It's a challenge for all coaches, but it's especially a potential problem for a rookie coach trying to establish his authority.

Playing time: Who gets it?

For Maurice Cheeks, in his first season as a head coach, one issue with his Trail Blazers is whether veteran Shawn Kemp can get significant playing time behind Rasheed Wallace -- especially if Wallace continues to curb his tongue and temper and doesn't get thrown out of games.

But there are others, too. How much does Cheeks play Bonzi Wells behind starting shooting guard Derek Anderson, or can he find ways to get them both on the court at the same time? (Which, of course, cuts into the playing time of other Blazers.)

And what about Ruben Patterson, itching for more playing time off the bench at small forward?

Or at point guard, where Scottie Pippen is making a strong case as the first option behind -- or possibly ahead of -- Damon Stoudamire?

Deciding the best path probably won't be easy, but as long as the Blazers win, it's difficult to criticize the job Cheeks is doing. However, in games the Blazers lose, some grumbling and second-guessing probably is inevitable.