Smits Backs Away From Retirement

Rik Smits is in no hurry to decide whether to walk away from more than $12 million--even if his feet are hurting.

Smits was quoted Monday in the Dutch daily De Volkskrant as saying he might retire because of the pain. On Wednesday, he backed away from such talk after meeting with club President Donnie Walsh in Indianapolis.

“I’ve got the whole summer to make a decision. That’s what I’ll do,” said the 7-foot-4 Dutch native.

Smits, who turns 33 in August, has faced a series of nerve problems with his size-21 feet in recent years. He averaged 14.9 points and 5.6 rebounds during the regular season, his lowest marks in both categories since 1992-93.

Smits has one year remaining on his contract and is due to receive a base salary of $12,125,000 next season. With incentives, he could earn more than $15 million.

Before making a decision about retiring, Smits will consider steps aimed at improving his condition.

“I know the feet will feel better. They always have felt better with some rest,” Smits said. But “if they start hurting again, I’ve got to go.”

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Lamar Odom, a likely early pick in the upcoming NBA draft, is looking for a new agent and still intends to turn pro, his college coach said Wednesday.

“He needs new representation, and I’m the closest thing to a father figure that he’s had in his life and he needed a hug and to let him know that he’s OK,” Rhode Island Coach Jerry DeGregorio said.

“He hasn’t pulled himself out of the draft. There’s a lot of speculation out there, but his name is in the draft,” DeGregorio said from Rhode Island.

The 6-9 Odom’s availability in the draft was questioned after he skipped a leaguewide physical in Chicago last weekend and canceled a workout with the Charlotte Hornets.

Odom, 19, had been represented by New York City attorney Jeff Klein, who apparently resigned as Odom’s agent.

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Owner Abe Pollin went with his gut instinct, and the Washington Wizards went with Gar Heard.

Heard, 51, was introduced in Washington as the new coach of the struggling franchise, which was 18-32 last season and failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

He reportedly agreed to a three-year contract worth between $1.5 million and $2 million a year. Pollin would not comment on terms.

“The one interview I had with Gar Heard blew me away,” Pollin said. “This is a man with great inner strength.”

Heard replaces Jim Brovelli, who was hired as interim coach April 5 after Bernie Bickerstaff was fired.

“I’m starting from scratch,” said Heard, a longtime NBA player and assistant who was with the Detroit Pistons last season. “I think we have the nucleus here to have a very good team.”