"Because the game has opened up so much this year with all the hand checking, teams need guys at the basket as a last line of protection," Carter reports. "Coaches used to think if they had a good rebounder it was OK, but now they know they need players who can block shots -- guys with young legs who can spring."

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MAD DOG'S TOP 5 EMERGING SHOTBLOCKERS
LaFrentz	Raef LaFrentz Nuggets	2.41 blocks, 8th in NBA "He started very well last season and then went down with the injury. Now he's even better. He's an old-fashioned center; he can run the pick-and-roll, hit the three, he's just fundamentally sound. It's not always about quickness. His defensive game is good and he's always ready; he's the total package. I really like his game. He's become so mature."
Cato	Kelvin Cato Rockets	1.56 blocks, 24th in NBA "He was somewhat recognized in Portland, but now in Houston he's really getting noticed. With this guy it's 'return to sender.' He's a great weakside blocker, and with Hakeem Olajuwon out he's going to get a lot of chances to play. He led the league in blocks during the preseason. I like his work ethic, plus he's quick and athletic. It might be the Wally Pipp syndrome for Hakeem when he returns."
Battie	Tony Battie Celtics	1.44 blocks, 28th in NBA "A young, athletic guy who has great springs. Rick Pitino likes to stretch the floor and he must have a guy like this as his last line of defense when guys drive. Battie needs to keep himself out of foul trouble to become valuable. That's why Pitino went after him last year. The Celtics haven't had a guy block even 100 shots since Robert Parish did it (in 1992-93). Battie will do that."
Foyle	Adonal Foyle Warriors	2.56 blocks, seventh in NBA "He's a shorter shotblocker. They list him at 6-10, but he's more like 6-8. Tremendous quickness, good footwork. He comes from the weakside strong looking for shots to block. Most guys have the 'I'm guarding my man' syndrome and don't do much else, but he's always cognizant of what's going on. His game offensively is still to come, and he needs to gain a little confidence, but he's very good on defense."
McGrady	Tracy McGrady Raptors	2.13 blocks, 11th in NBA "McGrady can flat-out fly. He's a little like a Marcus Camby. The athletic ability and lateral quickness are there. McGrady watches the game and gets involved. He has a lot of skills and he finishes around the rim as good as anybody. Some people think of him as a point guard, and there he is among the league leaders in blocks. Amazing."