Q. The Raptors have a completely different look and lineup. With Bryan Colangelo taking over, he has added his mark by getting rid of all the players that did not fit his system. But with only two returning starters (Chris Bosh and Morris Petersen) do you think this team will lack chemistry? And will they develop enough chemistry to get into the playoffs?
— Dale Jordan, Freeport, Bahamas

A. Are you talking about the chemistry that got them 27 wins last season? I like Colangelo being bold. This is the definition of good chemistry: Having good players. Because that means wins. People put too much stake in intangibles like chemistry. You have good chemistry when you win and bad when you lose. It looks like Colangelo is trying to go with Phoenix North. It's not a bad idea and nice style and it will be easier to get players to re-up in Canada if they're not from the U.S.

But T.J. Ford is no Steve Nash, because he doesn't shoot well and thinks he does. Plus, their rookie from Italy — Bargnani — will take time to learn the NBA. I don't see them as a playoff team yet, but they're finally taking some steps in the right direction.

Q. The Bulls have gotten better with their offseason moves, defense and rebounding especially, but they still lack that go-to player who can score regardless of who is guarding him. Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon and Andres Noccioni are jump shooters. What do they do down the stretch of games? Who do they go to for low post scoring? Are they really in the top five teams in the east (ESPN even had them at No. 2 in the East)?
— Kwadjo Glenn, Chicago

A. I might put them No. 1 in the East. I don't see Miami winning a lot of games after winning last season's championship. The Bulls will pace themselves. The Pistons won a championship without a go-to guy, either. The Bulls have a terrific drive-and-kick offense and you don't need a last shot if you are leading by eight. I think they're going to be very good and play like this USA Basketball team with relentless defense, rebounding and a lot of jump shooting. I'm not sure if it carries you through the playoffs. but with depth and defense, the Bulls could be very good.

Q. Where do you think Kevin McHale lies as one of the worst NBA GMs of all time? It's pretty pathetic that a Hall of Famer like that is on a team that has virtually gone nowhere.
— Tony, Bloomington, Ind.

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A. That's a little harsh. Remember, McHale was the one who took what was then a big risk for Kevin Garnett. I blame ownership more for the Joe Smith contract that put the franchise on hold for five years. Although the biggest to blame is Stephon Marbury and his agent, David Falk, who engineered getting Marbury out of Minnesota. Playing with an unselfish star like Garnett is just what Marbury needed and he could have been Allen Iverson and at least gotten to a Finals. McHale hasn't been great, but he's far from the worst ever, or even the worst now.

Q. If Amare Stoudemire's knee is OK, who can beat the Suns in a seven-game series?
— Mark Morgan, Phoenix

A. I'm wondering how healthy Stoudemire is. I was at the USA camp in Las Vegas and he clearly didn't have the explosiveness from before the injury and in what we saw of the scrimmages and practices, he didn't seem to take a very active role. I don't think the Suns know for sure. I believe that's why they declined to seriously consider deals for Shawn Marion.

They want to see which Stoudemire comes back from surgery. It will take some time for him to return to his former level, if he can. If he does, the Suns will be a championship contender, but haven't shown they're ready to beat the Spurs.