Roberts in Midseason Form

Sounds like he’s in midseason shape, or stop them if you’re heard this one:

Stanley Roberts was AWOL again.

The prodigal center, who attended the funeral of an uncle Thursday in South Carolina, reported to the Clippers’ training camp for Saturday night’s practice, but only after disappointing officials who expected him for the sessions Friday morning, Friday night and Saturday morning.

“That’s what we heard,” said Coach Bill Fitch after Saturday morning’s practice, perhaps frustrated at being down to No. 3 on his depth chart at center before he could give his welcome-to-camp speech.

“You know, he was supposed to be here. . . . Of all the guys that need it--he’s missed enough work this summer that he doesn’t need to miss this. It’s a position that we’re looking at other people and we’re trying to go forward.

“I just go on what they tell me. He told Elgin [Baylor, Clipper general manager] he’d be back yesterday, he’d be here on time. He told Elgin he’d be here today [Saturday] and we haven’t seen him yet, so. . . . “

As usual, the team gave Roberts a comprehensive off-season program, trying to get him in playing shape. However, Stanley suffered an injury while attending Pete Newell’s big man’s camp. After that, Fitch says Roberts worked only “sporadically.”