GLEN RICE was so close to becoming a Laker last Monday for Elden Campbell and Eddie Jones that the Hornets prohibited B.J. Armstrong and J.R. Reid (throw-ins for salary-cap purposes) from practicing to avoid potential injury.
On that day, the Hornets gave the Lakers permission to talk to Rice, whose elbow operation has him shelved for a month (if he gets the kind of contract he wants) or two (if not). Shockingly, the All-Star forward showed little enthusiasm about joining the championship contender, causing the Lakers to back off; at least for the time being
According to sources from both teams, Rice didn’t like hearing L.A.’s unwillingness to give him a six-year extension for the maximum of $85 million; the Lakers’ idea of fairness is roughly a $10 million average.
At the same time, he prefers being traded further south as opposed to the West Coast. His top three choices are the Magic, Hawks and the Heat (whom Rice originally played for before Pat Riley sent him screaming and kicking to the Hornets as part payment for Alonzo Mourning) in order to stay close to his Miami-based family.
Moreover, it repels Rice to think of being third in the prestige chain behind Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
And so, class, our assignment for today is to summarize what you know about Glen Rice’s NBA objectives:
Let’s see, his first priority is money. Second is habitat. Third, elite status. And, finally, a title, if, by chance, it (more than one, probably) happens to be an appendage to the other three.
“It would’ve been a great deal for us,” said one of the few healthy members of the Hornets who’ve also lost Anthony Mason for the season due to torn biceps.
“Jones is everything you want in a two guard and he can also play small forward. And we would’ve gotten a legit center in Campbell, allowing us to move [Derrick] Coleman out of the middle where he does not want to be. It would’ve solidified our team, especially when Mason came back. Without this trade, we’ve got nothing and nobody.”
As turned off as the Lakers were by Rice’s attitude, they would’ve pulled the trigger, I’m told, if he could fill their gaping 3-point shooting cavity right away. Giving up two core players without getting any immediate significant (Armstrong and Reid) relief was too big a risk in such a stunted season.
“If Rice is still a Hornet when he’s ready to play we’ll re-evaluate the situation and might very well trade for him,” whispers a purple and gold source.
Knowing the Lakers remain a possibility and that Rice must go, Hornet VP Bob Bass has given authorization to agent David Falk to pursue the particulars with L.A. owner Jerry Buss.
The Lakers have what the Hornets want. The Magic, Hawks and Heat do not.
As for Coleman, I’ve got news for him: As long as he’s living as large as he looks, his natural position is center. Being 15 pounds overweight doesn’t seem to affect his timing or positioning; 15 boards in Friday night’s embarrassing 78-66 loss to the 76ers. The problem is getting enough lift (4-for-13 from the field) on his jumper. He should be ashamed of himself for having one stuffed straight up by Theo Ratliff.
Coleman’s the first guy in league history to go through five two-a-day practices and actually gain weight.
Despite his infamous “There goes the season” remark upon hearing about Mason’s injury, don’t get the idea Coleman has conceded. He promises to pick up the slack…after 2. a.m.
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DENNIS RODMAN (having made the depressing discovery the predominance of teams have but a minimum of $1M pro-rated to spend on free agents) is expected to make a decision today or tomorrow whether to play for the Lakers. Although Jerry Buss seems to think there’s only a slight chance he’ll agree to fortify L.A.’s defensive boards for such a pittance, I disagree.
From what I understand, Rodman needs every penny he can pocket. That means he has to play. And if he has to play, in his accountant’s book, there are only three places that qualify: Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. If he doesn’t play in any of those three cities, say sources, he breaches his $3M per year Converse sneaker deal.
Then again, Buss might be right. Rodman might figure he’s a better fit with the Clippers.
Where is Rodman these days? Contrary to reports, he didn’t attend Friday’s Laker-Rocket game. He was home playing with his Electra set.
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ROD STRICKLAND signed with the Wizards for $40M over four years – $35M is protected; if he’s not cut after year three, the remaining $5M becomes guaranteed. The day before they came to terms, David Falk threatened that Strickland would sign with the Knicks for the $1M minimum if Washington didn’t come across with a bigger offer. The bluff worked, but it was just that, a bluff. As much as the Knicks would love to have Strickland back in town, there had been no talk between the two parties.
Scottie Pippen was 4-for-18 against the Lakers. It must have been a bigger game than I thought.
Nobody worked harder this summer than Stephon (21 points, 10 assists in Nugget win) Marbury. Aside from competing against pros in Houston, Atlanta and New York, the Timberwolves point guard went to San Antonio for a week and worked with George Gervin. The emphasis was on mid-range jump shooting after dribbling left, then penetrating.
Saw a long TV feature Friday out of Chicago that spotlighted (with help from a Bulls beat reporter) the remaining elite free agents-in-waiting that Chicago GM Jerry Krause (interviewed in the piece) is guaranteed to romance when the time comes. Marbury was one. Penny Hardaway another. Grant Hill the third. Marbury is correct. Hardaway has an option, but can’t get more from another team than what the Magic will owe him over the following three seasons. As for Hill, he must play this year and next year before becoming a Pistons free agent.
It’s so disillusioning looking at Krause, you’d think the one thing he’d know was how fast he could get delivery.
Based on Friday night’s effort, or lack thereof, against the Raptors, Rick Pitino should be commended for achieving a synergy between his racehorses and his Celtics. They both put in a solid two minutes of work every time out.
Who said the Jazz couldn’t beat the Bulls? It’s so gratifying to see the Todd Fuller trade already paying dividends for Utah.
