The glut of wing players at Golden State is exactly what the Clippers are counting on as they sign AZ to an offer sheet reportedly for 9 Mil over 3 years. The price is not to high for a guy with the potential that AZ displays, so it is that glut that the Clippers hope will keep the Warriors from matching.

Kelenna's numbers projected over 40 minutes are 16 PPG and 6 RPG while shooting 45% form the field and 40% from the 3. Last November he dropped 33 points on the Clippers and they apparently have never forgotten about it.

The Warriors also drafted another wing player in the first round and they signed Corey Maggette away from the Clippers at 10 Mil per year. Add to that the Lakers did not match their offer to Ronny Turiaf for 4 Mil per year, and you have a situation where the Clippers just might get lucky. As it turns out, the Warrior have indeed matched the Clippers offer and he will remain at Golden State.

JamFan

Baron was raised in Los Angeles, went to high school at Crossroads in Santa Monica, was a legend at UCLA, and now he gets to come home a finish career where it all started.

As one of the best point guards in the league, he will now lead a team that will rely more on young players than ever before. Cat Mobley, Tim Thomas, and Chris Kaman will make up the vets who will see a lot of playing time. Baron will have to mentor such young newcomers like Eric Gordon, Al Thorton, DeAndre Jordan, and Mike Taylor.

With about 13 Mil in cap space left, the Clippers are not finished. They will do everything they can to bring in another free agent, probably at the power forward position. This will be a tricky job because the top 3 players available who could play for us at power forward, Josh Smith, Omeka Okafor, and Andris Biedrins, are all restricted.

JamFan

After Smush passed his physical, it was reported that he was headed to Atlanta to join the team for a couple of days of practice before Friday nights game against Atlanta. Before his nightmare in Miami, he was coming off his best two years as the starting PG with the Lakers where he averaged 11 PPG while shooting 44% from the field and 36% from the 3. He was 9th in the NBA in steals and 8th in the NBA in the steals to turnover ratio. He brings size and quickness to the Clippers. He is also a lot more athletic that our current crop of PG's and will bring a little show to an offense that currently is stagnant and boring while the team plays out the string this season.

So, what is the rap against Smush. He is actually a nice guy but has been a head case at times. But I watched him play over 100 games with the Lakers and his reputation is his lack of defense because he can not stay in front of the fastest PG's when they explode with the first step. Smush is quick and quick enough to always be a steals leader, so what is the problem. My thought has always been that he shouldn't crowd the fast PG's out high and back up a half a step giving himself more room to move side to side. It is a containment stategy. If he can solve this one aspect of his game he can actually help any team. He can run the break, shoot from the outside, make athletic plays, and be fun to watch. He came out of the school yards playing the "show" game.

After this road trip Smush will return to Staples Arena and it will be Deja Vu all over again, just in a different uniform. Smush is not likely to be our starting PG next season. But if it works out he could be a valuable back up as a combo guard available to play the 1 and the 2. Go Smush.....this is your last chance Buddy. Don't mess it up!

JamFan

He then went on to proclaim that it was Sterling who nixed two trades last summer that would have improved the team. One trade was Corey Maggette, whose contract is expiring this summer anyway with no guarantee you can sign him, for Jason Terry. Sterling is in love with Maggette so, No Deal.

Dunleavy also wanted to sign former San Antonio free-agent guard Beno Udrih, but the Clippers' bean counter, Andy Roeser, decided Udrih wasn't worth the money it would take to sign him. Beno is one of the most improved players this season, so that was a poor judgement. The problem seems to be that I have always felt that the reason the Clippers have drafted so poorly in past years has been because Sterling was meddling in player personnel matters. That is a problem because Sterling isn't a basketball man. And when you have bean counters instead of basketball people making player decisions, you have a big problem. I wonder if that same bean counter has noticed how badly ticket sales are and TV ratings. The loss of revenue this year must be astounding. It seems evident to me that is the reason that everybody's tempers are so short.

Elgin Baylor and Coach Dunleavy are always going to be a better judge of horse flesh that a real estate investor. Now that Sterling has meddled in the job that he supposedly gave to Coach Dunleavy, and that is to make player and drafting decisions, he wants to cry about how things are not working out. Two days ago in an interview he complained about the job Dunleavy and Baylor were doing and Baylor was apparently on the other end of the room. He went on to say if things didn't get better and they didn't make the playoffs this season, changes would be made, suggesting that Dunleavy or Baylor could be gone. Dunleavy implied again yesterday that Sterling just doesn't know what he is talking about and doesn't know basketball by saying that the Clippers would have to go 34 -10 the rest of way to make the playoffs which is not a practical thought under the current circumstances. "Where we are today as far as making the playoffs, nobody in their right mind would bet on that."

As far as future decisions on player personnel matters, "You give me the budget," Dunleavy said, "and I'm going to be OK with it. I'm not asking anyone to go to the luxury tax." "But if we gather information and put deals in place that I think benefit the team and somebody who is not in basketball operations disagrees with it, sorry, you've just taken it out of my hands."

So, the the family fued begins. The battle lines have been drawn. The only way this can be fixed is by Sterling getting out of the way. I have not always been sure about Coach Dunleavy's decisions on drafting, trades and free agent signings, but now I am not so sure those decisions were Dunleavy's to make on his own. But one thing is for sure, Dunleavy knows more about players than Sterling and the bean counter. Putting a good team together is hard enough without having to get the approval of the owner and FO people who have no clue.

Jam Fan

He was honored as the MVP of the All Star Game where he scored 26 points on 7 of 8 from the 3. This was after he had just placed second in the 3 Pt shooting contest during All Star weekend. One scout said, if he shoots the 3 and hits the 3, there just isn't much you can do about it.

http://www.interbasket.net/players/zhizhi.jpg

JamFan

An MRI exam in Los Angeles on Saturday performed by team physician Dr. Tony Daly revealed the extent of the injury.

He sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a stabilizing ligament within the center of the knee, and also tore his lateral meniscus, cartilage around the knee. He is scheduled to meet with Daly again Monday and his surgery will probably take place within 10 days, once the swelling in his leg subsides.

"He has worked hard and this was the year he was getting an opportunity to play and the last couple of games he was playing well for us," Coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Hopefully, he has a speedy recovery and bounces back."

Rehabilitation usually takes six months for a torn ACL, which would put Davis on track to return for summer league. Trainer Jasen Powell said he talked to Davis on Saturday and said his spirits were high.

"Once he found out the extent of the injury, he kept his same calmness," Powell said. "He was a hard worker before the injury and I don't expect anything to change."

Davis, a second-year forward from Michigan State, averaged 2.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 22 games, but was coming into his own recently, scoring 10 points twice in the last seven games. He said his confidence was growing with more playing time and he even called for the ball in the first quarter of Friday's game before nailing a jump shot.

Read the entire story

Guard Richie Frahm, who was cut by the Phoenix Suns before the season, was signed to a non-guaranteed contract to fill the spot on the roster.

The organization is concerned over the lingering injury to point guard Sam Cassell, who has missed the last eight games because of a strained left calf, and may seek help at that position.

Patterson was the only Clipper whose salary was not guaranteed. His one-year contract of $770,610 would have become guaranteed on Saturday.

He is coming off a career year for the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged career highs in points at 14.7 and rebounds with 4.7.

Patterson, 6-foot-5 and 223 pounds, is considered an undersized forward but an aggressive defender.

He waited deep into the off-season, looking to sign a large free-agent contract, but found the market frigid.

Instead, he signed for the veteran's minimum with the Clippers after forward Elton Brand sustained his Achilles' tendon injury.

Patterson started five of the Clippers 21 games, including the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, when he was charged with the task of defending Warrior point guard Baron Davis.

Entire Article.

Jerry is reportedly recovering from a golfing accident where a golf cart tipped over and pinned him underneath for about 15 minutes. But that didn't keep him from coming on down to visit with Clippers GM Elgin Baylor. Unconfirmed reports say he briefly addressed the players and watched one of the practices on Thursday.

Elgin Baylor and Jerry West are old friends going back to the days when they played together for the Los Angeles Lakers. They were one of the best "one-two punch" tandems to ever play the game. Jerry could drill it from the outside and Baylor made a living driving to the hoop. He was unstopable. Baylor had one of the best stretches ever recorded in the history of the NBA where he was going for 50-60 points every night with around 20 rebounds. His career was cut short because of injuries. Jerry went on to become the NBA's logo. Both are legends.

Jerry, while the GM of the Lakers made great trades over his career. His first big trade was to bring Kareem Abdul Jabbar to the Lakers. Most notably, he engineered that trade that brought the draft pick used to draft Magic Johnson. Also traded chump change for Kobe Bryant. The biggest trade was for Shaq, who joined Kobe and brought three championships to the Lakers. Reportedly stressed out or burned out, Jerry retired from the Lakers only to resurface as the GM of the Memphis Grizzlies, where he enjoyed only limited success. Recently many have believed that Jerry would come back to the Lakers in some capacity, especially with Kobe asking for his return. So far, it hasn't happened.

So one has to wonder why Jerry made the trip to check out what was going on with the Clippers? What was Elgin and Jerry talking about? Old times? Or maybe the future of the Clippers organization? Maybe, what role Jerry West could play in the Clippers scheme of things? Player consultant? Trademeister? Maybe play a role in the Maggette for Pau Gasol trade? Who knows? If he comes to work for the Clippers, are we going to see the Maggette and Thorton traded for Kobe? Just dreaming!

JamFan...aka Don Allen

After being traded to the New York Knicks in a 5 player deal, Dan has accepted a buyout from the Knicks and will be taking a physical today in LA. No announcement has been made, but it is expected that he will be in training camp with the Clips on Thursday.

You have to wonder if this scenario had something to do with the Clips trading Jared Jordan to the Knicks at the exact same time they were buying out Dickau and the Clips picking him up.

