Season Is Brightening for Clippers

The weekend weather report in Cleveland, where Ron Harper spent three-plus seasons as a professional basketball player, called for very cold temperatures, and suddenly he comes to Los Angeles to bask in temperatures in the high 80s.

But that’s nothing. With the Clippers, the outlook usually is bleak. Now, the outlook is very bright. Harper, the long-coveted shooting guard, and Benoit Benjamin, the recently-signed center, were in the fold.

Both took part in their first Clipper practice of the season Sunday, a fast-paced two-hour workout at the Sports Arena. No suprising developments--Harper looked every bit the standout open-court player who was acquired from the Cavaliers in the trade for Reggie Williams and the rights to Danny Ferry, while Benjamin appeared to weigh about 275 pounds--but a day the Clippers had long looked forward to had finally arrived.

“I can say this is one of the best days in the past eights weeks,” said Benjamin, clearly excited to rejoin teammates after a holdout that kept him out of training camp and the first seven games. “I’m back on the floor doing what I enjoy doing best, playing in front of the fans in L.A. They critique me, but I still love ‘em.”

According to agent Henry Holmes, Benjamin’s contract, depending on the incentives attained, could be worth $3.85 million over two seasons, the Clippers holding the option on the second. Holmes declined to discuss specific numbers of the five-part bonus package for 1989-90.

The weight clause, the fifth incentive, is 265 pounds, but with some flexibility in enforcement. Benjamin could go over and be fined, but then have the money returned by bettering the 265 in a future weigh-in.

Benjamin, declining to say how much he weighs, said he will be ready for Wednesday’s game against New Jersey at the Sports Arena, but will need a week to 10 days to reach top form. Joe Wolf, a natural forward who has pleased coaches with his play, will again start at center against the Nets.

Coach Don Casey said he will wait before deciding if Tom Garrick, a backup point guard who has made 18 of 27 shots over three games, or Harper will open at shooting guard. It depends how quick the former Cleveland Cavalier learns the Clipper system.

Clipper Notes

Ron Harper is in the final season of a four-year contract, which makes him a restricted free agent at the end of 1989-90. Although no meetings have been set, the Clippers and agent Mark Termini plan to talk in the future, and the Clippers have no plans to lose Harper, even if it means matching an offer sheet next summer. . . .The state of new jerseys: Danny Manning will wear uniform No. 5 upon his return. David Rivers will take No. 44, giving up his No. 4 to Harper. . . . Manning continues to practice and is drawing rave reviews, but no date has been set for him being activated.