Center: The Nets are very vulnerable at this position. Lucky for them, the East isn't very deep on centers. The Nets should be able to hang with a couple of centers. Evan Eschmeyer and Jim Mclivaine will both do their best to hold opposing centers down.
Eschmeyer was a decent force when he was at Northwestern, but don't fool yourself, the NBA is a lot tougher than college. Eschmeyer will send some shots back, but the Nets will not rely on him to give them any offense. Mclivaine will come in for Eschmeyer when he needs a break. Grade C-

Coach: Byron Scott is a newcomer on the job and he will look to turn the Nets around from their dismal seasons. For the first time in his career, Scott will have the reins to the team. Scott has won numerous championships with the Lakers as a player, and will look to lead this team back to the glory days of Dr. J.

Outlook: The Nets are tough to predict. They could have a 45 win season and make the playoffs, or they could end up watching the playoffs on TV once again this year. Injuries will be a big factor, and if the Nets can stay free of them, then they will be a good team. The season will basically ride on the shoulders of Stephon Marbury, Keith Van Horn, and the productivity of Kenyon Martin.

KNICKS

Point Guard: The playoffs last year were a great showcase for Charlie Ward's capabilities. He hopes to continue his dynamic, electric playing style. With three solid perimeter players, Charlie Ward does not have to be a key offensive threat, but can serve as a solid role player. Chris Childs is a quality back-up. Count on Eric Strickland to add to the mix as the year goes on. If Charlie Ward plays as he did in the playoffs, he could have a career year. Grade B+

Shooting Guard: Allan Houston is one of the most pure shooting guards in the NBA. Houston can absolutely terrorize defenses and he has a knack for finding the basket. Lavor Postell is Houston's back-up. The rookie out of St. Johns is a good scorer, and will help the Knicks out when they need to give Houston a break. Postell has talent and is a high flyer. Grade A-

Small Forward: Latrell Sprewell is one of the best scorers in the NBA. Although he is playing out of position at small forward, he is fast enough to go around other small forwards in the NBA. Sprewell has to lead by example, and will probably be the leading scorer for the Knicks this year along with Allan Houston. Sprewell averaged 18.6 points last year, and we figure he'll average somewhere in that range. We predict he will also increase his number of assists. Glen Rice was a huge acquisition and gives the Knicks depth at this position. The 6th man is a dangerous scorer off the bench, and needs at least 35 minutes per night. He may see some time at shooting guard in one of Van Gundy's mastermind line-ups. Grade A+

Power Forward: Some people say Larry Johnson is past his prime, but we think that he still has talent. LJ, who only averaged 10.7 points per game last year, is an undersized power forward who works very hard in the low post, and isn't given full credit for all the dirty work he does. Kurt Thomas is LJ's back-up, and he is a hard worker. When effective, Thomas can be a big asset for the Knicks. Thomas will have to stay out of foul trouble. If he can, he will be a big factor.