A veteran such as Horace Grant, who has won four NBA titles, says it's just a matter of being patient, that good things develop slowly.

A rising young star such as Tracy McGrady, who wants his first championship now, says he already is running out of patience.

Same topic, different views -- on defense.

The Orlando Magic have discovered those soaring expectations are going to fade quickly if their team defense doesn't improve considerably. An inability to stop people has dimmed their hopes for a good start heading into the toughest part of their schedule.

"We keep talking about how good we can be, are going to be, but I haven't seen it yet," said McGrady, the Magic's starting small forward and leading scorer. "We need to do it right now with defense. It's got to start sooner or later, so let's bring it right away. I don't know what we're waiting for."