News from December 1.

For the first time since the lockout started on July 1, players were
allowed to use NBA facilities.  Teams were also allowed to talk (but not
make deals) with free agents (with the free agency signing date still
expected to be December 9).  The lawyers are still working on finalizing
the details and getting a new collective bargaining agreement written,
after which the NBA owners and players association will vote on the new
CBA (a ratified new CBA is what will formally end the lockout).

Mike Miller (Mia) is expected to be out 8 weeks while recovering from
hernia surgery.

Charlotte fired assistant coach Charles Oakley.


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  Patricia Bender                       pbender@eskimo.com
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