CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK: A DEAL FOR DOUGLAS IS NOT DEAD YET.Byline: Randy Hill The eyes of a nation remain focused on Washington, where the contentious relationship between Rod Strickland Rodney "Rod" Strickland (born July 11 1966, in the Bronx, New York) is a former American professional basketball player most notably in the NBA. Early career A native of the South Bronx, who played for the nationally known New York Gauchos, while a junior he led Truman and the Wizards (well, his agent, David Falk David B. Falk (born 1950)[1][2] is an American sports agent who primarily works with NBA players. He is best known for representing sports icon Michael Jordan for the entirety of Jordan's career. , and their owner, Abe Pollin Abe Pollin (born December 3, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is the current owner of the NBA's Washington Wizards, and former owner of the NHL's Washington Capitals and WNBA's Washington Mystics. Pollin graduated from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. ) may be keeping the engine of Sherman Douglas Sherman Douglas (born September 15 1966, in Washington, D.C., U.S.A.) is an American former professional basketball player from Syracuse University who played for the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. from 1989 to 1992. on idle. Douglas, New Jersey's free-agent point guard, still may end up as the No. 1 floor leader in Washington if Strickland is moved. Meanwhile, the Nets have hired Eric Murdock Eric Lloyd Murdock (born June 14 1968 in Somerville, New Jersey, U.S.) is an American former professional basketball player who was selected by the Utah Jazz in the 1st round (21st overall) of the 1991 NBA Draft. to take Douglas' place as insurance for Sam Cassell Samuel (Sam) James Cassell (born November 18, 1969 in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American professional basketball player who currently plays point guard for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers. , and the Clippers - a leading player in the Sherman Sweepstakes - re-signed incumbent Darrick Martin. But this doesn't guarantee that Douglas won't become a Clipper. According to a league source, that window hasn't closed. The Clippers still have $3.2 million in beneath-the-salary-cap booty, which should be more than enough for a 32-year-old reserve point guard. But the cap room could be saved and used to facilitate a deal. ``Kandi'' gram: While the official liberation date of top draft pick Michael Olowokandi remains Feb. 15, the Clippers are hoping the 7-foot-1 rookie can be sprung a bit sooner. Olowokandi, whose contract with Italy's Kinder Bologna has an escape clause, may be able to break out after a game on Feb. 4. Kinder may go a bit more gently on this issue because Olowokandi could be replaced by Sean Marks, a 6-foot-10 rookie from Cal. Marks, like Olowokandi, is represented by agent Bill Duffy, who still couldn't be reached for comment. Juaquin in place: Former Lynwood High and Long Beach State forward Juaquin Hawkins is one of five free agents in camp. The 6-foot-7 lefty has been going places since finishing his college career in 1996. The itinerary: Lakers camp, seven months in Taiwan, four months in China, a season with the Long Island Surf of the USBL USBL United States Basketball League USBL Ultra-Short Baseline (acoustic positioning system) and . . . a tour with the Harlem Globetrotters. Hawkins, who brings a reputation for defense, was traveling with the Globetrotters when the Clippers called. With NBA NBA abbr. 1. National Basketball Association 2. National Boxing Association NBA (US) n abbr (= National Basketball Association) → Basketball-Dachverband (= teams allowed to keep 14 players for the season's first two weeks, Hawkins likes his chances to stick. ``I'm really optimistic,'' he said. ``There are a lot of good players here, but I feel like I'm a good player, too. I'm just thankful that they (Clippers) were nice enough to invite me.'' Free hoops: The Clippers' public scrimmage will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., Feb. 2 at the Sports Arena. Admission and parking are free. The Clippers Spirit dance team will be dancing and an interactive fun zone will be open. CAPTION(S): 2 Photos PHOTO (1) DOUGLAS (2) MARTIN |
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