LAST SEASON: 27-23, eliminated 3-0 by Trail Blazers in first round.

   COACH: Danny Ainge, fourth season, 123-83.

   ADDED: G Penny Hardaway (trade with Magic), F Shawn Marion  (rookie, UNLV), F Rodney Rogers (free agent, Clippers), F Corie Blount (free agent, Cavaliers), C Oliver Miller (free agent,
Kings), G Todd Day (free agent), C Mark West (free agent, Hawks).

   LOST: F Danny Manning and F Pat Garrity (traded to   Orlando),  F George McCloud (free agent, Denver), C Joe Kleine (free agent, Portland), F Chris Morris (free agent).

   STRENGTHS: Jason Kidd easily led the league in assists last
season, and he should get even more now that Hardaway is   running alongside him in the backcourt. Clifford Robinson may be the most underrated player in the league, and Rogers is a nice addition at small forward.

   WEAKNESSES: Outside shooting is suspect, especially coming off a season in which Rex Chapman shot 36 percent from the field. Luc Longley struggled through his first season in the desert, and there isn't much size behind Longley and Tom Gugliotta in the frontcourt.

   WHAT THEY'LL DO: Find out whether their Penny is vintage or rusty.