ATLANTIC DIVISION.(NBA)(Brief Article)

BOSTON CELTICS: Once the Celtics figure out whether to use or trade draft picks, they'll have a better grip on roster numbers and will be able to start figuring out where free agents fall into their plans. The no-brainers coming back are PG Milt Palacio and C Mark Blount The Celtics would like to keep G/F Bryant Stith for his veteran presence, Considering Stith is a loyal guy who likes to put down roots, there's a strong possibility he will stay. He has given every indication he wants to remain in Boston, and he is a favorite of coach Jim O'Brien. The two big questions are SF Adrian Griffin and PG Chris Herren. --Shira Springer

MIAMI HEAT: Because of injury and illness, the Heat's potential best lineup--C Alonso Mourning, SF Brian Grant, PF Anthony Mason, SG Eddie Jones and PG Tim Hardaway--did not start a game together. Mason says the Heat never grasped an identity, winning early with a power game, losing late with a perimeter game. For as much as teammates celebrated the courage and character of Mourning for returning from a kidney illness, what played out was not all X's and O's. "We wanted to make sure he's all right, instead of playing," Hardaway says. "That's how I feel as a friend. I was scared for him, to tell you the truth." --Ira Winderman

NEW JERSEY NETS: G/F Stephen Jackson had a golden opportunity to come from nowhere and carve his own niche. Brought to training camp as a non-roster invitee, Jackson, who knocked around the CBA and Central America for four years while trying to catch on, made the team when injuries hit hard. With SF Keith Van Horn sidelined, Jackson started 37 of the first 43 games and ranked among rookie leaders in most offensive categories. He faltered badly in the second half. By season's end, Jackson didn't know if he was coming or going. Neither did coach Byron Scott, who isn't sure if the team will bung Jackson back. --Don Burke

NEW YORK KNICKS: If there was any doubt SF Latrell Sprewell has become a "true Knick," it was erased by his dazzling performance in the team's season-ending Game 5 loss to the Raptors. Afterward, Sprewell was there to lay down the brutal honesty. "I left it all out on the ...