The 2002-03 season has had me crisscrossing the country watching a lot of basketball. Based on my observations, these are my top five surprises and top five disappointments:

SURPRISES

JIM JACKSON, Kings
From being treated like a cancer to getting major minutes on one of the NBA's best teams. The Kings pulled a major coup in getting JJ, who's experiencing a remarkable turnaround.

SHAWN BRADLEY, Mavs
A long-time member of the all-disappointment team, Shawn jumps to the other side. Zones make him the most important player on a team that desperately needs defense.

RON ARTEST, Pacers
Despite his antagonistic edge, the All-Star snub was an egregious error. He's made a tremendous jump from a player few wanted to the MVP of the best team in the East.

MATT HARPRING, Jazz
So much for him being deemed unable to compete at a high level. His numbers (18.5 ppg) are superb, and he's hugely responsible for Utah's surprising success.

AMARE STOUDEMIRE, Suns
He's the closest thing to a young Spencer Haywood that I've seen in 35 years. A rare high schooler making an immediate impact, he has changed the entire future of the Suns.

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DISAPPOINTMENTS

VIN BAKER, Celtics
The worst condemnation for an athlete: It's not happening because you're not working hard. Just imagine where the Celtics would be if Baker were still playing pro ball.

MICHAEL OLOWOKANDI, Clippers
Lacks commitment and passion— could be the curse of the Clippers. Once healed, maybe he'll turn out to be a great player elsewhere. I'm not holding my breath. Buyer beware.

GARY PAYTON, Sonics
It always has to be about him—until things go wrong. The talent is there. What's not there is the best player creating a positive environment for a young, dynamic team.

GEORGE KARL, Bucks
Instead of coaching the players he has, he's always griping about players he wishes he had. Took a near-great team straight toward the bottom by always blaming his players.

ANDRE MILLER, Clippers
Victim of a rep built in Cleveland based on numbers without impact. Once on a meteoric rise to being a top PG, now he's questioned about his ability to lead and make big plays.

This article appears in the February 17 issue of ESPN The Magazine.