The Michigan Daily - Thursday, September 8, 1988 - Page 25 SPORTS V .:! Clippers grant 'M' grad his wish BY ADAM BENSON LOS ANGELES - It was the 15th pick in the first round of the June National Basketball Associa- tion draft, and the Seattle Superson- ics were preparing to select. Former Michigan star guard Gary Grant was still available. This was a surprise to most ex- perts because Grant seemed to be perfect for the Los Angeles Clippers, who had the sixth pick. The Clip- pers, a team looking to install a new run-and-gun offense similar to their cross-town rivals -- the world champion Lakers - had already sel- ected Kansas superstar Danny Mann- ing with the draft's first choice. But 'instead of picking Grant with the ;sixth pick, the Clippers chose Her- sey Hawkins, the high-scoring guard from Bradley.- Unexpected names like Chris "Morris, Willie Anderson, and Dan Majerle had all been drafted before Grant, and fans were beginning to wonder who would pick up this play-making, slick-handed guard. The Supersonics did take Grant, 4 but in a spectacular trade they sent :his rights to the Clippers in a com- plicated three-team deal. It was a big day for Los Angeles' other team. UM News in The Daily 764-0552 SYour parents need *to see this! (They buy the house or condo, you get to live in it.) Bob Hefner;The Michigan Group Realtors, is an expert in finding condos & houses for* student living. This may be cheaper than dorms * or renting: Uncle Sam pays part of the bill* * through tax savings, your roommates help, too.* *CALL TODAY! for a free brochure* (We'll send a copy to your parents too) * 663-2958 *The Michigan Group, 2350 Washtenaw, Ann *Arbor, MI 48104, 662-8600, please ask for *Bob Hefner. * Along with Grant and Manning, the Clippers acquired Charles Smith, the No. 3 player selected in the draft, from the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers, with a 17-65 re- cord, were the worst team in the NBA last season. "In the history of the draft I think this is the best one ever for any team," said Clippers Executive Vice President-General Manager Elgin Baylor. "We got three bona fide All- Americans. That's probably never happened before. We got what we wanted; athletes who can run, play up-tempo, hit the open shot - and who can play basketball." Grant himself was not pleased about going 15, but he was happy to be headed for Tinseltown. "What I remember about Seattle is that's where we (Michigan) lost in the (NCAA) tournament," Grant said. "I didn't want to get back there. Getting traded to the Clippers means that I've been blessed." But on a day when Grant should have been pleased, he found himself answering the same questions that faced him at the University. "I am not unhappy at all with my career," Grant said tactfully and honestly. "We won 100 games at Michigan and I felt that I improved there. I know that I enjoyed it. I got the brunt of the criticism for the tournament games. I wish I'd done better." Grant did help establish a winning program at Michigan. Now, the Clippers hope that he can do the same for them. But Grant remained cautious about the Clippers' future. "We're going to get beat up quite a bit," Grant said. "But after 30 or so games, we won't really be rookies any more. We're really looking at being together for ten years or so, and building something for the future." Now that Grant knows where he is going, the next question is what his salary will be. Grant's agent is Rick Brode, a Detroit-based attorney, who also handles the Detroit Tigers' Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammell. It is Brode's hope that the Clippers will remember Grant's outstanding career - and not harp on his NCAA tournament troubles. "Gary Grant's role and function is just as vital as that of a Manning and a Smith," said Brode. "What separates Gary is his defensive abi- lity; he is a two-way guard. Most guards specialize in just one area. And Big Ten players are usually very successful in the NBA." The Clippers must sign three high-priced draft picks while staying under the NBA's $7 million salary cap. It has been estimated that the Clippers' payroll is at $3.8 million, leaving little for their new players. Manning's agent, Ron Grinker, has publicly stated that he wants a $35 million, ten-year deal for his client, already complicating nego- tiations for Grant. That, plus the fact that L.A. is a historically thrifty Sports club, means that Grant and Brode may have troubles even before tlie season begins. "He (Grant) is not going to be dribbling a basketball until he gets a contract," Brode said. - I First order of checks FREE for new student accounts opened at our two campus locations. Checking and savings; NBD 24-hour banker; overdraft protection. Escape monthly service charges if you meet only one of the following: * $299 minimum monthly balance " or $600 average monthly balance * or $1000 minimum daily balance in a Unibank Every Day Savings Account. 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