Stern, Rodman Chat, Agree Bulls Star Is Not Crazy

NBA commissioner David Stern will decide early next week whether Dennis Rodman can return to the Chicago Bulls after the All-Star break.

Stern and Rodman met Friday at the NBA offices, and decided an arbitrator will rule on whether Rodman can go to arbitration in attempt to get back more than $1.1 million in pay lost during the suspension.

Chicago coach Phil Jackson said he spoke with Rodman’s agent, Dwight Manley, and was encouraged. Regardless of Stern’s decision, Jackson said the Bulls would place some requirements of their own on Rodman.

Rodman was pleased with the session, Manley said.

“The commissioner respected him for being him,” Manley said. “One of his first comments was, ‘I don’t think you’re crazy.’ He made comments that the league needs Dennis, appreciates Dennis. The commissioner made it clear that the consequences for future incidents will be very severe.”

“I’m not crazy,” the Chicago Tribune quoted Rodman as saying. “I’m not like that character from ‘Silence of the Lambs,’ Hannibal Lecter, who has to sit in some cage and people say, ‘You can watch Dennis Rodman, but don’t get too close.”’

GM-less Mavs talk to Nelson

The Dallas Mavericks contacted former NBA coach and executive Don Nelson about filling their general manager’s role, vacant since Oct. 17. Mavericks minority owner Frank Zaccanelli flew to Maui to interview Nelson at his Hawaii home, a team spokesman said.

Panel agrees Kings need money

Sacramento Kings owner Jim Thomas appears to be telling the truth when he says he needs financial help from the city to keep the team afloat, a panel of banking and accounting experts said. The examiners also gave their qualified endorsement to a proposal to loan the team $70 million.

Cookin’ Rice leads Hornets

Glen Rice scored 43 points, one short of Charlotte’s franchise record, and powered a fourth-quarter run as the Hornets held off the Milwaukee Bucks 102-95. Rice, who made 13 of 20 field-goal attempts and 12 of 13 free throws, broke the 30-point mark for the 11th time in 17 games.

The Boston Celtics broke a seven-game losing streak, outscoring Portland 34-20 in the final period for a 111-105 victory.