They Cut to the Fat--Sign Duckworth

Center Kevin Duckworth, just out of a weight-reduction clinic, signed a $247,000, one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Clippers on Thursday.

Duckworth, who was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks last season, is expected to join the Clippers for tonight’s exhibition opener at Detroit.

Duckworth, a 10-year NBA veteran, is insurance for the Clippers, who suspended center Stanley Roberts for insubordination Monday and haven’t signed free-agent center Brian Williams.

“Duckworth is at about the same stage as Stanley [who reported to training camp overweight and out of shape],” Coach Bill Fitch said. “He just left the fat farm, but the difference is, he’s made the commitment to getting back into the league, whatever it takes.”

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Oscar Shoenfelt, Roberts’ agent, said he plans to file a grievance with the NBA Players Assn. over the Clippers’ plan to fine Roberts for each practice and exhibition game he misses during the indefinite suspension. Under Clipper rules, players are fined $2,500 for the first practice missed and $1,000 for each subsequent practice and $4,500 for each exhibition game missed.