Dan is a pure up tempo point guard who hasn't as yet had a starting role, so his minutes have been limited. If you project his career numbers over 40 minutes, he would score 15 PPG while distributing 8 APG. His 40% from the field and 34% from the 3, is good enough so long as he is getting his assists.

Bringing in Dan, makes one wonder how much confidence the Clippers have in Sam, Brevin Knight, and Guillermo Diaz. Sam and Brevin get hurt a lot, so maybe they are thinking that if they do get hurt, they do not want to have to rely on a raw rookie Guillermo Diaz. Also, Sam is in the final year of his contract. And Shaun's Livingston's return to the team is uncertain. The most important thing is that if Dickau's contract is guaranteed, and no trades are made before the beginning of the season, there literally are no roster spots available for Diaz and Korolev.

Only time will tell what Dickau's role will be on the team, but he will be fun to watch. He is another young speedster who will fit into Coach Dunleavy's new found committment to an up tempo game. I can't see Sam leading a run and gun game, so are we going to have two offenses? One, when Sam is on the floor, and another when any other PG is running the show?

Today could be the day. The Clippers long search for a PG, not only to replace the injured Shaun Livingston, but also to support the ageing Sam Cassell, could be over today as Steve Francis, whose contract has been bought out by Portland, will decided between Miami and LA.

Playing time seems to the overiding concern for The Franchise. But could his relationship with Cat Mobley, whom he played with in Houston, be that which tips the scales in favor of the Clippers. Will the hugfest between Cat and The Franchise be revived in LA?

Stay tuned

Jamfan

Paul Davis finished up his solid Summer League campaign with a respectable 16 points and 7 rebounds. Over the 5 games he averaged 12 points (45% FG) and 8 boards. Paul managed only 1 block the entire league, however, and at times shied away from contact down low with his shots. But it was nice to see him shooting well from the outside, and playing hard in general.

Jared Jordan didn't put up great numbers tonight but time and time again he was able to get his teammates open looks. In the fourth quarter alone he setup Abukar for 3 or 4 open jumpers- unfortunately all those shots clanged off the rim. Overall Jared averaged 4 points, 5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds a game. Defensively he struggled at times against quicker guards, but I would not be surprised to see him play some important minutes this year for the team.

Guillermo Diaz had yet another rough shooting night- 2 of 8 for 6 points. In the 5 games he shot only 31% and averaged 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.4 assist/game. He is athletic and is a terrific free throw shooter, but he certainly didn't help himself in these games in his quest to make the team. He might have a chance if he plays drastically better during training camp & the pre-season.

Ivan Radenovic finally got an opportunity to play some meaningful minutes tonight. He showed a nice shooting touch and made all 3 of his shot attempts, and ended up having 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. He seems like a pretty unselfish player, but a bit lacking on strength. At this point he appears like a smaller version of Paul Davis.

Mohamed Abukar had a nightmarish game tonight as he missed a ton of open shots, going 2 for 13 overall. Despite his struggles this game he ended up shooting a respectable 43% FG for the summer league and averaged 9 points and 3 rebounds. He would be another long shot to make the team.

Mike Gansey didn't shoot well tonight but had an impact while he was out there with 6 points, 7 boards, and 2 assists. He seems like a heady player who has a chance to make it in the NBA if he can improve the consistency on his outside shot. His play reminds you a little bit of Brent Barry, except Brent is taller, more athletic, and a better shooter.

Will Conroy had a solid game with 4 assists. He is a steady point guard who's not going to make too many mistakes. At this point though Jared Jordan looks to be the better PG, so Will's shot at making the team in October will probably be slim.

So that is it for the summer league- it was fun and exciting watching these Clipper prospects play and seeing what they could bring to the team. Pretty soon we should find out which free agent(s) the team will find. USA Basketball is also around the corner and we might get to see EB in action.

Overall it was a solid team effort against a talented Grizzly summer league team. The Clippers will finish their schedule with a game vs. the Kings on Sunday. That game will be web-only, but it was definitely nice being able to watch this game on regular TV.

Jared Jordan was impressive once again running the team. Despite having just 3 points and 6 assists he was the engine that made things go. The guy is a simply TRUE point guard with amazing vision. He made some passes out there that would impress even Steve Nash or Jason Kidd. When he went out of the game in the first quarter the Rockets immediately went on a huge run to lead by 16. Defensively Jared held his own against the lightning-quick Aaron Brooks, though Brooks did hit a pair of 3's in his mug. Will Conroy was solid but quiet out there. As for Guillermo Diaz- he had a really tough go of it out there especially when he was playing the point. On several pick-n-rolls instead of passing to the open teammate he used the screen to shoot long jumpers instead. His PG skills are definitely very shaky.

Mike Gansey had another nice game. He hit a couple of 3's and played pretty solid D. The guy is definitely a scrappy player. Abukar started out cold but turned it on in the second half. Like Thornton he didn't hesitate to shoot the J. Pretty solid game overall with 12 points on 5 of 10 shooting and 3 boards.

Korolev didn't play, so maybe we'll see him the next game. Here are the box scores for tonight's game.

Overall it was a nice opportunity to see the Clipper draft picks as well as Paul Davis in action. Let's see if we'll see Kaman and Korolev play some minutes on Tuesday.

2007 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS NBA SUMMER LEAGUE ROSTER
NUM	PLAYER	POS	HT	WT	DOB	FROM	2006-07
34	Mohamed Abukar	F	6’10”	229	1/1/85	San Diego St.	San Diego St.
22	Brandon Bowman	F	6’ 9”	223	9/15/84	Georgetown	Bakersfield (NBDL)
10	Will Conroy	G	6’2”	195	12/8/82	Washington	Clippers
40	Paul Davis	C	6’11”	270	7/21/84	Michigan State	Clippers
2	Guillermo Diaz	G	6’2”	185	3/4/85	Miami	CEZ Nymburk (Czech Rep.)
20	Mike Gansey	G	6’4”	205	12/21/82	West Virginia
25	Jared Jordan	G	6’2”	187	10/14/84	Marist	Marist
35	Chris Kaman	C	7’0”	265	4/28/82	Central Michigan	Clippers
15	Daniel Santiago	C	7’1”	256	6/24/76	St. Vincent	Unicaja Malaga (Spain)
31	Amara Sy	F	6’8”	240	8/28/81	France	ASVEL Villeurbanne (France)
55	Ivan Radenovic	F	6’10”	244	6/10/84	Arizona	Arizona
12	Al Thornton	F	6’8”	220	12/7/83	Florida State	Florida State

2007 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS NBA SUMMER LEAGUE SCHEDULE
July 5:	Mini-Camp	6:00-8:00 PM	Spectrum Club South Bay
July 6:	Mini-Camp	*10:00 AM-12:00 PM 6:00-8:00 PM	Spectrum Club South Bay
July 7:	Mini-Camp	*10:00 AM-12:00 PM 6:00-8:00 PM	Spectrum Club South Bay
July 8:	vs. Denver	7:00 PM	COX Pavilion
July 9:	Practice	3:00-5:00 PM	Durango High School
July 10:	vs. Houston	7:30 PM	Thomas and Mack Center
July 11:	Practice	12:00-2:00 PM	Thomas and Mack Center
July 12:	vs. Minnesota	7:30 PM	Thomas and Mack Center
July 13:	vs. Memphis	3:00 PM	COX Pavilion
July 14:	Practice	12:00-2:00 PM	Thomas and Mack Center
July 15:	vs. Sacramento	7:30 PM	Thomas and Mack Center

*Please note that media availability during the Clippers mini-camp from July 5 – July 7 will be following the early practice sessions only.

From DraftExpress:

But the ability to run a team is certainly developed above the shoulders, and tends to translate over better than other tools. Jordan might be undersized and a step slow, but this week he proved once and for all just what a special point guard he was at Marist and will be as a professional. The first two games were run almost to perfection – Jordan handled more athletic defenders with relative ease, created basket after basket with crisp full court passing and dazzling looks from within offensive sets.

While Jordan’s shooting percentages weren’t ideal at the NCAA level, that could have had a lot to do with his leading role. In this setting, he did a phenomenal job of picking his spots to look for his own. He didn’t light it up from the outside, but showed off improved form on his jumper and was deadly in the midrange. Almost never did he force the action, but was able to burn defenses that dared him to score quite easily. At the end of the day, he was as impressive as any point guard in the camp.

Everyone’s favorite draft prospect here in Orlando (at least amongst the media and staff members) had another solid outing in his final performance at the pre-draft camp, leading his team to its third straight win. Despite lacking an incredible first step, Jordan got into the paint again and again, utilizing terrific ball-handling skills, hesitation moves and crafty spins to force defensive rotations and find the open man instantaneously as soon as they freed up. He also did a nice job running the pick and roll, and pushed the ball up the floor when given the opportunity to do so. He’s an old-school player who doesn’t score a ton of points (really lacking a steady 3-point shot, a consistent pull-up mid-range jumper and a more reliable floater he can go to) but he did put some score some points late in the game when his team really needed a bucket. On one occasion he spun intelligently into the paint and leaned back for a very clutch Steve Nash-esqe fallaway jumper to put his team up by one.

Defensively, Jordan struggled a bit with the explosiveness of Dominic James, not really having the lateral quickness to stay in front of him. Most of the scouts we spoke with still didn’t come away convinced from the excellent showing Jordan had here at the pre-draft camp, citing his poor physical attributes (size, strength, athleticism) and the liability he might present as a defender, perimeter shooter and shot-creator late in the game or shot-clock. Still, it only takes one team to like you, and Jordan gave all 30 of them plenty of food for thought in his excellent week here.

