Q: In my view, the Knicks desperately needed a back-up center who can play defense and rebound. Can Kelvin Cato, whom the Knicks recently acquired, do the job?
— Gregg P. Frasco, Tempe, Ariz.

A: I don't see it. Cato is not a bad risk for little cost. But he has had a mostly indifferent career in places he had a chance to emerge. He generally was known for casual play and not the kind of defense you're talking about. Actually, if the Knicks had someone like that he'd probably start. There aren't many big men like that anymore in the NBA. Everyone needs someone like that. You're talking more about hustling role players like Washington's Michael Ruffin.

Q: What's the story with Penny Hardaway? Is he coming back this season? Are any teams meeting with him?
— Bobby, New York

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A: Not that I have heard. I doubt Penny can play anymore. His knees are in terrible shape from numerous operations. He had a good career despite the injuries and several missteps. In 1995 before he began breaking down, he was as good as anyone. But his explosiveness was long gone and he just cannot keep up physically anymore with the young kids coming into the game.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Celtics this year? Are we to have another disappointing year as Celtic fans?
— Chris Berak, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

A: I think it's going to be a terrible season, and losing Red Auerbach at the start seems a sign that we will look back on and say where it started. Doc Rivers' coaching future seems uncertain and it would be a surprise if he is back after this season. They've got mismatched parts in some good, young players who seem best in the open court, a veteran in Paul Pierce who is best in a half court game and young Al Jefferson, who is more a half court post up player. And I'm not even sure which side Wally Szczerbiak fits with. I find it difficult to believe they can make the playoffs, or even come close.

Q: Why don't the Sacramento Kings get any respect? After the Artest trade, they had the second-best record in the league. Does the loss of Bonzi Wells make that much impact?
— Chad Harris, Modesto, Calif.

A: An inferiority complex is endemic among many sports fans. But I rarely hear it more than from Sacramento. I guess it's that shadow of San Francisco thing, and I can understand given the superiority complex they seem to have. Let's see if I have this straight: They fired their coach, let one of their key players (Wells) go and now have Artest going into a full season. What exactly is everyone supposed to think about this? Watch out Spurs? I think they've done a nice job getting out from under all the bad contracts and trying to retool on the fly. But they're hardly a championship contender. Until they seriously show they are and, say, win one playoff series, they get the respect of any team trying to make the playoffs.

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