Rogers makes an already deep Nets squad even deeper.

CAN THEY DO IT AGAIN?
Certainly. Veteran warrior Dikembe Mutombo may be showing his age, but he's a huge upgrade at the slot where last year's Nets were most vulnerable. Rodney Rogers brings the toughness that Keith Van Horn lacked, and Chris Childs is the back-up PG that Jason Kidd didn't have a year ago. They better be better -- another title run may be essential if New Jersey is to have any hope of re-signing Kidd next summer.

STARTING FIVE
He'll be a no-show on the fast break, but Mount Mutombo's presence allows Kittles, Kidd and Jefferson to gamble more defensively. Martin makes shift from 3 to 4.

Atlantic Division

1. Nets

2. Magic

3. Celtics

4. Wizards

5. Sixers

6. Heat

7. Knicks

Scouting Report Index

Kenyon Martin, PF: A tough guy rep, but only 5.3 rpg? Go figure
Richard Jefferson, SF: Solid D + good O (9.4 ppg, 46 FG%) = promotion
Dikembe Mutombo, C: Two-season dip in boards, blocks. Hey, he's 36
Kerry Kittles, SG: Healthy at last: 13.4 points, 1.59 steals per game
Jason Kidd, PG: Forget the 39.1% shooting -- he's the league's No.1 PG

BENCH
Rodney Rogers has nice outside touch to go with toughness underneath. Childs keeps Kidd fresh. Lucious Harris, Jason Collins, Aaron Williams give solid minutes.

GLOBAL VIEW
Mutombo (Zaire) has 10,317 boards
since 1991-92 to lead the NBA.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
Best in the East got a lot better. Rod Thorn has outdone himself.

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