From NBADraft.net:

Strengths: Has a lot of point guard abilities such as the ability to control tempo, great court vision, high basketball IQ and veteran leadership … Patient player who keeps his dribble alive instead of over-penetrating and forcing passes … Great standstill shooter from the perimeter who can convert when left open … Surprising rebounder despite his strength/athleticism for his position … Strong player who understands how to use his body to shield off defenders on drives to the basket … Pesky perimeter defender, thanks to his footwork and anticipation skills … Hustler who has no problem doing the dirty work like diving on the floor for loose balls … Constantly looks to push the ball up the court to ignite the fast break … Great decision maker with the ball in his hands … Plays the game with a great deal of intensity and determination … Has no problem handling most defensive pressure due to his calm demeanor … Has three point range on his jumper … Decent finisher on his drives to the basket and can finish with either hand … Does an excellent of distributing to open teammates …

Weaknesses: Although decently quick, Jordan struggles to gain full separation from his defender … Inconsistent jump shooter who can go through big periods of hot/cold streaks …Could struggle to defend the NBA point guards due to his average lateral quickness …Not a great at shooting off the dribble or working off screens … Doesn’t have the body type that the NBA covets while listed at 6-2, could be shorter and lacks strength … To compound matters his arms aren’t long enough to make up for his average quickness … Has NBA range but lacks consistentcy to make 3s with regularity … Potential may be limited as he doesn’t appear to have very far to go before he reaches the ceiling … Can be a little turnover prone which to his credit is due in part to his team’s personnel as he is the only quality ball handler …

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Nice SI.com Article: [excerpt] The legend of Jared Jordan From the time he saw a tiny kid whipping passes to men, the author knew he was watching a basketball prodigy. Now he is convinced Marist star Jared Jordan may be the next Steve Nash.

As for Jordan's personal hoop dreams, in April he signed with BDA Sports Management, and since then he's been working out under the supervision of agent Kevin Bradbury, getting ready for the predraft camp in Orlando and for workouts with individual teams. Bradbury anticipates nine or 10 of them. Rumors are that Phoenix, San Antonio, the Clippers, Detroit and Washington are in the mix.

BDA handles Steve Nash, Carmelo Anthony, and a bunch of other marquee NBA stars. It also handles Taylor Coppenrath, Toby Bailey, and other one-time NBA hopefuls currently enjoying life in Europe. How good is Jared Jordan, really? In late February Chad Ford, the NBA draft analyst for ESPN, called Jared "an early second-round steal" who might even go late in the first round. "The dude," he wrote on his blog, "knows how to play."

"Jared Jordan will get a long hard look from the NBA," Fraschilla predicts. With his ability to run an offense, Fraschilla says, Jared could in fact turn out to be the next John Stockton. "Or he could be a great college point guard playing in Italy."

Jared Jordan Video Clips:

Nice Dish

Jared Jordan vs. Taurean Green in a workout for the Wizards

Cuts and makes a Layup

Makes a Nice Dish to an open teammate for a 3

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College Stats

NBADraft.net:

Strengths: Physically Thornton is a jaw dropper type of athlete … Because of the high energy level and aggressiveness Thornton plays with, he draws a good number of fouls from opposing players … Has developed his upper body strength well and possesses an NBA ready body … Does a great job of getting rebounds out of position thanks to his leaping ability and foot speed … Runs the court like a guard … Is a threat in transition where he is a tremendous finisher … Loves to face-up the opposing defender and blow by them using his length and explosive first step … Excellent lateral quickness enables him to be a very good help defender … Owns a great set of hands that allows him to catch passes without problem, even bad passes … Possesses three point range on his shot … Converts with ease around the basket … Despite being a senior that is a year older than most he has a load of potential that he has yet to scratch … Versatile player who will be a match-up problem for most defenders … Has developed into a great free throw shooter …

Weaknesses: Despite his physical gifts he’s not the rebounder one would expect … Ball handling ability is satisfactory at the collegiate level but will clearly need to be refined as he is prone to turnovers … Defensively while he is a adequate shot blocker, he still bites too often on pump fakes … Mid-range shooting has improved but is still not consistent … Back to the basket skills are still a work in progress … Although he is an extremely talented player his ability to fit a position could be a concern … Despite his age, his fundamentals and basketball IQ are still not yet there as he often relies more on his athleticism … Lacks the court vision to be a real factor as a passer … Tends to get frustrated at times and force shots that aren’t there … Has a bad habit of getting out of control on his drives to the basket … Will need to focus on developing his post footwork as it is unrefined ...

DraftExpress:

What makes Thornton even tougher to guard however is his remarkable first step for a 6’7 player. He is too quick for opposing power forwards to stay in front of and too skilled on the blocks for a small forward to defend. The Florida native has shown the ability to absolutely smoke big men off of the dribble and get to the rim, especially when going to his right. In the low post, he generally goes towards his left shoulder for a turnaround jumper, but does a pretty adequate job of actually feeling his defender out and taking what the defense gives him.

We briefly touched on Thornton’s athleticism when mentioning his first step, but there is so much more to his athletic prowess then that. He is an incredibly quick leaper, often getting off the ground twice before his opponent is able to leap once. This also allows him to score over taller, longer opponents such as Brandan Wright and Josh McRoberts. His leaping ability is quite freakish, although he relies on his hops a bit more then you’d like when it comes to his rebounding. Thornton does not do a remarkable job boxing out, attempting to outleap other power forwards in an effort to coral rebounds. While this has worked to the tune of 7.2 rebounds per game this year, he would be much closer to 10 rebounds per contest if he chose to box out from time to time, and put in slightly more effort on a consistent basis.

On the offensive end, Thornton is a downright atrocious passer. He is averaging less then 1 assist per game on the year, and is sporting a .33/1 assist to turnover ratio. He just doesn’t really seem to have a good feel for finding the open man, and often dribbles with his head down. His ball-handling ability has also been a question mark, considering that some view him as a full time small forward prospect. While he will never be a guy who breaks players down with a remarkable crossover or inside out dribble, he is completely adequate as a quick two to three dribble threat, and has no problem creating space for himself off of the dribble when need be.

Many have questioned what position Thornton will play at the next level, but it has been made evident this season that he is capable of playing both forward positions in spurts in the NBA. The Shawn Marion comparisons are inevitable, with remarkably similar athleticism, first steps, and quick leaping ability to go along with lack of a true position on the floor. He would be best fitted in an up and down style of play, where he would be able to utilize his athletic abilities and length to the fullest capabilities.

Jacksonville Times Union:

Strengths: Thornton's 42-inch vertical - the best among all players at the NBA's Orlando pre-draft camp - is indicative of his athleticism. An energetic player and hard worker, Thornton improved measurably each season, and he's arguably the second-best scorer in the draft behind Texas' Kevin Durant.

Thornton must improve his ball-handling and add to his offensive repertoire, instead of relying solely on athletic ability to beat opponents.

What they're saying

FSU coach Leonard Hamilton: "He's very capable of being an All-Star. I say that without any reservation."

Yvan Kelly, Seattle SuperSonics scout: "He's shown me to be a really hard worker. He came in with some very great natural athletic ability, and I think he's developed into a very good basketball player. ... I think he's the sleeper of the draft."

Here's a Youtube video of some of Al's highlights in college:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irnnHLhsG34

By JOHN NADEL, AP Sports Writer, Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Sam Cassell would love to have a rookie point guard to take under his wing. He just might get his wish.

Cassell realizes that best case scenario, a point guard with the ability to help the Los Angeles Clippers next season will be available when their turn comes Thursday in the first round of the NBA draft.

That would be at No. 14 and, of course, there's no way to know if that will happen.

That player presumably would serve as a backup to Cassell, who said this week he's healthier now than at any point of last season and expects to be in even better shape when training camp begins in October.

"Whoever they draft, I'll open up my arms to them," Cassell said. "I don't get into the draft thing. How many guys come out of college ready to help you win, especially at a key position?

"Like I helped Shaun (Livingston), I'll help him as much as I can."

Livingston, the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee last March and isn't expected back until midway through next season at the earliest.

"His situation has us thinking about point guards," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "We've got to protect ourselves at that position."

The 21-year-old Livingston has been hampered by a variety of injuries in his three years with the Clippers, and hasn't been able to play a full season.

With Cassell slowed by several ailments, Jason Hart manned the point guard position for the most part late last season, when the Clippers fell just short in their quest for a playoff berth. Hart is an unrestricted free agent and might not be back.

"I think there's a guy we would like to get," Dunleavy said regarding the draft without identifying the player he has in mind. "You just don't know. It's not out of the realm of possibility."

Among those who have worked out for the Clippers this month are point guards Acie Law IV of Texas A&M, Javaris Crittenton of Georgia Tech, Aaron Brooks of Oregon and Jared Jordan of Marist.

Law, Crittenton and Mike Conley Jr., of Ohio State are considered the three best at that position in this draft. It's possible all three will be gone when the Clippers make their first pick.

"We're just looking for a good player — a player who will fit into the system," Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor said. "We're looking for someone who can come in and give us some playing time. You get into trouble looking for a particular need. We've looked at every position.

"Only time will tell. I think it's a good draft, a deep draft. There are several guys we like. You just can't focus on one guy."

Baylor acknowledged last season was a disappointment for a team coming off a year in which it fell one win shy of playing in the Western Conference finals for the first time.

"They know they have to redeem themselves from last year," he said of the current Clippers nucleus that includes Cassell, Elton Brand, Chris Kaman, Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley.

Cassell, who turns 38 in November, said his goal is to play two more seasons.

"I'm feeling that good right now," he said.

"He's back in here doing all the work he needs to do to get himself ready," Dunleavy said. "You can always judge Sam by the conversation. When he's loud and talking a lot, you know he feels good. He's been kind of yappy."

Cassell admitted he called Brand at the end of the season and said because he didn't do what was necessary, he was so embarrassed he had to get out of town.

That's motivation for next year.

"My abdominal muscle caused most of my pain and anguish," Cassell said. "It's healed up. My back feels fine. The foot's been healed up.

"At the end of the season, I was 203 (pounds). I'm 196 right now. At the beginning of training camp, I'll be at 192."

When asked what he hoped to accomplish next season, Cassell replied: "Do what I did when I'm healthy, be the spoon that stirs the coffee. I think my teammates need me.

