User manual GAMES NINTENDO GAMECUBE NBA 2K2

WARNING: PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE PRECAUTIONS BOOKLET INCLUDED WITH THIS PRODUCT BEFORE USING YOUR NINTENDO ® HARDWARE SYSTEM, GAME DISC OR ACCESSORY. THIS BOOKLET CONTAINS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. WARNING - Electric Shock To avoid electric shock when you use this system: Use only the AC adapter that comes with your system. Do not use the AC adapter if it has damaged, split or broken cords or wires. Make sure that the AC adapter cord is fully inserted into the wall outlet or extension cord. Always carefully disconnect all plugs by pulling on the plug and not on the cord. Make sure the Nintendo GameCube power switch is turned OFF before removing the AC adapter cord from an outlet. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS BEFORE YOU OR YOUR CHILD PLAY VIDEO GAMES WARNING - Seizures Some people (about 1 in 4000) may have seizures or blackouts triggered by light flashes, such as while watching TV or playing video games, even if they have never had a seizure before. Anyone who has had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition should consult a doctor before playing a video game. Parents should watch when their children play video games. Stop playing and consult a doctor if you or your child have any of the following symptoms: Convulsions Altered vision Eye or muscle twitching Involuntary movements Loss of awareness Disorientation CAUTION - Motion Sickness Playing video games can cause motion sickness. If you or your child feel dizzy or nauseous when playing video games with this system, stop playing and rest. Do not drive or engage in other demanding activity until you feel better. CAUTION - Laser Device The Nintendo GameCube is a Class I laser product. Do not attempt to disassemble the Nintendo GameCube. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. Caution - Use of controls or adjustments or procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. To reduce the likelihood of a seizure when playing video games: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Sit or stand as far from the screen as possible. Play video games on the smallest available television screen. Do not play if you are tired or need sleep. Play in a well-lit room. Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour. CONTROLLER NEUTRAL POSITION RESET If the L or R Buttons are pressed or the Control Stick or C Stick are moved out of neutral position when the power is turned ON, those positions will be set as the neutral position, causing incorrect game control during game play. WARNING - Repetitive Motion Injuries Playing video games can make your muscles, joints or skin hurt after a few hours. Follow these instructions to avoid problems such as Tendinitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or skin irritation: Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour, even if you don't think you need it. If your hands, wrists or arms become tired or sore while playing, stop and rest them for several hours before playing again. If you continue to have sore hands, wrists or arms during or after play, stop playing and see a doctor. To reset the controller, release all buttons and sticks to allow them to return to the correct neutral position, then hold down the X, Y and START/PAUSE Buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. L Button R Button Control Stick C Stick reviewed this product and that it has met our standards for excellence in workmanship, reliability and entertainment value. Always look for this seal when buying games and accessories to ensure complete compatibility with your Nintendo product. All Nintendo products are licensed by sale for use only with other authorized products bearing the Official Nintendo Seal of Quality.® This official seal is your assurance that Nintendo has TABLE OF CONTENTS Control Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Menu Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Team Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Options Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Offensive Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Free Throw Shooting. . . . . . . . 13 Street Courts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Allen Iverson Bio. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Quick Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Offensive Controls . . . . . . . . . 24 Defensive Controls . . . . . . . . . 24 Franchise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Customize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Player Create . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Pre-set Players . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Team Create . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Legends Teams. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Team Capsules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 1-4 Player Simultaneous THIS GAME SUPPORTS SIMULTANEOUS GAME PLAY WITH ONE, TWO, THREE OR FOUR PLAYERS AND CONTROLLERS. THIS GAME REQUIRES A MEMORY CARD FOR SAVING GAME PROGRESS, SETTINGS OR STATISTICS. Basic Defense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Defensive Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Pause Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 In-Game Coaching Moves . . . . 17 Timeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Substitutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Stats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Replay Controls . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Game Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Exhibition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Memory Card THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN RATED BY THE ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE RATING BOARD. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE ESRB RATING, OR TO COMMENT ABOUT THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE RATING, PLEASE CONTACT THE ESRB AT 1-800-771-3772, OR VISIT WWW.ESRB.ORG. EVERYONE LICENSED BY NINTENDO, NINTENDO GAMECUBE AND THE OFFICIAL SEAL ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO. © 2001 NINTENDO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3 CONTROL SUMMARY Sega Sports NBA 2K2 is designed with analog functionality in mind. The Nintendo GameCubeTM Controller provides a full range of motion and adds to the overall depth and pinpoint control of the game. However, we understand that "old habits die hard," so if you're partial to using the + Control Pad as your primary source of control, you can modify the controller settings to do just that. From the Main Menu, select Options, then select Controller, and use the L/R Buttons to scroll through the available combinations to find one that's right for you. TEAM SELECTION Once you're ready to start a game in any mode, you'll be guided to this menu. Press the Control Stick to the left or right to select whether you'd like to control the visiting team (left) or the home team (right). After you've moved the controller icon to the left or right, press the L or R Buttons to cycle through the list of available teams. Once you've set the match-up you desire, press START to get things underway. Coach's Corner: Feel The Power To get the most from your Nintendo GameCubeTM Controller, you'll need to turn the Rumble Feature setting to ON. To do so from the Main Menu, select Options, then select Presentation and change Rumble Feature to ON. Menu Controls Button Control Stick A Button Y Button X Button B Button Options Menu Customize the way you play NBA 2K2 prior to the opening tip with this menu. Press the A Button to cycle forward through an option; press the Y Button to cycle backward. NBA Rules Game Play Controller Every rule in the game is adjustable or can be turned on and off. Adjust such parameters as game speed, quarter length, and difficulty. Browse through different controller configurations, including those utilizing the directional buttons. Adjust sound effects, commentary, music, overlays and more. Access information about your favorite NBA players. Input your name and allow the game to track your win-loss record and statistics. Action Highlight menu options Select/Scroll forward through highlighted sections Scroll backward through highlighted sections Access a Help Screen Cancel/Return to previous screen Presentation Player Information Users/High Scores 4 5 OFFENSIVE CONTROLS Here's a look at the basic offensive controls you'll use during gameplay (we'll discuss them in detail in the pages to come) ... ICON PASSING: Y Button Use icon passing to guarantee