June 23, 1992 Ð Hornacek Looking to Fill BarkleyÕs Shoes
New Sixer Jeff Hornacek, acquired in last weekÕs trade with the Phoenix Suns for power forward Charles Barkley, is confident that he will ably fill the shoes of one of the most popular athletes in Philadelphia history. ÒSure, heÕs been on the cover of Sports Illustrated, has his own sneaker, and starts the All-Star game every year,Ó the mild-mannered shooting guard said yesterday. ÒBut I think the fans here will find that IÕm pretty interesting, too. For one thing, I like sandwiches.Ó
 Sixers coach Jim Lynam insisted that the acquisition of the docile, perimeter-shooting Hornacek would eventually please fans of the flamboyant, hard-nosed Barkley. ÒI understand that people loved how Charles mixed it up, both on and off the court,Ó he said. ÒBut Jeff really strikes me as a superstar in the making. HeÕs got that Bob Denver quality that the kids just love.Ó Suns coach Cotton Fitzsimmons agreed. ÒJeff might not have CharlesÕ charisma or intensity, but heÕs fiery in his own way,Ó he said. ÒFor instance, heÕs very particular about keeping a neat lockerÑhe even organizes his socks by color!Ó
Local fans, though, were infuriated by what they saw as a one-sided trade. ÒI canÕt believe they traded Sir Charles for Jeff Hornacek [along with forward Tim Perry and center Andrew Lang],Ó lamented Jerry Larchwood, 42. ÒOne of the best players of all time for Don freakinÕ Knotts. Great move, Sixers.Ó Hornacek, though, was undaunted. ÒItÕll be tough to make Philadelphia forget Charles Barkley, but anythingÕs possible,Ó he said. ÒMr. Rogers said that. HeÕs kind of one of my heroes.Ó |
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