Bullets Bring Back Bickerstaff

The Washington Bullets addressed the future by dipping into their past, hiring former assistant Bernie Bickerstaff as their new coach.

Bickerstaff, 53, signed a four-year contract with the team that gave him his start in the NBA. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Bickerstaff hopes to revive a team sputtering below .500 and in danger of falling out of playoff contention for the ninth consecutive season, starting tonight against the New York Knicks.

Bickerstaff resigned as president of the Denver Nuggets.

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Boston Celtics’ guard Dana Barros will be sidelined at least two months after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs from his left ankle.

Barros last played in a game on Jan. 16. He averaged 12.5 points and 3.4 assists per game in 24 appearances this season.