Chapman hired as consultant
The Minnesota Timberwolves have hired former Phoenix director of basketball operations Rex Chapman to serve as a consultant for the NBA draft.
Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale said Chapman will assist him in evaluating talent.
“He’s here as a consultant. He’s not the new general manager,” McHale said, responding to a report that Chapman was going to replace Jim Stack as the GM.
With the 14th selection in the first round, the Timberwolves are picking in the lottery for the first time since 1999.
“As reported, former Cavalier Danny Ferry was hired as the new general manager for Cleveland, replacing the fired Jim Paxson.
Clippers’ Wilcox arrested
Chris Wilcox, a center for the Los Angeles Clippers, was arrested in Baltimore after police discovered a gun in his car during a traffic stop in Howard County.
Wilcox, 22, could not provide proof that the .357 Ruger revolver belonged to him or that he had a permit to carry it, police said.
Ford cleared for practice
Point guard T.J. Ford, sidelined for more than a year with a bruised spinal cord, has medical clearance to take part in full-contact basketball for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nets decline option on Robinson
The New Jersey Nets declined an option on forward Clifford Robinson for the 2005-06 season, saving $5 million on their salary cap next year.
Nets president Rod Thorn said the team might be interested in re-signing Robinson, but at a lower price.