MARAVICH TO TALK WITH CELTICS TODAY

January 22, 1980


Pat Williams, general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, said that free agent Pete Maravich is interested in playing with Philadelphia, but first wants to talk to the Celtics.

"Pete was in town today and our doctors cleared him physically," Williams said last night.

The 76er general manager said he talked with Maravich for three hours yesterday afternoon, and that 76er coach Billy Cunningham conferred with Maravich for three hours last night.

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

"He's interested in coming here," said Williams, "but there are three other clubs interested and one is Boston. He's going to see the Celtics tomorrow (Tuesday), then decide what to do."

Williams said he sees no problem in coming to salary terms with Maravich.

"I haven't got into that yet, but his main concern is landing on the club which he thinks has the best chance to win the NBA title," Williams said.

"He had a 10-year dream of being with a winner. He's played with nothing but second-division clubs and feels that joining a contender would be a unique experience for him," Williams added.

The 76ers (35-11) lead the Celtics by one game in the Atlantic Division and have the best record in the league.

Williams said Maravich told him he would not sign with the 76ers until he has spoken to Boston. Williams said also that Maravich completely understood the role he would play if he became a 76er.

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

Williams said the 76ers would now wait to hear from Maravich after his conference with Celtic officials.

Maravich was examined yesterday by 76er doctors at Temple University Hospital. The doctors were concerned about his right knee, which has plagued him since he tore a cartilage in 1978.

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