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COPYRIGHT 2001 Sporting News Publishing Co.
MIDWEST DIVISION
DALLAS MAVERICKS: Despite getting dominated in the second round, the team was encouraged by its progress from perennial doormat to first-round playoff victor. The team will open next season as a solid Western Conference contender, even if it doesn't make any offseason improvements. Owner Mark Cuban has savored this taste of success, and he'll almost surely dig into his bottomless budget to make moves. Cuban will make every effort to re-sign Cs Shawn Bradley and Calvin both, both soon-to-be free agents. The team also will be shopping for at least one power player and a backcourt shooter to come off the bench. --Ken Sins
DENVER NUGGETS: The primary offseason focus will be to land a bona fide third scorer to complement PF Antonio McDyess and PG Nick Van Exel. The Nuggets hoped young talent would step up and fill that role, but C Raef LaFrentz and G/F James Posey had inconsistent seasons. SG Voshon Lenard filled the role at times, but he was inconsistent, too. The Nuggets will be looking for a Derek Anderson-type player, but they likely will have to find someone willing to accept the mid-level salary cap exception. --Michael BeDan
HOUSTON ROCKETS: PG Steve Francis, who is ready to assume a leadership role with the Rockets, showed further dedication to his craft by putting together a playoff road trip. He and SG Cuttino...
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