WITH LITTLE IN THE WAY OF BOX OFFICE DRAW, CAVS GO NAMELESS

          The Cavaliers "have appealed to their populace to give
     them another chance" this season, according to Bob Finnan of
     the OH NEWS-HERALD, who reported that the team's new slogan
     is "Get Close."  On the team's media guide, season tickets
     and pocket schedules, the Cavs are "showing a nameless
     player wearing a Cavs jersey.  The team wants "to encourage
     the 'Cavs' on the front of the jersey instead of the name on
     the back."  Finnan: "That's because this team is void of any
     stars.  There are no marquee players" (NEWS-HERALD, 10/15).
          NOTES: A crowd of 5,588 attended the 76ers-Raptors
     preseason game last night at the Dean Smith Center, which
     included the return of Raptors G Vince Carter to NC (Raleigh
     NEWS & OBSERVER, 10/17)....Mavs G Steve Nash, on the new
     cushioned chairs on the team's bench at Reunion Arena paid
     for by Mavs Owner Mark Cuban: "They are comfortable.  I'd
     like to have one for my house" (F.W. STAR-TELEGRAM, 10/17).