OC Register SANTA BARBARA ? Guard Frank Williams' NBA career took a tough turn Wednesday when he was waived after the first day of training camp. Williams, whom the Clippers signed to a non-guaranteed contract a day before training camp began, was unable to complete the morning conditioning drills Tuesday and complained of a migraine. He did not participate in the evening session. "The problem with Frank is that we never saw him (practice)," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "There's a chance that we'll give him another opportunity. But right now I need guys that can practice." The Clippers wasted little time Wednesday in getting a replacement, signing four-year veteran forward Rodney White, who took part in the evening workout. White split last season between Denver and Golden State and averaged 5.1 points and 1.5 rebounds. "He's a veteran, shoots the ball pretty good and has a good body for the small forward spot," Dunleavy said. "We had talked to Rodney earlier, and he was still waiting on something so we moved on. But then it opened up for us, and we brought him in. He's a viable player to compete for a spot." Three years ago, Williams was a first-round draft pick after a three-year college career at Illinois, highlighted with his honor as Big Ten player of the year as a sophomore. But he languished for two years on the New York Knicks' bench, after being acquired in a trade on draft night from Denver. He spent most of last season on the injured list, after being traded by the Knicks to the Chicago Bulls. Several other training-camp invitees, battling for jobs, reported in less than top condition, Dunleavy said. "I was a little disappointed in some of the guys," Dunleavy said. "I told them that they had to pick it up. Particularly among the bigs. Elton (Brand) and (Chris) Kaman ran the floor great. (Chris) Wilcox was pretty good, (Zeljko) Rebraca was pretty good, (Walter) McCarty was pretty good. But a couple of other guys weren't so good, so I told them that we have to do a lot more conditioning." Source
I like the idea of Rodney White. He's not a bad player, a little selfish, but he can shoot and score very well, he can help as a big SF backup. He's really good defensively though, but...
This enforces my little theory that it is easier to get into the NBA than it is to stay in it. Guys showing up in less than top condition? So many guys would kill to be in their position and have their opportunity, including me. This also shows the Clips are serious to start training camp, which I like.
Good pickup. I think Frank Williams was a decent player but I agree with Char's theory its easier to get into the NBA than to stay in it, I can give tons of names like Casey Jacobsen, Peja Drobnjak, and Frank Williams.
