The Falcons are the first NFL team to sign Banks, but he has had chances with other teams. He took part in the Seattle Seahawks' minicamp last June following workouts with Kansas City and San Diego. He had one tackle in two games with Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League (UFL)..Lost in the hullabaloo, however, is the fact that the Celtics should have dismantled the Bulls, with or without Garnett. That the series even went seven games not to mention the way the Celtics had to cash in on miracle after miracle for their wins is proof that this Boston team is not deep or talented enough to repeat without Kevin Garnett. Orlando center Dwight Howard and his supporting crew of sharpshooters are light years ahead of Chicago at this point.

Nolan, of course, knows plenty about the 49ers' personnel from his 1837 tenure as San Francisco's head coach (200508). Nine of the 49ers' starters, including six on defense, were acquired during Nolan's regime. This week, Nolan j