Blazers Still Searching

The Portland Trail Blazers are taking a close look at shooting guard Calbert Cheaney in their trade talks with the Washington Bullets, his agent says.

The Blazers and Bullets have been discussing a trade that would send Rod Strickland and a first-round draft pick to Washington for the No. 4 pick and shooting guard Rex Chapman.

Bob Bass, 66, has shelved his retirement plans to become head of the Charlotte Hornets’ basketball affairs.

Bass, who left the San Antonio Spurs last year after two decades as a coach and executive, was introduced as the Hornets’ new vice president of basketball operations.