AUERBACH WOOS FREE AGENT MARAVICH

January 22, 1980

Celtic general manager Red Auerbach said today from his home in Washington that he had contacted free agent Pete Maravich "a couple of days ago, and we're still talking."

Asked if the Celtics' chances of signing Maravich were as good as those of the Philadelphia 76ers, Auerbach replied, "I don't know yet."

However, assistant general manager Jeff Cohen announced later in the day from his Boston office that Auerbach was cutting short his planned scouting tour of college player talent to return in time for tonight's Celtics-Houston game at the Garden.

Perhaps Auerbach caught wind of the fact that two other NBA teams have contacted Maravich. In addition to Philadelphia and Boston, Houston and Atlanta have reportedly expressed an interest in acquiring the services of Maravich.

It's also an open secret that Auerbach has always expressed an admiration for Maravich's playing talents.

There is rising speculation that Maravich may make an unannounced appearance today in Boston with the intent of meeting for talks with officials from both the Celtics and Rockets.

Pat Williams, general manager of the 76ers, said in Philadelpha that Maravich is interested in playing with his club, but that Pistol Pete first wants to talk to the Celtics. Williams and Maravich conferred yesterday for three hours.

Williams disclosed that Maravich was examined yesterday by 76er doctors at Temple University Hospital, and that his damaged right knee had been judged "physically sound."

Williams said that although Maravich's knee does have cruciate ligament damage, "it has been rehabilitated as good as it can be."

Williams said also that Maravich completely understood the role he would play if he became a 76er.

"He (Maravich) understands that we will not restyle our club," Williams stressed. "He understands he doesn't have to carry the load. He is a litle concerned with the type of reception he would receive."

The 76ers have been in the market for a big guard who can hit from the outside ever since December, when Doug Collins was sidelined with a foot ailment. Collins is not expected to return this season.

Maravich, who hasn't seen action for two-and-a-half months, has been plagued by a gimpy knee since he tore a cartilage in 1978.

He became a free agent when he settled his $650,000-a-year contract with the Utah Jazz.