Todd MacCulloch of the Philadelphia 76ers has made his retirement official.  The former University of Washington suffered a crushed nerve in his left foot on February 2nd, 2003 and hasn?t played since.

"I wish it could go on longer," he said. "On the other hand, I was fortunate to play a little bit and have some success."

In his short career, the 7-footer overachieved many analysts expectations having his best season with the Nets in 2001-02 where he averaged 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds on route to reaching the NBA Finals.  

A true center with great hands and solid fundamentals, Todd MacCulloch will be missed.

The Philadelphia 76ers signed forward Josh Davis to an undisclosed contract today.  Mr. Davis averaged 18.7 points and 9.6 rebounds for Idaho last season and in addition to the league?s MVP, Davis was also named the Newcomer of the Year.

This isn?t his first trip to the NBA, Davis appeared in four games for the Hawks last season averaging 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in his short stint.

With Philadelphia already boasting a bulbous roster, the adding of Davis may give some indication as to whether center Todd MacCulloch might retire.

The NBA referees union is close to finalizing a 5-year contract with the league.

"We're continuing to hammer out the details of the collective bargaining agreement," said Lamell McMorris, the referees' attorney. "I believe we are close to negotiating a new contract."

Greg Buckner is a formality away from becoming a member of the Denver Nuggets.

The 28-year-old guard will become a free agent Friday if he clears waivers, which is almost certain considering four years and nearly $13 million remain on his contract.

Buckner and the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a buyout for about $7.5 million to $8 million, leaving him free to sign elsewhere.

Steve Kauffman, Buckner's agent, said Thursday that Denver is his client's first choice.

"He'll get time there," Kauffman said. "They need a player like him. That's where he wants to go."

The 76ers have opted to but-out the remainder of Greg Buckner?s contract after only two of the six seasons had been fulfilled.  In 2002 Buckner inked a 6-year deal worth $18-million and since than is has been downhill for the guard/forward.

It is believed that Buckner received a tad more than $8-million of the remaining $12.9-million of his contract in the buy-out.  He can now sign a fresh contract with another team, and the newly revamped Denver Nuggets are the first team to show sincere interest.

"I think it's the best situation for Greg," Sixers coach Jim O'Brien said. "This gives him a chance to hook on with a team that values what he can offer.?

The Philadelphia 76ers placed guard/forward Greg Buckner on waivers today in a long-anticipated move, freeing up a spot on the Sixers' crowded roster of guaranteed contracts.

The 6'4" Buckner averaged 4.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 128 games as a Sixer in two years. Buckner played for the Dallas Mavericks for three years before signing with Philadelphia in 2002 as a free agent.

The agent for Greg Buckner, Steve Kauffman, remains keen on discussing with 76ers president/general manager Billy King, the possiblitiy of a buyout or trade for Sixers backup guard Greg Buckner.

From various reports, Buckner prefers to play for the surging Nuggets this coming season, where he will back up Voshon Lenard, who will likely begin the season on the injured reserve.

Steve Kaufmann, the agent for Philadelphia 76ers swingman Greg Buckner, said it's possible Buckner could end up in a Nuggets uniform. Kaufmann said the 76ers are considering buying out of the final four years and $12.9 million left on Buckner's contract or trading him. The Nuggets likely would be far more interested in signing Buckner as a free agent.

"(Denver has) really liked him for a while," Kaufmann said. "I won't deny it. It's been something that has been talked about frequently."