Spotlight Not Parish’s Chief Concern

Former Celtic Robert Parish will have his number retired today in Boston, the same day that Larry Bird returns to Boston as coach of the Indiana Pacers.

Parish did not mind sharing the spotlight with Bird during their 12 years as teammates. And he doesn’t mind sharing it today.

“It’s another blessing in disguise that Larry is coming to town,” Parish said. “I think it adds to the day.”

Parish’s “00” will appear on a green-and-white banner with Bird’s “33” and Kevin McHale’s “32” hanging from the FleetCenter rafters.

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John Nash, the general manager who engineered eight- and nine-player trades that brought Keith Van Horn, Sam Cassell and Chris Gatling to New Jersey, has signed a multiyear contract extension with the New Jersey Nets.

The contract, reportedly for either three or four years, is retroactive to July.

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The Toronto Raptors signed Lloyd Daniels to a second 10-day contract. Originally signed to a 10-day contract Jan. 6, Daniels has averaged eight points in four games.