Since he’s still having trouble starting and stopping on his sprained left ankle, Ben Wallace’s starting status for the Bulls’ opener Wednesday in New Jersey is unclear.
“If it were left to me, I’d be out there,” he said Monday.
Like most NBA coaches, Scott Skiles typically likes players to practice the day before a game if they intend to play. But given Wallace’s veteran savvy, not to mention his status, that would be waived if he is ready Wednesday regardless of what happens.
“Ben’s getting better,” Skiles said. “I’m hoping he can get out and move around a bit [Tuesday] so we can see where he is. I don’t know where he is because he hasn’t moved around at all, which is wise right now.”
Joakim Noah shot individually after practice, but he’s out for the opener because of his sprained right ankle.
Otherwise, the Bulls finally are starting to get healthy. A swollen right knee has plagued Joe Smith, but the veteran forward felt no effects after Saturday’s 2-hour-45-minute practice.
“My body feels good,” Smith said. “My legs feel good. I haven’t had to see the training staff.”
Kobe mania
Lakers coach Phil Jackson, ever the sly individualist, went against the grain again Monday by publicly confirming to reporters in Los Angeles that his team was having trade talks with the Bulls surrounding Kobe Bryant.
The Bulls, who could try to involve a third team, aren’t meeting the Lakers’ price.
While calling him a “great player,” Wallace offered an interesting take on the rumors.
“One player can’t get it done,” he said. “That’s been proven time and time again in this league.”
