O'Neal leads the youth movement in Indy.

ARE YOU STILL THERE, REG?
It's as if Rik and Mark and Jalen and Travis pulled one last practical joke and left while Reggie Miller was playing hide-and-seek. The Pacers are now all about those long, lean kids -- Jermaine O'Neal, Jonathan Bender and Al Harrington -- and fellow youngsters Jamaal Tinsley and Ron Artest. So it's time for them to deliver (and you too, Isiah). Miller's job is to be caregiver and teacher. But if they ever need a trey to win a big game ...

STARTING FIVE
After being acquired from the Bulls in February, Brad Miller and Artest solidified the front line and added much-needed toughness. But the weight's now on O'Neal.

Central Division

1. Hornets

2. Pacers

3. Pistons

4. Raptors

5. Bucks

6. Hawks

7. Bulls

8. Cavs

Scouting Report Index

Jermaine O'Neal, PF: Another fine Bob Whitsitt deal. (Thanks, Bob)
Ron Artest, SF: At least Michael Cooper could shoot a little bit
Brad Miller, C: Shot 46.0% for the Bulls, 56.2% for the Pacers
Reggie Miller, SG: 16.5 ppg was his lowest output since 1988-89
Jamaal Tinsley, PG: Another fine draft selection by Donnie Walsh

BENCH
Harrington, Bender, Ron Mercer, Jeff Foster, Primoz Brezec, rookie Fred Jones and Austin Croshere. Better than Denver's starters.

GLOBAL VIEW
Brezec (Slovenia) shot 66.9%
in 5 Slovenian League seasons.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
Forget the youth excuse. Talent here is underused and unrealized.

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