Around The Rim

No wonder Orlando coach Chuck Daly was so confident Dennis Rodman wouldn't have been a distraction. Daly has canceled most of the Magic's practices this season, hoping to avoid injuries. In light of Orlando's hot start, maybe Rodman's right—practice is overrated....

Sources say the Terrell Brandon-for- Sam Cassell swap floated last week is little more than wishful thinking by the Bucks. Cassell's contract makes him a major bargain for the Nets, while Brandon is looking for big money when he becomes a free agent this summer. (He'd like the bidding to start at $10-to-11 million per year.) The Nets have to lock up Keith Van Horn and are hoping they have enough left in the kitty to keep Kerry Kittles....

Golden State forward Jason Caffey, who signed a seven-year, $35 million contract on Jan. 22, was struggling so badly as a starter that he contemplated asking P.J. Carlesimo to bench him. Then he scored 14 points and pulled down 11 boards in the Warriors' win at Indiana last Friday....

Pacers center Rik Smits, who underwent extensive therapy over the summer for his chronically ailing feet and started the season declaring that they felt as good as they had in years, is experiencing pain again. "I signed a two-year extension," Smits says. "I hope I can make it that long."...

Chris Webber on the Trail Blazers, who have six players averaging in double figures: "They have two starting lineups." Coach Mike Dunleavy says his team's success hinges on how well he—and the players—handle the parceling out of playing time.