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Posted By	Discussion Topic: Strickland gets wish, released by Wizards
Calm Your Nut	posted on 03-01-2001 @ 6:52 PM
O&A Board Regular Registered: Nov. 00	ESPN.com news services WASHINGTON – Rod Strickland had "changed his lifestyle." At least that's what agent David Falk said when Strickland re-signed with the Washington Wizards two years ago. Instead, Strickland was the same old Rod, whose behavior reached the point that the Wizards dumped him Thursday with more than a year left on his contract. Strickland may not be unemployed for long. As soon as Strickland clears waivers, the Portland Trail Blazers will offer Strickland their $2.25 million mid-level exception, sources told ESPN's David Aldridge. The Wizards bought out the final year of Strickland's contract for half price -- $2.5 million -- with Strickland taking the hit so he could sign with another team and be eligible for this season's playoffs. If the Wizards had cut Strickland after midnight Thursday, he would have been ineligible for the postseason. "It probably was the best thing for him," Wizards guard Mitch Richmond said. "Now he can pick and choose where he really wants to go. He has that opportunity. That's important at this time and at this stage of his career." For the Wizards, Strickland's release was the second stage of an effort to get rid of three veterans whose huge salaries restricted the team's ability to pursue free agents. Juwan Howard was traded to Dallas last week as the team aims for cap solvency by summer 2002. "This is another step for us in preparing the Wizards franchise for the future," president of basketball operations Michael Jordan said. "This move will give us more salary cap flexibility in the future." Richmond, who could be bought out for $10 million at the end of this season, realizes he is next. "Oh, I'm coming up. I see what's going on," said Richmond, who was called the "Last of the Mohicans" by teammate Laron Profit at Thursday's practice. "But my main thing is to try and stay focused and just keep going." Strickland had a troubled five years in Washington. He was regularly late for practices and games, ate a poor diet, was arrested for drunken driving three times and was suspended one game earlier this season when he missed a team flight to Miami. He was acquitted of one drunken driving charge, but has a trial on his latest arrest scheduled for next month. Strickland has played only four games since late December, citing shoulder and hamstring injuries. This was the type of behavior Falk promised would go away when Strickland signed a four-year, $40 million deal before the 1999 lockout season. Asked if he plans a different marketing tack this time as he shops Strickland to various teams, Falk said: "I think people know Rod's talent. I don't anticipate any problems." Jordan tried to trade Strickland last week, but said teams were "leery" of the 34-year-old point guard. Strickland was acquired from Portland with Harvey Grant in 1996 in exchange for Rasheed Wallace and Mitchell Butler. He had a superb season in 1997-98, averaging 17.8 points and 10.5 assists, but his production has declined every year since. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report. Proud to watch over "Mud Juice and Drunken GW"
Froy King Shit *board owner*	posted on 03-01-2001 @ 8:05 PM
O&A Board Veteran Registered: Feb. 01	It's sad because he was a great player, I had him on my rotisserie team five years ago and he was one of my top players ~Matt/Froy from Jersey The Hell Hole Official Protector of Gay Marco & SwampJunk...if he ever decides to post. Also providing total immunity to Fayth

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