Turpin Facing a Challenge in Pivot

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a new head coach, a new general manager and the top overall pick in the NBA draft, but some things never change.

Mel Turpin, for instance, reported to mini-camp overweight again. No one is saying exactly how much, but estimates range from 15 to 30 pounds.

“I’ll lose it,” Turpin said. “I have to, because I want to be a better player in my third season.

“I think I can be more aggressive, because we’ll have a better offensive plan than we did last year. And I can shoot.”

Turpin does have some incentive. Brad Daugherty, the top draft choice, and John (Hot Rod) Williams are looking for the starting center spot.

“Competition is the lifeblood of any professional sports team,” said Coach Lenny Wilkens, who is conducting the team’s rookie camp.

“Mel and I have spoken. He knows that we’re going to have a lot of competition from within this year.”