This week Fred deals with players who have stepped up, whether it was due to a teammates' injury or not. Because the 76ers won three straight after Allen Iverson went out, Mad Dog decided two Sixers deserved mention. We can't argue.

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MAD DOG'S TOP 5 PLAYERS STEPPING UP
Hughes	Larry Hughes 76ers	72 points in last four games "I really like Hughes. He's so multitalented, athletic and quick, has a feel for the game. He's only 20, and has a lot of room to grow. He's only going to get better. Since Allen Iverson has been out he's been better. He excels in traffic, shoots the jumper well, and is maturing. He showed against the Knicks with 25 points that he can get his shot and make it."
McKie	Aaron McKie 76ers	40 points in two post-Iverson games "He has always been a solid defender, but he's actually playing better defense now than in college. People forget that at Temple he was more an offensive player than Eddie Jones! He's really stepped up with Iverson out. He had 23 against the Cavs and nearly a triple-double against the Heat. When Iverson comes back McKie should retain that ability to hit the open shot and he'll always be a great defender."
O'Neal	Shaquille O'Neal Lakers	28.7 ppg, 2nd in NBA "With Kobe out Shaq has really improved his game. He's not just scoring, he's second in the league in rebounding and blocked shots, a dominant force on defense. He's getting 13.4 rebounds a night, which is unbelievable, and so are the blocks. We knew he could rebound and block shots so you really have to give Phil Jackson a little credit here as well. Shaq is now a complete player."
DeClercq	Andrew DeClercq Cavaliers	10.3 points, 7 rebs "He has done an outstanding job with Zydrunas Ilgauskas out. The kid is tough and physical, has good hands and can do things in traffic. He has an outstanding upside, even when Ilgauskas returns. He's willing to compete. He had 17 points and 15 rebounds the other night. Think Boston couldn't use him?"
Barry	Jon Barry Kings	9.4 points in 19.5 minutes "His game is multifaceted. His maturity has really boosted the Kings' offense, and he's found a home here. He hit a big three in the Orlando game and has been a great three-point shooter. He's a two-guard who can handle the ball and even play the three. He did a good job in the playoffs against Utah last season, hitting some big shots. I've talked to him and he's a good guy, and he's really helping Sacramento off the bench."