News from October 23.

An arbitrator ruled that the NBA can void Joe Smith's contract, but that
Smith could sign with any of the 29 teams (for whatever a team had
available under the salary cap or available exceptions), including
re-signing with Minnesota and retaining his 2 years toward Larry Bird 
rights.  The NBA was looking to restrict Smith from returning to Minnesota.
Smith and Minnesota had a secret agreement for a future multi-year,
multi-million contract for when he gained Larry Bird rights with Minnesota 
(2001-02) - a blatant violation of the collective bargaining agreement.  
The league will likely hand down heavy fines for Minnesota.  The league
can fine Minnesota up to $3,500,000, forfeit Minnesota draft picks, void 
Smith's contract, and suspend up to 1 year any team personnel involved
(almost certainly the owner, Glen Taylor, and maybe others).

Atlanta assistant coach and scout Gary Wortman died of a brain tumor.  He
was 59.

Atlanta signed Rick Hughes and Dan Cross.

Cleveland released Johnny Hemsley.

Toronto released Curtis Haywood.


Pre-season games
Tor 81, Ind 80 - at Tor
Kevin Willis (Tor) had 14 points and 9 rebounds.
Vince Carter (Tor) had 33 points and 7 rebounds.
Alvin Williams (Tor) had 10 points.
Austin Croshere (Ind) had 22 points including 13-18 FT and 3 steals.
Travis Best (Ind) had 19 points including 8-21 FG, 5 rebounds, and 7
assists.
Tor shot 46.3% (38-82) FG and Ind shot 36.6% (26-71) FG.
Tor shot 12-12 FT and Ind shot 24-37 FT.

Orl 117, Bos 113 - at Orl
Darnell Armstrong (Orl) had 18 points including 7-11 FT, 6 rebounds, and 5
turnovers.
Tracy McGrady (Orl) had 20 points.
Bo Outlaw (Orl) had 16 points on 5-6 FG and 6-11 FT and 10 rebounds.
Antoine Walker (Bos) had 32 points including 5-10 FT, 6 rebounds, and 3
steals.
Kenny Anderson (Bos) had 20 points and 8 assists.
Orl shot 39-54 FT and Bos shot 27-37 FT.

Sac 118, LAL 111 - at Las Vegas, Nevada
Predrag Stojakovic (Sac) had 20 points.
Bobby Jackson (Sac) had 19 points including 11-11 FT.
Scot Pollard (Sac) had 15 points including 9-12 FT.
Kobe Bryant (LAL) had 29 points.
Shaquille O'Neal (LAL) had 15 points and 10 rebounds.