Around The Rim

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban believes that rising costs may cause the salary cap (currently $40.3 million) to drop by $1 million next season. "If ticket sales rally, or merchandise [revenue] continues to increase and margins hold, the expected shortfall could be overcome," says Cuban, "but I would be surprised."...The 76ers scrapped plans to attend a workout by 7-foot Stanley Roberts, who was reinstated last month after serving a three-year suspension for drug use (SI, Dec. 23, 2002). Roberts, 32, is recovering from ankle surgery and is reportedly carrying 330 pounds, 40 more than his last listed playing weight. Philadelphia has his rights until Feb. 16; if the team doesn't offer him a contract by then, he'll become a free agent....Cavaliers G.M. Jim Paxson has given his new coach, Keith Smart, two charges: Play up-tempo to take advantage of Cleveland's youth and rebounding, and establish whether 6'1" rookie Dajuan Wagner has the ability to play point guard.