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Jordan not panning possible bench time

WASHINGTON -- Michael Jordan is not ready to give up his spot in the starting lineup.

Jordan said Monday he will keep an "open mind" about the possibility of playing this season as a backup for the Wizards, but he prefers to be on the floor at tipoff.

The Wizards open training camp today in Wilmington, N.C.

During the summer, Jordan spoke with coach Doug Collins about the possibility of coming off the bench to preserve his knees.

"For the most part I go in with the idea that I want to play minutes, important minutes," he said. "If Doug feels, after seeing me play and seeing how the development of our team is, that I can possibly support the team better coming off the bench, I will entertain that thought.

"Then again, if I'm playing well enough to start, hopefully I can get to that point, too."

Olajuwon may retire

TORONTO -- Hakeem Olajuwon's career appears to be over.

The center has a serious back injury, and the Raptors are awaiting a decision on whether he will retire. General manager Glen Grunwald said he does not expect Olajuwon to play this season.

Coach Lenny Wilkens said he expects a decision from Olajuwon "in a couple of days."

The 39-year-old is in Houston, where he won two championships with the Rockets. He has been excused from training camp.

Also, Toronto signed forward Chris Jefferies, first-round draft pick out of Fresno State, to a three-year contract.

HEAT: Restricted free-agent forward Sean Lampley, who was waived at the end of preseason last year, signed.

HORNETS: Free agent Lee Nailon signed a one-year contract.

KNICKS: Center Kurt Thomas was arrested at his Connecticut home on charges of assaulting his wife. He was charged with third-degree assault and risking injury to a minor, both misdemeanors, and he posted $1,000 bail. ... Latrell Sprewell is scheduled for surgery today on his broken right hand, sidelining him at least six weeks. ... Six free agents signed: Tim James, Mark Pope, Toby Bailey, Todd Lindeman, Danny Johnson, Jemeil Rich.

PACERS: Forward Austin Croshere's broken right foot will sideline him through the preseason.

76ERS: Guard William Avery and forward Art Long were signed to the training camp roster.

SUNS: Guards Anthony Goldwire and Maurice Baker and forwards Chris Burgess and Bobby Lazor signed.

TRAIL BLAZERS: Free-agent guard Bonzi Wells was re-signed to a multiyear deal. Center Chris Dudley, guard Richie Frahm and forward Billy Owens also signed.

NUGGETS-PISTONS TRADE: Detroit will trade forward Rodney White to Denver for a first-round draft pick and forward Don Reid and Chinese center Menk Bateer, the Associated Press reported.

DELE INVESTIGATION: Medical investigators are running tests to determine if a drug overdose killed Miles Dabord, brother of former player Bison Dele.

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