Woolridge has Less to Say after Thumping

November 16, 1984

FIRED UP BY FIGHTIN' WORDS

Orlando Woolridge claims he was misunderstood. He really didn't want the Celtics to take his remarks personally.

But it was comments by Woolridge that seem to inspire the Celtics to a 20- point victory last night. The Chicago forward said among other things that the Bulls were going to take it right to the Celtics. He added that he was going at Larry Bird, who, said Woolridge, was not a good defensive player.



But he had different things to say after last night's game.

"I was misunderstood," said Woolridge. "What I meant was that against a great team like Boston, you've got to take it right to them. We didn't. It was a frustrating experience playing against a club like this, especially when they consistently get second and third shots."

Woolridge had no comment about Bird's defense. But then Bird had 17 rebounds and two blocked shots. And while Bird had only 14 points, Woolridge had only 19, five below his season average.

The early success of Chicago rookie Michael Jordan was a key to another move by the suddenly potent Bulls last night.

The club announced the signing of free agent David Greenwood, the veteran 6-foot-9 1/2 power forward, and general manager Rod Thorn made no bones about the fact that the starts by Jordan and the 7-2 Bulls played a role in the decision.

"That, plus the fact that quite a few teams had expressed interest in signing David as a free agent helped to make up our minds," said Thorn. "As the teams find out their needs, he was becoming more in demand. We're naturally pleased with our start and the success of Jordan. But we're a better team with two big men inside, and now David will team with Orlando Woolridge to make us even stronger inside."

Greenwood, 27, who became a free agent after five years here, reportedly signed a four-year contract estimated at $2.2 million, and was on the bench last night.

He was rumored in both Chicago papers yesterday morning to be ready to sign a one-year deal to play in Italy for $350,000.