Gill, Mates Are Trying To Be Buds

Now that Don Nelson and Chris Webber are officially a fun couple, it’s time to turn our attention south to Charlotte, where the Hornets are doing their best to snuff the smoldering-beneath-the-surface issue of Kendall Gill.

He was welcomed back to the Hornets this summer with folded arms, not open arms. The players from Gill’s first tenure in Charlotte still remember him as a pouty, selfish whiner who trashed teammates behind their backs and then denied he ever said anything.

Those who remain skeptical about Gill are Larry Johnson, who tried to clobber Gill during a Hornets-Sonics game two years ago, and Muggsy Bogues, who was accused by Gill of not passing the ball.

When Hornets coach Allan Bristow was given personnel power this summer, his first course of action was to send Hersey Hawkins and David Wingate to the Sonics for Gill. Bristow fought unsuccessfully to keep Gill in Charlotte two years ago, saying the Hornets would miss his athleticism and defense in the backcourt. They did, especially in last year’s playoffs against Michael Jordan.

But now that Gill’s around, Johnson wonders whether the Hornets will miss the chemistry provided by Hawkins and Wingate. On the first day of camp, Johnson admitted, “I’m not in the mood for basketball right now” and said the Hornets, who won 50 games last season, might have taken a step backward by gambling with Gill.

So far, so good. Gill has bent over backward trying to appease Johnson and Bogues on the court. In fact, the Hornets’ very first basket of the preseason was scored by Johnson from a Gill assist.

Also, two other grudge-match couples apparently have patched things up in the league:

Latrell Sprewell-Tim Hardaway: Sprewell developed a distaste for Hardaway, whom he considered a Don Nelson sympathizer. Hardaway thought Sprewell should have carried himself more professionally last season.

Feelings aside, they also had oncourt problems: Both needed to control the ball to be effective. Rather than solve the issue through a trade, the Warriors decided to keep both. Hardaway then initiated a peace settlement.

“Somebody had to be a man and step up,” Hardaway said. “I said, ‘Let’s clear this thing out and go from there.’ We’re supporting each other.” Sprewell added: “We don’t have to be friends and eat dinner every night.”

P.J. Carlesimo-Rod Strickland: Coach and point guard became estranged at midseason when, after a frustrating loss, Strickland said he no longer wanted to play for P.J. The Blazers did not shop Strickland heavily this summer but did listen to offers.

Strickland has since told friends that, while he and Carlesimo will never mesh, he’s willing to be a professional.

Around the league

Warriors forward Chris Mullin, limited to an average of only 44 games the last three seasons because of various injuries, will sit out most of the preseason after a big toe became infected. Mullin was having a sensational camp; he made 14 of 21 shots in two games.

Upon signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, Fred Roberts requested No. 22 but settled for 24 after being asked: “Ever heard of Elgin Baylor?”

Dallas forward Jamal Mashburn worked with a personal trainer this summer. His friends at the Rucker playgrounds in Harlem will be shocked to learn Mashburn now weighs 250, all muscle.

Phoenix’s Charles Barkley engaged in a jawing match with New Jersey’s Jayson Williams last week in Phoenix.

After the game, Barkley drew a map of America West Arena, detailing the home and visiting locker rooms, and had a ballboy deliver it to Williams.

“He said he wanted to come into the locker room and kick my butt after the game,” Barkley explained. “I just didn’t want him to get lost.”