The New Jersey Nets strengthened their front line Monday, acquiring forward Clifford Robinson from the Golden State Warriors for two second-round draft picks.
“Clifford is a veteran big man whose overall presence will provide depth to our front court,” Nets President Rod Thorn said.
Robinson has averaged 15.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 16 NBA seasons. This season, he averaged 8.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 42 games with Golden State. He was suspended for five games earlier this month for violating the NBA’s drug policy.
The Warriors will get the Clippers’ second-round draft pick this season, which the Nets acquired in the trade that sent Kerry Kittles to the Clippers. Golden State also will get the Nets’ 2007 second-round pick and a trade exception equal to Robinson’s salary.
Not again
Nick Van Exel hit a 29-foot desperation heave at the buzzer to give the Portland Trail Blazers an 80-77 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. It was the seventh straight loss for the Bobcats–and the second in a row on a three-pointer at the buzzer. On Sunday, Tim Thomas got a friendly roll on a three to give New York a 102-99 victory.
Layups
Sixers President Billy King said he talked to Minnesota about trading for Latrell Sprewell. “Is anything going to happen? Probably not,” he said. . . . The Nuggets will be without Nene for at least five games after placing him on the injured list with a sprained left knee.
MONDAY’S GAMES
RESULTS, SYNOPSIS
New York 105 at Phila. 106
Sixers let 15-pt 3rd-qrtr lead slip away, but Allen Iverson made nifty pass to Marc Jackson for winning layup with :01 left. Iverson had 38 pts, 15 of 17 FTs. Knicks lost 8th in 10 games.
Portland 80 at Charlotte 77
Joel Przybilla had career-high 19 pts and 17 rebs for Blazers, who ended 3-game skid. Portland’s top scorer, Zach Randolph, missed 8th game since Jan. with recurring pain in right knee.
Milwaukee 83 at Detroit 107
Rasheed Wallace had 17 pts, 10 rebs as Pistons finished 3-0 homestand, winning by avg of 22.3 pts. Bucks, without Michael Redd (finger) for 2nd game in row, had 3-game streak broken.
Washington 96 at New Orleans 98
J.R. Smith scored 18, Dan Dickau hit pair of go-ahead FTs with :04.5 left for Hornets. Gilbert Arenas had 34 pts, Antawn Jamison 30 for Wizards. Arenas’ 3 attempt at buzzer hit front of rim.
Utah 128 at Phoenix 136
Suns’ Amare Stoudemire scored 42 on 14 of 22 shooting, 14 of 17 from FT line. He also had 12 rebs, 3 steals, 2 blocks. Steve Nash added 19 pts, 18 asts. Raja Bell led Jazz with 22 pts.
