Around The Rim

While Rudy Tomjanovich was undergoing treatment for bladder cancer last summer, three teams approached him about coaching jobs, and the Trail Blazers asked if he wanted to be their G.M. Though doctors say Tomjanovich, 55, is cancer-free, he insists he will spend this season as a personnel consultant with the Rockets before deciding whether to return to a more prominent—and stressful—role....

No Bull spends more time conferring with Bill Cartwright during dead-ball situations than Scottie Pippen, who admits he is demonstrating his support for the embattled coach. Pippen backs Cartwright's controversial move to replace Jamal Crawford at the point with rookie Kirk Hinrich: "Kirk is doing what Bill wants, with his defense and his ability to push the ball and organize his teammates. No one should question Bill's decision."...

After starting his first two years for Isiah Thomas in Indiana, point guard Jamaal Tinsley went five straight games without playing for Rick Carlisle, who prefers Kenny Anderson and Anthony Johnson because they're less likely to turn the ball over. "Jamaal's our most talented point guard, but I don't know if his style clicks with this offense," says All-Star Jermaine O'Neal. "But then my style doesn't really click with this offense."