Vince is healthy and ready to silence his critics.

REBUILDING ALREADY?
Hey, it was swell while it lasted. But now that Dream's officially done (he was unofficially done last season), the nightmare can begin: The Raptors are back where they started, even further back when you consider Keon Clark's defection. The only good news: Vince Carter is back, healthy and motivated. Air Canada says he'll show all who were quick to knock him off his pedestal. Yo, VC, heed your own advice. Don't say it. Just do it.

STARTING FIVE
Without Olajuwon, they're back to playing forwards in the middle -- unless Eric Montross gets an agility transplant -- and a bunch of jump shooters.

Central Division

1. Hornets

2. Pacers

3. Pistons

4. Raptors

5. Bucks

6. Hawks

7. Bulls

8. Cavs

Scouting Report Index

Antonio Davis, PF: Old man river. Just keeps rollin' along
Mo Peterson, SF: Hoping there's Mo (14 ppg) where that came from
Jelani McCoy, C: Laker scrub in 2001-02 can show everybody his ring
Vince Carter, SG: The knee, the attitude are fine. Now about that 42.8% FG ...
Alvin Williams, PG: Not exactly a precision shooter, either (41.5% FG)

BENCH
So long Dream, Keon, Chris Childs, Dell Curry and Tracy Murray. Say hello to Lamond Murray, Lindsey Hunter and 7'1" rookie Nate Huffman.

GLOBAL VIEW
Mamadou N'diaye (Senegal) has
played 56 minutes in 2 years.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
Just imagine -- Carter has to prove his team is better off with him.

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