NICE WORK (IF YOU CAN GET IT)

Sure, head coaches like the Heat's Pat Riley and the Celtics'
Rick Pitino make the really big money, but they also have a lot
of headaches. Thus, the best job in today's NBA might be that of
the lead assistant. The money for top assistants has increased
significantly, they often are delegated a fair amount of
authority, and the TV exposure (the top aide usually sits next
to the coach) is excellent. Here are the NBA's highest-paid
assistants and their estimated salaries.

1. JIM O'BRIEN, CELTICS: $450,000. O'Brien, also Pitino's top
assistant at Kentucky, was often entrusted with leading team
practices last summer while Pitino, who doubles as Boston's
president, took care of other business.

2. BOB WEISS, SONICS: $380,000. Coach George Karl is known for
his volatility; the calmer Weiss is a nice counterbalance.

3. BILL BERTKA, LAKERS: $380,000. Bertka, who has won five rings
in his 23 years in L.A., commands respect, and players
appreciate his authoritative manner.

4. DICK HARTER, PACERS: $375,000. With Larry Bird a rookie
coach, Harter, an expert on defense, has been invaluable in
teaching Bird the X's and O's.

5. (TIE) DON CHANEY AND BRENDAN MALONE, KNICKS; PAUL SILAS,
HORNETS: $350,000. Chaney is the soothing player relations guy,
while Malone is the dutiful details man. Players love the
empathetic Silas. One of the top rebounders in NBA history, he
is very effective at teaching big men.

--J.M.

COLOR PHOTO: MARY ANN CARTER HARTER HAS FOUND IT PAYS TO BE NO. 2 [Dick Harter]