So far, D-Miles hasn't been impressive.

WHAT'S THE PLAN, EXACTLY?
GM Jim Paxson must have one. We're just not sure what it is. Andre Miller looked like a cornerstone until he was dealt for Darius Miles, whose back-to-back 9-point scoring averages don't suggest a rapid learning curve. In Miles, Ricky Davis and Dajuan Wagner, the Cavs have scorers and athletes. But whether they'll be better than last year depends on Zydrunas Ilgauskas' feet and how much they miss the true PG that got away.

STARTING FIVE
At some point this season, Wagner will start somewhere-point guard, shooting guard or Give-Me-the-Damn-Ball guard.

Central Division

1. Hornets

2. Pacers

3. Pistons

4. Raptors

5. Bucks

6. Hawks

7. Bulls

8. Cavs

Scouting Report Index

Tyrone Hill, PF: Contrary to reports, did not retire in 1994
Darius Miles, SF: Until now, never heard of Tyrone Hill
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C: Has averaged 30 games past three seasons
Ricky Davis, SG: Jerry West hoped he'd drop to Lakers in 1998
Bimbo Coles, PG: Only until Wagner is ready

BENCH
Chris Mihm, Michael Stewart, Carlos Boozer -- lumped together, a nice player. If you noticed none plays guard, you're onto something.

GLOBAL VIEW
Ilgauskas' (Lithuania) ppg, rpg,
FG% down three straight years.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
What happens if they don't get LeBron James?

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