LANDOVER -- The Washington Bullets began the second half of their season last night without center Kevin Duckworth, who ++ was suspended for three games without pay for failure to stay in shape.
Duckworth's suspension allowed the Bullets to activate Chris Webber, who had missed six weeks after suffering a separated left shoulder in December.
Last season Duckworth was often criticized for being out of shape, carrying weight in excess of 300 pounds. When this season started, Duckworth looked a little leaner, and the loss of weight helped him on the court. But as the season progressed, Duckworth's performance regressed. He had recently missed nine games with a sore Achilles' tendon, and upon his return he lost his starting job to Gheorghe Muresan.
In the four games since his return, Duckworth averaged 3.0 points, 4.0 rebounds in 12.6 minutes.
"Under the terms of his contract, he has to maintain good physical conditioning," Bullets general manager John Nash said. don't think he's done that. It's a player's responsibility to maintain good physical conditioning at all times."
Duckworth was unavailable for comment.
Nash said that Duckworth had returned to his home in Portland, where he was a two-time All-Star with the Trail Blazers.
Twice this season, Duckworth has been the target of trade talks. In December, the Los Angeles Clippers contacted the Bullets about Duckworth's availability, and last month the Boston Celtics and Bullets discussed a deal involving Duckworth and Xavier McDaniel. Both deals fell through, and Duckworth said he didn't want to play for either team.
Duckworth is making $2.7 million this season and his contract runs through the 1995-96 season.
The Bullets could look to move him before next month's trading )) deadline, but his salary and poor play could make that difficult. He is averaging 8.9 points and 5.9 rebounds.
"I told him he'd be reinstated once he gets himself in good physical condition," Nash said. "He's welcome to use our facilities and our strength coach if he wants."