"We're going back to the playoffs. That's not even a question. If I play 75 games, we're going back to the playoffs."

Baylor said he didn't believe there was any possibility they'd make a deal to move up from No. 14 in the first round. The Clippers also have the 45th overall pick.

Because the Clippers did not make the playoffs and Brand's commitment with the USA senior national team does not begin for several weeks, theoretically he is on vacation.

This day, though, Brand is immersed in his work at Gibraltar Films, a company he co-owns with his partner, Steve Marlton.

Exhibiting multitasking at its finest, Brand fields calls on both phones, launches the Internet on his PC and makes entries on the laptop — all the while fielding questions from a visitor ranging from film to footwork, from screens to screen works, from real-estate deals to real disappointment.

"I can't just sit around," Brand said. "I have to do something. I take three weeks off after the season, tops. But even then, I'm running or lifting or doing something to stay active."

It is a workday that began at 7 a.m. with a one-hour weight-lifting session, followed by another 90 minutes in the gym to shoot and work on other aspects of his game. A shower, then lunch, and soon after, Brand arrived at his office.

"I don't come here every day," Brand said. "But if I have meetings, I could be here until 6:30. Other days, it could be 10 minutes and then out. Those are the perks, when you're president of the company."

Brand's current project is a full-length feature film titled "Rescue Dawn." It is a story taken from the true life of Dieter Dengler, an American captured during the Vietnam War. Written and directed by Werner Herzog, the film originally was a documentary short. It gained international attention at several film festivals. Brand and Marlton became interested two years ago. The script was rewritten, and it was off to Thailand for shooting.

"I've loved movies all my life," Brand said. "I can remember waiting in line for 'Rocky III' and going with my family to see the 'Ninja Turtles.' Growing up, I couldn't afford to go to the movies a lot. But when I did go, I'd occasionally do the double-dipper at the theater-plex, you know, go see one movie, then wander over to another theater to see another movie."

Brand also maintains an active role in his nonprofit Elton Brand Foundation, which he created. Among its accomplishments is a learning and activity center in Brand's hometown of Peekskill, N.Y.

Basketball, however will be his focus until the day he retires, Brand said.

"Winning a championship is my ultimate goal," he said. "I'd trade an Oscar to just borrow someone's championship ring."

Read the entire story.

Dunleavy has coached more than 1,000 games in the NBA — his record is 550-566 — and he worked a season as a general manager (Milwaukee Bucks, 1996-97). He also spent two years, after he retired as a player, working for Merrill Lynch on Wall Street.

"If I had stayed with that," Dunleavy says, "I'd be making more money than I am now."

---

Dunleavy remains amazed at how he got to the Lakers.

"It started in the summer of '88," he says. "I was out here to watch some Summer League games and I saw West in the bleachers. I asked if I could talk to him sometime. I had never met him before."

Dunleavy says West invited him to sit down right then, and when Dunleavy asked whether he absolutely needed to be a No. 1 assistant somewhere in the league before getting consideration for a head job, he was stunned by West's response.

"He said I did not have to do that, and added, 'As a matter of fact, if Pat Riley were to resign tomorrow, you'd be the first guy I'd call.' "

---

Next season will be Dunleavy's fifth as Clippers coach, and while Kobe and the Lakers are fussing and feuding, the second-best player in the city, Elton Brand, is quietly preparing to make sure there is no repeat of his mediocre 2006-07 season. Dunleavy also says he and Corey Maggette have begun to address a failure to communicate that split them badly last season.

"Corey and I understand each other better now," Dunleavy says. "I think our relationship is good."

Maggette finished last season strong, and Dunleavy also hopes center Chris Kaman will return to form and Shaun Livingston will return to health.

"Mostly, I don't even want to talk about last season," Dunleavy says. "It's time to go on."

But quietly, so as not to entice Kobe down off his soapbox.

Read the entire story.

2007 Vegas Summer League Game Schedule:

Friday July 6th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM - San Antonio vs. Philadelphia

3PM - Dallas vs. Seattle*

5 PM - Memphis vs. China*

7 PM - Boston vs. Portland*

Saturday July 7th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM – Golden St. vs. New Orleans

3 PM - Detroit vs. Philadelphia

5 PM – San Antonio vs. Cleveland

7 PM - China vs. Sacramento

Sunday July 8th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM – Dallas vs. Portland

3 PM – LA Lakers vs. Milwaukee

5 PM - China vs. Cleveland*

7 PM – Denver vs. LA Clippers*

Monday July 9th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM – San Antonio vs. Boston*

3 PM - Detroit vs. Memphis*

5 PM - Philadelphia vs. Golden St.*

7 PM - Seattle vs. New York*

Thomas and Mack

5:30 PM - Minnesota vs. New Orleans

7:30 PM - Cleveland vs. Phoenix

Tuesday July 10th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM - Sacramento vs. Washington*

3 PM - Dallas vs. Denver*

5 PM - Philadelphia vs. LA Lakers*

7 PM – New York vs. China*

Thomas and Mack

5:30 PM – San Antonio vs. Golden St.

7:30 PM - Houston vs. LA Clippers

Wednesday July 11th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM – San Antonio vs. Minnesota

3 PM - Washington vs. Detroit*

5 PM - Philadelphia vs. Phoenix*

7 PM - Boston vs. China*

Thomas and Mack

5:30 PM - Seattle vs. Milwaukee

7:30 PM – LA Lakers vs. Portland

Thursday July 12th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM – Denver vs. Detroit

3 PM - Dallas vs. Houston*

5 PM - Memphis vs. Cleveland*

7 PM – New York vs. Sacramento*

Thomas and Mack

5:30 PM – New Orleans vs. Milwaukee

7:30 PM – LA Clippers vs. Minnesota

Friday July 13th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM – New Orleans vs. Phoenix

3 PM - Memphis vs. LA Clippers*

5 PM – Boston vs. Milwaukee*

7 PM – Houston vs. Washington*

Thomas and Mack

5:30 PM - Denver vs. LA Lakers

7:30 PM – Golden State vs. Seattle

Saturday July 14th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM – New York v. Boston*

3 PM – Minnesota vs. Memphis*

5 PM – Cleveland vs. Washington*

7 PM – Dallas vs. Golden State*

Thomas and Mack

3:30 PM - Detroit vs. LA Lakers

5:30 PM – Houston vs. Sacramento

7:30 PM – Phoenix vs. Portland

Sunday July 15th

Cox Pavilion

1 PM – Milwaukee vs. Washington

3 PM – New York vs. Denver*

5 PM – New Orleans vs. Phoenix*

7 PM – Seattle vs. Portland*

Thomas and Mack

5:30 PM - Houston vs. New Orleans

7:30 PM - Sacramento vs. LA Clippers

* Denotes game broadcast on NBA TV

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Although Theo Papaloukas turns 30 Tuesday, his representatives have let it be known that "three or four" NBA teams have expressed a strong interest in the CSKA guard. The Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks are said to be on the interested list.

But a feeling prevails on this side of the Atlantic that Papaloukas' agent might be attempting to drive up his value in Europe with such a tactic and that the limited playing time being experienced by a comparable fellow Euro who made the move at a similar age -- Golden State Warriors point Sarunas Jasikevicius -- actually will convince Papaloukas not to head across the Atlantic.

"He is 30 years old and doesn't want to play 82 games a season," says one scout familiar with the situation. "If he wants to play for five or six years more, that means another 480 games in the NBA or 250 games in Europe. And, actually, you are talking about an even bigger discrepancy because of the longer [NBA] games."

Clippers swingman Corey Maggette on Thursday will undergo an arthroscopic procedure to alleviate the intermittent pain he suffered in his right knee during the 2006-07 season. The condition, although bothersome, did not result in any lost playing time for Maggette during the year.

Clippers’ team physician Dr. Tony Daly, assisted by Dr. Steven Shimoyama, will perform the surgery at the Center for Ambulatory Surgical Treatment (C.A.S.T) in Westwood, California.

In 75 games played on the season, Maggette averaged 16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

Clipper MVP: Elton Brand
Even though EB didn't have the stats he had last year, he once again was that stable, consistent force on both ends of the floor. You can even argue that his clutch shooting is improved as he has made more big time shots this season that I can remember.

Clipper Sixth Man of the Year: Quinton Ross
Even though Maggette came off of the bench for much of the year, in the end he was pretty much a starter. Q just does his job, plays hard and never seems to disappoint. He consistently hit the J and night after night guarded some of the best players in the league. He also played 81 games this season compared to 67 last year when he was plagued by back problems. He also improved his FG to 46.7% from 42% and improved his FT % slightly also.

Clipper Defensive Player of the Year: (tie) Elton Brand & Quinton Ross
It's hard to say who was better at the defensive end- EB or Q. Brand mans the paint area while Ross locks up the perimeter. They both made huge plays on D throughout the year. Honorable mention has to go to Cuttino Mobley. Cat gets a lot of deflections and does a good job guarding against taller players.

Clipper Most Improved Player of the Year: Corey Maggette
Corey elevated his game in the second half of the season at the prodding of coach Dunleavy. He committed fewer offensive fouls and did a great job penetrating and dishing. As a result he improved his shooting % to 45.4% and raised his assists per game to 2.8. He also managed to stay healthy for the most part, playing in 75 games- the most he's played in a season as a Clipper.

Clipper Best 3 Point Shooter: (tie) Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas
Cat shot 41% while Tim shot 38%. Thomas made 136 while Cat drained 101. They both really turned it on in the last few weeks of the season and contributed mightily to the Clippers' improved play.

Clipper Rookie of the Year: Not Applicable
The only rookies were Paul Davis and Will Conroy, and they didn't play much. Paul did show flashes of good play when he got a chance.

Best Individual Performance: Corey Maggette, Apr. 12 vs. Lakers
Maggette tallied 39 points (career high), 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals and a block in a thrilling come-from-behind victory against the Lakers in a "road" game. Even after taking a flying knee in the groin in the 4th quarter trying to take a charge, Maggette stayed in and helped finish the come back.

