Bucks’ Lineup Makes Sense

Mike Dunleavy reluctantly gave up his coaching duties and became a full-time general manager last summer, upon orders from Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl.

Dunleavy didn’t have time to fret. So he made a number of free-agent signings, trades and draft-day decisions to make the Bucks a better team for the new coach in town, Chris Ford.

The results have been positive. The Bucks, who are at Golden State tonight, are one of the early season surprises with a 5-1 record.

During the off-season, Dunleavy freed nearly $8 million in spending money and rolled the dice on a trade. Rather than take point guard Stephon Marbury with the fourth pick in the draft, the Bucks swapped him for Connecticut shooting guard Ray Allen in a deal that eventually also landed Minnesota center Andrew Lang.

The addition of Lang allows All-Star Vin Baker to play mostly at power forward. Allen has started from the first day and has been a delight.

Forward Armon Gilliam, who averaged 18.3 points for the New Jersey Nets last season, was signed as a free agent, and Elliot Perry came from Phoenix.

Lakers’ Ceballos injured

Los Angeles forward Cedric Ceballos tore the patella tendon in his right knee when he landed awkwardly after a drive to the basket late in the fourth quarter of a 95-83 loss to the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night. He was taken off the court on a stretcher and will be examined today in Los Angeles.

The Chicago Bulls extended their franchise-best start to 8-0 with a 103-71 win over the visiting Heat.

Sonics waive Spencer

Question: Which Sonic has appeared in the fewest regular-season games ever?

Answer: Elmore Spencer, who was waived by the team after playing in only one game this season - for 5 minutes - without scoring a point.

Spencer’s waiving also means the team will likely announce the signing of another reserve big man today to a “make-good” contract similar to that signed by Spencer, who would have been guaranteed a full year’s salary had he been on the roster.