Cowens Named Coach of Warriors

Dave Cowens, former coach of the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player, will take over from Garry St. Jean as coach of the Golden State Warriors after the season.

St. Jean, the team’s general manager, took over as coach when P.J. Carlesimo was fired Dec. 28.

Cowens joined Golden State as an assistant Jan. 31.

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Scott Skiles, 36, who took over as coach of the Phoenix Suns after Danny Ainge resigned in early December, signed a five-year contract to remain with the team. Financial terms were not disclosed, but it is believed to be worth about $2.5 million a year.

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Philadelphia 76er guard Allen Iverson went on the injured list because of an inflamed elbow and a broken toe, but is expected back for the playoffs.

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Miami Heat point guard Tim Hardaway was put on the injured list because of a sprained right ankle and left foot. His playoff status is uncertain.

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Ray Allen, the leading scorer for the Milwaukee Bucks who sprained his left knee Monday during a playoff-clinching victory over Orlando, will be ready for the playoffs after an MRI exam was negative.

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Indiana Pacer center Rik Smits is considering retirement again because he says he is feeling old. Smits, who will turn 34 in August, is averaging 12.9 points and 23.4 minutes--his lowest totals since the 1990-91 season.

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Darell Garretson, a former referee and supervisor of officials, pleaded guilty in Phoenix to filing a false income tax return. Sentencing is scheduled for June 26. . . . Atlanta Hawk forward Roshown McLeod was arrested on simple battery charges for allegedly shoving his pregnant girlfriend in Marietta, Ga.