From the news page at the Arreat Summit...
... but again, I have my doubts.
Quote:May 12, 2003
New Skill System in Diablo II 1.10
The skills of each character class have been thoroughly revised. On top of that, a new system of "synergies" has been added to each characterâs skill set. Allotting a point to certain skills will result in synergy bonuses to one or more of that characterâs corresponding skills. Only the points you assign, and not those granted by items, give synergy bonuses. See the new stats for the Necromancer's Bone Spear skill.
... but again, I have my doubts.