that your pass goes to the right teammate. While controlling the ball, press the Y Button to call up button icons over the heads of your teammates. Then, simply press the corresponding button to immediately send the pass to the teammate you choose. Button Control Stick A Button B Button X Button Y Button L Button Z Button R Button C Stick v C Stick w C Stick w + A, X, B, Y Buttons START Action Control Player Pass Shoot/Jump For Rebound Crossover Dribble/Spin Move Call Up Pass Icons Post Up Call For Pick Turbo/Speed Burst Pass To Player Closest To Basket Bring Up Playcall Menu Call Play Pause Game DIRECTIONAL PASSING: A Button Good ball movement is important in setting up open looks at the basket. While controlling the ball, press the Control Stick in the direction of the player you wish to pass to, then press the A Button to deliver the pass. Make sure you have an open lane to the recipient, though. Throwing into a crowd, trying to thread the needle a bit too closely, or heaving crosscourt passes will often lead to turnovers. Coach's Corner: Icon Passing Want to get the ball into the hands of your point guard to run a play? Need to get it down to your power forward to exploit a mismatch? The following buttons correspond to the following positions: A Button X Button B Button Y Button R Button Point Guard Shooting Guard Small Forward Power Forward Center 6 7 SHOOTING: B Button To shoot the ball, press and hold the B Button. When your player reaches the top of his jump, release the B Button to release the shot. As in the real NBA, timing is crucial. If you let go of the button before the player reaches his peak, he'll likely shortarm the shot. Similarly, if you release the shot while the player's on his way down, he'll be more likely to have the shot drift on him or have it blocked. Releasing the shot at the top of the player's jump gives you the greatest likelihood of draining it. CROSSOVER DRIBBLES: X Button Players like Tim Hardaway and Stephon Marbury have made a career out of faking one way with the dribble then breaking their defender's back by crossing over in the other direction. If you catch a defender flat-footed as you dribble toward him, press the X Button to cross over and zip past him. New this year is a special crossover move. If you press the X Button while your player is dribbling in place, he will swing his arms in a wide crossover motion. Then, press the Control Stick in any direction to have the player fake his crossover and blow past his man. Coach's Corner: Know Your Players Getting the hang of when to release the B Button is just the first step to becoming a good shooter (and scorer). Perhaps the next most important aspect to shooting is to learn your players' shooting tendencies. If you've got Shaq firing from behind the three-point line all afternoon, it won't matter how perfectly you release the shoot button ­ he's not gonna be hitting anything. Similarly, even if your 5'10" point guard's releasing shots in the paint at the peak of his jump, his shots will likely be, uh, "returned" (leaving "SPALDING" imprinted backward on his forehead). Good jump shooters like Reggie Miller or Ray Allen will have a little more leeway with regard to releasing the ball at the exact pinnacle of their jump, just as the big guys like Tim Duncan will generally have a bit more room for error down low. TURBO/SPEED BURST: R Button By pressing the R Button, you'll kick your player into overdrive so that his speed and energy pick up a notch. Use turbo to get that extra step past the defender or to gain a bit of extra oomph when you're backing down a defender down low. Be careful not to overuse this however, as your player will tire too quickly if he's continually sprinting up and down the court. If you see him languishing with his head down, it's probably time to get him out of there. PUMP FAKES: tap B Button To perform a pump fake, tap and release the B Button in an attempt to get the defender to jump into the air. If he bites, you'll have a good chance to drive around him into the lane. At the very least, you may be able to freeze the defender and create a little space, enabling you to get a cleaner look at the basket. 8 9 PASSING TO THE PLAYER CLOSEST TO THE HOOP: C Stick v New to this year's version of the game is the option for one-button passing to get the ball to the open man nearest the basket. If you see a player break free down low, simply press C Stick v and your player will whip a pass to the man closest to the hoop. You'll still be able to pass to that player using the traditional directional passing or icon passing options, but this button combination can serve to give you those Larry Bird-esque "eyes in the back of your head." If you see a double- or triple-team occurring at the half-court line, someone has to be open. Of course, as with all other passes, if the player is closely guarded when you make the pass, there's a good likelihood that the pass will be knocked away or stolen. Coach's Corner: Posting Up When in a post-up battle, both players' physical size, strength and post-up skill will determine whether you back your man down or bang against a brick wall. If you find yourself squaring off against an equal opponent, try pumping the R Button to give yourself a little extra power. CALLING FOR A PICK: Z Button To have a teammate set a pick for you in an effort to lose that pesky defender, press the Z Button. Doing so will cause the teammate nearest you to create a wall for you to step around and (hopefully) get you an open look at the basket. POSTING UP THE DEFENDER: L Button Do you have a size advantage over your defender? If so, press the L Button to drive him back into the paint, then release the button and press the Control Stick in any direction to create space for the shot. If you press left or right, your player will attempt to spin around the defender and get to the hole, or he will perform a drop step. If you pull back, he'll attempt a classic fadeaway a la Hakeem Olajuwon or Juwan Howard. If he's underneath the basket, simply press forward and press the B Button to slam it on your defender's melon. Don't forget about the threesecond violation or the newer five-second "backto-the-basket" rule. 10 11 PLAYCALLING: C Stick w + A, B, X, Y Buttons Each team has sixteen plays in its offensive playbook, of which four plays can be used during a game via the in-game playcall menu. If you'd like to customize the four plays currently in use, select Coach from the Pause Menu, and select Offensive Plays (you can also set your offensive plays in Customize Mode). To access the playcall menu during gameplay, press the C Stick w to call up the Plays Overlay, then press the corresponding button to run a specific play. Free Throw Shooting Many people can simply pick up a controller and get a good feel for normal gameplay, but free throw shooting can be a bit trickier. If you want to progress from a Chris Dudley to a Reggie Miller at the free-throw line, it's gonna take a little bit of time and patience. To shoot a successful free throw, you'll need to line up both green arrows directly over the basket. To do so, press both the L Button and the R Button at exactly the same pressure to line up the arrows, then press either the A, B, X or Y Button to release the shot. If you don't press the L and R Buttons at the same time, your shot will be off (so, you can't line up one arrow then get to work on the second arrow). Remember that you don't have all day to line up your arrows until they're just right. If you're taking too long, a clock will appear in the upper right corner of the screen to tell you how many seconds you have remaining. Coach's Corner: Passing Out Of A Shot Try passing out of your shot by pressing the B Button to leap into the air, then pressing the A Button to pass before you release the shot. It's a great way to get the ball to an open man if the defense collapses on you. To execute this move, you'll need to roll your finger from the shoot button to the pass button. If you let go of the shoot button, your player will release the shot, so you'll need to keep it held down. If it's taking a while for you to get the hang of it, a stop off at the Practice Mode gymnasium may be just the tonic for your shooting ills, and can be invaluable in learning the fundamentals of good free throw shooting. 