Oakley Will Miss Opener

With the judicial arm of the National Basketball Association directing him, Charles Oakley was sent to the bench for the Knicks’ 1995-96 regular-season opener on Friday night.

Oakley was fined $6,000 and suspended without pay for one game by Rod Thorn, the league’s senior vice president of basketball operations, for a punch he threw at Philadelphia’s Scott Williams during Sunday’s preseason game between the Knicks and the 76ers.

Three days before they begin what they hope will be a season that elevates them to the NBA’s elite, the Charlotte Hornets are considering trading Alonzo Mourning because of a contract dispute.

“We’re trying to work out something where Alonzo will still be with the Hornets,” said Bob Bass, the team’s vice president of basketball operations.

Several broadcast and newspaper reports said Mourning, whose contract expires after this season, has been offered a seven-year, $70 million deal by the Hornets. He reportedly wants $13 million per season for seven seasons with an escape clause after four seasons.