2002-03 NBA Season Preview Top 10 - Most Improved Teams (By NBA.com)

[Bergkamp]

Top 10 -- Most Improved Teams

To get a jump on the 2002-03 season, check out NBA.com's Top 10 Lists, which will run throughout the month of October. Today's list is made up of teams that stand the best chance of seeing a bump in the win column in 2002-03.

10. Memphis Grizzlies

Pau is coming off a strong WBC and polished rookie Drew Gooden should contribute right away. Plus, would you bet against a Jerry West team to do anything but steadily improve?

9. New York Knicks

Last season's low win total (30) means they don't have anywhere to go but up, especially with McDyess in the mix. Assuming he stays healthy, of course ...

8. Golden State Warriors

Similar to Memphis, in that this team will be "better" than last season, but it might not show greatly in win column. Still, lineup stability -- coupled with Dunleavy-Jamison combo at the forwards -- should add a few wins to last season's meager tally.

7. New Jersey Nets

Odds are their win total won't improve much over last season's 52, but with Deke, Childs and Rogers on board, the Nets are built for when it counts: the playoffs.

6. Orlando Magic

Two words: Grant Hill. One question: Is he healthy? If affirmative, Magic's win total should jump from 44 to 50-plus.

5. Washington Wizards

In Jordan's first year in D.C., they went from 19 to 37 wins. Don't expect another 18-game jump, but with Stack playing next to MJ, Wizards should be even better.

4. Chicago Bulls

Chandler and Curry are a year older. Donyell Marshall is an upgrade at the four. Jay Williams should step right in. Plus, they still have Jalen Rose. Add it up, and Chicago could win 35-plus in wide-open East.

3. Houston Rockets

Stevie Franchise and Mo Taylor appear healthy. Eddie Griffin is a rising star. Oh, and then there's that Yao guy. Yes, the West is tough, but this team is much better than last season's 28 wins.

2. Atlanta Hawks

Ratliff is back, and the Big Dog is in the house. Management thought so much of the changes that they're guaranteeing playoffs.

1. Los Angeles Clippers

Everyone said all this talented young team needed was a point guard. Now, in Andre Miller, they have one of the best quarterbacks in the business. There are no excuses this season.

-- Randy Kim, NBA.com

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