Union Is Outraged Over Baker Memo

The NBA sent a memo to all 29 teams telling them they cannot sign forward Vin Baker until his arbitration case is decided, prompting an angry response Tuesday from the players’ union.

“It is outrageous for the NBA to prevent Vin Baker from signing with any NBA club,” union Director Billy Hunter said. “The league’s action is a clear admission that Vin is not only fit to play professional basketball, but there are numerous teams willing to sign him today.”

Baker’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, said the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat all remained interested in Baker, though he would not make a choice until he was cleared to sign a contract.

“I just think the kid should be able to play basketball. Other than that, I don’t have a comment,” Goodwin said.

The union filed a grievance last month with arbitrator Roger Kaplan after the Boston Celtics terminated the final 2 1/2 seasons of Baker’s contract. No hearing date has been set.

Baker was scheduled to earn $35 million over the remainder of his contract. At the time of the termination, he had sat out 10 games while on suspension for violating terms of his alcohol treatment program.

League spokesman Tim Frank confirmed the memo was issued. It explained that if Baker won his arbitration case, his contract would be reinstated and he’d return to the Celtics.

“He can’t sign with someone else if there’s a chance of going back to the same contract,” Frank said.

The union said it would seek a telephone hearing today with Kaplan asking for an immediate judgment invalidating the NBA’s memo and clearing Baker to sign.

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The Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson is expected to return tonight against the Knicks.

Iverson sat out the last four games because of a bruised shoulder.

Forward Glenn Robinson, sidelined the last two games by a sore elbow, would be a game-time decision, the team said.

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Rod Strickland was waived Monday by the Orlando Magic, giving the veteran point guard the opportunity to sign with a playoff team.

Strickland, 37, requested and received his release. He had to be waived before midnight Monday if he was to be eligible for the postseason.

Strickland averaged 6.8 points and four assists in 46 games for Orlando.

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Former Laker forward Corie Blount was waived by the Chicago Bulls, three days after being put on the injured list....Guard Bryce Drew was waived by the New Orleans Hornets, one day after he was put on the injured list for the team to activate David Wesley.