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Pro basketball briefs

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 2, 2001

Olajuwon dealt for draft picks

HOUSTON -- The Rockets have agreed to sign and trade longtime star center Hakeem Olajuwon to the Toronto Raptors for two draft picks, Houston owner Les Alexander said Wednesday.

"Hakeem's decision is disappointing for the entire Rockets organization," Alexander said. "Hakeem Olajuwon has meant more to this franchise and this city than any other athlete in Houston history."

Earlier in the day, Olajuwon reportedly called off talks with the Rockets after rejecting the club's latest offer of $13-million guaranteed over three years.

Alexander said the Rockets will get a first-round and a second-round pick from Toronto.

Olajuwon, 38, has spent his entire 17-season career in Houston, leading the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. He was the first pick in 1984 draft from the University of Houston.

The Raptors, who lost the seventh game of the Eastern Conference semifinals to the 76ers, have had a busy off-season. Earlier Wednesday, All-Star guard Vince Carter agreed to a six-year contract extension worth more than $94-million.

CELTICS: Forward Paul Pierce's contract extension is worth at least $85-million.

MAGIC: Guard Laron Profit and a future first-round draft pick were acquired from Washington in exchange for the draft rights to center Brendan Haywood.

SPURS: The team re-signed forward Danny Ferry and signed former Dallas forward Mark Bryant.

WNBA

ORLANDO 65, PORTLAND 63: Nykesha Sales scored 21 points, 16 in the opening minutes, and had a crucial steal in the final seconds to pace the host Miracle.

Shannon Johnson added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for Orlando, which closed within two games of idle Charlotte for the final East playoff berth.

Jackie Stiles had 13 points for Portland, which fell three games behind Utah for the West's fourth playoff spot.

Orlando held a 64-57 lead with four minutes remaining after Johnson sank a three-pointer. But Portland closed within a point when Stiles hit 14-foot jumper over Elaine Powell and Johnson with 45.4 seconds to go.

With 12.5 seconds left, Orlando's Taj McWilliams-Franklin blocked Sophia Witherspoon's shot out of bounds. On Portland's inbounds play, Sales tipped the pass into Johnson's hands for the last of her four steals.

Portland was forced to foul twice, sending Powell to the free-throw line with 8.6 seconds remaining. She hit one and followed by poking the ball from Stiles as she drove for a potential tying basket.

NEW YORK 66, DETROIT 63: Vickie Johnson and Tari Phillips each scored 17 to lead the host Liberty.

Crystal Robinson added 10 for New York, which has clinched a playoff spot but trails Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland by 21/2 games with five games left.

Elena Tornikidou scored a season-high 22 for Detroit.

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