Rod Thorn got to see only the final half-hour or so of the session. But it was enough to brighten his week.
Yesterday, Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin both returned to practice for the first time in nearly two weeks. Martin could play tonight against Eddie Jordan's Wizards depending on how the tendinitis in his left knee feels this morning.

Kidd, nursing a bone bruise in his left knee, is further away from playing. However, the fact that he has been cleared to practice a week and a half after he went on the injured list - when there was speculation of possible surgery - is encouraging for a team that has lost seven of its last nine games.

"(Martin) and Jason looked good. That's a step in the right direction," Thorn, the Nets CEO, said as he knocked on the wall for good luck. "(Kidd) seemed to be moving pretty freely."

"I'm not going to rush back," said Martin, who has watched the Nets go 1-5 without their two All-Stars. "It can only make it worse if I do that. I made one move and it bothered me. I had to stop real quick. Besides that it felt good.

"It will take more than two or three games to get into a groove. If it is not (tonight), then it will be soon. So we will see."

Mark Blount's eyesight was fine yesterday, but his mood was still a tad on edge. The Celtics center took Jason Collins' left hand to his face late in Monday night's victory in New Jersey, and he's still ticked that it was judged to be nothing more than a common foul.

``He hit me in my face, man,'' Blount said, defending his right to be angry. ``I mean, what if I couldn't come in here this morning? What if I can't play tomorrow? What is that going to do for me?

``It's my right eye. What can I do? They're not hiring any blind reporters are they?''

Upon further review, Blount thinks there was room to call a flagrant foul.

``They had a chance to clear it up and they didn't clear it up,'' he said. ``That's why I was upset. The refs were standing right there. The ball was going out of my hands and they were towards my face. The ball was nowhere near my face.''

SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) Riddled with worn parts and debris, Jayson Williams' shotgun was ``an accident waiting to happen,'' a weapons expert for the retired NBA star testified at his manslaughter trial.

Although the judge told the jury to disregard that comment, much of the testimony gave support to the defense claim that Williams accidentally shot and killed a van driver after snapping shut the shotgun. The defense also maintains the model was prone to malfunction.

The expert, Richard N. Ernest, said the firing mechanism was worn and contained wood chips, rust and oil, making it able to discharge without the trigger being pulled.

With the aid of enlarged photos projected on two screens, Ernest gave the jury a course on the tiny pieces that link the trigger to the firing pin in Williams' 1993 Browning Citori 12-gauge double-barreled shotgun. He noted locations where metal had worn away due to use, and described the small dimensions involved.

For instance, he pointed to the area in which two of those components, the hammer and the sear, meet. In a new Citori, the hammer is restrained from striking the firing pin by a ledge of metal on the sear that measures only 14 to 16 thousandths of an inch _ the width of three sheets of typing paper _ Ernest said.

But the wear on Williams' gun has reduced the contact area of the metal, he said: ``These surfaces are not going to be able to mate together properly, and they are hanging by a thread.''

``The more rounded these surfaces become, the easier it is for the weapon to malfunction,'' said Ernest, a former crime scene investigator with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who now owns Alliance Forensic Laboratory in Fort Worth, Texas.

State Police Detective Sgt. James Ryan, the prosecution expert who tested Williams' gun, has testified that the weapon operated properly, firing only when the trigger was pressed and the safety was off.

But Ernest raised questions about Ryan's competence, saying that Ryan was unaware of testing procedures in place for two decades, and suggested the officer did not know how to disassemble the weapon.

In addition, he said a shell in the lower barrel of the shotgun cannot be seen even by the holder of the weapon when it is cracked three-quarters open. That cast doubt on the credibility of a prosecution witness, former Williams teammate Benoit Benjamin, who said he was standing several feet from Williams and saw a shell in the lower barrel.

Ernest is to continue testifying when the trial resumes Monday. He is expected to describe how he induced misfires in a similar Browning Citori as that used by Williams.

Over prosecution objections, state Superior Court Judge Edward M. Coleman ruled Thursday the jury could determine what weight to give Ernest's experiments.

During a hearing without the jury present, Ernest said testing showed that the shotgun he acquired malfunctioned in 70 of 100 attempts when a wood chip was placed in a specific portion of the firing mechanism.

