NBA's best player rivalries

In the NBA right now, there are three degrees of rivalries among players: Friendly, don't-hate-me-because-you-ain't-me, and contentious. Here's a sampling:

FRIENDLY: Tracy McGrady vs. Vince Carter

The cousins' relationship turned toward ugly when McGrady left Toronto for Orlando and parted with some shots against Carter. They have since returned to being cool. They're both high-flyers and showstoppers, but you notice that McGrady has passed Carter. They have never gone at each other the way you want them to, and it may always be awkward when they meet. You keep waiting for the day that they will battle for something significant, like the Eastern Conference title.

DON'T-HATE-ME-BECAUSE-YOU-AIN'T-ME: Shaq vs. Arvydas Sabonis

Sabonis is back, which means that Shaq didn't end his career after all. Shaq is the best basketball player on the planet, and Sabonis never attained that title. His knees were shot when he came to the NBA. When the Lakers-Portland Trail Blazers rivalry was at its best, the most riveting battle was between the two men, close to 700 pounds of gamesmanship. Sabonis would flop. Shaq would question his testosterone levels. Shaq would always make Sabonis look like an old crybaby. And now Sabonis is back, unless Shaq ends his career again.

CONTENTIOUS: Kevin Garnett vs. Tim Duncan

Remember the face-off they had last season? They were arguing and then KG got so close and animated that his lips touched Duncan's face? That was no Magic-Isiah smooch, either. The two are such opposites. KG is the new school, revolutionary 7-footer; Duncan is George Mikan with better athleticism. KG can't get out of the first round; Duncan has won a championship. And when it comes to beating Duncan when it counts, KG can kiss those hopes goodbye.

Magic dust

Rumors are already circulating that it's just a matter of time before Mike Miller goes on the trading block. In the last week, the Miller-for-Stromile Swift rumor has resurfaced. But Miller is not on the table presently. Don't expect the Magic to consider doing anything until they learn more about Grant Hill's health and the state of their big men.

Expect to see Tracy McGrady initiate the offense much more than he has the past two seasons. The Magic want to cut down on some of the pounding that their point guards take by bringing the ball up the floor. They also want to get into the habit of having McGrady and Hill grab the rebound and push the ball in order to get more fast breaks.

If the season started today, Shawn Kemp would have enough stamina to play 12-15 minutes per game. The Magic would like to play him in the 20s, but only if his body can handle it.

The Magic are expecting a breakthrough season for forward/center Andrew DeClercq, who averaged only 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds last season. The former Florida standout, who is entering his third full season with the Magic, is in the last guaranteed year of his contract. The Magic have an option for next season, but DeClercq is to make $3.26 million this season.

"This is his time," Coach Doc Rivers says. "Either he's going to make it or he's not."

Layup drill

Looks like that Los Angeles Clippers coming-out will have to wait: Quentin Richardson suffered a partial tear of his medial collateral ligament. Now Richardson, Elton Brand (knee) and Lamar Odom (ankle) could be out at the start of the regular season. . . . See what happens when Iverson practices? He breaks a finger and has to miss a few weeks. . . . Don't be surprised if San Antonio is more interested in Michael Olowokandi -- not Jason Kidd -- during free agency next summer, especially if Tony Parker has a great year. The Spurs know they'd be fools not to make a run at Kidd, but they worry about what that does to Parker's growth. . . . If Milwaukee lets Dallas steal restricted free agent Michael Redd, you really have to wonder if this franchise is ready to start over. . . . The Chicago Bulls have promised Jamal Crawford that he will get a fair chance against Jay Williams in the battle for starting point guard. Riiiight. . . . First-year Golden State Coach Eric Musselman, a former Magic assistant, already has a mini-controversy with unsigned rookie guard Steven Logan, a holdout in camp. Seems they don't get along, and Logan would like to be traded. This Logan kid is quite a hassle for a second-round pick. . . . The sprained right ankle that limited Reggie Miller so much during the World Basketball Championships is still causing him problems, and he may sit out until mid-October.