Brent Smith / Reuters

The Mavericks could use a player like Reggie Miller to knock down big shots, writes columnist Sam Smith.

Q: Of today's players who weren't on the original list, who do you think would be amongst the NBA's 50 all-time greatest players?
— Paul Hayes, Adelaide, South Australia

A: That is an interesting question because it means several would drop off, and there were bitter feelings when the team was picked 10 years ago with the likes of Dominique Wilkins left off. I'd try to get 'Nique on as well as Bob McAdoo. Shaq was a controversial choice then, but justified. From this era, you'd add Kobe Bryant, especially because he's won three championships, but still have to hold off on Dwyane Wade and LeBron James because their careers haven't lasted that long. Probably Tim Duncan first in this post '97 era. Then I'd probably go with Jason Kidd and I'd have to add Steve Nash with what he's done the last few
years. Then it gets tough as the issue would be who to take off, though I believe when the NBA does this again it will be the 75 greatest. I'd go with Dirk Nowitzki for the greatest foreign born player and probably Kevin Garnett despite his miserable success ratio. Possibly Allen Iverson and likely not Gary Payton, the latter usually better at messing up teams. And I'd give a thought to great shooters like Ray Allen and Reggie Miller.

Q: Can you tell me why a talent like Latrell Sprewell is no longer playing in the NBA? Did he get injured or what?
— Derek Thomas, San Antonio

A: It's the "or what." Sprewell probably could play if he stayed in shape, but you get the impression from word around the NBA he doesn't care anymore and has had it. He's been an explosive figure in the public and media, but by most accounts a popular teammate. I thought Pat Riley would take a run at him or maybe Phil Jackson, but given his name no longer comes up you have to assume he just doesn't care to play. Which is what you hear from NBA friends when they make an occasional contact.

Q: Will Yao Ming ever be able to make it through an entire season without hurting his foot, or toe, or toenail, or knee?
— James, Houston

A: You have to begin to wonder when a player starts getting hurt so often. We've never seen a player quite like him in a man that tall who is so good. In the past, the players of that size were excess players coming off the bench like Chuck Nevitt, who didn't get much playing time. Yao is the fulcrum of their offense, so he gets so much attention and pounding. Perhaps the closest top player in size was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was said to be 7-2, though being somewhat self conscious listed himself smaller. Yao's probably about 7-6. Since he has had so many injuries in the same area, you would have to think that it's always going to be an issue.

Q: Ray Allen is so underrated. Should he and Rashard Lewis ask for a trade since the chemistry in Seattle is not working out?
— Chris William, Yazoo City, Miss.

A: Koufax and Drysdale, eh? Rashard is a free agent and seems like he'll test the market and could move on. The new owners likely want to keep Ray since he is their greatest asset and it's not a very good team. They'll want to move at some point and need a marquee player, though if they could get a good package of young players and draft picks given Ray's age and how far the SuperSonics are from contending, especially if Rashard leaves, they'd have to consider dealing Ray.

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