Bullfighters: NBA stars shoot for Jordan's throne

By Albert Chen

Hopefully the Chicago Bulls won't deprive next weekend's NBA playoffs of the heated competition that the Masters lacked. Once again, the Bulls, who make winning 70 games look easier than a Kobe Bryant uncontested dunk, are the overwhelming favorites to win it all. But so were the Kansas Jayhawks and the Atlanta Braves.

Who will be the Mike Bibby or the Jeffery Maier--uh, I mean Bernie Williams--of the NBA playoffs? Much like the Yankees and Arizona during their crunch time, teams that have any chance of taking down the Bulls will need a spectacular performance from an individual player. There are four stars to look for in the playoffs--the key players on teams with the best shot of dethroning Michael and the rest of the Chicago squad.

When the Miami Heat failed to lure free agents Gary Payton and Juwan Howard, everyone but coach Pat Riley counted them out as serious contenders for the NBA title. But with the second-best record in the East, a dominating center in Alonzo Mourning--the position that is unquestionably Chicago's weakest--and the best road record in the league, the Heat poses the greatest threat to the Bulls. In fact, they handed the Bulls their sole home loss earlier in the season.

Mourning, Voshan Lenard, Dan Majerle, and Jamal Mashburn have all had career years, but it is the play of point guard Tim Hardaway that will be the determining factor in the Heat's fortune. After coming off several disappointing, injury-plagued campaigns at Golden State, Hardaway has established himself as a bonafide All-Star. He's been a consistent scorer, shown great touch from the outside, and has also effectively gotten the ball down to Mourning at the low post. If Hardaway catches fire, the Heat may be too hot for the Bulls.

Los Angeles appears to be the most dangerous team in the West. Point guard Nick Van Exel frequently puts Lakers fans on the edge of their seats. His streaky play always seems to set the tone for the team's success, and sometimes, it isn't pretty. But look for Van Exel to find his niche with the return of center Shaquille O'Neal from injury. O'Neal had erratic playoff performances with the Orlando Magic, but if he does his job, Van Exel should excel. If O'Neal continues his playoff lapses in the paint and at the free throw line, however, the Lakers could be headed for an early exit, especially with upstart Portland as a potential first-round opponent. O'Neal can dominate the inside, creating open shots for Van Exel and peace of mind for Lakers fans, should they meet the Bulls in June.

The Utah Jazz have had a spectacular season, but no one seems to have noticed. Their record, with over 60 wins, is the best in team history and tops in the West. Forward Karl Malone is the only person who will pose a challenge to Michael Jordan for the MVP title. But while Malone's play has always been fairly consistent, the Jazz's shooting has faded in past playoffs. That's why shooting guard Jeff Hornacek will be the key in how the Jazz's dream season ends. If he can knock down his shots, it will provide Malone more room to work with inside. Hornacek is a playoff veteran--he led the Suns during their playoff years. If he can step up his play during the postseason, the Jazz will be tough to beat.

Forward Charles Barkley came to the Houston Rockets this year intent on winning a championship. Houston started the year red-hot, but seemed to lose some steam midway through the season. Injuries to Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Clyde Drexler, all aging stars, have wreaked havoc on the Rockets' season.

But don't count them out. Barkley and Drexler are over their injuries and ready to attack the playoffs. When healthy, the Rockets are dangerous. Barkley wants an NBA championship ring more than any other player. If he can keep his back rested, the Rockets will present the most formidable front-line in the league, a group that could make a June championship series with the Bulls the most exciting in recent memory.

Sure, Chicago will probably win it all. The Bulls return the same group that coasted to an NBA Championship last year, and will be blessed with the services of a healthy Dennis Rodman. Furthermore, while other players in the league are dangerous, no one can boast Jordan's credentials. His drive and intensity should lead Chicago to its fifth title in seven years. Look for the Bulls to survive a seven-game scare from the Heat in the conference finals, and then proceed to crunch the Lakers in the finals in five. What Rodman wears to the White House reception afterwards is anyone's guess.

Graphic courtesy National Basketball Association

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