1.   Now we know why veteran Celtics guard Dee Brown asked to be traded.

2.   Already the Trail Blazers dealt for veteran shooting guard Steve Smith in the off-season and rid themselves of Isaiah Rider and Jim Jackson.

3.   And the shortage could be aggravated next month by an exodus of veteran guards enticed by a new retirement plan, some lawmakers and inmate advocates warn.

4.   Anderson, Barros, and Mercer are the only true veteran guards on the roster.

5.   Another unemployed playmaker is veteran Phoenix guard Kevin Johnson, whose marquee name has been linked to suitors with higher profiles.

6.   As the Los Angeles Lakers ponder a possible extended rest for veteran guard Ron Harper, coach Phil Jackson will rest easy knowing his offense can survive the absence.

7.   Baltimore bolstered its shaky offensive line by trading for veteran guard Everett Lindsay of Minnesota.

8.   Before he reported for training camp with the Spurs in San Antonio, the veteran shooting guard Chuck Person showed up.

9.   After drilling three consecutive jumpers over Spurs veteran guard Vinny Del Negro, San Antonio was forced to double-team him.

10.   But the chances of that player being veteran shooting guard Mitch Richmond are fading barring a sudden, multiple-team deal.