This was written on April 4th, 2004. Talks about 10 different players, 3 of whom are now Rockets. The other 7 were - Jannero Pargo, Lucious Harris, Chris Crawford, Caron Butler, Darius Miles, Samuel Dalembert and Antonio MyDyess.

STEPPING UP DOWN THE STRETCH
They Got Game!
Whether in a playoff race or not, there's still plenty left for NBA regulars to play for, with less than two weeks remaining in the NBA's regular season. There are jobs up for grabs for next year, personal rivalries and, above all, pride. While some stars are mailing it in the rest of the way, a handful of lesser-knowns have appeared from obscurity to take their game to another level lately. A look at the players leaving an impression (especially for next season) down the stretch...

Bob Sura, G, Hawks
Last 5 games: 21.4 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 5.2 APG
Motivation: To prove he can be a solid starter in the NBA.
The Skinny: For nine NBA seasons, Sura has battled injuries and doubters to prove he can play. Sometimes it takes some extreme circumstances to present an opportunity but that's what is finally giving Sura his big chance. He can't be thrilled with going from an NBA title contender (Detroit) to a bottom-dweller in Atlanta but the deadline deal trade that made him a Hawk opened the door for him to start. For most of March, he's easily been Atlanta's best player--showcasing his excellent all-around game, leadership, and leaping ability.

Juwan Howard, F, Magic
Last 5 games: 22.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.8 APG
Motivation: To show the NBA he isn't a coaster.
The Skinny: Don't feel too sorry for Juwan. The ex-Michigan 'Fab Five' center who looked like an NBA superstar early in his career is still being paid very handsomely for his services, albeit less than the huge salary he pulled down in past years. Only lately is Howard putting forth the effort to justify all that cash. With Tracy McGrady finished for the season and nothing to win (or lose), Howard seems to have grabbed the leadership mantle on the 'Tragic' and is playing hard. It's at least encouraging, since he's already got a contract for next season but it does raise questions about where he was when T-Mac was healthy all year.

Tyronn Lue, PG, Magic
Last 5 games: 18.8 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.2 APG
Motivation: To finish strong.
The Skinny: How good is Lue? It's almost impossible to know. At times, the small but speedy quarterback is a tenacious defender, smart playmaker and excellent scorer. And at other times, he almost drops out of sight--as if he weren't even part of the game. Much of his problem seems to be playing with superstars. Lue does well when he's a team's primary ballhandler but when he's on the floor with a ball hawk (as he was in Washington with Michael Jordan and now in Orlando with Tracy McGrady) he disappears. This is odd, since he's an excellent outside shooter who should be able to play off the ball. Whatever the case, McGrady is now out and Lue is playing well again.
Notebook