Duckworth Shows Progress in a Loss

Center Kevin Duckworth, whose career declined after he was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Washington Bullets in 1993, hopes to revive his career with the Clippers.

Duckworth looked good in a 103-93 exhibition loss to the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday night before an announced crowd of 12,368 at the Pond of Anaheim, getting eight points and seven rebounds as the Clippers rallied from a 22-point second-quarter deficit.

“I’m just really thankful that I’ve got an opportunity and I’m in a position where I have a chance to play and be like the Duck that I used to be, or the Duck that I am,” Duckworth said. “I know that this is a business, but I never saw the political side until the last three years. One day they like you and the next day they don’t.

Traded to Milwaukee last October, Duckworth clashed with former Buck coach Mike Dunleavy and played sparingly.

Signed to a one-year contract by the Clippers for the NBA minimum salary of $247,000 on Oct. 10, Duckworth is trying to earn a job with a team desperately seeking a center.

“I’m more focused than I’ve been since I left Portland,” Duckworth said.

*

Center Dwayne Schintzius, who had shot only 17% in the Clipper’s first five games, missed the game because of a stomach virus.

Forward Rodney Rogers had 21 points and 14 rebounds as the Clippers shot 35.3% and lost for the fifth time in six games.

Allen Iverson, the first player selected in the 1996 NBA draft, had 22 points, five rebounds and four assists.

*

The Indiana Pacers, who have a $1 million salary cap exemption, are reportedly interested in trying to sign free-agent center Brian Williams, seeking a $35 million, five-year deal or $7 million for one season from the Clippers, who have offered $12 million for three years.

Fred Slaughter, Williams’ agent, didn’t return several phone calls.