THE ADMIRAL SITS: San Antonio center David Robinson, who played only six games last season because of injuries, missed his first game of the season Tuesday night because of an ailing right knee.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said during a morning shootaround that Robinson would also miss Thursday's game at Dallas, but he could return for weekend games against Utah and Phoenix.Tests showed that Robinson has "jumper's knee," a common problem among NBA players. The condition is caused by a roughening of the cartilage under the kneecap.
CHRISTIE WANTS OUT: The turmoil in the Toronto Raptors organization continued Tuesday as Doug Christie told the team he wants out.
General manager Glen Grunwald rejected his request.
The Raptors guard, who earlier in the week had been rumored to be the club's new captain, held an afternoon meeting with Grunwald to request a trade. The NBA trade deadline is Thursday.
As recently as last Friday, Christie had said he wanted to stay in Toronto, despite the turmoil of late that has seen new ownership and star point guard Damon Stoudamire traded to Portland.
Guard Kenny Anderson, a key player in the Portland deal, has yet to report to Toronto.
Christie was acquired by former general manager Isiah Thomas two years ago from the New York Knicks. He was given the chance to thrive in Toronto with increased playing time and responsibility. Last summer, he signed a seven-year, $22-million contract.
SONICS ACTIVATE MCMILLAN: The Seattle SuperSonics activated Nate McMillan on Tuesday, who last played in the 1997 playoff series against Phoenix.
McMillan, who has been recovering from surgery to his right knee, has not appeared in a regular season game this season.
The Sonics placed guard James Cotton on the injured list with a strained right calf to make room for McMillan.
Seattle coach George Karl earlier this month gave McMillan, 33, a 17-game proposal in which he would play every other game starting Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.