General Manager Elgin Baylor, Coach Mike Dunleavy and Hughes are Kaman's biggest supporters in the organization, and Kaman will rebound, Dunleavy said.

"He knows what we think of him and he knows what we expect of him," Dunleavy said. "His biggest problem this season was either concentration or confidence. He got position, got [good] shots and he didn't finish them.

"He finished them a year ago, and he's got to finish 'em, so he's got to have a big work ethic for us this summer. He has to work, big time, this off-season to shore up areas to make sure he has that confidence to go forward."

Decision-making is an area where Kaman must improve, Dunleavy said.

Instead of shooting jumpers in the 15-foot range, Kaman often tried to get closer to the basket, leading to turnovers or squandered opportunities.

"We're not trying to teach him to have skill, he already has it, we're just trying to make him make better decisions," Dunleavy said. "As he becomes a better decision-maker, he'll be the guy who averages a double-double for us. He'll be the guy who we're willing to pay the money we're paying, and he's going to be worth it."

Read the entire story.

The Los Angeles Clippers today signed guard Will Conroy of the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League, it was announced by Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor. In a related move, the Clippers waived center Zeljko Rebraca.

Conroy joins the Clippers for the second time this season, as he played two games for Los Angeles this season from Feb. 28 – March 5, 2007. A member of the NBA Development League Second Team, Conroy appeared in 42 games for the Tulsa 66ers, averaging 15.0 points, 10.6 assists and 5.1 rebounds.

Recognized as a 2007 D-League All-Star, Conroy also signed a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 30, 2007 and played in three games. Conroy averaged 4.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds in 15.5 minutes in his two games with the Clippers this season.

The 6-2, 195 pound point guard was a standout at the University of Washington, leaving the school as the Huskies all-time leader in assists in a career and a season. Originally a walk-on at Washington, Conroy was the first Husky player to ever top 200 assists in a season. The Seattle native also finished his outstanding four-year college career 21st on the Huskies all-time scoring list and led Washington to its first-ever Pac-10 Tournament Championship as a senior in 2004-05 while earning Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 honors.

Conroy played in the NBA Development League last season as well, earning All-NBA Development League Honorable Mention honors in 2005-06.

Rebraca did not play a game for the Clippers in 2006-07, as he was sidelined the entire season due to disc-related lower back discomfort since a training camp physical discovered the injury on Sept. 25, 2006. Rebraca underwent surgery on his lower back to remove herniated disc fragments on Jan. 30, 2007. A five-year NBA veteran who also played with Detroit and Atlanta, Rebraca leaves the Clippers after two seasons that saw him average 5.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in a total of 87 appearances. Rebraca signed with Los Angeles as a free agent in 2004.

[exerpt] am Cassell might miss the remainder of the regular season after his back spasms worsened Saturday night in a 99-86 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden.

Cassell, 37, collapsed in the second quarter and did not return. X-rays were negative.

The Clippers planned to schedule an MRI exam today or Monday for Cassell, who probably would be monitored for at least a week before his status is evaluated, team trainer Jasen Powell said.

"I'm going to have to sit down a while and let this heal," Cassell said. "I'm going to need some time, maybe until the playoffs, because I'm hurting right now."

Moving from right to left on defense while guarding Portland's Sergio Rodriguez, Cassell pulled up, grimaced in pain and dropped to the floor with 10 minutes 10 seconds remaining in the second. Play was stopped for several minutes while Powell evaluated Cassell.

Read the entire story.

During the four-game streak, Maggette is averaging 23 points, 5.3 assists and shooting 59% from the field, while the Clippers are averaging more than 105 points — 10 points higher than their season average.

"And it's not just the last four games, we've been playing well for a while now, and Corey has been playing great," Chris Kaman said. "In the last 10 games, Corey is having a way better season than he started off having.

"He has been really smart. He's making smart passes, taking good shots and being patient. It's really paying off for him and us."

Problems at the point-guard position prompted Dunleavy to "tweak things a little bit more" on offense.

Although more ball movement has helped to increase production, players said, the playmaking ability of Maggette has made the biggest difference.

"Everybody knows about how he can get to the free-throw line," Brand said. "But the way he's setting everybody else up … that's one of the main reasons why we're playing well."

Maggette's decision-making was a source of frustration in the past for Dunleavy, but it seems things have changed.

"I've said to him in the past, 'Look, if I put the ball in your hands more, there's a responsibility that comes with that. You have to make plays, extra passes and take really good shots,' " Dunleavy said. "I want the ball there because of his ability to get to the rim, get to the free-throw line and make 17- and 18-foot jump shots.

"I don't want it to be there to force the issue, create charges or take tough shots. That's not what we need from him. I want him to just take what's there, and he has been doing a really good job of that."

It's all about making good decisions, Maggette said.

"I'm being patient and making it work," said Maggette, averaging 16.1 points for the season. "I'm making better decisions and better reads. I'm not only trying to put myself in a better [scoring] position, I'm trying to put the other guys on the team in a better position. That's what it's about now."

Read the entire story.

Hart made the go-ahead basket -- he called it his first game-winning shot since high school -- with 3 seconds left to give the Los Angeles Clippers a 104-103 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

Hart's shot from the baseline bounced twice on the side of the rim before falling in. Elton Brand's hand went up for a tip-in, but he did not touch the ball.

"He didn't tip it," Hart said. "It was right there. It was clear as day. If he had tipped it, the way they were calling the game, they would have called a no-basket. The high flyers, they know not to tip the ball around because of the chance it is going to be goaltending."

What was Brand's take on the play?

"I don't know. I don't know," Brand said, smiling. "We'll have to look at the videotape. All I know is the ball went in. I didn't touch it."

"It's been a very good trip for us," Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Anything better than 3-3 is a great trip. We have played well on this trip, other then we have had some bad spurts. We need to try and build off this momentum."

After Hart's bucket, Skinner caught an inbounds pass in the lane but dribbled it away.

"It's not the last play that determined the game," Skinner said.

"Did we deserve to win the game for three quarters? Probably not," Krystkowiak said. "Were we in position to pull it off and be on SportsCenter? Yeah."

Read the entire story.

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that guard Shaun Livingston underwent successful reconstructive surgery on his left knee this morning at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Livingston will start an intensive two week rehabilitation program in Birmingham before returning to Los Angeles to continue his rehabilitation.

The procedure took three hours to complete and was performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews of the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham. Assisting were Dr. Bill Clancy of Aspen, Colorado and Clippers team physician Dr. Tony Daly.

Livingston was injured during the first quarter of the Clippers win over the Charlotte Bobcats on February 26th at STAPLES Center, when he suffered tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral meniscus.

Livingston also suffered a patella dislocation, in addition to a tibia/femoral dislocation. Livingston was transported to Centinela Medical Center in Inglewood immediately following the injury, where he had an MRA (Magnetic Resonance Arteriogram) that showed no arterial bleeding.

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that guard Shaun Livingston will undergo reconstructive surgery on his left knee on Tuesday, March 13th at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. The surgery will be performed by orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews of the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center located in Birmingham.

Andrews will be assisted by Dr. Bill Clancy of Aspen, Colorado and Clippers team physician Dr. Tony Daly.

During the first quarter of the Clippers win over the Charlotte Bobcats on February 26th at STAPLES Center, Livingston suffered tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral meniscus. Livingston also suffered a patella dislocation, in addition to a tibia/femoral dislocation. Livingston was transported to Centinela Medical Center in Inglewood immediately following the injury, where he had an MRA (Magnetic Resonance Arteriogram) that showed no arterial bleeding.

The reconstructive surgery is designed to repair Livingston’s knee in one procedure. Livingston is expected to remain in Birmingham, prior to returning to Los Angeles to begin a rehabilitation program.

You can send your good word here.

He simply wanted to know his status, to know why he wasn't playing or whether he would have a chance for a better opportunity. So when he received the news Wednesday night that he would be released from the Kings and, if all went as planned, eventually join the Clippers, it was the joyful conclusion to a bad situation.

"It's an opportunity, and you have to take advantage of the opportunity because they don't come around often," Hart said by telephone Thursday night. "I can't wait. I'm very, very excited. It's going to be exciting, a fresh start."

Hart was released Thursday afternoon. He flew with the Kings to Los Angeles, where Sacramento plays the Lakers tonight, only because it coincided with his next destination, as Hart expects to sign Tuesday with the Clippers. He must clear waivers first and would be free to sign Monday.

The need arose Monday, when Clippers point guard Shaun Livingston dislocated his left knee in a gruesome, season-ending injury. Hart's agent, Bill Neff, called the Clippers on Tuesday. Hart was let go on the final day when players must be released to qualify for a playoff roster should their team reach the postseason.

The deal was a buyout, with Hart forfeiting part of his salary to the Kings but expecting to make all of his money back with the Clippers. Although he wouldn't comment on the specific amounts that each team would pay, he said he would finish the season having made the same $1.6 million he was owed.

"One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity," Neff said. "I wish it didn't happen that way. I wish (Livingston) were playing because I hate to see that happen."

But Neff said he hated nothing more than the way he felt Hart was treated with the Kings and, specifically, by coach Eric Musselman. In mid-January, Neff went public with his complaints when he told The Bee of perceived mistreatment.

"The only thing I was disappointed by was the callous disregard that the coach had for Jason, the lack of respect he demonstrated towards Jason," Neff said. "In the end, as always, (Kings basketball president) Geoff (Petrie) helped rescue the situation and did the right thing. It's over. We move on. I just wish it didn't go that way."

"I'd like to thank God first, but myself, too, for keeping myself sane," Hart said. "It was hard, but I'm glad it looks like it'll work out."

Read the entire story.

Conroy, a graduate of University of Washington, tallied 15.2 points, 10.8 assists, and 5.3 rebounds a game.