First Assistant Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven C. Lember said the test was not relevant, noting Ernest said it could not be replicated outside a laboratory and that Ernest never found a wood chip in that location in Williams gun.

The hearing was watched by Will Griffin, a lawyer for Browning Arms Co., which is based in Mountain Green, Utah. Afterward, he said Ernest often testifies against gun makers and that ``there's no basis in fact for any of the opinions that he's attempting to offer.''

The shooting of driver Costas ``Gus'' Christofi happened as Williams gave a tour of his Alexandria Township mansion to friends and members of the Harlem Globetrotters in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2002.

In addition to aggravated manslaughter, Williams, 36, is charged with altering evidence and persuading his houseguests to lie by saying they were downstairs when Christofi shot himself.

The eight charges carry penalties of up to 55 years in prison. The least of the charges carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison, but would likely result in probation.

Williams had gone with some friends to see a Harlem Globetrotters game in Bethlehem, Pa. Christofi had driven four Globetrotters from the game to a restaurant near the Williams estate for dinner with Williams and most of the group. They then went to the mansion in Alexandria Township.

Williams retired from the New Jersey Nets in 2000 after a decade in the NBA, unable to overcome a broken leg suffered a year earlier in a collision with a teammate. He was suspended from his job as an NBA analyst for NBC after the shooting.

SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) A weapons expert will be allowed to testify for the defense in the Jayson Williams manslaughter trial about how he induced misfires in the same model of shotgun that the retired NBA star was holding when it fired as he snapped it shut, killing a chauffeur.

Over prosecution objections, state Superior Court Judge Edward M. Coleman said Thursday the jury could determine what weight to give experiments performed by the expert, Richard Ernest.

During a hearing without the jury present, Ernest said testing showed that the Browning Citori 12-gauge shotgun malfunctioned in 70 of 100 attempts when a wood chip was placed in a specific portion of the firing mechanism.

The defense maintains that wood chips found in Williams' weapon could have caused an accidental firing.

First Assistant Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven C. Lember said the test was not relevant, noting Ernest said it could not be replicated outside a laboratory and that Ernest never found a wood chip in that location in Williams gun.

The hearing was watched by Will Griffin, a lawyer for Browning, which is based in Mountain Green, Utah. Afterward, he said Ernest often testifies against gun makers and that ``there's no basis in fact for any of the opinions that he's attempting to offer.''

A prosecution expert who tested Williams' gun has testified that the weapon operated properly, firing only when the trigger was pressed and the safety was off.

Ernest began testifying to the jury about noon.

The defense began its case Wednesday, using its first witness, noted forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, to raise questions about the location of one eyewitness and whether Williams attempted to put his shotgun in the hands of a dying man.

``Eyewitness testimony can sometimes be inaccurate at times of high tension,'' said Baden, medical examiner for New York State Police and former medical examiner for the city of New York.

The shooting happened as Williams gave a tour of his Alexandria Township mansion to friends and members of the Harlem Globetrotters in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2002.

In addition to aggravated manslaughter, Williams, 36, is charged with altering evidence and persuading his houseguests to lie by saying they were downstairs when Christofi shot himself.

The eight charges carry penalties of up to 55 years in prison. The least of the charges carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison, but would likely result in probation.

Williams had gone with some friends to see a Harlem Globetrotters game in Bethlehem, Pa. Christofi had driven four Globetrotters from the game to a restaurant near the Williams estate for dinner with Williams and most of the group. They then went to the mansion in Alexandria Township.

Williams from the New Jersey Nets in 2000 after a decade in the NBA, unable to overcome a broken leg suffered a year earlier in a collision with a teammate. He was suspended from his job as an NBA analyst for NBC after the shooting.

SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) Testimony from the first defense witness for Jayson Williams cast doubt on whether an eyewitness was standing as close to Williams as he said when the retired NBA star snapped shut a shotgun, which discharged and killed a chauffeur.

Dr. Michael Baden, a noted forensic pathologist, also said that blood stains on the victim's right palm appear undisturbed. Four prosecution witnesses said Williams tried to place the weapon in the hands of Costas ``Gus'' Christofi moments after the driver was gunned down in Williams bedroom.

``Commonly, when someone shoots someone, eyewitness statements can be wrong,'' Baden said, citing the emotional impact on a viewer.

