Singed, but salvageable?

Washington Wizards: By record, the Wizards are the Kings, 'Wolves and Clippers.

But they also play in the East, which, incredibly, puts them a hot streak away from nipping at the Nets and the Bucks.

And unlike the aforementioned pieces of toast, there is a soon-to-be-available nutcase who is talented enough to create that hot streak.

The debate in D.C. is whether to rush back Gilbert Arenas or start collecting ping-pong balls. In the West, a bid for salvation would be futile. But did we mention the Nos. 7 and 8 in the East are the Nets and Bucks?

Philadelphia 76ers: They did it last year, but that's when there was a nothing-to-lose freedom to the process, hardly weighed down by expectation.

The issue this year is whether this is Ed Stefanski's time to put his stamp on the franchise, something last season's late run precluded.

We'll certainly know by Feb. 19, based on whether Andre Miller stays or goes by trade. While Stefanski has been saying all the right things about Miller, is there enough conviction to re-up this summer during free agency?

Toronto Raptors: Based on what we've seen so far, the league's least-athletic team appears to lack the type of cohesion to move anywhere north of .500.

But Bryan Colangelo also appreciates that retaining Chris Bosh in 2010 will require trying to salvage 2009.

This is not so much about what the Raptors are today, but rather what they might be after Feb. 19. Expect Toronto to be at the epicenter of trade talks as the deadline approaches.

Is this toaster even on?

New York Knicks: There's a season going on? Really? Uh, we're busy clearing space for 2010. Heck, if we make the playoffs, some of these kids might want more money. And we're not spending any time soon. It's all in a trust fund for LeBron & Friend.

Charlotte Bobcats: Understand, for Larry Brown to appreciate his team's long-term prospects, he first has to learn to break its spirit. Think of this as a season of cleansing.

Indiana Pacers: Seemingly every other returning coach at these depths was threatened with exile. But the Pacers insist Jim O'Brien is their man. Clearly 2008-09 therefore is not management's focus.

Chicago Bulls: To appreciate how far you can go, you first have to know who you are. The Bulls are the Joakim Noahs of the NBA, seemingly running around with their heads cut off, exerting plenty of energy, but going nowhere.

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