Off-Season Problems, Where Will Phil Jackson Go?

Bill Walton spread his hands dramatically and took over the conversation. "Exactly! Marv is absolutely right! These Bulls are like a classic old car—still gorgeous on the outside, but the engine is roaring itself to pieces! Jordan is still Michael Jordan, but Pippen is no longer by his side, nor is Rodman. Karl Malone's pick-and-roll game is still potent, but his legs are already filled with lead. Patrick Ewing—my God, just getting him up from the bench looks like a grueling climb!"

"Their contracts are all up!"

Kevin Harlan added a crucial piece of information. "Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing, and head coach Phil Jackson. This summer in Chicago is destined to be anything but peaceful. Will they make one last gamble around an aging Jordan, or tear it all down and rebuild? It's a difficult choice."

"Rebuild. For Michael's sake, and for Chicago's."

Albert sighed. "The end of a Dynasty is always sad, but it's better than standing by and watching it collapse in a heap of rust. As for Phil Jackson, I don't think he'll be short of offers."

Then, right on cue, the large screen in the studio switched to footage from the Western Conference Finals.

Shaquille O'Neal was tightly entangled inside by Tim Duncan and David Robinson, while Kobe Bryant forced up a difficult shot from the perimeter over Shawn Elliott's defense.

"Now, let's turn our attention to the Western Conference," Harlan said, his voice rising with excitement. "Lakers versus Spurs. This series went down to the final minute of Game 7—a brutal battle by every measure! Many believe these two teams were evenly matched, but I see it differently."

Bill Walton immediately sprang up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "Differently? That's putting it mildly! Kevin, the gap between these