Rockets Suspend Griffin

Houston Rocket forward Eddie Griffin was suspended indefinitely after he failed to show up for practice before Thursday night’s exhibition game against the visiting Sacramento Kings.

The suspension came a day after Coach Jeff Van Gundy met with Griffin to discuss another no-show. The third-year player missed the team’s flight to Sacramento on Monday night.

“He didn’t show up again today, so we suspended him for conduct detrimental to the team,” Van Gundy said. “Hopefully, he’ll get himself together and get back and rejoin us soon.

“He’s an integral part of what we’re trying to do, and yet what’s going on is totally unacceptable.”

Griffin told the Houston Chronicle on Wednesday that he missed the trip because of personal reasons. Griffin skipped a home game last season too, and gave the same reason.

Van Gundy said he knows the source of Griffin’s problem but would not discuss it. He said Griffin would be suspended until the issue was resolved.

In another move, the Rockets signed forward Anthony Miller, whose four previous NBA teams include the Rockets and Lakers.

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Washington Wizard swingman Jerry Stackhouse will have right knee surgery Tuesday, with the outcome determining when he will return to the lineup.

Stackhouse, who hasn’t played or practiced in a week, was diagnosed with a condition that has deteriorated the lining on the back of his kneecap. The knee has bothered him since the final weeks of last season.

Stackhouse was the Wizards’ leading scorer last season.

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As expected, Bernie Bickerstaff, 58, was hired as the first coach and general manager of the Charlotte Bobcats, who begin play in the 2004-05 season.

Bickerstaff, who has a coaching record of 338-348 in Seattle, Denver and Washington, said he plans to coach “as long as it’s fun,” but that he and team vice president Ed Tapscott have an understanding that he could step down as coach and retain the general manager’s title.