Perry In Dunking Contest

by Bernard Fernandez, Daily News Sports Writer

Posted: February 18, 1993

SAN ANTONIO — Sixers forward Tim Perry is joining the eight-man field for the NBA's slam- dunk contest on All-Star weekend in Salt Lake City following late withdrawals by Houston's Robert Horry and San Antonio's Sean Elliott because of nagging minor injuries.

The 6-9 Perry, a fifth-year pro out of Temple, joins 6-6 rookie forward Clarence Weatherspoon in the only teammate tandem in the dunk contest Feb. 20, the day before the All-Star Game. Houston's Kenny Smith is the other replacement in the dunking contest.

"(General manager) Jimmy Lynam called me up yesterday to ask if I wanted to participate," Perry said. "I said, 'Sure, why not?' "

Defending champion Cedric Ceballos, of the Phoenix Suns, and runner-up Shawn Kemp, of the Seattle SuperSonics, are among those returning to the competition, but Sixers coach Doug Moe believes both his players have a good chance to win.

"Spoon is more of a power dunker, Timmy more of a finesse dunker," Moe said. "They both get up there pretty good. I think they'll do all right."

Perry considers Weatherspoon as the Sixers' top hope to win the slam-dunk title since the contest was inaugurated in 1984.

"I'm going to do my two dunks, get out and watch Spoon win it," Perry said.