Overton Values Chance to Play

Doug Overton was home in Philadelphia last week, working out, staying in shape and waiting for the phone to ring.

The journeyman point guard, waived by the New Jersey Nets on Nov. 13, spent little time bemoaning his fate. After playing for eight NBA teams in 11 seasons, he knew he might not get another chance, but he was hopeful.

“I’m a survivor,” said Overton, who signed with the Clippers on Friday and scored four points in three minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. “I understand how things are. You’ve just got to learn how to persevere.

“I’m thankful when I get a chance. You don’t feel sorry for yourself and wonder why [something] didn’t happen. If you spend time worrying about why it didn’t happen, you won’t be ready. If something doesn’t happen right and I know it’s not for me, I just scratch it off and keep moving.”

Overton, 34, played 18 games for the Clippers two seasons ago, but at season’s end they did not attempt to re-sign him. He was cut by the Chicago Bulls in training camp last year and was out of the NBA last season, when he played 20 games in the Continental Basketball Assn. at Sioux Falls, S.D.

“Spend some time in Sioux Falls, S.D., and you appreciate this,” he said after rejoining the Clippers. “You’ve got guys up here and they’re complaining because this or that is not working out. Go stay in a Motel 6 when it’s six below zero out there, or not play at all. I appreciate every opportunity I get.”

-- Jerry Crowe