RELIEVED ROBERTS RIPS FITCH, CLIPS: OUT-OF-SHAPE EX-CENTER SAYS COACH TORE HIM DOWN.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

Stanley Roberts, who surprised no one when he said he had an unfulfilling five-year career as the Clippers center, placed part of the blame on his former coach, Bill Fitch.

Roberts is excited after being traded last week to the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving behind a string of injuries and clashes with Fitch. Their relationship often was so strained that it figured Roberts might unload on his way out of town.

``He basically tried to ruin my life,'' Roberts said this week. ``It's tough reading your coach ripping you up in the papers. He gave me no support. Not until he got here was my weight an issue. He made up anything to say about me, then he expected me to work hard and not say a word.

``I can say these things now because I'm gone.''

Roberts played in just 83 games (one game more than a full NBA season) in the past four years because of injuries. He ruptured both Achilles' tendons, causing him to miss 68 games in 1993-94 and the entire '94-95 season. In '95-96, he averaged seven points in 51 games, missing 23 games with a sprained ankle.

Last season, he reported to camp late because of a death in the family and never clicked with Fitch. He was kicked out of camp briefly after an argument with the coach, was placed on the injured list 16 games into the season and played just 18 games because of a nagging back injury.

Roberts claims he told Clippers officials about the back injury in training camp, but nothing was done.

``They question my desire, but how many people do you know would play with two ruptured discs?'' Roberts said. ``I was never healthy and the Clippers didn't care. They just played me until I couldn't play anymore. They gave me shots like a horse. When a horse is no longer good, they shoot him. They might as well have done the same thing.''

Roberts' fun-loving attitude didn't play well with Fitch's no-nonsense style. Fitch is enamored with Roberts' potential but incensed that Roberts did such a poor job of conditioning.

When the Clippers traded Roberts for 7-foot-2 Stojko Vrankovic, Fitch said the biggest upside to the European center was his health, something always in question with Roberts.

Roberts' poor condition combined with nagging injuries prevented him from playing more than 51 games in the past four seasons. However, he claims he was brought down further by Fitch, who constantly criticized him to the team and media.

``Because of the fact I really never got to play, it's a new start,'' said Roberts, who passed a physical for Minnesota on Tuesday. ``I'm happy to be away from Fitch. I don't have to hear no more lies from their mouths and about my weight.''

Fitch, trying to complete the club's resurgence after a playoff season in 1996, felt he could no longer depend on Roberts. Last year, rookie Lorenzen Wright, 300-pound Kevin Duckworth and Bo Outlaw played center. Fitch wanted to make sure it didn't happen again.

``I'm sorry he feels that way,'' Fitch said about Roberts. ``I tried my best to do everything I could with him. I have always said he has more talent in his pinky finger than most centers do in their whole body. But I tried my best and I won't lose any sleep over the situation.''

Roberts made a positive impression when he was introduced to the Minnesota media. With the signing of center Dean Garrett in question, Roberts could become a starter. General manager Kevin McHale and coach Flip Saunders have already talked to Roberts about his health and his dedication.

``Kevin showed me some new moves and laid down what they expect,'' Roberts said. ``It's a breath of fresh air. It's not the negativity I've experienced in the past few years.''

The trade ended five years of frustration for the Clippers, who hoped Roberts could be one of the NBA's top centers. The organization has grown during the past three seasons. Depending on who you ask, Fitch's recent two-year contract extension cements the club's promising future or ensures that several players will eventually depart.

``I feel sorry for the guys who are still there,'' Roberts said. ``Pooh Richardson says something to the papers and he sits for the rest of the season. Other players have to be quiet because they know what will happen if they talk. But (Fitch) can say anything he wants to anyone he wants and we have to sit their and listen. I feel sorry for my (ex-)teammates.''

Roberts said he'll move from L.A. back to Florida in the offseason and report to Minneapolis Sept. 1, a month before training camp.

``I'm not in basketball shape but way ahead of what I was for the last four years,'' Roberts said. ``My back hasn't been giving me any problems and my timing and everything is back. I have dedicated myself to that.''

Meanwhile, Fitch, who is excited about drafting Michigan's Maurice Taylor, will try to repeat last season's playoff appearance in the treacherous Western Conference.

``If Stanley is glad to be out of here, then we did the right thing,'' Fitch said. ``We have a lot of young guys here ready to play that will want to win for this organization. I am ready to coach them. They're guys with positive attitudes and healthy bodies. That's something worth talking about.''

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO (color) When healthy, ex-Clippers center Stanley Roberts can compete against anyone.

Phil McCarten / Daily News