Baden, the medical examiner for New York State Police and former medical examiner for the city of New York, also raised questions about prosecution witnesses who said they heard Christofi gasp and detected a faint pulse.

``It is my opinion that the heart stopped beating effectively when he was shot, and that he was dead essentially when he hit the floor,'' Baden said.

Baden said he determined that the end of the weapon was 2 to 3 feet from Christofi. Prosecution experts put the distance at between 6 inches and 3 feet.

The longer distance could support defense contentions that Williams was unaware that Christofi had entered his bedroom as he was giving a tour of his mansion to friends and members of the Harlem Globetrotters in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2002.

Baden also said that investigators left Christofi's body in the bedroom for too long, some 12 hours, so that evidence was altered when the now-stiffened body had to be manipulated so it could fit in the body bag. The defense maintains a sloppy and incomplete investigation was done.

The testimony was the first since March 17, when the prosecution rested after calling 36 witnesses.

Since then, the judge read briefs and heard arguments on a series of motions from both sides.

On Tuesday, state Superior Court Judge Edward M. Coleman ruled there was no need for the jury to visit the Williams mansion and see the bedroom where Christofi was gunned down in the early hours of Feb. 14, 2002.

The defense said the tour would help the jurors understand the sightlines and distances described by witnesses. Prosecutor opposed the bid, saying that more than 100 pictures and diagrams would suffice.

Coleman on Tuesday also rejected the routine defense motion to acquit the defendant of all charges, ruling that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence and that it is the jury's job to determine its credibility.

In addition, the judge refused a defense request to have the trial continue only on the four charges dealing with the shooting and have a later trial on the four charges alleging a cover-up.

In addition to aggravated manslaughter, Williams, 36, is charged with altering evidence and persuading his houseguests to lie by saying they were downstairs when Christofi shot himself.

The eight charges carry penalties of up to 55 years in prison. The least of the charges carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison, but would likely result in probation.

Williams had gone with some friends to see a Harlem Globetrotters game in Bethlehem, Pa. Christofi had driven four Globetrotters from the game to a restaurant near the Williams estate for dinner with Williams and most of the group. They then went to the mansion in Alexandria Township.

Williams retired as center of the New Jersey Nets in 2000 after a decade in the NBA, unable to overcome a broken leg suffered a year earlier in a collision with a teammate. He was suspended from his job as an NBA analyst for NBC after the shooting.

Jason Kidd might still have to get surgery on his left knee before the playoffs, a worried Rod Thorn said yesterday.

"We're going to have to see," the Nets CEO said when asked whether surgery had been ruled out after an MRI on Friday revealed a bone bruise. "We're treating him and we'll have to see what happens."

"You have to be concerned," Thorn added before the Kidd-less Nets went out and beat the Bulls, 84-81, last night.

The franchise is concerned about whether Kidd will be available for the playoffs. Thorn said doctors will evaluate Kidd's progress as the point guard gets treatment. Kidd's knee has fluid built up in it, and the Nets want to see how the joint looks in a week.

Thorn said surgery is "always a possibility, but we'll just have to see what happens. I don't think it's natural that you get fluid in your knee. He had a real bad bruise and never really shook it off."

The All-Star point guard said Sunday he wants to avoid surgery at all costs and that if he is advised to have an operation he'll put it off until the offseason.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) An examination of Jason Kidd's left knee showed no new injuries, but the New Jersey Nets' All-Star guard remains in pain and is sidelined indefinitely.

``What we've revealed is that there is no significant change,'' Nets coach Lawrence Frank said Monday of the most recent MRI exam. ``It's being classified as the same. He went to see the doctor again today and we'll see what course they tell him to take. It means more what the doctors say. The good news is that the MRI results aren't worse. The bad news is that he's still in a lot of pain.''

Frank said he wouldn't put a timetable on Kidd's return.

``I can't begin to speculate and I'm not going to be a fortune teller, but if it's extended, then we're going to have to deal with it as a team,'' Frank said. ``We'll just pray for his health and know for sure in three or four days. I want to see what the doctor has to say.''

Kidd said Sunday that if he needs knee surgery, he'll wait until after the Nets are eliminated in the NBA playoffs. Barring a total collapse, the Nets appear a lock to win the Atlantic Division and get the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Kidd was placed on the injured list Friday with a bone bruise. He was not at Monday's practice before the team headed to Chicago.

