Chicago attorney Herb Rudoy was right when he called 30-year-old Arvydas Sabonis, a 7-3 center from Lithuania, the best center to enter the league since Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning were drafted in 1992. "Wait until you see this guy play," said Rudoy, who negotiated a $20 million contract for Sabonis with the Portland Trail Blazers. "He's going to shock a lot of people. He is a great scorer."

Sure enough, the Bulls got a good look at Sabonis' ability Monday. He came off the bench to burn the Bulls for a season-high 23 points on 10-for-13 shooting, including 2-for-2 from three-point range. Then he scored 23 points Wednesday to help the Blazers beat the Golden State Warriors 112-98. In that game, Sabonis shot a perfect 8-for-8, including 3-for-3 from three-point range. So which player went into the weekend leading the NBA in field-goal percentage and three-point accuracy? It was Sabonis, who was shooting 65 percent from the field overall and 58 percent from three-point range. Patrick Ewing, Jon Koncak, Vlade Divac and David Robinson are the only other seven-foot centers who have converted three-pointers this season, and they are a combined 4-for-22 from beyond the arc. Sabonis is 15-for-26 from the same distance.