Scout's Take

On The Trail Blazers , who at week's end had gone 10-1 after a 10-11 start:

" Mo Cheeks 's decision to turn Scottie Pippen into their starting point guard and put Damon Stoudamire on the bench has given them stability. With Pippen running the offense, they're a more structured, less selfish team—you don't see Rasheed Wallace on the perimeter shooting jumpers all night. Two years ago I thought Pippen was done because he was struggling to find his niche as an aging player. But as a point guard he doesn't have to force anything, and I can see this move extending his career."