(This was taken from today's NBA Beat article in the Bee):
Flaky players
Keon Clark, the former Kings center, is quickly working himself right out of the NBA. He has reportedly blown off invitations or simply not shown up for workouts with Cleveland and the New York Knicks, teams that coveted his long wingspan and athleticism.
And there's Leon Smith, the former prep-to-NBA prospect who never appeared mentally ready for the rigors of the pro game. The 6-foot-10 center declined to report to training camp with the Seattle SuperSonics last week and was promptly waived.
He signed a 10-day contract late last season with the club and played in one game. He was on Seattle's summer team, but management wasn't convinced he could have an impact, so the team drafted a 7-foot high schooler, Robert Swift, and traded for a banger in Danny Fortson. Smith, 23, was picked late in the first round by San Antonio in 1999 and was traded to Dallas on draft night. He attempted suicide and was released his rookie season.
The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at (916) 321-1280 or jdavidson@sacbee.com.
Flaky players
Keon Clark, the former Kings center, is quickly working himself right out of the NBA. He has reportedly blown off invitations or simply not shown up for workouts with Cleveland and the New York Knicks, teams that coveted his long wingspan and athleticism.
And there's Leon Smith, the former prep-to-NBA prospect who never appeared mentally ready for the rigors of the pro game. The 6-foot-10 center declined to report to training camp with the Seattle SuperSonics last week and was promptly waived.
He signed a 10-day contract late last season with the club and played in one game. He was on Seattle's summer team, but management wasn't convinced he could have an impact, so the team drafted a 7-foot high schooler, Robert Swift, and traded for a banger in Danny Fortson. Smith, 23, was picked late in the first round by San Antonio in 1999 and was traded to Dallas on draft night. He attempted suicide and was released his rookie season.
The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at (916) 321-1280 or jdavidson@sacbee.com.