Clippers high on ex-Rebel Nesby

He may not have any security, but at least Tyrone Nesby has a chance. And that's all he ever asked.

The former UNLV star is in an NBA training camp with the Los Angeles Clippers, a team that needs help everywhere. Nesby had been playing in the CBA with Sioux Falls and was averaging just under 10 points a game.

"He's looked good," Clippers coach Chris Ford said of Nesby from the team's training camp in Palm Desert, Calif. "He's playing well. He's capable of knocking down shots. He's competing and he's very athletic.

"He's also a nice young man. I'm very impressed with him. We have 16 people in camp and I think he'll be with us through the two exhibitions."

Nesby is among a group of eight former Rebels in NBA camps as the league prepares to launch its shortened season Feb. 5.

Larry Johnson is secure in his role with the New York Knicks. Ditto Stacey Augmon and J.R. Rider in Portland. Armon Gilliam is back with Milwaukee and Keon Clark starts his pro career with a change of venue from Orlando to Denver.

Greg Anthony, meanwhile, continues to travel down Interstate 5. The one-time Knick and original member of the Vancouver Grizzlies played in Seattle last year and was signed Friday by the Portland Trail Blazers to a two-year, $2.1 million deal.

Anthony, who was a free agent, rejoins former college teammate Augmon and coach Tim Grgurich as Portland's UNLV influence continues to grow. The Blazers' assistant general manager Mark Warkentien, strength coach Bob Medina and scout Tates Locke all have UNLV ties.

"The number one piece of our agenda is to advance in the playoffs," Warkentien said of signing Anthony. "With Greg, you're talking about a guy who has played in some 70-odd playoff games. I don't think our entire roster has that much playoff experience.

"Because of injuries, we've had to use CBA guys as our starter at the point the past two years. Our deal is to have three NBA point guards."

Anthony, a seven-year NBA veteran, will back up Damon Stoudamire at the point.

Another Rebel free agent, Kebu Stewart, did not re-sign with Philadelphia. Instead, Stewart opted to sign with Atlanta and is in the Hawks' training camp.

As for Clark, his trade from Orlando to Denver went through last week. He signed a three-year deal worth just under $4 million with the Nuggets.

On the court, the 6-11 Clark has been the talk of training camp at Colorado Springs, showing the athleticism and skills he had displayed during his salad days at UNLV.

Whether it's blocking shots or finishing on the break, Clark has been very impressive. He may wind up starting at center for the Nuggets when the season opens Feb. 5 against Minnesota.

"His upside's fantastic," Nuggets director of player personnel Kim Hughes told the Rocky Mountain News. "I think he has the willingness to learn. I think he's a driven kid.

"He's got a few weaknesses, but I think the future and the innate talent he has overshadows any of those doubts."

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