Now or never for some and put up or shut up for others
Some of the names are familiar others might never come up in a given "conversation" again, such is the fate of the fringe players who show some flashes of inspiration while others just fade away without necessarily having proved anything. The players listed are in line for a "make or break season" that could define their careers.
- Jonathan Bender; the oft-injured SF/PF is a streaky scorer and more than capable shot blocker, entered the league as the 5th overall pick of the Raptors (traded for Antonio Davis) "if" healthy could have the season everyone predicted for him since 1999
- Tim Thomas; on his 4th team since joining the league in 1997, is only going to be 29 in Febuary, is an above average 3pt shooter (for a 6'10 forward), he joins a new team in Chicago (a team overloaded with talent at the same position) and must prove he still can be a difference maker in the NBA
- Nene Hilario; the 23 yr old brazilian sensation and 7th overall pick in 2002 draft had lots to prove this season (expiring contract) but will be sidelined with the dreaded ACL injury just as Denver was beginning to look forward to regular minutes and double-doubles
- Nikholz Tskitishvili; signing as a free agent with the T-Wolves in the offseason the one time fifth pick of the Nuggets in 2002 (not the best draft year for Denver), still needs to prove he belongs in the NBA, the 7'0 ft European had a strong pre-season showing once again he has the tools to succeed just needs the minutes but will be hard pressed to push for playing time on a team with a solid frontcourt
- James Posey; the 6'8 swingman is known more as a defensive specialist but does everything well and has a chance to step up this season on a team already loaded with talent (career averages: 10.1 ppg 4.9rpg 2.0apg 1.3stpg)
- Rasho Nesterovic; the 29 year old Slovenian has never posted the numbers that came close to those of his contract year in 02-03 (Minnesota) and needs to rekindle the extinguished fire in his play since the energetic Nazr Mohammed showed up in San Antonio
- Lorenzen Wright; in a contract year this top 25 center should have a better season and is capable of posting a double/double average that could secure him a profitable future
- Chris Wilcox; the 6'10 23 year old PF/C has got to learn to rebound and defend with the same energy he shows flashes of on offense
- Darko Milicic; great things are expected from this future stat filler whose potential oozes from all parts of his game (points/rebounds/assists/blocks) but has yet to get the playing time even with a new coach and new philosophy but then again he is only 20 years old
- Michael Sweetney; while going from one team (Knicks) where he did not see many minutes to another (Bulls). Sweetney, who plays much bigger than his size (6'8) has got to make the best of what will be given to him on a team overloaded at his postion (PF) and will battle with Songaila who is more of an offensive threat
- Lamar Odom; Phil Jackson should be able to motivate him to play to his potential (think Pippen) and is a reason to expect great things from the six year veteran as he adopts more of a point forward position (in an attempt to cut down on Kobe's turnovers)
- Erick Dampier; since being traded to Dallas from Golden State, Dampier has been a disappointment never finding an offensive game or asserting himself on the boards (never mind bearing the brunt of Shaq's jokes-saying he belongs in the WNBA)
