Ellis Cleared To Return To Nuggets
Denver forward LaPhonso Ellis has received medical clearance to return and could be back in the lineup for the Nuggets in the next two weeks.
Ellis has not taken the court this season - and played in just six games all last season - because of a rare condition that resulted in holes in both of his kneecaps. Ellis, who has been working out with the Nuggets for the last six weeks, had to have bone graft surgery to correct the problem.
The emergence of rookie Antonio McDyess at power forward will make it easier for the Nuggets to shift Ellis to small forward.
Dawkins impresses
The one and only Darryl Dawkins has been playing so well for Sioux Falls of the CBA, he has drawn serious interest from a half-dozen NBA teams. Sioux Falls coach Mo McHone expects Dawkins to be signed by someone as soon as Wednesday, when teams can start giving out 10-day contracts.
Five teams, including the Bulls, have scouted Dawkins in the last few weeks. The Jazz have seen him play four times.
“We really have no interest in him, but only because we’re so big right now,” said Scott Layden, Utah’s director of basketball operations. “But he can still play in the NBA, without a doubt.”
The Bulls, who failedto lure Sam Bowie out of retirement, reportedly have more interest than anyone.
Seattle tightens defense
Seattle has won seven straight and is 9-2 since forward Detlef Schrempf went down with an injury. It’s become clear that the Sonics are a better defensive team in Schrempf’s absence. “That’s how we’ve been winning, working together on the defensive end,” forward Sam Perkins said.
Santa Charles
Phoenix forward Charles Barkley took 20 youngsters from a local homeless shelter to an area toy store on Christmas Eve to buy them presents.
Barkley, who has done this for several years, never publicizes the event and makes sure to include the parents on the shopping spree so they aren’t upstaged.
High Priest
Keep this name in mind: Priest Lauderdale. Never heard of him? You’re not alone. But next June, he may be a lottery pick.
Lauderdale is a 7-foot-2 center playing in Greece, where he is averaging 16.6 points per game for Peristeri Nikas. He played at Central State (Ohio) but left school after a snafu over his transfer from junior college.
He tried to apply for the draft last year but missed the deadline. That won’t happen again. Lauderdale, 21, probably will have to audition for the NBA at the Chicago pre-draft camp (he can’t go to Portsmouth or Phoenix because those are NCAA-affiliated events) to convince NBA teams he’s a worthy first-round pick.
Around the league
Charlotte is interested in trading Kendall Gill. … Sacramento is shopping rookie Corliss Williamson. … Bullets giant Gheorge Muresan is being wooed by Billy Crystal for a role in the sequel to “Princess Bride,” which included the late Andre the Giant. However, Muresan won’t commit. “It sounds like fun. You know, I have a good job now,” he said.
Lloyd Daniels is having a rough time in Italy and was recently suspended by coach Valerio Biancini for insubordination. … New York is trying to unload forward Charles Smith and his $3.35 million salary. … Atlanta is considering trading guard Steve Smith if it is unable to sign him to an extension before the Feb. 22 trading deadline.
Philadelphia point guard Scott Skiles said he retired Friday night because “I always said I wouldn’t play for the money. I’m not effective like I used to be. It’s hard for me to stomach. I could stick around and collect a paycheck, but I’m not going to do that.”