The NBA playoffs will soon be upon us, and this may be one of the most unique playoffs in many years. It could be a time that dynasties and legends come to an end, while some fantastic youngsters emerge.

The Chicago Bulls will be going for their third consecutive title and sixth overall. With the contracts of Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson running out at the end of the season and none seeming to want to return, this could be the team’s final chapter.

The last few championship teams, such as the Celtics, Lakers and Pistons, have all suffered major letdowns shortly after their title runs. The common thread was that the respective front offices held on too long to their veterans, not planning for the future.

Chicago had the opportunity to do just that last season when it could have traded Pippen to either the Spurs or the 76ers, but didn’t. While Pippen was injured earlier this season, all he did was whine about how much he wanted to be out of Chicago and how he never wanted to play for the Bulls again. Of course, he took back his statements. Now the Bulls looked poised for another crown, but it will probably be their last for decades, unless the two Jerry’s [Krause and Reinsdorf] can figure out away to keep Jordan in town.

There are also a number of superstars that could be making their last hoorah. Clyde Drexler has already announced his intentions to return to his alma-mater, the University of Houston, to be the head coach.

Charles Barkley is once again rumbling about his eminent retirement, but unlike in past years, he is not playing particularly well and his team is struggling. People may want to take him a little more seriously this time.

Karl Malone is also in the last year of his contract with the Jazz, and times could be changing. Malone is fed up with the Jazz front office and its apparent lack of willingness to spend the money in order to bring in big-name free agents. Also, he is tired of the performances and efforts put on by some of his teammates, namely center Greg Ostertag.

And another gripe on the long list dates back to preseason last year. After Utah made it to the NBA finals last year, a handful of players reported to camp out of shape, and Malone is still upset about that.

Malone has said publicly that he wouldn’t mind leaving Utah for a team who had a dominate center. That makes a short list: New York, Los Angeles, Houston and possibly Miami.

There are a few teams (Minnesota and New Jersey) with some exciting, talented and young players who could surprise some teams in the playoffs. Minnesota, with its Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury, has a ton of athletic ability which could cause a number of match-up problems for opposing defenses.

Even though they are an up-and-coming team, the Timberwolves will probably turn into another Orlando Magic. It’s a team that has had some success, but in a small media market has a tough time holding on to big- name talent.

Keith Van Horn and Tim Duncan will be making their first appearances in the playoffs. In their first professional season, they have made immediate impacts. Both could lead their teams into at least the second round. And in Duncan’s case, his team could go farther with the help of the “Admiral” David Robinson.

There are certain times in sports when the guard changes. For example, when Jordan took over for Dr. J, or when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson retired, and new players attempted to fill their shoes.

This could be one of those seasons in which some great players will step into the spotlight for the last time. None of them want to go out as losers.

People do not often realize when they are watching greatness. So I say to you — take the time this NBA postseason to stand up, take notice and savor every minute of this precious time.

Scott Johnson is a senior in liberal arts and sciences from Holstein.