SPORTS

The Wild, Wild West

Part 2

18/X-Press/November 11, 1993

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Pacific - Division

IT) Phoenix Suns/ Seattle Supersonics

Last week I thought that Phoenix would be a veritable lock for the NBA title, this week they may not even be the best team in their own division. The reason being Seattle’s acquisition of 6’9 allstar Detlef Schrempf(19.1ppg, 9.5rpg, 6.0apg) from Indiana, adding to a potent front line including the explosive Shawn Kemp (17.8, 10.7) and the veteran Sam Perkins. Added to an athletic backcourt of ex-Hornet Kendall Gill (16.9, 4.9, 3.9), pg Gary Payton and scorer Ricky Pierce (18.2) you have a fast-breaking team which will run other clubs into the ground. Only the lack ofa true center may hurt this club against other western teams whichemploy great big men.

Phoenix is still very good as they are led by °03 NBA MVP Charles Barkley (25.6, 12.2, 5.1) who is the most versatile player in the game today. Theloss ofRichard Dumas will hurt them but they acquired former Laker A.C. Green to give them rebounding and playoff experience, coupled with former allstars such as Dan Majerle (16.9), out- side sniper Danny Ainge (150 three-pointers made) and playmaker Kevin Johnson (16.1, 7.8 apg) this ‘creates a team which knows how to win games. Like Seattle the Suns lack a true inside force but Oliver Millermay become the most improved pivot in the league after his out- standing showing in last

3) Portland Trailblazers

The Blazers may be doomed to be bridesmaids, never going home with aring. This team has the best backcourt trio in the league with perennial allstar Clyde Drexler (19.9, 6.3, 5.7) returning from injury, Terry Porter (18.2), and pg Rod Strickland (7.2apg) coming off the bench to change the tempo of the game. Harvey Grant (18.6) came over from the Bullets in the Kevin Duckworth deal to bolster a frontcourt with 6711 Cliff Robinson (19.1), rebounder Buck Williams, and Nets free-agent Chris Dudley who makes every free-throw an adventure. Portland will be very good but not good enough.

4) LA Lakers

The Lakers are ina year of transition going from experience to the youth which will carry them thru the ‘90’s. Last year’s rookie backcourt of Anthony Peeler (10.4) and Doug Christie and draftee Nick Van Exel need maturing which seasoned Sedale Threatt (15.1) will provide. James Worthy (14.9) is on the backside of his career but he will help the younger players such as Ist round draft pick George Lynch become accustomed to the rigors of the NBA.

years playoffs. The win- ner of this conference will be the team that stays healthy and plays together.

After coming within a John Paxson three-pointer of a potential championship last year, Charles Barkley hopes to lead his Phoen'' Suns to the NBA's promised land.