CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK: RICHARDSON IS CONFIDENT BUT UNSURE OF FUTURE.Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer With the same smile and laid-back attitude as always, Pooh Richardson Jerome "Pooh" Richardson (born May 14 1966 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American former National Basketball Association (NBA) player. The 6'1" point guard was taken by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the tenth overall pick of the 1989 NBA Draft out of UCLA. is preparing at Clippers camp like any other season. But it isn't. Richardson isn't quite sure what to expect in playing time this year. After being benched, his trade requests went unrealized because no one wants to absorb the three remaining years on his deal. However, that hasn't changed his attitude or confidence. ``I don't think I have anything to prove,'' said Richardson, coming off career-low averages of 5.6 points and 2.9 assists. ``I'm in great shape. I feel good. And I know I can still contribute to this team.'' Richardson was unhappy last season because he lost his starting job to Darrick Martin Darrick David Martin (born March 6, 1971 in Denver, Colorado, United States) is an American professional basketball player, currently with the NBA's Toronto Raptors. Martin has became known as a solid veteran who provided quality minutes as a reserve, maintaining a career free and his reserve minutes were inconsistent. In February, Richardson was outspoken about how he was being treated by Clippers coach Bill Fitch William Fitch (born May 19 1934 in Davenport, Iowa) is a former NBA coach who has been successful in making teams playoff contenders throughout his coaching career. Before entering the professional ranks he coached college ball at the University of Minnesota, Bowling Green State and played more than 20 minutes just twice the rest of the season. There was a 12-game stretch when he played just 56 minutes. Richardson did not see action in a career-high 18 games. Now, with newly signed James Robinson expected to challenge Martin at point guard, Richardson's role is undetermined. ``Pooh's doing OK,'' Fitch said. ``I can't really say anything until camp is over. But I like the depth of our backcourt back·court n. 1. Sports a. The part of a court between the service line and the base line in tennis and other net games. b. . We have talent there and Robinson will help.'' With $9 million still due to Richardson over the next three years, the Years, The the seven decades of Eleanor Pargiter’s life. [Br. Lit.: Benét, 1109] See : Time Clippers are having a hard time moving the former UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX star. Richardson said after the playoffs he would not tolerate another tumultuous season. ``I don't know Don't know (DK, DKed) "Don't know the trade." A Street expression used whenever one party lacks knowledge of a trade or receives conflicting instructions from the other party. what to expect this season,'' Richardson said. ``I'm coming in here ready to compete and we'll see. Whether I play or not is out of my control.'' Beefed up: Martin reported to camp at 184 pounds, 12 heavier than his playing weight last year. And it's all muscle. Martin's new bulk was evident when he worked out in a jersey, showing a summer's worth of weightlifting. Fitch suggested Martin get stronger during the offseason, sensing his point guard grew tired toward the end of last year. ``I worked out with my trainer and I did all the things to gain weight and muscle to get ready,'' said Martin. |
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