12 13 BASIC DEFENSE STEALING: X Button If you catch the ball-handler napping, or if you've double-teamed a big man down low, press the X Button to attempt a steal. Be careful not to overuse the steal button or to lunge for a steal attempt when you don't have a good angle on the ball ­ if so, the referee will call a reach-in foul on your play. SWITCH TO THE LAST AVAILABLE DEFENDER: Y Button Pressing the Y Button will put you in control of the defender closest to the basket. This is a particularly useful button when you need to defend against the fast break, and is also helpful when you need to get control of one of your low post defenders in a hurry. FACING UP THE BALL-HANDLER: L Button The best position you can be in to stop an advancing ball-handler from driving past you is to plant yourself with your arms and legs spread wide. Essentially, this makes you a bigger object to get around. The disadvantage is that you'll have slower lateral movement in this position, though pressing Turbo (with the R Button) will help compensate. Similarly, when an offensive player attempts to back you down, your only recourse is to try to hold your ground. In this instance, also press the L Button to lean against the encroaching player, and again remember that you'll gain a bit of extra power if you press the R Button. SHOT BLOCKING/JUMPING FOR THE REBOUND: B Button It's always nice to have an enforcer like Dikembe Mutombo or David Robinson in the middle. To swat the ball out of the air, time your jump with that of the shooter's by pressing the B Button. Be sure to get to the ball while it's on the way up ­ if you touch it while it's on the way down, you'll be whistled for goaltending. As with all defensive buttons, try not to overuse your jump. If an offensive player hits you with a quick pump fake, and you leap into the air to block it, you'll most certainly surrender your defensive position and allow a clear path to the basket. If the shot has already been released, and you're moving into position to clear the rebound, press the B Button to leap into the air and snatch it down. As an added bonus, if you leap to snare the rebound, and then tap continually on the X Button, your player will swing his elbows in an effort to clear out the opponents around him. DEFENDING PASSES: B Button A good way to steal the ball is by closing the passing lanes. Jump in front of passes by utilizing the B Button to deflect them away from their target and into your own possession. SWAPPING PLAYERS: A Button Swapping allows you to control the defensive player closest to the ball-handler. The purpose of swapping is to always give you a chance at making the defensive play by selecting the player with the best chance of stopping the man with the ball. 14 15 PAUSE MENU Defensive Sets Press the C Stick w to bring up the menu and then press the A, B, X, or Y Button to select the corresponding defensive set. The default options are as follows: In-Game Coaching Moves From the Pause Menu, you can take control of your team. Select Coach to set your defensive pressure, assign your defenders to guard certain people, or call for the double team. By selecting Settings, you can decide whether you'd like to be in complete control of timeouts and substitutions, or whether you'd like the CPU to remain in control. Also, you can set at what level of intensity you'd like your team to keep the game tempo, run the fast break, and crash the boards. Button A Button X Button B Button Y Button Action Man-to-Man ­ The standard defensive set. Half Court Trap ­ Defenders try to trap the ball-handler at the half-court line. Full Court Press ­ Defenders pick up their man in the backcourt. 2-3 Zone ­ New to the NBA in 2001-02. Two men guard the perimeter while three big men defend the low post. Note: You can also select from a 3-2 Zone, a 1-3-1 Zone, a Box-1 Zone, Full Court Trap, Full Court Man-to-Man, or Intentional Foul in your defensive playbook. INTENTIONAL FOUL: C Stick v Need to stop the clock at the end of the game? Want to stop an uncontested basket? Press C Stick to have the closest defender shove his arms out at the ball-handler and commit the intentional foul. Timeouts When you sense the momentum begin to shift, or when you notice your players are becoming fatigued and running with their heads down, call a timeout to regroup and to regain some energy. Press START, then select Timeout in the lower right corner. DOUBLE-TEAMING: Z Button You can call for a double-team by pressing the Z Button. The nearest teammate will switch from his man over to yours and help tighten the defense on the ball handler. Substitutions Remember to use your reserves to help keep your lineup fresh and out of foul trouble. You can make single player moves, change a couple of players, or sub out the entire team. Also, when the game situation dictates a specific type of lineup on the floor (such as a three-point shooting lineup or a group of defensive specialists) you can scroll through and select from predetermined lineups by pressing the L and R Buttons. 16 17 GAME MODES Stats Current game stats as well as an updated injury report can be accessed here. From the Main Menu, you're given a number of different gameplay options. Here's a quick description of all the different game modes that NBA 2K2 has to offer... Cameras NBA 2K2 offers five different camera angles to choose from, as well as six different modifications you can make to each. You can preview each of them to make sure you have everything exactly as you want it. Exhibition Choose any two teams in the league and take it out to the court. Season Play a 14, 28, 56 or 82-game regular season, followed by the playoffs (assuming you're good enough to make the playoffs). It's a long and grueling season. Do you have what it takes to guide your team all the way to the NBA Finals? Once you've selected your team(s), you can access the Season Play screen. From there, you can begin playing games, set your options, or customize your plays, players, and teams. Replay Controls Button A Button X Button B Button Y Button L Button R Button + Control Pad Action Play at real time speed Zoom Out Zoom In Replay controls overlay ON/OFF Rewind Fast-forward Move aim indicator Practice Practice makes perfect. Head on over to the practice arena, select the team to use, and start working on your jumper. The Shot Rater will help you perfect your form and timing by telling you how early or late you're releasing your shot. It's a lot easier when no one's guarding you, isn't it? Also, you can select Free Throw from the Pause Menu to work on your free throw shooting. Note: While moving the aim indicator, you can also lock on to any player to follow him throughout the entire replay. To do so, simply move the aim indicator directly on top of whichever target you wish to track. 18 19 STREET COURTS Coach's Corner: Scrimmage Mode New this year is the option to scrimmage against other teams in Practice Mode. This allows you to practice running all the plays in your playbook so that you can get a feel for how each play works. You can almost hear the coach yelling "run it again!". TOURNEY Choose to either play in a new tournament or load a previously saved one. Select your teams and determine human or CPU control for each of the 4, 8, or 16 teams that are participating in your tournament. PLAYOFFS Skip the rigors of the regular season and head straight to the postseason. Can you survive the competition and make it to the NBA Finals? In NBA 2K2, not only can you play in all of the 3-D rendered arenas, but you can also ball on a number of the most famous street courts in the country. On the Main Menu, select Street, select the number of players you'd like to have on the court (from 2-on-2 to 5-on-5), and select the court you wish to play on. You can choose from the following: · Rucker Park (New York City) · The Cage (New York City) · Goat Park (New York City) · Franklin Park (Chicago) · Fonde Rec Center (Houston, TX) · Hank Gathers Rec Center (Philadelphia, PA) · Mosswood Park (Oakland, CA) · Run N' Shoot (Atlanta, GA) · Venice Beach (Venice, CA) FANTASY Create your own fantasy tournament or full fantasy league with this game mode. All available players will be placed in a giant free agent pool, then it's off to the draft. Once you've selected a team, you can take part in a 4, 8, or 16-team fantasy tournament, or play a full fantasy league season. NOTE: You can either draft the entire team yourself or press START to have the CPU automatically complete the remainder of the draft for you. 20 21 ALLEN IVERSON BIO Many predicted the Philadelphia 76ers to be a middle-of-the-pack sort of team in 2000-01. Many were wrong. Behind a phenomenal season by Allen Iverson, the Sixers steamrolled their way to a 56-26 regular season record and the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Along the way, Allen paused just long enough to return to his old stomping grounds in Washington, DC, score 25 points and pick up the MVP trophy at the 2001 All-Star Game. After a difficult loss in the first playoff game, Allen responded with