Korolev ponders his future
By ART THOMPSON III
The Orange County Register
EL SEGUNDO – Clippers second-year forward Yaroslav Korolev is giving a lot of thought to the future these days, which might not be with the Clippers after this season.

"That's what makes me not nervous but concerned," Korolev said Friday. "Of course, I'd like to return. But right now, not a lot depends on me. I'm young, and I'm trying to do my best. I feel I'm improving, and I have to continue working to get better."

Korolev, 19, was the Clippers' first-round pick in 2005, selected 12th overall. He was scouted in Russia and courted by Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, who was intrigued by the 6-foot-9 Korolev's overall skills and youth.

Korolev had spent most of his time with the club team CSKA Moscow's junior squad and his most impressive games had come for the Russian National Team's Under-18 squad. But Dunleavy banked the pick on Korolev's huge upside as a versatile player who potentially could handle three positions - his natural small forward position, shooting guard and point guard.

Dunleavy stated strongly that Korolev's rookie season would be a learning process, in which he would gain most of his experience in practice.

Dunleavy, however, said that by the second year he hoped Korolev could be a contributor and by his third year solidly in the rotation.

It hasn't turned out that way. Korolev averaged 1.1 points in 24 games last season, and this season has played in only four games and has scored three points. The Clippers did not pick up his third-year option, which means Korolev will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

"We would have hoped he would have progressed a little more," Dunleavy said Friday. "But we have guys in front of him that we feel are better than he is. It just depends on how we go forward."

Korolev's defensive skills are not adequate enough to get him playing time. In practice he has shown he can shoot the ball, but he has difficulty creating his own shot.

A stint on the Clippers' NBA Development League affiliate, the Anaheim Arsenal, would seem to be ideal for enhancing Korolev's growth. But team injuries have cooled that idea.

"We can't get enough guys to even practice with him," Dunleavy said. "So, how can we send him down to the D-League? If everyone was healthy, then sure, it would be good experience for him."

Unless something unforeseeable occurs, it does not figure that Korolev's minutes will increase.

"I'm thinking about it a lot,'' he said. "I know this is the best league in the world, and I want to stay here.''