't even going to play him."

The 6-foot-9, 205-pounder left his prints all over the extra period, grabbing four rebounds and firing in his second smooth-looking jumper of the night.

His final rebound total was split down the middle - three on offense, three on defense - and was especially encouraging given the competition. The 6-10, 255-pound Collison is in his fourth year in the league, and Wilcox (6-10, 235) is a five-year veteran.

Wright had been bumped around by bigger players in previous games, and Nelson attributed the better results to a defensive scheme that had Wright and fellow rookie Stephane Lasme fronting their opponents. Lasme, even more undersized as a 6-8 center, finished with seven points in 15 minutes.

"We were just trying to stay in front," Wright said. "Make sure a guy helps out, don't give up the block, try to make it a little crowded in there, try to make him think twice about getting (the ball) over the top."

"It lets them use their quickness. It's not a strength move," Nelson explained. "That really helped them defend the low box."

Then Nelson added, as if in disbelief: "Brandan was where he was supposed to be defensively. And he's got something special because he's so long and quick. He got to balls that nobody else on my team could have got to."

It was the first real chance for Wright, whose wingspan measures 7-feet, 3.25 inches, to show off in limited preseason play. He skipped summer league to rest a sore hip, and the missed time was just one of the reasons why Nelson had dismissed his rookie's NBA-readiness.

According to Nelson, Wright hadn't had an outstanding practice or game yet. He was still learning the system. He was young and light and had just turned 20.

"I just finally said, 'Well, you know what, I'll stick him in there and see how he does in a pressure game,' and he played really well," Nelson said. "He definitely got my attention. I have to do a double-take on him now."

There's no guarantee that Wright can crack the regular-season rotation, but the quicker he develops, the better off the Warriors will be at power forward.

Mickael Pietrus made his second start at that position on Tuesday and didn't grab any rebounds before fouling out in 12 minutes. Al Harrington had a decent game with 10 points, seven rebounds and five turnovers in 21 minutes, but Nelson is bringing him off the bench for now.