Rider Fails to Show Up Again

Isaiah Rider was a no-show, again.

This time it was another practice, failing to show up Wednesday for a workout with the Atlanta Hawks, who are preparing for their home opener and first game at the new Philips Arena tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Rider missed Tuesday night’s season-opening loss at Washington to attend his grandfather’s funeral in Texas.

Babcock said the 6-foot-5, 215-pound guard telephoned him in Washington on Tuesday night after arriving back in Atlanta and told him he would practice with the team Wednesday.

He didn’t, but did call Babcock again and the two finally met Wednesday afternoon.

“We talked about things, things he’s got to work through,” Babcock said.

He said Rider would be available against Milwaukee tonight, but wouldn’t start. Rider wasn’t available for comment.

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Dallas Maverick reserve forward Kebu Stewart left the team in an apparent contract dispute.

Stewart, who signed with the Mavericks last month after starring in the Continental Basketball Assn. last season, attended Dallas’ morning shoot-around Tuesday but never arrived for the team’s season-opening victory over the Golden State Warriors.