a 45-point effort in game two, and went on to rally the 76ers to a first-round series victory over their nemesis, the Indiana Pacers. Adding to his already filling trophy case, Allen added the 2000-01 MVP Trophy to his collection in mid-May, then promptly proved himself worthy of the honor by almost singlehandedly leading the 76ers past Toronto and Milwaukee and into the NBA Finals for the first time in 18 years. - Led the NBA in Points Per Game (31.1), Steals Per Game (2.51) and Minutes Per Game (42.0) in the 2000-2001 season. - Scored a career-high 54 points at Cleveland on January 6, 2001, and also poured in 54 in a playoff game at Toronto on May 9, 2001. - Since 1998, Allen has hosted the Allen Iverson Summer Celebrity Classic, a series of basketball games, softball games and celebrity events benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Hampton Roads, Virginia. - Named Rookie of the Year in 1996-97 after finishing sixth in the NBA with 23.5 points per game. - Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the #1 overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. - Named First Team All-American as a sophomore at Georgetown in 1995-96 after averaging 25.0 points per game and leading the Hoyas to the Elite Eight. Year Games Points per Game 23.5 22.0 26.8 28.4 31.1 26.2 Rebounds per Game 4.1 3.7 4.9 3.8 3.8 4.0 Assists per Game 7.5 6.2 4.6 4.7 4.6 5.6 Total Steals 157 176 110 144 178 765 Total ThreePointers 155 70 58 89 98 470 HEIGHT: 6'0" WEIGHT: 165 LBS. BORN: JUNE 7, 1975 IN HAMPTON, VA COLLEGE: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 Career 76 80 48 70 71 345 22 QUICK REFERENCE Offensive Controls Button Control Stick A Button B Button X Button Y Button L Button Z Button R Button C Stick v C Stick w C Stick w + A, X, B, Y Buttons START FRANCHISE Guide your team through season after season in your quest to build an NBA dynasty. Select your team, choose your roster (standard or fantasy draft), and get started. You'll be in complete control of your roster, so you'll have to think like an NBA general manager does. That means potentially dealing with salary caps, contract demands, free agency, retirements, the NBA draft and trade offers. After the first season of your franchise, each additional season will be followed by a nine-week re-signing period in which you'll need to decide whether or not to renew the contracts of any players on your team, followed by the NBA Draft and a nine-week signing period for free agents. From there, it's on to a three-week preseason schedule, followed by the 26-week regular season and four rounds of playoffs. You can either play the games yourself by selecting Schedule or you can let the CPU simulate all or parts of the season by selecting Next Week. Action Control Player Pass Shoot/Jump For Rebound Crossover Dribble Call Up Pass Icons Post Up Defender Call For Pick Turbo Pass To Player Closest To Basket Bring Up Playcall Menu Call Play Pause Game The Management Screen This screen will become your best friend and your worst enemy. This is where all the behind-thescenes work pays off for you. Here's a quick rundown of the options available on this screen: Free Throw Shooting: Simultaneously press the L Button and R Button until both green arrows line up over the basket, then press any of the following Buttons: A, X, B, Y. Defensive Controls Button Control Stick A Button B Button X Button Y Button L Button Z Button R Button C Stick v C Stick w C Stick w + A, X, B, Y Buttons Active You can have up to 15 players on your roster, but can have only 12 active players at any given time. Select those 12 players here. Action Control Player Swap Players Block Shot/Jump For Rebound Steal Control Player Closest To Basket Square Up Ball-handler Double Team Turbo Intentional Foul Bring Up Playcall Menu Call Play Lineups Set your starting lineup, as well as your specialized lineups such as big, small, defensive, third string, etc. Cut If someone's not cutting the mustard, you'll have to be the bearer of bad news and release him from your roster. If you have 15 players, and want to sign a player, someone's gonna have to go. You can keep less than 15 players on your roster if you wish, but you must always have at least 12 on your team during the season. 24 25 CUSTOMIZE Signings Ah, here's the fun part. You'll need to decide in the offseason which free agents to pursue and whether or not to re-sign or extend the deals of the players already on your roster. Use the Y Button to select either your team or the available free agents, highlight the player you'd like to come to the table with, press the A Button, and press START. You'll see the player's rating, and the agent will make his initial contract demands in the Offer and Years column (so if the columns say "Offer 50" and "Years 4," the agent is asking for a contract paying that player a salary of 50 for each of the next four years, or 200 total). It'll be up to you to decide if the agent's demands are reasonable or not. You can also use your shrewd skills to bargain with the agent (perhaps offering the player only 45 per year). If the agent tells you that "your generous offer has been accepted," you probably could've gotten a better deal. Conversely, if you try to low-ball your potential signee, the agent might stop negotiations with you about a contract for a week or so if he feels you're not making a genuine, serious offer. You'll only have seven weeks in the offseason to create your roster, so try not to upset the agents too much! Player Create Whether you want to create a 7-foot, shot-blocking, slam-dunking monsterin-the-middle, re-create a hot college prospect, or perhaps put yourself and your friends into the game, you can do it here. You'll be able to scale and size each individual body part, shape the face any way you want, add any accessories you'd like, and distribute the player's attribute points to create the perfect player for your team. Trade Obviously, propose any trades you'd like here. You'll be able to offer or receive as many as five players and one draft pick. Remember though, you'll have to deal with the salary cap implications of every move you make. During the season, other teams may offer you deals. Check the Trade Screen to accept or decline any trades. Pre-set Players To make things easier for you, we've created three different types of players for each position. So, for example, if you're looking for a specific type of point guard, you'll be able to select from a distributor, a shooter, or a defensive specialist. Once you've selected the pre-set player type, you'll be able to modify his attributes however you'd like. Scouting Check out the salaries and years remaining on the contracts of all players in the NBA. It's a good idea to start targeting potential free agents early. News Read about the league's transactions here. Needs This screen will break down the players you have on your roster in each position and will highlight in yellow the positions you should be targeting via free agency, trades or the draft. GM Watch This screen tracks your progress as a GM, including your career record, playoff victories and championship appearances. Note: Once you exit Franchise Mode, you will need to reload Franchise data from the Main Menu to resume. 26 27 TEAM CAPSULES Coach's Corner: Getting a Created Player onto Your Team Once you've created that player, you'll need to assign him to a team. From the Player Create Screen, press the B Button once to back out to the Customize Main Menu. Then, press the L/R Buttons to cycle to your created player's position type. Scroll down to highlight and press the A Button to select your created player. Press the Y Button to highlight Teams. Press the Z Button to cycle to the team you wish to sign the created player to. Press START to add the player to that team. (Note that if an existing team already has 15 players on its roster, then you'll need to back out to the Customize Main Menu. Then, select Free Agents and press the Y Buttton to highlight Teams. Press the L/R Buttons to cycle to the team you wish to release a player from. Highlight the player to be released and press START.) To make sure you player is on the 12-man roster, back out to the Customize Main Menu and select Activate. From there you can place him on the active roster. Select Lineup from the Customize Main Menu to insert him into the lineup. Atlanta Hawks Head Coach: Lon Kruger Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/hawks/ 2000-01 Record: 25-57 (7th place, Central Division) Team Outlook: An aging, dormant club just two seasons ago, the Hawks appear ready to turn things around in 2001-02. A flurry of trades have brought fresh faces such as Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Theo Ratliff into the fold, and second-year man Jason Terry is an emerging star. If the Hawks can get decent production out of their bench, and can stay reasonably healthy, the postseason is an obtainable goal. Key Performers: #3 SF Shareef Abdur-Rahim A local high school hero, Abdur-Rahim returns from NBA oblivion in Vancouver and brings 20point/10-rebound production with him. He's one of the top five small forwards in the NBA, and he's only getting better. Definitely the kind of guy you want to build a team around. #31 SG Jason Terry After running the point in college and in his rookie season, Terry is expected to see time in the two spot this year. Only 6'2", he may be small for a shooting guard, but he has great court awareness and is developing into a pure scorer. Team Create From the Teams menu in Customize Mode, you can create a brand new team using any of the ten available custom logos, or simply make a few roster modifications to any existing NBA team. Here you can make trades, adjust your lineup, import players and teams from a friend, and set your team's offensive and defensive plays. Legends Teams Are you one of those old-schoolers who think basketball in the 1980s was as good as it will ever get? Ever argued with your father or grandfather about how someone like George Mikan or Willis Reed could ever handle Tim Duncan or Alonzo Mourning? Ever wonder how Rick Barry could be the NBA's all-time leader in free throw accuracy with such an odd-looking underhand delivery? Luckily, NBA 2K2 allows you to answer (or at least try to answer) all those questions with the inclusion of five full legends teams. Choose from an `80s East team led by Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas, an `80s West team with Magic Johnson and James Worthy, a `70s East team featuring such greats as Julius Erving and Walt Frazier, a `70s West team manned by Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West among others, and even a team of legendary greats from the `50s and `60s such as Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson and Bob Cousy. Boston Celtics Head Coach: Jim O'Brien Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/celtics/ 2000-01 Record: 36-46 (5th place, Atlantic Division) Team Outlook: This long-proud franchise boasts one of the best one-two punches in the league in Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. These two are dynamite, but to win, the Celtics will need to count on #1 picks Joe Johnson and Joseph Forte to be big pieces of the puzzle. The green and white still have the consistent Kenny Anderson running the point, lending fuel to what could be an exciting season in Beantown. Key Performers: #8 PF Antoine Walker #34 SF Paul Pierce A fantasy-player's delight, Walker can score, Pierce is the type of player that gives opposing rebound and dish out assists. On top of that, coaches fits, as he can light up the scoreboard he finished 10th in the NBA in steals, and his both from the outside and from close range. 221 three-pointers were tops in the NBA last After finishing 8th in the NBA in scoring a season. He can indeed do it all, but season ago, it wouldn't surprise anyone to unfortunately his Celtics have missed the see Pierce on the All-Star Team in 2002. playoffs in each of his five seasons. Charlotte Hornets Head Coach: Paul Silas Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/hornets/ 2000-01 Record: 46-36 (3rd place, Central Division) Team Outlook: In 2001-02, the Hornets may have their best team since the LJ/Mourning days of the early 90s. The backcourt is terrific, and the front line has nary a weak link. If the development of Baron Davis continues at its accelerated pace, and if Jamal Mashburn can continue to be a bigtime scorer, it's not out of the question to think the Hornets can be serious contenders for the Central Division title. Key Performers: #1 PG Baron Davis #24 SF Jamal Mashburn After a blistering start to his career in Dallas in One of the most exciting young point guards the mid-90s, many saw scoring titles in Mashburn's in the league, the #3 pick of the draft in future. A trade to Miami cooled those thoughts 1999 made great strides in his sophomore somewhat, as his per game averages dropped season. He has an explosive first step, and noticeably. However, an offseason trade to can leap out of the arena. He and Wesley form perhaps the most dynamic backcourt in Charlotte a year ago rejuvenated his career, as he topped 20 ppg for the first time in five years. the Eastern Conference. 28 29 Chicago Bulls Head Coach: Bill Cartwright Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/bulls/ 2000-01 Record: 15-67 (8th place, Central Division) Team Outlook: With one of the youngest and most inexperienced squads in the NBA, the Bulls will have to rely on youthful enthusiasm to get by this year. They'll be buoyed by the return of former Bull Charles Oakley, who adds an instant credibility to the front line. They also have a solid bench full of role players and a couple of young first-rounders who figure to bring much-needed energy to the club. Key Performers: #5 SG Ron Mercer #3 C Tyson Chandler / #2 PF Eddy Curry Playing for his fourth team in four years, Mercer IIt will be a trial by fire for these two teenagers may have found a home in the Windy City. His taken with the #2 and #4 picks in this year's 19.7 ppg were a career-high, and he figures to draft. You can bet they didn't run into a lot of be even more of a go-to guy this season in the guys like Karl Malone or Robert Traylor in their absence of Elton Brand. He'll be asked to take high school leagues last year. Still, both have on more of a leadership role this year as well, enormous upside, and could patrol the paint for and should be able to push his scoring average the Bulls for years to come. over twenty a game. Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach: John Lucas Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/ 2000-01 Record: 30-52 (6th place, Central Division) Team Outlook: The Cavs have never seemed ready to have that breakout season in recent years, but things could finally be looking up in Cleveland. Point guard Andre Miller is developing into one of the best in the Eastern Conference, and the frontcourt combination of Lamond Murray, Tyrone Hill, Michael Doleac and Chris Mihm is improving. The Cavs should have enough weapons to play with most of the teams in the Central Division. Key Performers: #24 PG Andre Miller #11 C Zydrunas Ilgauskas Few realize that in just his second season, Miller Sure he's injury prone - you'd be too if you had led all Eastern Conference point guards in assists a screws in both of your feet. But when this year ago. On the agenda this year ­ improving Lithuanian big man is in the lineup, the Cavs upon his scoring average. His quick hands and are a markedly different team. Few players in good court awareness stand out, but he'll need the NBA clog the lane better than this 7'3", those points per game to increase significantly if 260-pounder. this club hopes to be playoff contenders. Dallas Mavericks Head Coach: Don Nelson Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/mavericks/ 2000-01 Record: 53-29 (T-2nd place, Midwest Division) Team Outlook: Things are definitely on the upswing in Big D. Not only is the logo and arena new, but so is the belief that this team has the capability to go a long way in the playoffs. With just the right mix of emerging youngsters, stars coming into their prime and a bench full of proven veterans, the Mavs may be the favorite to overtake Utah and San Antonio in the Midwest Division. Key Performers: #41 SF Dirk Nowitzki #4 SG Michael Finley In just his third NBA season, Nowitzki An all-star two years running, this six-year established himself as one of the premier vet is coming into his own as one of the scorers in the league. At 7'0", he may be the most outstanding all-around players in the tallest small forward in league history, which game today. Underrated no longer, count on creates all sorts of matchup problems. The Finley to have his hands on the ball if the floppy-haired German can beat you both with his game's on the line. jumper and by driving to the basket, and at 23 years of age, he's only going to get better. Denver Nuggets Head Coach: Mike Evans Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/nuggets/ 2000-01 Record: 40-42 (6th place, Midwest Division) Team Outlook: Like the Cavaliers, the Nuggets seem to be a player or two away from really making a difference in their division. As their near-.500 record indicates, Denver has the ability to play with the majority of teams in the Midwest Division. Adding