AROUND THE NBA

Rik Smits, the 7-foot-4 center who played more games for the Indiana Pacers than any player except Reggie Miller, said the foot problems that plagued him in a disappointing season led to his retirement.

“I always felt like I would retire at or near the top,” Smits said during a news conference at Conseco Fieldhouse. “This past year, I felt I went a little over the top. I said from the beginning as soon as I’m going downhill or I’m over the hill, I’d like to call it quits.”

Smits, wouldn’t rule out a comeback with the Pacers, provided his feet feel better.

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Jerome Moiso, who left UCLA after his sophomore year, has signed with the Boston Celtics, who made him the 11th overall pick. Under terms of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, his contract is worth about $3.93 million over three years. The 6-foot-10, 235-pound Moiso started 30 of 33 games for the Bruins last season. He led the team with a 6.7 rebounding average and 55 blocked shots while finishing second in scoring with 13 points per game. In his two seasons at UCLA, Moiso averaged 12 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots. . . . The Sacramento Kings signed Coach Rick Adelman to a contract extension through the 2001-02 season. . . . Cleveland placed forward Lari Ketner on waivers after he agreed to a contract the team had previously offered. The 6-foot-10 Ketner played under two 10-day contracts with the Cavaliers last season and was signed for the remainder of the season on March 13. . . . . . . The Milwaukee Bucks signed forward Mark Pope and guard Roberto Bergersen.