Manning Makes Points in NBA Debut

Danny Manning, the first player selected in the 1988 National Basketball Assn. draft, became the last player to sign when he put his name on a 5-year, $10.5-million contract with the Clippers before Saturday night’s home opener against the Phoenix Suns at the Sports Arena.

“We wished it would have happened sooner, but we’re happy he’s here and we just want to go forward and forget what happened in the past,” said Elgin Baylor, Clipper general manager.

Donald Sterling, Clipper owner, was happy to finally have his top pick signed, sealed and delivered.

“I like him a lot,” Sterling said after Manning came off the bench to score 12 points in his NBA debut. “He plays every dimension of the game. I’m happy he’s a Clipper.”

Manning was in Toledo, Ohio, when he received word that his agent, Ron Grinker, had reached agreement on a contract with the Clippers Friday. He drove to Cincinnati, where he was staying at Grinker’s home during the negotiations, and flew here Saturday. Manning, who did not participate in the Clippers’ training camp, barely had time to look at a playbook before being thrust into the game.

“I was excited. I drove 4 1/2 hours to get to Toledo but I had to turn around and get right back,” the 6-foot 10-inch, 230-pound forward said during a pregame news conference. “But it was well worth it.”

Manning didn’t receive a warm welcome from the crowd of 13,826 when he was introduced before the game during a glitzy opening-night ceremony. Fans, apparently angered by Manning’s lengthly holdout, booed when he was introduced.

“He’s making $522 a minute,” said Mitch Razook, who has held season tickets since the team moved here in 1984.

Said Steve Larochelle, another long-time Clipper season ticket-holder: “I think he should have put up numbers (good statistics) before they paid him that kind of money.”

Asked if he was nervous in his pro debut, Manning said: “It’s setting in now. My hands are clammy. That’s why they’re in my pocket. But I’m looking forward to it.”

The Clippers were looking forward to finally having Manning, who led Kansas to the 1988 National Collegiate Athletic Assn. championship before his disappointing showing in the Seoul Olympics.

Manning, who had been idle since the Olympics ended last month, took aerobic classes to stay in shape during the layoff.

Coach Gene Shue, whose team opened the season by losing 3 of its first 4 games on the road, was happy to welcome Manning to the fold but warned that it will take time for him to adjust.

“We really need him badly,” Shue said. “It’s going to be hard on him. He’s not going to come in right away and make things happen. It’s going to take time.”

Manning, spent the first 7 minutes 25 seconds of the game on the bench next to Greg Kite, the Clippers’ backup center.

Manning finally entered the game with 4:35 remaining in the opening quarter and the Clippers ahead, 15-14.

After missing his first 4 shots, Manning got his first basket with 37 seconds left in the first half on a follow shot after Norm Nixon missed a jumper from the corner.

It was a start.