NBA notebook: MacCulloch ends basketball career

PHILADELPHIA — Former University of Washington star center Todd MacCulloch, who hasn't played for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1-1/2 years, retired yesterday from the NBA.

MacCulloch hasn't played since Feb. 2, 2003, because of a disorder believed to be Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic disorder that disrupts his balance and causes problems with his feet.

MacCulloch, 28, had surgery in January on his left foot to free a crushed nerve, leaving him hopeful of a recovery and perhaps a similar procedure on his right foot. Instead, there was no progress.

The 7-foot MacCulloch was Philadelphia's second-round pick in 1999. After two seasons with the Sixers, he signed with New Jersey, then was traded back to Philadelphia in 2002 along with Keith Van Horn in the deal that sent Dikembe Mutombo to the Nets.

MacCulloch had his best season with the Nets in 2001-02 when they reached the NBA Finals. He averaged 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in 62 games.

MacCulloch averaged 6.1 points and four rebounds in 223 career games and two trips to the NBA Finals.

"I wish it could go on longer," he said. "On the other hand, I was fortunate to play a little bit and have some success."

MacCulloch does have the financial security of a guaranteed contract that will pay him nearly $20 million over the next three years, including $5.89 million this season. His salary, however, won't count against the salary cap and will come off the books in February when he hits the 2-year mark of his last game.

Philadelphia will recoup about 80 percent through insurance.

MacCulloch will join Philadelphia's radio broadcast team, an endeavor he dabbled in last year.

"It's been hard enough to not be able to get on the court with the guys. To not be around them at all would be almost impossible," he said.

Willis, 42, returns to Hawks

ATLANTA — Kevin Willis joined his original NBA team after a 10-year absence, looking to give the Atlanta Hawks inside depth at age 42.

Willis is entering his 21st season in the league and is second among all active NBA players in games played. The 7-footer was a reserve for San Antonio last season and is expected to play behind center Jason Collier.

"I think this is a great opportunity as my career covers two decades in the league," Willis said.

In 11 years with the Hawks, Willis averaged 14.5 points and 10.0 rebounds. He was the team's first-round pick in 1984 and was an All-Star in the 1991-92 season, when he averaged 18.3 points.

Notes

• Scottie Pippen is telling friends he will follow through on his plans to retire after a 17-year career that featured six NBA championships, seven All-Star Games, two Olympic gold medals and inclusion as one of the league's 50 greatest players. The only details left to work out are whether Pippen agrees to forfeit a portion of the $5.3 million the Chicago Bulls owe him, and the timing of the official announcement.

• Washington Wizards point guard Steve Blake will miss the first month of the season after injuring his ankle in a pickup game. Blake underwent surgery yesterday to remove a chipped bone from his right ankle and is expected to miss 10 to 12 weeks, which would rule him out of the first 13 games of the regular season.

• The Charlotte Bobcats picked up the option on center Melvin Ely for the 2005-06 season.