Complete NBDL stats: http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/will_conroy/index.html

University of Washington stats: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wash/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/WillConroy.pdf

Under the supervision of team physician Dr. Tony Daly, Clippers guard Shaun Livingston underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam on Tuesday morning at Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center in Inglewood.

The MRI revealed that Livingston suffered tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral meniscus. Livingston also suffered a patella dislocation, in addition to the previously diagnosed tibia/femoral dislocation.

Livingston suffered the injury at the 8:10 mark in the first quarter of the Clippers win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday, Feb. 26 at STAPLES Center.

Livingston was transported to Centinela Medical Center immediately following the injury, where he had an MRA (Magnetic resonance arteriogram) that showed no arterial bleeding.

The prognosis on Livingston's return to basketball activity is eight to twelve months.

Here are some notable quotes from tonight:

"I love that kid," teammate Cuttino Mobley said. "It's a tough thing to happen to him -- not only for the team, but also for our fans. He is really special."

"The second I saw it I knew he was done," said Mobley, who dropped to one knee and prayed while Livingston was wheeled off the court on a stretcher. "When I saw his knee … I was just messed up."

Clippers team physician Steven Shimoyama, describing his initial treatment of guard Shaun Livingston’s knee injury: "I had to put traction on his knee and pull his shin bone forward. Then I simultaneously put pressure on the inner side of his knee to get it back in the correct position. In other words, I needed to pop it into place.’’

"Prognosis is still uncertain because of the uncertainty of the exact extent of his injuries," Shimoyama said.

"It alleviated nearly all of his pain. I'd say he was in terrible pain when (the injury) happened," said Shimoyama, who added that the type of injury that Livingston suffered happens more frequently to football players.

Said Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy: "We're pleased with the win but it came at a big price.

"Obviously, it's a big loss for us. He was playing very well.

"It's tough because it's somebody you're close to and they have such a misfortune happen. It hurts."

"Hopefully, things are better than they look," Sam Cassell said. "It was tough to absorb. I saw it, when he went up for the layup, and when he came down, I saw his knee pop out."

He paused, shook his head and said, "Wow."

Cassell said: "Some guys don't get any breaks in this league. Some guys get all the breaks. You can't question injuries. You waste your time if you sit there and say, `Why did this happen to me?' You waste your time doing that. He's young, and he'll bounce back."

"He was playing well," Elton Brand said. "He just had one of his best games of the season against Golden State, so it was really disappointing. After he got injured, it was on the back of everyone's mind. We wanted to pull it out, even though it was a downer with Shaun going down the way he did."

"He was worried about us winning the game and not about himself," Maggette said. "It just shows the character of the person."

"I had a feeling nothing was going to happen," Clippers forward Elton Brand said. "Now that there are no more rumors in the air, we can concentrate on b-ball and start winning some games."

For weeks, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy had said it was unlikely a trade would be made.

"A lot of teams float rumors, as test balloons," Dunleavy said. "But half to three-quarters of the stuff that's put out there, never has a chance to get done."

Although Maggette publicly stated more than a month ago that he wished to be traded, he expressed satisfaction Thursday that he remained with the team that acquired him from the Orlando Magic in 2000.

Maggette's frustrations boiled over Feb. 6, after a road loss to the New York Knicks, when after playing only 17 minutes he lashed out against Dunleavy. But Maggette did not reiterate at that time publicly he wanted to be traded.

"Really, the only time I was really upset was in New York and that was it," Maggette said.

"I've been here eight years, and since the get-go, my goal has been to help this franchise get better. Until I'm no longer a Clipper, each and every day I try to give 100 percent. "

Neither center Chris Kaman (flu), guard Cuttino Mobley (strained groin muscle) or guard Sam Cassell (abdominal strain) practiced Thursday.

Mobley likely will miss his second consecutive game Saturday against Golden State, while Kaman is questionable and Cassell probable.

Read the entire story.

Hey Ralph,

Of all the on-air counterparts you have had, you and Mike seem to have a good chemistry. Bill Walton was Mr. Negative with all the sarcasim he would use. Nevertheless, I enjoy yours and Mike's work. Who has been your favorite?

Efren Ochoa

Efren –

I’ve been very lucky to work with some wonderful and talented people from Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello through Walton and Mikesmith. Few people know that my first partner on our telecasts in San Diego was a fellow named Stu Lantz.

No favorites here … I’ve loved working with each of them.

Hey MVB (MOST VALUABLE BRODCASTER)!

Ralph, do you think Sam Cassell will be a part of the Clippers coaching staff after next season?

Gary

Gary –

I think Sam has the makings of a fine NBA Coach and he’s certainly expressed an interest in being a part of Mike Dunleavy’s staff.

I’d love to see it happen. Thanks for caring.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Realistically, do the Clippers have a shot at getting over their season-long slump? I know you like to be optimistic, but truthfully, can they pull it together? And will Shaun Livingston ever come out? He seems too afraid to shoot the ball.

Daniel

Daniel –

It has all the earmarks of being a bad season, but nobody is throwing in the towel.

Regarding Livingston, I don’t think he’s afraid to shoot the ball. I do think he’s hesitant to be deemed selfish when that is so far from his natural self. He’s been getting better and I think he still has a very bright future.

- Ralph

Ralph,

What is the deal with Corey Magette? He has shown himself to be a good pro player and had such a fine season last year.

You and "Smitty" make a great team. Love to hear you guys announce a game.

John Stanton

John –

No question Corey is a good pro player. Problem is, he and too Many of his teammates are having well less than their best years and that has dramatically limited this team’s success.

Thanks for the kind words. I’ll let Mike know that he FINALLY has a Fan.

- Ralph

"It wasn't a perfect fit," Howard Bragman said in a phone interview. "The reason you have these types of contracts is to see if you like them, they like you and if it all makes sense. It's just not the right situation."

The Clippers now plan on signing former Laker Von Wafer, who is currently 3rd in the NBDL in scoring with an average of 19.6 points/game and was named the NBDL palyer of the month for January.

Sam Cassell - Sam can only play well in spurts at this point. When he is great, he is great. But his consistancy is dropping off. He plays better after a couple of days rest due to injury, only to fade a couple of days later. He is also one season away from retiring. Grade B+. Trade - Yes.

Elton Brand - He is the face of this franchise, a workhorse that can be at the heart of this team for years to come. His production is down a little from last year and probaby needs to take his summers off. Grade A-. Trade - No.

Shaun Livingston - Has all the tools that you would want from a young point guard of the future. His points and shooting percentages are up this year. His 3 point shooting percentage is way up. But his other production numbers are about the same. Shaun needs a coach that will turn him loose. Unfortunately, Dumleavy's offense doesn't turn anybody loose. Benoit, remember he is still only 21 years old, and he would be only a junior in college this year, so he still has an upside to his game. Grade B. Trade - No.

Corey Maggette - If he were playing for any other coach you would probably say "Why would you trade this guy?" Even though he is 6th in minutes played, he is 2nd in scoring, and 3rd in rebounds. And his contract is cap friendly. In the right system, he will probably flourish. He will never flourish with Dumleavy. Grade B+. Trade - Yes.

Q Ross - Should be considered the consumate role player. Used by Dumleavy as a defensive stopper, he has only been a little above average in that role. Meanwhile, his shooting has really stepped up ever since the playoffs last year. He is hitting 48% from the field mostly from the outside, but is always the 5th option so he doesn't get many shots. Grade B-. Trade - Only if he would help make a must deal work.

Cat Mobley - Even though Cat is 2nd in minutes played, he is 4th in scoring. And he is supposed our shooting guard. He would score more but he is inconsistant. He is also 4th in assists, and 6th in rebs. His production based on minutes played is not sufficient. He is also very average handling the ball and on defense. Grade B-. Trade - Yes, definitely.

Tim Thomas - Tim is 7th in minutes played but 5th in scoring in 4th in rebs. His outside shot is going down with more confidence lately and he is playing a decent all around game. His contract is cap friendly. Grade B. Trade - only if he helps a deal go down.

Chris Kaman - the Pillsbury Dough Boy has a soft upper body and has gained a lot of weight around the middle. Compared to last year, he has lost quickness, he is slower at everything, can't bend down to pick a ball off the floor, shooting lousy most of the time, misses 2 footers all the time, plays only average defense, and his vertical leap has dropped, so he gets only the easy rebounds. At age 24, when he should have made a big move up, he made a big move sideways. His production numbers are about the same as last year. His shooting percentage has dropped from 52% last year to 44% this season. Having said that, he is 6th in minutes played, 5th in points scored and 2nd in rebs. Grade B-. Trade - Yes, but only if we get a franchise quality player in return and we have a way to get another center. He is the only center we have.

Our Bench - Our bench warmers do not get enough minutes to even comment on their production. Ewing and Singleton are energy guys who can pick up the pace when on the floor but...........I guess all of these guys could be included in a trade as throw-ins. Dumleay isn't going to use them anyway. The saddest thing would be never to be able to see if Yaroslav will ever turn into a player. What a wasted draft pick. Almost the worst ever. Thanks, Dumleavy.

Coach Bumbling Dumleavy - Has been around now just long enough for us all to know why other teams have not kept him around. He is a good teacher. That is it. He is lousy at everything else. He is a lousy talent evaluator and an even worse game time coach. Remember all of his gafts in the playoffs. He made rookie mistakes. His offense is old school. The NBA has passed him by. Grade D-. Trade - if we only could.

Deal or No Deal - Only Elton Brand should be totally off the table at this point. Livingston, Kaman, and Thomas should only be included in a deal if a franchise player is being acquired. If we are truely building a new core of talent for the future, Cassell, Mobley, and Maggette are expendable at this point and should be considered trade bait. Q, Ewing, Yaroslav and Singleton could be used as throw-ins just to make a deal work. We also have an extra 1st round draft pick to use to make a deal work for a top tier player.

