K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune writes a nice piece about power forward Charles Oakley and his prolonged career in the NBA.  Missing only 11 games in the last 5 years, most of which came through suspension not injury, and logging large minutes, Bulls coach Tim Floyd has teenage rookies Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry near Oakley at every opportunity in practice trying for some of Oakley's work ethic to rub off onto the youngsters.

"It doesn't matter if I'm in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Alabama or Detroit, I just go running in the early morning or really late at night," Oakley said. "I run the streets of Cleveland at some crazy hours. If I'm at a hotel, I'll run the steps" said Oakley.  "Oak's like anybody else?he has injuries and pains. But he doesn't miss practices or games," said teammate Greg Anthony. "He does all the dirty work. He dives on the floor for loose balls. He's there to take up a teammate's back if there's an altercation. He doesn't back down from anyone."

The reason for his approach, says Oakley, is simple.  "I have a contract. I honor my contract. I don't want the younger kids to think that because I'm older I get special treatment. I want to go through what they go through. That's why I've been around so long. I'm dedicated."