Center Luc Longley sat out practice Wednesday at the Berto Center. Coach Phil Jackson wanted to let Longley rest his tender knees, which caused Longley to miss 10 of the Bulls’ final 15 regular-season games.
Jackson said the move was strictly precautionary and Longley’s knees are fine.
“We anticipate doing this with Luc,” Jackson said. “We just don’t want to put everyday pressure (on the knees).”
Ron Harper, who missed the Bulls’ last two games after turning his ankle against the Detroit Pistons, had another light workout Wednesday and expects to start Friday when the Bulls host the Miami Heat at the United Center in the first round of the playoffs.
“My ankle is fine and I’ll be fine,” Harper said. “I’ve been starting all year long, so I don’t think anything is going to change.”
Playing hookey: Michael Jordan practiced Wednesday, but blew off a scheduled media conference call put together by the NBA. The call wasn’t mandatory. Jordan said he had to attend to an emergency. “I think the emergency is the sun is shining and it’s a beautiful day in Chicago,” Jackson said. In other words, Jordan probably got in a few holes of golf.
