Benjamin Impresses Chaney in Practice

With lottery fever running high in town, it wasn’t at all surprising that the Clippers were excited Friday to finally cash in their prize from last May’s National Basketball Assn. draft.

Benoit Benjamin, the 7-foot center whom the Clippers selected third overall in the draft lottery, practiced with the club for the first time Friday after missing the first five days of training camp while his contract was being negotiated.

The Clippers agreed to pay him $800,000 a year for four years. After signing his contract Thursday night in New York, Benjamin arrived in Los Angeles at 2:30 Friday morning. He had a physical examination at 7 and was at practice by 11. “But I was amazed how agile he is for a big man,” Chaney said. “I like big guys who aren’t stiffs. He’s not a mechanical player. In fact, I’m already considering using him at power forward some with James (Donaldson, 7-2) at center.” Benjamin’s first day of practice went well, considering that he didn’t know the Clipper offense and that it was the first time he ever went against NBA-caliber players. “I don’t think he is a true 7-footer, now that I’ve seen him out there with the other players,” Chaney said. “But, with his shoes on, he probably measures 7 feet.”

Clipper Notes Free-agent guard Norm Nixon, still unsigned, has at least been heard from. Coach Don Chaney has talked with Nixon and said Nixon is eager to resume contract negotiations. But Nixon, 30, is still asking for $800,000 a year for four years. . . . The Clippers will play their second exhibition game tonight at 7:30 at Rancho Santiago College (formerly known as Santa Ana College) against the Golden State Warriors.