Forward Ron Artest, attending to a family situation in New York, missed his flight and missed the Bulls’ practice on Monday.
Mark Bartelstein, his Chicago-based agent, said Artest says his left little finger is feeling better and in-season surgery is unlikely.
And forward Charles Oakley is questionable for Tuesday’s game against Milwaukee after working out on his own but missing practice because of his sore right wrist.
Just another practice day at the Berto Center for the Bulls, who dressed 10 players.
“That’s all you need,” coach Bill Cartwright said.
What the Bulls don’t need is for Oakley’s situation to turn into a distraction, though all sides claim it won’t. Oakley, averaging 4.1 points and seven rebounds in 39 games, has made little secret all season of his displeasure and confusion over being traded to the Bulls.
Though discussions were held on the subject, general manager Jerry Krause said Monday it’s unlikely the team will waive the disgruntled veteran outright.
“You don’t like to release guys and pay them,” Krause said. “That hasn’t been our modus operandi.”
But Krause made it clear that if Oakley wanted to waive the remainder of his $7.3 million salary in hopes of landing with a contender, he would consider such a move.
“I don’t want to get into negotiations in the media,” Krause said. “But if Charles is willing to give up his salary, we’d have to look at that out of courtesy to him. He has not told me anything along those lines.”
Oakley didn’t say much Monday.
“I didn’t come to [Krause] and ask to be traded so I can’t talk to him now,” Oakley said.
If Oakley did agree to waive his salary, he’d be required to sign for a veteran exception of $1.1 million once he cleared waivers. Billy Diamond, Oakley’s longtime business manager, conceded that wouldn’t make much business sense.
“I don’t think anything’s going to happen,” Diamond said.
One thing is certain: All-Star weekend revealed plenty of interest in Oakley–but at the right price. Everyone from Gary Payton publicly to Nets general manager Rod Thorn and teams like Orlando and Washington privately either expressed interest in or made inquiries about Oakley.
But Krause doesn’t see that interest leading to anything concrete between now and the Feb. 21 trade deadline.
“His salary gets a little complicated trade-wise,” Krause said, adding he hasn’t talked to Oakley in three or four weeks.
Krause’s stance makes it clear he’s eagerly eyeing the available salary-cap room that Oakley’s contract will create once it expires after this season. And for the most part, Krause painted a picture of inactivity until the deadline.
“I keep hearing, `We’ve got to do this and do that,'” Krause said. “One thing we have to do is be patient. The light’s on here. These young kids have serious talent. It’s just a matter of time before they get to that point.”
It’s also a matter of time before Oakley, who earlier equated this season to a prison term, is done with the Bulls. Cartwright said rookie Tyson Chandler will start Tuesday whether Oakley suits up or not.
“I don’t know what [Oakley’s] role is going to be when he comes back,” Cartwright said. “But he’s been a fine example. He shows up early. He stays late. He’s brought the kids over to his house to cook. He’s been terrific.”
