IS TODAY'S NBA THE BONG SHOW?

The Bulls are flying high after winning three of their six games since the
All-Star break, but they're not flying as high as Charles Oakley's recent
comment would suggest.

The former Bulls power forward estimated that 60 percent of the NBA uses
marijuana.

"That estimate is definitely too high," Bulls second-year forward Elton
Brand said. "I know my teammates, and there are people I've been around,
and I've been to parties, and I know 60 percent is definitely too high."

But Brand's not naive, and he respects Oakley's sage wisdom.

"[Oakley's] a veteran player--he's been around during the '80s, '90s and
2000s, so I'm sure he's seen a lot," Brand said. "But I don't know why you
would come out with that statement."

Oakley told the New York Post the problem has gotten out of hand.

"You got guys out there playing high every night," Oakley told the
newspaper. "You got 60 percent of your league on marijuana. What can you do?"

NBA commissioner David Stern told the Post that if Oakley had any evidence,
he should turn it into the league. But Oakley doesn't sound like he
believes the league is working to correct the problem. He called the
league's drug-testing policy a joke.

The NBA began testing players for marijuana last season. Rookies are tested
three times a season and veterans once.

Like Oakley, Brand cares about the image of his league, which is why he
would rather not have that type of perception surface.

"I don't think it will hurt us, but it's a bad stigma," he said. "You don't
want to be viewed as drug addicts."

Bulls guard Fred Hoiberg, who spent his first four seasons with the Indiana
Pacers, has seen no evidence to support Oakley's claim.

"I just see what's on this team, and it's not a problem on this team,"
Hoiberg said. "Charles has always been an outspoken guy who says what's on
his mind, but I don't see it on this team.

"And I know it wasn't a problem at Indiana. Those are the two situations
I've been in."

NOTES: Ron Mercer practiced Sunday with torn ligaments in his left ankle.
Mercer missed the three games before Saturday's with the injury, then sat
out the second half of the 90-75 win over Vancouver. He's doubtful for
tonight's game, and he said he may have to consider arthroscopic surgery.

* Mike Bibby's 17 assists for the Grizzlies set a United Center record.

* Ron Artest continued his post-All-Star hot streak with 19 points, seven
assists and eight steals.