July 23, 1994
CELTICS GET THEIR MAN -- WILKINS
The "big piece to the puzzle" that Celtics basketball operations head M.L. Carr alluded to just two days ago fell into place yesterday afternoon, and his name is Dominique Wilkins.
Wilkins signed a three-year contract with Boston, with a termination clause that will enable him to become a free agent after next season. Because he was signed in Robert Parish's slot, the money was predetermined: $2.8 million next season, with 30 percent increases the following two seasons for a total of nearly $11 million ($10.998 million, to be precise).
In order to sign Wilkins, Boston renounced Parish, the team captain who played 14 seasons for the Celtics and helped them win three NBA championships.
Agent Steve Kaufmann, who had said all along Boston was in the driver's seat of the Wilkins negotiations, said his client was both excited and relieved to be returning to the East Coast.
Carr, reached last night, declined comment on his high-profile roster addition.
But Celtics president Red Auerbach said Wilkins is "just what this ballclub needs.
"I had a long talk with Dominique on the phone last night," Auerbach said. "What I didn't realize is he's a lot like Parish. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, none of that. He takes care of himself. I think for him to go a few more years won't be a problem at all.
"I know what some people will say: 'Why would you want a 34-year-old guy?' Well this isn't a 34-year-old guy. He's a star. He's a franchise player." Wilkins played the first 11 1/2 years of his career in Atlanta but was traded last February to the Los Angeles Clippers for Danny Manning.
Kaufmann said Wilkins verbally became a Celtic about 1 p.m. yesterday and the papers were signed roughly 3 1/2 hours later. He said it was not a matter of Boston putting an offer on the table, then demanding a yes or no before the end of the day.
"The Celtics had far too much respect for Dominique to handle it that way," Kaufmann said. "Besides, it wasn't necessary. We've had a good feeling about Boston from the beginning."
Kaufmann said the Lakers also showed interest in Wilkins, but "in their situation, it appealed to them to sign two players, and it made more sense to have the other player in place before Dominique."
The other team Wilkins had hoped to investigate was Indiana, said Kaufmann, but it did not have a viable salary cap slot available.
Not only did Boston have the cash, it also actively pursued Wilkins from the beginning. Carr and Volk flew to Chicago last night, where Wilkins was working out with Dream Team II, and ultimately became the first and only club that negotiated face-to-face with the veteran they call the Human Highlight Film.
"I am very impressed with the way M.L. Carr conducts business," said Kaufmann. "We started talking at my hotel (Thursday) night around seven o'clock, and went straight through until midnight. Then we got back right at it again."
Wilkins averaged 17.5 points a game as a rookie for the Hawks in 1982-83 and has never averaged fewer than 20 points a game in a season since. He won the NBA scoring title in 1986 with a 30.3 average.
"I'm feeling as good as I've felt in my career and now I think I'll end my career with the Celtics," Wilkins told the Associated Press. His career appeared to be in jeopardy when he ruptured his Achilles' tendon halfway through the 1991-92 season. Wilkins embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation program and returned to old form.
Although he is one of the most exciting players in the league, Wilkins has been criticized for not concentrating enough on the defensive end.
"I don't believe that," Auerbach declared. "I've seen him take over games on both ends."
Auerbach said one of the other big pluses Wilkins will bring to the team is leadership.
"It's something this team had needed," Auerbach said. "A guy who will take charge by application. I can't wait for next season to get started."
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