to an already veteran-heavy club, they've rolled the dice this offseason hoping that veterans such as Scott Williams and Avery Johnson can provide production off the bench. Key Performers: #24 PF Antonio McDyess #31 PG Nick Van Exel Some were surprised when he was drafted with "Nick the Quick" came into the NBA with a the #2 overall pick in 1995, but McDyess has "shoot first" mentality, but as he's grown older, developed into one of the top power forwards in the left-hander has developed into one of the the Western Conference. His incredible quickness leading assist men in the NBA. He'll still let fly a to the rim and nose for the ball down low make few three-pointers (leading the team with 135 him a complete player on both ends of the floor, last year), but his playmaking skills and quick as his 20.8 ppg and 12.1 rpg last season attest. first step are what set him apart. Detroit Pistons Head Coach: Rick Carlisle Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/pistons/ 2000-01 Record: 32-50 (5th place, Central Division) Team Outlook: A perfect marriage of team and city, the Pistons rely on their blue-collar ethic on the boards to outmuscle and outwork other teams. The frontcourt defense is solid with unheralded Ben Wallace, and the team has a true drawing card in high-flying scorer Jerry Stackhouse, but Detroit will need other players to pick up some of the offensive punch if this team is to make a serious playoff run. Key Performers: #42 SG Jerry Stackhouse #3 C Ben Wallace This former college player of the year is rapidly It may be hard to envision someone that developing into a bona fide NBA superstar. His averages 6.4 points per game as a "key slashing and leaping abilities rival those only of performer," but Wallace is as sensational a fellow UNC alum Vince Carter, and his 29.8 defensive player as there is in the league. At points per game last year trailed only league 6'9", he doesn't have the height to match most MVP Allen Iverson. He IS the offense for power forwards and centers in the NBA, yet his Detroit, as just about every offensive 1,052 total rebounds were more than any other possession funnels through him. player in the league last year. Golden State Warriors Head Coach: Brian Winters Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/warriors 2000-01 Record: 17-65 (7th place, Pacific Division) Team Outlook: Sure, every team looks back at "what ifs" at the conclusion of the season. For the Warriors, the song has been the same for a number of years now: "what if we could stay healthy?" With a solid front line of Antawn Jamison, Danny Fortson and Erick Dampier, and an explosive backcourt of Larry Hughes and rookie Jason Richardson, this team has the talent to improve markedly over their 17-win season a year ago. Key Performers: #33 SF Antawn Jamison #20 PG Larry Hughes Jamison can make it look easy. His soft hands, It's hard to believe he's still just 22 years old! smooth touch and ability to snake his way to Much of the team's fortunes will revolve around the basket make him a threat on every how Hughes can handle the move from offensive possession. He may not get a great shooting guard to point man this season. He's deal of national recognition just yet, but All-Star excellent at creating his own shot, but if he Games are clearly in his future. learns to create shots for others, this team could be an instant playoff contender. 30 31 Houston Rockets Head Coach: Rudy Tomjanovich Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/rockets/ 2000-01 Record: 45-37 (5th place, Midwest Division) Team Outlook: For the first time since 1984, Houston fans will not see a fella named Olajuwon roaming the paint for their club. The Rockets must hope that diminutive scorer Steve Francis can grab the torch from Hakeem and become the heart and soul of the franchise. He and Cuttino Mobley provide a good 12 scoring punch in the backcourt, but players such as Kenny Thomas and rookie first-rounder Eddie Griffin will need to prosper down low if this team is to contend for a playoff berth. Key Performers: #3 PG Steve Francis #5 SG Cuttino Mobley The 6'3" Francis came into the league as a Little was expected from this former secondshowman and hasn't disappointed. His round pick, but Mobley's first three seasons incredible leaping ability makes him one of the have seen him blossom from bench fodder to league's great dunkers. Aside from the flash and NBA Sixth-Man Award runner-up to starting flair, Francis has become a first-rate point guard shooting guard. His 19.5 points per game last as well, averaging nearly seven rebounds and year merely hint at his big-time ability. seven assists per game. Indiana Pacers Head Coach: Isiah Thomas Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/pacers/ 2000-01 Record: 41-41(4th place, Central Division) Team Outlook: On paper, the 2001-02 Pacers seem to have all the ingredients to make one more big playoff push. They have talented scorers in Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose, fast-rising youngsters in Jermaine O'Neal, Al Harrington and Jamaal Tinsley, and a coach that wears two championship rings from his playing days. The Pacers were doomed by a mediocre regular season last year, but they look to be one of those teams you'd definitely want to avoid come playoff time this year. Key Performers: #31 SG Reggie Miller #7 C Jermaine O'Neal For his first four years in Portland, O'Neal never It's easy to use terms like "veteran warhorse" averaged more than 4.5 ppg. Since coming over when describing Miller. Though he still lacks the to the Pacers, his statistics have roughly tripled championship ring he covets, the 14-year vet can across the board, leading many to believe that he still light up the scoreboard in stretches with his has the potential to develop into one of the top long-range bombing. He's remarkably durable as three centers in the Eastern Conference as early well, missing just four regular season games in as this season. the past five years. Los Angeles Clippers Head Coach: Alvin Gentry Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/clippers/ 2000-01 Record: 31-51 (6th place, Pacific Division) Team Outlook: What's this we hear? Actual, genuine optimism coming from the Clippers? Believe it - this year's Clippers club is seen by many to be the most likely to see their win total increase by double-digits. The draft-day trade to acquire power forward Elton Brand was pure genius, and as young front lines go, the future trio of Brand, Lamar Odom and Darius Miles is dynamite. Good times are definitely ahead. Key Performers: #42 PF Elton Brand #7 SF Lamar Odom He may not be the flashiest player in the game, It's hard to believe that a guy six-feet, ten-inches and he doesn't show up on the highlight shows tall can be so smooth handling and distributing making incredible plays every night. All he does the ball. Odom is developing into one of the best is score 20 points a night a pull down 10 young inside/outside players, and creates matchup rebounds. He's solid, and on a team loaded with problems wherever he plays. He should join young, unpredictable players, Brand will Brand as a 20-point per game scorer very soon. be a rock of consistency. Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach: Phil Jackson Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/lakers/ 2000-01 Record: 56-26 (1st place, Pacific Division) Team Outlook: For the two-time defending champs, it's almost a situation of "the rich getting richer" as they upgraded their bench in the offseason by picking up Lindsay Hunter and Mitch Richmond. After losing just one game in the playoffs a season ago, about the only question regarding this year's team is whether Shaquille O'Neal or Kobe Bryant will be the league MVP. They're scary good. Key Performers: #34 C Shaquille O'Neal #8 SF Kobe Bryant No longer second-fiddle to Shaq, Bryant took Say what you will about that guy wearing #3 on the jump last year from above-average player to the Sixers, but Shaq must be considered the superstar. His 28.5 ppg was fourth best in the most dominating player of his generation. His NBA, and he continues to be perhaps the most sheer bulk allows him to simply outmuscle electrifying player in the game today. So long 95% of the players in the NBA, and his lowas he and Shaq continue to play well together, post skills are enough to outplay to other 5%. championships should follow him around. Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach: Sidney Lowe Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/ 2000-01 Record: 23-59 (7th place, Midwest Division) Team Outlook: Not only did the Grizzlies change countries in the offseason, but they also completely revamped the face of the team. The club added flair with dynamic point guard Jason Williams and a couple of "polished rookies" in Shane Battier and Pau Gasol. If Stromile Swift continues to develop, and if Lorenzen Wright can hold his own in the middle, there's no reason to believe this club can't improve on last year's victory total. Key Performers: #4 PF Stromile Swift #2 PG Jason Williams If you had to make an all-highlight reel team, Taken with the #2 overall pick in 2000, the now 21-year-old was eased into action in his first this guy is your first-team point guard. He can do things with a basketball that've never been season. Expectations are for him to arrive as an seen in the NBA. Fans pay to see the NBA force as early as this year. He's strong in the low post, is ferocious on the offensive glass, showmanship, but the Grizzlies' best chance to win may lie in how well he can settle into being and could develop into an Antonio McDyessa consistent PG. type player. Miami Heat Head Coach: Pat Riley Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/heat/ 2000-01 Record: 50-32 (2nd place, Atlantic Division) Team Outlook: After blitzing their way to the #3 seed in the East last season, Miami was upset by Charlotte in three games. They'll be looking for retribution this time around. Eddie Jones and Brian Grant are still solid performers, and a healthy Alonzo Mourning is about as good as it gets in the middle, but the Heat may need to count on their bench more than ever this year if they're going to keep up with Philadelphia and Toronto in the East. Key Performers: #6 SG Eddie Jones #33 C Alonzo Mourning A perennial All-Star, Mourning played just 13 Maybe the best all-around shooting guard in the game, Jones is long on talent yet short on games a year ago, but he's still a differencemaker every time he steps on the floor. He recognition. He's been a regular on the NBA's remains one of the best low-post scorers in the All-Defensive Team, recording 100 or more game, and his rebounding and shot-blocking steals for seven consecutive seasons. For good measure, he led the Heat in scoring last year at abilities make him the most complete center in the Eastern Conference. 17.4 points per game. 32 33 Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach: George Karl Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/bucks/ 2000-01 Record: 52-30 (1st place, Central Division) Team Outlook: Things are definitely looking up in Milwaukee. Finalists for the Eastern Conference crown a season ago, the Bucks may in fact be the frontrunners this time around. The Central Division champs feature a trio of top scorers in Glenn Robinson, Ray Allen and Sam Cassell, and added power forward Anthony Mason from the Miami Heat. With forward Tim Thomas coming off the bench, this team has few weaknesses. Key Performers: #13 SF Glenn Robinson #34 SG Ray Allen Big things were expected of the "Big Dog" Allen has elevated his game from that simply of when he was selected with the #1 overall pick a long-range bomber into an all-around great in the 1994 NBA Draft, and Robinson has not player. He's as good a spot-up jump shooter as disappointed. He's averaged more than 20 ppg there is in the game today, and has a knack for in six of his first seven pro seasons, and his hitting the clutch shot. Perhaps even more mid-range jumper is smooth as silk. amazing is that he's yet to miss a game in his five-year career. Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach: Flip Saunders Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/ 2000-01 Record: 47-35 (4th place, Midwest Division) Team Outlook: Clearly, this team is built around Kevin Garnett. For the past few years, NBA insiders have marveled at his skills, but wondered whether he'd ever get the supporting cast to make a difference in the playoffs. This would seem to be the year. Point guard Terrell Brandon still has plenty left in the tank, the signing of Joe Smith adds bulk up front, and the bench is deep with solid veterans like Anthony Peeler and Gary Trent. Key Performers: #10 SF Wally Szczerbiak #21 PF Kevin Garnett The first high school player in decades to jump In just his third season, "Wally World" is rounding into a complete small forward. He's from high school to the NBA, Garnett has developed into an absolute stud. He's put up always been a good shooter and leader, but monster numbers the past few seasons, he's developed into a good rebounder as well averaging more than 20 points, 10 rebounds increasing his per game average by almost two rebounds last year. and five assists per game. He's as complete a package as you can find in the NBA. New Jersey Nets Head Coach: Byron Scott Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/nets/ 2000-01 Record: 26-56 (6th place, Atlantic Division) Team Outlook: Along with the Clippers and Hawks, the Nets have to be considered one of the favorites to see their win total increase the most from last season. The acquisition of Jason Kidd gives them a true playmaker at the point, while many tabbed Richard Jefferson as the most athletic player in the draft. If they can get full seasons out of Keith Van Horn and Kenyon Martin, look out. Their starting five matches up favorably with anyone. Key Performers: #5 Jason Kidd #6 PF Kenyon Martin Martin brings with him a room full of Player-ofKidd will be asked to be more of a distributor than last year's point man, Stephon Marbury. the-Year trophies from college. He finished his That's just what Kidd likes to do (in fact, he rookie year with a modest 12-point scoring once dished out 25 assists in a single game). average and added a respectable 7.4 rebounds a night, but he has the strength and power to He's a perennial member of the NBA's AllDefensive Team, and has some of the quickest improve both of those numbers substantially this season. hands this side of Wyatt Earp. New York Knicks Head Coach: Don Chaney Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/knicks/ 2000-01 Record: 48-34 (3rd place, Atlantic Division) Team Outlook: In an Eastern Conference with no clear-cut favorite, the Knicks have to be considered one of the top two or three favorites to play in the NBA Finals. Their front line of Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas and Latrell Sprewell is as athletic a group as exists in the NBA today. Former Knick Mark Jackson returns to run the show, sharp-shooter Allan Houston thrives in big-game situations, and the bench appears solid with Shandon Anderson, Clarence Weatherspoon and a maturing Othella Harrington. Key Performers: #23 C Marcus Camby #20 SG Allan Houston Though considered under-sized for his position, Houston is the very definition of a "solid player," Camby uses his athleticism and leaping ability to and gets the job done night in and night out. He can step out and beat you with a three, he can control the glass. He made the great "leap" forward last season, improving his rebounding get by you off the dribble, or he can drive and average by nearly four per game. His mere dish to the open man. On top of that, he's the presence in the middle can affect the other consummate team player, and is about as clutch as they come. team's shot selection. Orlando Magic Head Coach: Doc Rivers Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/magic/ 2000-01 Record: 43-39 (4th place, Atlantic Division) Team Outlook: The Magic will certainly be a fun team to watch this season. Shooting guard Tracy McGrady is coming into his own as one of the most exciting players in the league, and the return of AllStar Grant Hill will add yet another weapon to the arsenal. Center Patrick Ewing may be at the end of his brilliant career, but he should still be serviceable in the middle, and will add veteran knowledge and playoff experience to this young bunch. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this club go a long way in the playoffs. Key Performers: #1 SG Tracy McGrady #33 SF Grant Hill McGrady went berserk last season, increasing his While with the Pistons, you could count on Hill to scoring average from 15.4 to 26.8 points per average right around 20-21 points, 7-8 rebounds game and becoming a starter in the All-Star and 6-7 assists per night. While some people Game. He has the ability to drive past anyone in have the ability to slash to the hole, with Hill, it's the league, and can leap so far that you'd swear almost more like he glides to the basket. He and he must have a cape on. You ready for the scary McGrady may form a 1-2 punch second only to part? He's just 22. Kobe and Shaq. Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach: Larry Brown Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/sixers/ 2000-01 Record: 56-26 (1st place, Atlantic Division) Team Outlook: Last year's 76ers club was almost a textbook example of how combining a couple of superstars with a roster full of gritty, hard-nosed role players can yield incredible results. Allen Iverson will again be, hands down, the star of the show this time around, and Dikembe Mutombo is arguably the best defensive enforcer in the game today, but to be successful the team will again need to count on the contributions of players such as Aaron McKie, Eric Snow, Raja Bell and the newly acquired Derrick Coleman. Key Performers: #55 C Dikembe Mutombo #3 SG Allen Iverson Last year, Mutombo's tough defensive presence Not only did Iverson lead his team to the East meshed perfectly with Iverson's scoring prowess. championship last year, but he also led the league in Almost overnight, the Sixers morphed from a decent scoring, earned his first MVP award and added the team into a legitimate title contender. Amazing fact? MVP trophy from the All-Star Game to boot! One of Mutombo has never averaged fewer than 11 boards the deadliest shooters and most ferocious competitors per game in his entire 10-year career. in the game, Iverson can win games all by himself. 34 35 Phoenix Suns Head Coach: Scott Skiles Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/suns/ 2000-01 Record: 51-31 (3rd place, Pacific Division) Team Outlook: Health is really the only obstacle between the Suns being merely a better-thanaverage club or being a threat to advance deep into the playoffs. Here come the "ifs" - if Penny Hardaway can stay healthy, if Tom Gugliotta can come all the way back, if Shawn Marion continues to develop into a top-flight scorer, and if Stephon Marbury can run the offense through his many talented teammates, this club will go a long way, as in a VERY long way. Key Performers: #3 PG Stephon Marbury #31 SF Shawn Marion Marbury has been instant offense through his In just his second season, the 6'7" Marion first five NBA seasons. In fact, his scoring averaged a double-double (17.3 points, 10.7 average has improved in each of those five rebounds), and impressed NBA insiders with years, ultimately reaching a 23.9 clip a year his nose for the ball. It's not out of the question ago. Amazingly, he's still been able to average to see Marion, Marbury and Hardaway forming more than eight assists per game. the highest scoring trio in the NBA. San Antonio Spurs Head Coach: Gregg Popovich Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/spurs/ 2000-01 Record: 58-24 (1st place, Midwest Division) Team Outlook: Many forget the fact that San Antonio had the best regular season in all the NBA last season. Now just two years removed from an NBA championship, the Spurs will be looking to unseat the Lakers in the West. To do so, San Antonio will need continued improvement from point man Antonio Daniels and will need newly acquired Steve Smith to step up big as a perimeter threat come playoff time. Key Performers: #50 C David Robinson #21 PF Tim Duncan For years this was David's team, but it appears now "The Admiral" saw his scoring average dip to a career low 14.4 ppg last year, but don't be fooled that Duncan is the star attraction. He has excellent scoring and rebounding ability, great agility for his into thinking he's on his last legs. Robinson remains one of the most intimidating defenders in size, and is perhaps the smartest player in the game today. Now that he's improved his free throw the game, and his mere presence virtually shooting, it's impossible to spot a single weakness guarantees that the Spurs will be contenders in in his game. the West again this year. Seattle Sonics Head Coach: Nate McMillan Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/sonics/ 2000-01 Record: 44-38 (5th place, Pacific Division) Team Outlook: The Sonics still have enough talent to beat any team on any given night. Point guard Gary Payton has been one of the best at his position for more than a decade and shows no sign of letting up. The team can count on solid contributions from veterans such as Vin Baker and Brent Barry, but if this team is to make a return to the playoffs, players such as Rashard Lewis and Desmond Mason will need to transfer their enormous potential into results. Key Performers: #7 PF Rashard Lewis #20 PG Gary Payton "The Glove" has been a member of the NBA AllAfter jumping to the NBA directly out of high school, Lewis was tentative in his first few Defensive Team for an astonishing eight consecutive seasons, yet on top of that, in the last seasons. Last year, he emerged as a starter and two seasons he's posted the two highest per game averaged nearly 15 points and 7 rebounds per scoring averages of his career. Payton is the game. This year, the Sonics hope he can increase those numbers to around 18 and 9. unquestioned leader of his club, and can carry the team on his back if need be. Toronto Raptors Head Coach: Lenny Wilkens Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/raptors/ 2000-01 Record: 47-35 (2nd place, Central Division) Team Outlook: The Raptors consider themselves to be one of the frontrunners to win the Eastern Conference this season, and who's to argue? High-flying Vince Carter has matured from simply an explosively talented leaper into an all-around terrific basketball player. Antonio Davis and new acquisition Hakeem Olajuwon provide big-time ability in the paint, and Morris Peterson is a banger whose stock is on the rise. If things come together, Toronto will be in the mix come playoff time. Key Performers: #15 SG Vince Carter #33 PF Antonio Davis Davis found a home as a starter in Toronto, Talk of an MVP trophy may be premature, but as he proved in his classic battle with Allen establishing career highs in scoring, Iverson in the playoffs last year, Carter can flat rebounding, assists and blocked shots, and out carry a team on his back and singleearning a starting spot on East All-Star Team. His size enables him to muscle his way into handedly take over ball games. His scoring average of 27.6 points per game a year ago easy baskets down low, but he can also step could easily top 30 this year. out and drain the baseline jumper. Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach: Maurice Cheeks Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/blazers/ 2000-01 Record: 50-32 (4th place, Pacific Division) Team Outlook: Portland certainly qualifies as one of the most enigmatic teams in the NBA. They have a dynamite floor general in Damon Stoudamire, an All-Star down low in Rasheed Wallace, a couple of scoring swingmen in Derek Anderson and Bonzi Wells, a six-time All-Star in Shawn Kemp, and one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, Scottie Pippen. If this team can play together, they could pose a threat to the Lakers in the West. Key Performers: #3 PG Damon Stoudamire #30 PF Rasheed Wallace Wallace rates as one of the top two or three "Mighty Mouse" may not be the scorer he was early in his career, but he's developed into a pure most dominating power forwards in the league. He led the Blazers in scoring, rebounding and blocked point guard, and has taken on more of a leadership shots a year ago, and found himself on the All-Star role in Portland. Don't be fooled, though team for the second consecutive year. He definitely Stoudamire can still bury the open jumper or take the ball to the rim with the best of `em. rates as one of the league's most fiery competitors. Sacramento Kings Head Coach: Rick Adelman Internet Site: http://www.nba.com/kings/ 2000-01 Record: 55-27 (2nd place, Pacific Division) Team Outlook: The Kings feature just about every piece of the puzzle necessary to have a championshipcaliber club. Point guard? Check. Mike Bibby steps in to provide a calming influence at the point. Superstar? Check. Chris Webber is the unquestioned go-to guy. Presence in the middle? Check. Vlade Divac is still a top-flight center. A good supporting cast and bench? Check and check. Guys like Predrag Stojakovic and Doug Christie help round out a squad that appears loaded with the tools to make a big run. Key Performers: #4 PF Chris Webber #10 PG Mike Bibby "C-Webb" can do just about everything, and set a After finishing well out of the playoffs in his first career high in scoring last year at 27.1 points per three years, Bibby now joins a team looking for game. Webber makes frequent appearances on leadership at the point to help get them over the the highlight reel, yet has developed into something hump. He seems poised to deliver, as he finished of a workmanlike player. No matter how you break it in the top ten in assists a year ago and averaged down, he's one of the best players in the game today. nearly sixteen points a game as well. 36 37