From: markham@brtph600.bnr.ca (Andrew Markham P205)
Subject: Re: Are Da Bulls Dying? 
Organization: Bell Northern Research Inc.
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1992 15:28:33 GMT

In article <1992Jul24.123424.14134@husc3.harvard.edu> vreddy@husc3.harvard.edu writes:
>
>Well, for one, the Knicks have a pretty good shot, pushing the Bulls to 7 
>games in an embarassing series. WIth Blackman added to the squad, and rumors of
>Magic Johnson coming back for his old coach Riley, the Knicks already have a
>better chance of beating the Bulls, and they would definitely do it with Magic
>(though that rumor isn't absolute yet). 

The Knicks would certainly be the team to beat if Magic comes to play for
them, but I hate to bust your bubble.  Magic is signed through 1994 with the
Lakers and getting him would cost either half of the Knicks or Ewing, and
that would *seriously* change the outlook!

I'm not so convinced that Rolondo is the solution to all of their problems,
but I do agree the Knicks have a better chance of beating the Bulls.  On 
a related note, I look for the Bulls to be adding a key player or two (rumors
or Kukoc, Gerald Wilkins and Derek Harper, have been around...), and if so,
the Knicks chance go back to where they were last year (in comparison to the
Bulls).

The Starks/Worthy trade would make things interesting, but I would have
to see it to believe it...

>Hmmm... honestly, in the Eastern Conference, I am not terribly sure if there 
>are many (if any) other teams with the chance. Cleveland may, but I doubt it. 
>The Knicks are the best bet. 

I agree.  The Knicks are about the only team I worry about, but I still think
that Cartwright plays Ewing just well enough for the Bulls to move past them.
As for the Cavaliers, I haven't worried about them before, and I'm not 
worrying about them now.

>In the west, you have Phoenix, who I think, if they can pull it together with
>their new awesome acquisitions could win it all next year. If Portland gets
>their offense in gear, they or Golden State (if they don't continue to choke in
>situations when they should win hands down) could beat 'em. Right now, NY or
>Phoenix would be my pcks. I am giving the Bulls credit, they deserve it. They
>are good... they are the best. BUT, judging from their performances in this
>years playoffs vs. the year before's, they DO need to do something if they are
>going to maintain their rather awesome stature.

I just don't see Portland taking the Bulls in a 7-game series.  All they have
done is gotten rid of Ainge and added Strickland (which is better during the
regular season, but worse during the playoffs).  The players still have the
same mentality and likelihood of shooting themselves in the foot, when given
a chance.

Phoenix looks good, talent-wise, but then again so does Portland.  I'll
wait and reserve my judgement of Phoenix for the All-Star break.  

Golden State isn't going to win an NBA Championship next year.

-- 
|_ o_O              Andrew W. Markham (markham@bnr.ca)
|W   |\               Bell Northern Research, Inc.              _        O
|   / \                       Heels in 93!                     / |_      |\
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