Good Veteran Presence for young C's?

[MetNut9@aol.com]

MARIO ELIE isn't planning to return to San Antonio next season. The free agent-to-be recently told me he realizes his days as a starter are all but over. Finding an NBA job for another two years is his objective. Currently the fourth-oldest starter (37) in the league (three championships rings to his credit in nine previous seasons), Elie sees himself as an 8-to-10 minute player for a team like the Bulls or the Warriors, where his primary function would be to mentor the youngest players. After that? Perhaps an assistant coaching position.