Trade Greeted With Excitement

The main subject in the Clipper locker room was, naturally, newly acquired center Isaac Austin.

“I’m really excited about having him here,” guard Eric Piatkowski said.

“Before the game, a lot of the players were talking about it,” said forward Lamond Murray, “and I think we all agree that he’ll give us some needed size and strength.”

Perhaps no one will appreciate the arrival of Austin more than center Lorenzen Wright, who can go back to his natural position of forward.

“He’s not that much taller than me,” said the 6-foot-11 Wright who is actually taller than the 6-10 Austin, “but he’s a lot bigger.”

Austin weighs 270 pounds, Wright 240.

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Wright admitted that he had his hands full Thursday night playing against Miami’s Alonzo Mourning, who scored a game-high 28 points.

“I was tired tonight,” Wright said, “but it was a learning experience. I’ll know how to play him next time.”

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If he passes his physical, as expected, Austin will be at practice today, but probably won’t suit up.

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Rodney Rogers, sidelined because of a sprained ankle suffered a week ago, watched the game in street clothes.