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Nets get Benjamin for Bowie

 
Published June 22, 1993|Updated Oct. 9, 2005

The New Jersey Nets traded center Sam Bowie and a conditional second-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday for center Benoit Benjamin.

Nets general manager Willis Reed, who coached Benjamin at Creighton, said New Jersey is getting a physical, low-post threat who is four years younger than Bowie and who could benefit from a "change of scenery."

Reed said he expects the 7-foot Benjamin to average in double figures in scoring and rebounding, taking some pressure off power forward Derrick Coleman.

"We have just acquired one of the more physical centers in the league," Reed said.

Reed scoffed at reports that Benjamin is difficult to coach and is lackadaisical.

"I coached him for three years. I never had any difficulties with him," Reed said. "We've been able to get a guy who a lot of people don't think is that good and is going to surprise a lot of people."

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