Pacers sign Artest, Bender to extensions

Indianapolis Indiana signed guard Ron Artest and forward Jonathan Bender to contract extensions on Thursday, just beating an NBA deadline. Pacers president Donnie Walsh said the extensions were multiyear deals. Terms were not disclosed.

Artest has career averages of 12.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 203 games. Bender has averaged 5.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 161 games.

The Pacers signed Jeff Foster to a six-year extension on Tuesday. Finalizing these deals will make it easier for the Pacers to work on contract extensions with Reggie Miller, Brad Miller, Jermaine O’Neal and Erick Strickland all eligible for free agency at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, injured point guard Jamaal Tinsley practiced Thursday and said he is ready to play. Tinsley sat out Wednesday’s season opener because of a sprained left ankle.

Warriors sign Rucker to improve depth

Oakland, Calif. Golden State bolstered its depleted roster by signing forward/center Guy Rucker on Thursday. Rucker was cut by the Lakers during training camp. The 6-foot-11 Rucker played three seasons at Iowa and played professionally in Europe.

The Warriors beat San Antonio 106-98 in their opener Wednesday with 11 players. Bob Sura and Chris Mills began the season on the injured list, while forward Danny Fortson has been away from the team after his father died. In addition, Steve Logan is holding out in a contract dispute.

Hawks sign forward

Atlanta Atlanta placed center Nazr Mohammed on the injured list because of a stress fracture in his right foot and signed free-agent forward Amal McCaskill on Thursday.

Grant recovering

Orlando, Fla. Orlando forward Horace Grant could be out until December because his left knee has not healed from arthroscopic surgery he had almost seven weeks ago. Grant said he could be out 10 days to a month.