``I didn't think the news was going to get worse,'' forward Richard Jefferson said. ``I just figured that he was going to take some time off and get healthy. I'm not going to get worried about it. If Jason comes back, he does. If he doesn't, he doesn't.

``But I'm an optimistic idiot. It's not `What if?' We're not dealing with ifs. He's planning on coming back.''

Lucious Harris has moved from reserve into the starting rotation in Kidd's absence.

``If he's out for the year, then it's going to be a very big hole to fill,'' Harris said. ``We'll all have to step our games up that much more. It's kind of a big blow, but I'd rather they be out now and come back healthy.''

All-Star power forward Kenyon Martin has tendinitis in his left knee and will not play Tuesday night against the Bulls. The Nets lost to Dallas on Sunday without Kidd and Martin.

Martin performed resistance exercises after practice Monday, but said he has no timetable for a return.

``It's calmed down a lot and gotten better, but I still need a little more rest,'' Martin said. ``When I feel ready to play, I'll play. I'm not going to come back and try and then set it back and it could be another week. I want to play. I don't want to sit out, but I have to sit out to get better.''

The Nets signed free agent point guard Anthony Goldwire to a 10-day contract. Goldwire has had stints with Charlotte, Denver, San Antonio, Washington and Minnesota, with career averages of 6.6 points and 2.9 assists per game. He has had two 10-day contracts with Minnesota this season and recently had a 10-day contract with Milwaukee.

The Nets also put Hubert Davis on the injured list with patella tendinitis of the left knee.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New Jersey Nets signed guard Anthony Goldwire to a 10-day contract Monday and placed guard Hubert Davis on the injured list with tendinitis in his left knee.

Goldwire appeared in five games with the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, averaging 2.6 points and 13.2 minutes. He also signed a 10-day contract with Milwaukee in late February but did not play in any games.

In 224 career NBA games, Goldwire is averaging 6.6 points and 2.9 assists with Charlotte, Denver, San Antonio, Washington and Minnesota.

Davis averaged less than a point in eight games with New Jersey since signing in late January.

Jason Kidd's MRI results are expected to be announced today or tomorrow. But Kidd already has a diagnosis of his own - no surgery until after the playoffs, if at all.
While Kidd says surgery has not been discussed, the All-Star point guard made it clear he wants to play in the postseason.

"Yeah, if (surgery) was the case I'd want to wait until after the season," Kidd said yesterday of a possible arthroscopic procedure on his bruised left knee. "Yeah, after the playoffs, after we win it (the title)."

The Nets say they will not release Kidd's test results until all their team doctors have looked at them and talked to Kidd about his options.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) New Jersey Nets All-Star guard Jason Kidd hopes a little extended rest will make his aching left knee feel better and get him ready for the playoffs next month.

Kidd, who was placed on the injured list with a bone bruise Friday, said doctors are still looking at an MRI exam to decide whether he needs more than rest.

``Rest has helped in the past,'' Kidd said Sunday before the Nets played the Dallas Mavericks. ``We'll see what a little more rest can do.''

Dr. Michael Kelly, the Nets' orthopedic surgeon, has examined the MRI that Kidd had Friday. Dr. David Altchek of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City will give a second opinion, Kidd said.

Kidd said no one has told either him or Jeff Schwartz, his agent, that he will need athroscopic surgery.

``You go with what the doctors are saying and you kind of take it as a bone bruise and get some rest,'' Kidd said. ``Hopefully, it will heal up real fast.''

Kidd does not know how long potential surgery would sideline him. There is a month left in the regular season.

Kidd said there is no pain when he stands or walks. He said he is doing his best to maintain his conditioning.

``The worst case scenario is probably being 'scoped,'' Kidd said. ``We haven't talked worst. We are being positive.''

Kidd, who is averaging 16 points, an NBA-best 9.5 assists and 6.7 rebounds, insisted he would do all he could to avoid surgery.

``Unless (it was) after the playoff, after we win it,'' said Kidd, who has led the Nets to consecutive Eastern Conference titles.

Kenyon Martin was more optimistic about the tendinitis in his left knee.

``It's still bothers me, but it's calmed down a bit,'' Martin said, adding he hopes to be back in a week or so.