I can imagine that I have rubbed a few of you the wrong way with some of my comments about how these players are really performing for us. We all have our favorite players and see them differently. I have actually put some of my favorite players on the trading block. Is it time to blow this team up? My report say that is probably so. My report says we should trade Maggette, Mobley, Cassell, Rebraca's expiring contract, and a 1st round draft pick for Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Our lineup would be Elton Brand PF, Chris Kaman C, Rashard Lewis SF, Ray Allen SG, and Shaun Livingston PG. Hmmmmmm.........Oh, I just woke up, I guess I was only dreaming.

JamFan

"James Singleton came off that bench and played with reckless abandon," Elton Brand said. "He got tips, got rebounds, hit a jumper and played some good defense."

It felt good to contribute, Singleton said.

"I've been talking to coach [Dunleavy] lately, and the only thing I need is for him to just trust me and believe in me," Singleton said. "Lately, our relationship has been a lot better. He just tells me what he wants me to do, I go out there and do it."

In 30 games, Singleton is averaging 1.8 points and two rebounds. He did not play in the first three games of the trip.

"After being on the bench for so long, when coach calls your number in a pressure situation like that, it shows he hasn't forgotten about me and what I can do," Singleton said. "That can only make you feel good."

Read the entire article.

Maggette sat out Wednesday's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers because of what a Clippers official said were flu-like symptoms, and his absence from the lineup and bench a day after criticizing Dunleavy prompted reporters to question whether the Clippers had privately taken disciplinary action against their second-leading scorer.

There was no coverup, team sources said.

Maggette was so ill that he remained at the team hotel for the first half of Wednesday's game. The seven-year veteran wasn't at practice Thursday and might not play tonight. People who saw Maggette on Thursday said he "looked horrible" and laughed about fans' conspiracy theories.

Also there's an interesting Q&A w/ Jason Reid (the reporter who covers the Clippers for the Times) regarding the Maggette-Dunleavy relationship/situation- here are a few excerpts:

If anything, Maggette has been even more motivated to excel in his reserve role and reaffirm his importance to the team. Dunleavy wants to win and has made decisions he believes are best for the Clippers. His job has been made more difficult because, as you noted, Chris Kaman has struggled.

Dunleavy and Maggette are proud and stubborn men. They haven't worked well together, so Maggette might be traded after the season.

Dunleavy says his office door is always open to players. Maggette could meet with Dunleavy to discuss his standing on the team, but it seems Maggette would prefer to limit his contact with Dunleavy.

Dunleavy is frustrated with Maggette because of his performance on defense and decision-making. Maggette believes Dunleavy does not respect his ability. Dunleavy is tired of commenting about the Maggette situation. The whole thing has been a thorn in his side.

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that center Zeljko Rebraca, based on a recommendation by back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, has opted to undergo a microscopic surgical procedure (discectomy) on his lower back on Tuesday, January 30th. The procedure, which will be performed by Dr. Watkins, is designed to remove herniated disc fragments that were discovered when Rebraca was re-examined by team physician Dr. Tony Daly on January 17th.

Rebraca has been sidelined with disc-related lower back discomfort since he took his annual pre-training camp physical on September 25th. He is expected to be out the remainder of the season.

The Clippers had just routed the Memphis Grizzlies and Sterling figured the time was right to make his position known on the team's trade discussions involving Maggette. Sterling said he wanted the seven-year veteran to remain with the team, Maggette said he hoped to stay and Baylor and Dunleavy agreed that few players available in trades could help the Clippers more than Maggette, according to Clippers officials familiar with the conversation.

Although the owner left the door ajar to trade the Clippers' leading scorer off the bench, telling Maggette he would permit Baylor and Dunleavy to move him in a deal that might improve the team significantly, Sterling was firm in his message: He wants Maggette to be with the Clippers for a long time.

The Newark Star-Ledger on Thursday reported that the Clippers and Nets talked about possibly trading Maggette and Shaun Livingston for star swingman Vince Carter and rookie guard Marcus Williams.

The Clippers did speak with the Nets about the availability of Carter and star point guard Jason Kidd, and were told the players were not available. The Clippers are no longer pursing any deals involving Carter and Kidd, team sources said.

The Clippers had been in discussions with many teams about potential trades that could help them improve before the Feb. 22 trading deadline. Carter and Kidd were among the players the Clippers identified as potential difference-makers.

The team had shopped Maggette because his agent, Rob Pelinka, was concerned about Maggette's role and requested a trade.

Before Thursday's game, Dunleavy said he did not expect Maggette to be traded.

"In the role he's in, Corey is very valuable to our team," Dunleavy said. "In terms of coming in and giving us scoring, rebounding and energy, Corey has been a big contributor to what we're trying to do."

Read the entire article.

Mobley broke the Nets' hearts after Kidd missed everything on a 3-point shot and New Jersey turned the ball over on a shot-clock violation. The Clippers called a timeout and the ball went to Cassell, who drove halfway down the lane before kicking it out to his backcourt mate for a wide-open 3 as Vince Carter scrambled back in vain to contest the shot.

"Coach called a pick-and-roll and Sam got deep in the lane," Mobley said. "Luckily, Sam saw me. I set my feet and it went in. We read a good play, Sam found me, case closed."

New Jersey inbounded after Mobley's clutch basket, looking for a miracle, but Carter missed tipping in Kidd's high-arching pass toward the hoop.

Elton Brand and reserve forward Corey Maggette each scored 18 points, helping Los Angeles (21-21) climb back to the .500 mark for the first time since Dec. 11. Sam Cassell added 15 points and 10 assists.

"Sam's made a great difference," Brand said. "Down the stretch -- or any time in the game -- he's such a threat that teams have to honor him."

Read the entire story.

It is no secret Miami has dangled Posey as trade bait. They tried to entice the Clippers into a Maggette for Posey trade earlier this season, but the Clippers declined.

Philadelphia trading Korver would be a shock. The 76ers signed him to a contract extension last summer.

It is likely, although not entirely certain, that the Clippers will let the Feb.22 trade deadline come and go.

“We threw our line in the water early and did not get any responses, at least none that were of any interest to us,’’ Dunleavy said.

Corey Maggette for sixth man of the year?

The Clippers’ swingman is not campaigning but his play off the bench has made him a viable candidate. Maggette is averaging 15.5 points.

Only Chicago’s Ben Gordon, at 21.3 points per game, has attained similar numbers, while performing primarily for his team’s second unit.

“I said from the beginning that could happen, when you have a guy like Corey coming off the bench, with his explosion and being able to take advantage of favorable matchups every night, that he could be very productive,’’ Dunleavy said.

Maggette has not entirely warmed to this role, which is why, through his agent Rob Pelinka, Maggette lobbied the Clippers to trade him. But although the Clippers contacted a number of teams, at Pelinka’s behest, Dunleavy has been reluctant to do make a trade, cognizant of what Maggette can do on the offensive end.

“He’s a high-energy guy that gives you a big boost,’’ Dunleavy said.

The league’s sixth man of the year award was an incentive that Dunleavy thought would get Maggette to readily accept coming off the bench.

“Any award you get from the NBA is a great accomplishment,’’ Maggette said. “But at the end of each day, I’m just striving to be the best player that I can.’’

Read the entire story.

"It seemed that way, but the bulk of their scoring was still there," Brand said. "They still had three scoring threats on the floor. But with seven (healthy) guys playing for them, we should have held the lead a little better."

Quinton Ross scored 24 points for Los Angeles and Sam Cassell had 23, along with 13 of the Clippers' season-high 37 assists. But Livingston was sidelined for the first time this season because of a sprained right ankle and Thomas missed his second straight game with an infected left ear.

"Two of our guys who would have been best suited to play in this game were Shaun Livingston and Tim Thomas," coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Tim gives us the outside shooting against the zone, and Shaun's ability to play multiple positions is a big help against teams like that. So we were kind of short-handed, based on the way they play."

The Warriors were required by NBA rules to dress eight players to avoid a forfeit. So they activated Foyle from the inactive list despite his sprained right ankle, and signed guard Renaldo Major to a 10-day contract. Major, who played 27 minutes in his NBA debut and scored five points on 2-for-10 shooting, was playing for the Dakota Wizards -- a Development League team of the Sacramento Kings. He spent the previous two seasons in the CBA.

Read the entire story.

After consecutive baskets by Cuttino Mobley to open the fourth quarter gave the Clippers the lead, the Warriors went on the big run to take control of the game.

"It was the hustle opportunities they got," Brand said. "They played hard. They had more energy going after loose balls. ... It seems like every time we take a step forward, we're also taking two steps back."

Read the entire recap.

"We have to take this home and build on it," said coach Mike Dunleavy, whose team concluded a six-game trip and improved to a mere 5-13 on the road.

Elton Brand had 21 points and Sam Cassell added 18 points for the Clippers, who made it to the second round of the playoffs last spring but have been bothered by various injuries this season and have plenty of catching up to do if they want to make it again.

That's why this win felt so good.

"If we can play like this, with this aggressiveness, this passion? See, that's the game," Cassell said. "That's what we've been playing with. That's why we have been successful."

Trenton Hassell hit what could have been the big shot, a 17-foot jumper he swished with 25 seconds remaining that regained the lead for the Wolves at 91-90. But Maggette was the man on this night.

"My job is just to go out there and play my man and score. I wasn't expecting to hit the game-winner, but I was expecting to be productive for this team," he said.

Notes

Jaric sprained his right thumb in the second quarter and did not return to the bench. He missed two games last week with a similar injury. ... Livingston is 6-for-30 from the field in his last three games. ... Eddie Griffin was inactive for the 12th straight game, the longest such stretch of his career. Contributions by Blount and rookie Craig Smith have made Griffin unnecessary. Foye, who shot 1-for-10 and finished with five points, has done the same thing to Troy Hudson, who is healthy but did not play for the 11th time this season. ... Chris Kaman, who had 12 points and six rebounds for Los Angeles, was limping after halftime and didn't play in the last 16 minutes. He sprained his right ankle in the first quarter.

