Raptors interim coach Butch Carter went only 5-27 after taking
over on Feb. 13 but he will keep his job next season for two
reasons: He has instilled much-needed discipline off the court
and inspired rookie Tracy McGrady (11.2-point average over the
season's last 11 games).... 76ers president Pat Croce on forward
Joe Smith, who becomes a free agent this summer and who sought a
$15 million-a-year extension last summer: "I don't think he's
worth superstar money. Neither does [coach] Larry Brown. That
doesn't mean it has to be all or nothing. So the question is,
where do negotiations start above nothing?" ... Talk about an
incentive to get fouled. In the Magic's season finale against
the Hornets, Nick Anderson needed to attempt two free throws to
reach 125 for the season, thereby earning a $1.05 million bonus.
Anderson was 4-for-4 from the line against Charlotte.... Celtics
general manager Chris Wallace has seen high school power forward
Korleone Young play twice. What did Wallace like most about the
6'7", 220-pound Young, who has declared himself eligible for the
NBA draft? "His upside after four years of college." ... Keep an
eye on the Hawks-Hornets tango in the first round of the
playoffs. Charlotte's Anthony Mason walked up to Atlanta forward
Cadillac Anderson at halftime on April 10 and said the Hawks had
no heart. When Atlanta won, Dikembe Mutombo responded by
pounding his chest. Last Friday the Hawks finished off the
Hornets with a four-game sweep of the season series.
Issue date: April 27, 1998
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