‘I’m Confused,’ Robinson Admits

Free-agent guard James “Hollywood” Robinson, signed to a $10.5-million, five-year contract, hasn’t played like a star after missing the exhibition season because of a foot injury.

Robinson, who averaged 8.3 points and 1.3 assists with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, has made only two of 16 shots in his last four games.

“This is the worst I’ve ever played,” said Robinson, who missed the only shot he took in the first half as the Clippers fell behind the Hornets by 12 points by halftime. “If I was the owner, I wouldn’t even pay me, I’m struggling too bad.

“I’m confused. What I mean by confused is that I’m still learning the offense. I’ve only been with this ballclub for [eight games] and I missed the whole training season.

“The Clippers haven’t seen the real James Robinson yet. They see a guy who’s lost out there. All I’ve got to do is find my way. It ain’t like I can’t play the game.”

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Clipper rookie forward Maurice Taylor, who left the team to fly to Detroit Thursday morning after his grandmother was seriously injured in a car accident, missed his second consecutive game.

Fitch said he is unsure when Taylor will rejoin the Clippers, who play at Atlanta tonight.

TODAY

at

Atlanta

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Site--Georgia Tech.

Radio--KEZY-FM (95.9).

Records--Clippers 1-7, Hawks 9-0.

Update--Off to their worst start since losing their first 16 games in 1994, the Clippers opened a four-game, six-day trip with an embarrassing 130-96 loss at Charlotte. The Hawks are off to their best start in franchise history, winning their first nine games. Atlanta, which has given up only 88.2 points per game, has held every opponent under 100 points. Hawk center Dikembe Mutombo, who is averaging 16.8 points, leads the team in rebounding (12.6) and leads the NBA in blocked shots (4.4). Guard Steve Smith is averaging a team-high 20.8 points.