Around The Rim

In trading Charles Oakley to the Raptors for Marcus Camby last week, the Knicks rid themselves of $10 million that counted against the cap (though they'll pay the Raptors $8 million toward Oakley's 1998-99 salary) and got a shot-blocking center-forward 10 years younger than Oakley. But look for New York to keep close tabs on Camby's willingness to play hurt and to hit the weights....

Sources in Denver say that general manager Dan Issel would prefer not to coach the Nuggets as well, but he's unimpressed by the other candidates who are available. Issel is thinking about giving the job to Mike D'Antoni, Denver's director of player personnel and assistant coach....

Though the Celtics continue to deny it, they were shopping forward Antoine Walker and talked to the Warriors about a deal for Latrell Sprewell and the No. 5 pick in last week's draft. But the Celtics also wanted Golden State to assume the hefty salary-cap baggage of Pervis Ellison, Greg Minor and Donta� Jones....

Upon learning that NBA players wouldn't participate in this summer's world championships, Rudy Tomjanovich and Del Harris wanted to resign as coaches of the U.S. team, but they were persuaded to remain by top league officials....

Add the Sixers to the list of teams curious about free-agent center Matt Geiger. The Magic remains a strong suitor, but the Celtics have backed off and are leaning toward re-signing Popeye Jones instead.