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Kidd, Suns eye playoffs
Posted: Tuesday April 18, 2000 11:19 AM
Considered by many to be road kill after Jason Kidd' s injury last month, the Suns have refused to wilt in the desert heat. Despite Sunday's 96-82 loss to the Jazz, injury-ravaged Phoenix had won seven of 10 to all but lock up the No. 4 spot and home-court advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. With Tim Duncan ailing, the Suns believe they might be able to get enough rebounds and easy baskets inside to challenge the Spurs. In addition, Kidd has had the cast on his broken left ankle removed and is telling friends he might be ready for the second round -- maybe even for a pivotal Game 5 of a first-round series if necessary. That's good news for Suns coach Scott Skiles, who is without a contract for next season. Skiles' agent, Keith Glass, told me he met with owner Jerry Colangelo last week to begin negotiations, but says there's a chance his client could walk at season's end. Given Skiles' stewardship in keeping the Suns' afloat, it's hard to believe Phoenix would let that happen. Seniors shine at pre-draft campOther than an appearance by Wizards president Michael Jordan, there were few surprises at this year's Desert Classic -- an NBA pre-draft camp for college seniors held in Tempe, Ariz. Indiana's A.J. Guyton averaged 15.7 points per game to lead all scorers and was named MVP, but at 6'1" he's considered too small for an NBA shooting guard. In Tempe he was given a chance to run the point and performed adequately, but he needs to do better than that to move into first-round territory. Other players who starred at the camp included Saint Louis guard Justin Love, Stanford forward Mark Madsen, Cincinnati forward Pete Mickeal, Texas forward Gabe Mouneke and Penn State forward Jarrett Stephens. Oklahoma State forward Desmond Mason made several highlight-reel plays in practice, while 5'10" Hofstra guard Speedy Claxton wowed the scouts by recording a 37.5" vertical jump. Most of the top prospects who played in Tempe will get a chance to showcase their skills again at the NBA pre-draft camp in Chicago June 6-12. As for Jordan, who has drawn some criticism for not showing up at more Wizards games, maybe it wasn't so surprising he turned up in Tempe after all. Jordan's appearance Thursday coincided with one by his close pal Charles Barkley, who happened to be in the Phoenix area that day to promote an internet venture. According to sources, His Airness and Sir Charles managed to fit a round of golf into their busy schedules. Knicks limp toward stretchThe Knicks are concerned not only about forward Marcus Camby 's sprained right knee -- an MRI taken Saturday was negative -- but also about all-star guard Allan Houston's shooting slump. Houston, a 48.4% shooter this season, has hit just 46-of-113 shots (40.7%) over the last eight games. Houston says he's not worried, but recently has appeared to be pressing and his defense has been sporadic. The Knicks will need a healthy Camby and a happy Houston to get back to the Finals. This week's awardsSurprise star of the week: Adonal Foyle, Warriors. The free-agent-to-be center -- and No. 8 pick in the '97 draft -- hit a combined 16 of 21 shots from the field in back-to-back victories over the Nuggets and Grizzlies. Against Denver he had a career-high 18 points and 13 rebounds, and his block of a driving Antonio McDyess shot in the closing minutes was the defensive play of the game. Goat of the week: Clippers owner Donald Sterling. The eccentric L.A. millionaire and do-nothing owner -- the subject of an SI feature story last week -- was the talk of the NBA as his sad-sack Clips lost four more games to run their losing streak to 16. Brick of the week: In a transparent attempt to get in his opponents' heads before their key showdown last Monday, Bucks coach George Karl publicly questioned the loyalty of Orlando management toward its players, implying they planned to let go of several players after the season. Magic GM John Gabriel denied Karl's claim. Quote of the week: "The only thing I don't respect [about George Karl] is the T-shirt/sport coat combination." -- Magic coach Doc Rivers, on whether he harbored any ill will toward Karl for his comments. Sports Illustrated staff writer Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Look for his columns on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Click here to send Marty a comment.
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