Notes on a Scorecard - Feb. 9, 1993

Now that we have been assured that Wayne Gretzky is not going to be sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for future considerations, it is time to ask whether he is struggling because he is (a) rusty, (b) unhappy, (c) skating with teammates who can’t shoot a pea into the ocean, (d) on the downside of his career, or (e) all of the above. . . .

The correct answer would seem to be (e). . . .

After missing nearly half the season because of a back injury, Gretzky is averaging a point per game. That would be fine except that he has averaged two points a game during his NHL career. . . .

He has scored only two goals and had only 34 shots on goal during 14 games for a team that is badly in need of firepower. . . .

The Kings, who rocketed to their best start ever, slumped to 4-7-3 during their 14 games previous to Gretzky’s return. They are 4-9-1 since. . . .

His friend Paul Coffey recently was traded. So much for the theory that Gretzky dictated every King deal. He hated this one. Reports from the All-Star game weekend were that he wasn’t his usual, hockey-ambassador self. . . .

At 32, Gretzky is no kid. Attrition began to show last season when he was limited to the lowest goal and point totals of his NHL career. . . .

All those years in the spotlight as a pee wee and junior hockey prodigy, the lengthy NHL schedules, and the numerous Stanley Cup and Canada Cup tournament campaigns might be taking their toll on a body that never has been confused with that of Mr. Olympia. . . .

With a 6-foot-7 forward such as Chris Mullin injured, most teams would get bigger. The Golden State Warriors got smaller against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. . . .

The Warrior starting lineup: 6-5 Jeff Grayer and 6-5 Latrell Sprewell at forwards, 6-9 Tyrone Hill at center, 6-5 Sarunas Marciulionis and 6-foot Tim Hardaway at guards. . . .

No wonder Coach Don Nelson went into a 24-second shot clock version of a delay game. . . .

None of the first-round NBA draft choices from the Pacific 10--Adam Keefe, Harold Miner, Don MacLean or Tracy Murray--is making an impact, but second-round pick Sean Rooks has been a surprise for the Dallas Mavericks. . . .

Charlotte Hornet center Alonzo Mourning would be a bona fide rookie-of-the-year candidate if this were not the year of Shaquille O’Neal. . . .

You tell me why NBA shooters fouled beyond the three-point line don’t get three free throws. . . .

Every time I climb into my car, I think about Clipper announcer Ralph Lawler. That way I remember to fasten my seat belt. . . .

Calbert Cheaney of Indiana, who is doing more for his team than anyone else, would be voted player of the year if the balloting were conducted today. . . .

Look-alikes: John Sununu and Jerry Pimm. . . .

Arizona forward Chris Mills was wise to pass up the opportunity to file for the draft as a junior last season. Mills, who will be a big guard in the pros, is having an outstanding year, plays under tremendous control, and might be a lottery choice. . . .

Tight end Pete Metzelaars of the Buffalo Bills holds the NCAA basketball record for field-goal percentage among those who have made at least 400 in a career. He shot 72.4% for Division III Wabash from 1979-82. . . .

Among the most underrated players this season are Cincinnati guard Nick Van Exel, Virginia Commonwealth forward Kendrick Warren and Boston College center Billy Curley. . . .

Kevin Costner’s appearance in the Santa Anita paddock Sunday caused more of a stir than his horse, Proudtobetogether, which finished next to last in the sixth race at odds of 31-1. . . .

There is still too much time between races at Santa Anita, where the advertised post time is rarely observed. . . .

It is remarkable how brave some fighters become after they get knocked out in the first round. . . .

Because they were so sick of hearing about NFC domination of the Super Bowl, the AFC players celebrated their overtime Pro Bowl win Sunday as though it was something important. . . .

Not one of them had booked an early flight out of Honolulu. . . .

All three Americans who have run a mile faster than 3:50--Steve Scott, Joe Falcon, and Jim Spivey--will compete in that event at the Sunkist meet Feb. 20 at the Sports Arena. . . .

Ben Johnson said recently in a television interview that “all top athletes still take anabolic steroids.” I hope that means Johnson doesn’t consider himself a top athlete. . . .

After Manning Wein, 90, quit at the 19-mile mark of the 1992 L.A. Marathon, he said he shouldn’t have gone ballroom dancing the night before.