Sam's shoot-first plan will once again kill the Bucks.

IS THE DOCTOR IN?
This bunch would drive a psychiatrist stark, raving mad. There's a shoot-first PG (Sam Cassell), a shoot-first SG (Ray Allen), a shoot-first SF (Tim Thomas) and a PF who doesn't shoot enough (Anthony Mason). Fortunately, the centers won't shoot under any circumstances. Factor in a wacky coach who presided over back-to-back collapses -- here and Team USA -- and you can understand why Oprah's monitoring the situation closely.

STARTING FIVE
In replacing Big Dog, Thomas is capable of changing the dynamic of this team-if he doesn't settle for jump shots like everyone else. Center remains a weakness.

Central Division

1. Hornets

2. Pacers

3. Pistons

4. Raptors

5. Bucks

6. Hawks

7. Bulls

8. Cavs

Scouting Report Index

Anthony Mason, PF: Multiple talents not worth the multiple troubles
Tim Thomas, SF: Addition by subtraction (Glenn Robinson)
Ervin Johnson, C: Or Joel Przybilla. Whatever
Ray Allen, SG: Three-time All-Star needs to make this his team
Sam Cassell, PG: Three words: Pass the ball

BENCH
Toni Kukoc could teach a seminar on the team concept. Michael Redd has a nice stroke in the unlikely event they need someone else to take a shot.

GLOBAL VIEW
Kukoc (Croatia) has the most playoff wins (59) of any active Euro.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
This team is melting down faster than Chernobyl.

This article will appear in the November 11 issue of ESPN The Magazine.