3. Most pundits seem to think the Wizards are "going for it" by trading for Mike Miller and Randy Foye. Even assuming the healthy return of Gilbert Arenas, does this team have the talent, and more important, commitment to defense, that will catapult it past the Magic, Cavs and Celtics next season? -- John, Gaithersburg, Md.

I don't know if they'll surpass those other contenders, but the Wizards will surely be respected by the top teams in the East. Three minutes after I broke news of that trade, a GM from one of the East's top teams called to ask if I had the details right. He didn't like seeing Washington add so much firepower.

Flip Saunders will make the most of this team -- so long as Arenas is healthy.

2. So word is that Phil Jackson might just coach mostly home games for the Lakers next year. Can that sort of arrangement work? Won't the players likely tune out the substitute knowing that Phil can't rip them until they get back to L.A.? And what about the differing philosophies/styles? -- Thomas H., San Diego

Thomas, count me among the minority who think this could and would work. Jackson likes to see his players work things out among themselves, though this would be taking that aim to an unprecedented extreme.

Jackson would be placing more leadership demands on Kobe Bryant which -- if successful -- would strengthen the team. In the meantime, Jackson would be pacing himself for the playoffs, which is the approach taken by contenders toward veteran players. And instead of handing the team over to Kurt Rambis (or Brian Shaw) and all at once, he would work his way in. It would be highly unusual, but I could imagine it working to their benefit.

1. Why does everyone always say that Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time, when Bill Russell has almost twice as many championships, and Wilt Chamberlain has way more personal records? In my book, Jordan was the greatest of his time and better than Bird and Magic. And where does George Mikan fit into this list? -- John W. Fullwood, Bronx, N.Y.

In my book, Bill Russell is the greatest player of all time. He set the standards for leadership and teamwork, while establishing a new approach to defense, which makes him the most influential player of the history of the sport.

But the fairest way to measure players is to divide the NBA thus far into three generations, with Mikan as the greatest of his era, then Russell as the player who defined what the NBA should be, followed by Jordan as the dominant player of modern times.

2 predictions for next season

After so many major trades this week, here's an early look at how the conference races are shaping up for next season.

2. The East

15. New Jersey 14. Milwaukee 13. Charlotte 12. Indiana 11. Toronto 10. New York 9. Detroit 8. Chicago 7. Miami 6. Philadelphia 5. Atlanta 4. Washington 3. Boston 2. Orlando 1. Cleveland

A word of caution: The Pistons and Raptors could make moves in July to improve and move back into the playoffs.

1. The West

15. Sacramento 14. Memphis 13. Minnesota 12. L.A. Clippers 11. Phoenix 10. Oklahoma City 9. Utah 8. Golden State 7. Houston 6. New Orleans 5. Dallas 4. Portland 3. Denver 2. San Antonio 1. L.A. Lakers

Can Denver retain or replace its low-priced free agents? When will Tracy McGrady return to the Rockets, and in what kind of shape? And will Utah re-sign or successfully replace its free agents? These questions will be answered in the month ahead.

1. NBA Finals prediction

1. The Cleveland Cavaliers will meet the Los Angeles Lakers less than 12 months from now. Shaq versus Kobe, and Phil may even coach the games in Cleveland. I say Cleveland wins the title ... for now.