After Weighing His Performance, Clippers Bid Williams Goodby

The Clippers have given up on forward John Williams, announcing Wednesday that they will not exercise the option on his contract for next season. Williams, who was due to earn $1.5 million in 1994-95, becomes an unrestricted free agent, and the Clippers can sign another player with Williams’ 1993-94 salary slot of $1.1 million.

Williams’ weight problem has jeopardized his NBA career. He ballooned to 330 pounds last summer, was suspended and sent to a weight-loss clinic at Duke in October. Williams, who lost nearly 60 pounds, also lost $563,414.62 because of the 42-game suspension.

Williams was inconsistent after being activated Feb. 4, averaging 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a career-low 5.6 points in 34 games. He reportedly weighed 294 pounds at season’s end.

Acquired from the Washington Bullets for the draft rights to former UCLA forward Don MacLean and backup center William Bedford on Oct. 8, 1992, Williams averaged 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 109 games as a Clipper.

MacLean was voted the NBA’s most-improved player last season, boosting his scoring average from 6.6 points to a team-high 18.2. He also plays the Clippers’ weakest position, small forward.