Read the entire story.

Jackson will join the Los Angeles Clippers after a short six game stint in the D-League, in which he averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 31 minutes per game. Jackson shot an outstanding 53% the field and 58% from behind the arc. Sources close to the situation tell us he will sign a 10-day contract and meet the Clippers in Oklahoma City for their away game on Monday.

The Clippers are currently suffering from numerous injuries on the perimeter, as Corey Maggette (ankle), Cuttino Mobley (elbow) and Sam Cassell (heel) are all day-to-day at the moment. Los Angeles is also one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA at just 31.1%, an area that Jackson can help them out greatly in if he can get off the bench. The Clippers lost Saturday to the Atlanta Hawks by 12 points, and were forced to play Tim Thomas 44 minutes at the small forward position. Thomas was the only player on the team to attempt a 3-pointer all night, knocking down 3 of 9 from behind the arc.

The Clippers had an opportunity to sign their 2006 second round draft pick Guillermo Diaz after he decided not to return to his team from the Czech Republic, Nymburk, following his Christmas vacation, but apparently declined.

The eight-game skid was Atlanta's longest since losing the first nine games of the 2005-06 season. The Hawks had losing streaks of 13 and 14 games in their 13-win season in 2004-05.

Only four players scored in double figures. Elton Brand led the Clippers with 26 points, including 12 in the first quarter, and Tim Thomas had 14.

The Clippers' only lead was 8-6, but the Hawks could not pull away. The final margin matched Atlanta's largest lead, a 60-48 advantage in the third quarter.

The Clippers attacked inside with Brand from their first possession and kept passing to the power forward. Brand's first four points came on free throws after drawing fouls on Pachulia and Shelden Williams.

When the Hawks stopped fouling, Brand kept scoring. Brand scored the Clippers' first 12 points. No other Los Angeles player scored until a follow shot by Quinton Ross with 2:33 left in the opening period.

Johnson almost matched Brand with 11 first-quarter points, and the Hawks had better balance to lead 25-16 at the end of the period and 42-36 at halftime.

Atlanta pulled ahead by 12 points on a basket by Johnson with 4:41 left in the third quarter, but the Clippers finished the quarter with an 11-4 run to cut the deficit to 64-59.

The Clippers fell to 0-11 on the road when trailing after three quarters. ^Notes: Clippers G Corey Maggette, the team's top reserve and second-leading scorer, was on the inactive list because of a sore left foot. The Clippers also were without G Sam Cassell, who was in uniform but did not play due to a sore heel. ... Hawks F Dijon Thompson, who signed with the team Saturday, was in uniform but did not play.

Read the entire recap.

"We caught a team that was really short-handed," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "This was a game we were supposed to win and our guys played well."

Corey Maggette had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Quinton Ross scored 13 points, and Daniel Ewing and Shaun Livingston each added 12 for the Clippers (15-17), who improved to 3-11 on the road.

Riley's absence, combined with the pregame deactivation of forwards Antoine Walker and James Posey over their failure to meet team body-fat standards, only added to the dark cloud hovering over the Heat.

And the Clippers happily exploited Miami's depth issues.

"We prepared as if Wade and those guys were playing, just in case," Brand said.

Read the entire story.

For starters, Elton Brand had a season high 32 points with 6 rebounds and a career high 8 blocks. The Clippers defense, which continues to make a comeback, had a total of 16 blocks which you would think would be some sort of record for the Clips. They held Curry to 15 points to lead the Knicks who only shot 34% from the floor

Chris Kaman only had 8 points but contributed 13 rebounds, 4 offensive. Cat had 11 and Shaun Livingston had 15 points and 7 assists.

Corey Maggette had another one of his efficient games scoring 14 points, 4 rebs (2 offensive), 4 assists, 1 steal, and hit all 8 of his free throws in only 24 minutes.

If you were looking for a sign that the Clippers are truely on their way back, this game might be one of those steps moving forward. They shot 51% from the field, but only 36% from the 3. They were excellant from the free throw line at 95%. But it was the defense and the 16 blocked shots that will be the key to winning more in the future. Now they hed back out on the road. So let's see how they due. Next up, Tuesday night they are in Orlando.

JamFan

"The streak's over," Brand said. "There's no better time to win than right now. We've been struggling, so it's a big win for us."

Los Angeles had lost seven of its last nine and 14 of 20.

The game between Western Conference underachievers included the disgruntled duo of Maggette and Sacramento's Ron Artest, who was held to five points and three rebounds after scoring 28 in the Kings' win last month over the Clippers.

There have been reports that Sacramento may deal Artest to the Clippers for Maggette, who is unhappy about his playing time and has asked his agent to pursue a trade.

"I don't know how true those rumors were, but I was able to focus," Artest said. "Sac's been good to me. I enjoy it. But it's always good to know that another organization wants you. I know Tim Thomas, Elton Brand is a good friend of mine and Corey Maggette's a good friend of mine."

Maggette came in averaging 14.8 points -- his lowest since 2001-02. He added seven rebounds and hit all seven of his free throws.

He didn't appear at his locker to speak with reporters afterward.

"Just because something is on TV or in the rumor mill, it's not anything until it happens," Brand said. "I've been talking to the guys about being professional like they are, especially Corey Maggette, just coming out and playing his game and not worried about that stuff because he can't change it."

Brand has been fielding questions about what it would be like to play with Artest.

"Until something happens, I'm worried about the players I have," he said. "I'd rather have Michael Jordan in his hey (day) if I'm just going to speculate."

Read the entire story.

The Clippers were led by Tim Thomas with 25 points, hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. Elton Brand also had 25 points hitting 11 of 15 shots from the floor. Corey Maggette had 11 points, 11 rebounds and 2 steals in only 23 minutes. Yeah, that sounds like a guy who minutes should be reduced or traded away.

This game goes to show what happens when we are hitting our shots and playing great defense. It just that it hasn't happened that much this season. It is also evidence that what Elgin needs to do is tell Dumleavy and Corey that he is not going to be trade Maggette, and that they better just find a way to get along. Dumleavy need to insert Maggette permanatly into the starting lineup and sit Q or Cat to begin the game. Corey is outplaying both of them put together. Moreover, they can use other players, two first round draft picks, and Rebraca's expiring contract to go out and get a great outside shooter. Using one of our first round picks is a luxury we can afford to give because we have our own first round picks the next couple of years and also own the rights to Minnesotas, which could end up to be a valuable commodity. We also already have Guillermo Diaz, who is tearing up the Euro league, and Baby Shaq who was the talk of last summer's World Championships, already waiting in the wings to come back over and play for the Clippers next season.

Because of all the fading trade rumors having Ron Artest coming to the Clippers for Maggette, sets up a battle royal tonight at Staples between the Clippers and the Sacramento Kings. Especially if Dumleavy starts Corey opposite Ron. That will be fun to watch. All of the trade rumors started when the Kings called the Clippers last Friday to initate a trade scenario. The rumors were leaked from the Clippers side which shows that they were interested. Reportedly, the Kings never came back with a firm offer. I think it is because the Clippers signaled a willingness to trade straight accross, and the Kings wanted more than one asset. The Kings might have just gotten cold feet because of Corey injury history or maybe they want to see what else is out there. If nothing better comes up they might be back to the bargaining table. If they wait to long, Corey might be gone as the Clippers seem to continue to dangle Corey out there on the trade market.

Tonight will be one of the more interesting games, so don't miss it. SoCal fans can view the game at 7:30PM on the Fox Sports Network. Tickets are also available through vaious outlets for those who can get to the game. Try Stubhub to get a last minute deal on tickets that haven't sold.

JamFan

"We got a major break when Yao went down," said Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy. "We moved the ball better, we had open gaps and we were able to make our shots."

Read the entire story.

---

Meanwhile, the Clippers continued to pursue a trade for an impact player, discussing a potential deal for Ron Artest of the Sacramento Kings, a high-ranking Clippers source said after the game.

Apparently, Artest, whom the Clippers tried to acquire last season from the Indiana Pacers, is eager to leave the Kings, and the Clippers want to send Corey Maggette to Sacramento for the versatile player. A Clippers official spoke with the Kings on Friday, and talks are expected to continue today.

Regardless of whether the Clippers get a boost from Artest, they were upbeat for a change Saturday after defeating a quality opponent on the road. McGrady and Yao would have made things more difficult, the Clippers said, but they finally did many things right together.

"We had guys playing together and sharing the ball, cutting and moving, and it was just great to see," said point guard Shaun Livingston, who had 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

"Even when Yao went out, it was like, 'We need this.' Would we rather have T-Mac and Yao in there together, play like we did and win? Yeah.

"But you've got to get it how you can in the NBA. It's cutthroat. If our guys were out, they would try to mop us up, so we did what we had to do." Especially after Friday's 32-point loss against the Dallas Mavericks in which the Clippers trailed by 43 points in the fourth quarter.

Read the entire story.

Elton Brand vehemently disagreed, even in the wake of the team’s worse debacle of the season Friday night, a 115-83 massacre by the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.

“You know I was here then, and even in the dark days, we were competing,” Brand said. “Against championship teams, the upper-echelon teams, we would find ways to lose in the end, but we weren’t getting blown out. Not like this.”

But there they were, staring at a 43-point deficit in the third quarter, getting three-pointers rained down upon them as if they were trapped in a hailstorm. The Clippers have lost six consecutive games, their longest losing streak this season, surpassing the pair of season-high five-game skids they suffered last season.

It was the most lopsided loss for the Clippers this season and the biggest victory by the Mavericks over the Clippers in the 27-year history of the series.

“We have to have some pride. We have to compete and play our defensive schemes,” Brand said. “We have to guard somebody.”

CASSELL IN PAIN

Clippers guard Sam Cassell played eight minutes, in intense pain because of plantar fasciitis of the left foot. It’s an injury that has hampered him for at least two weeks.

“I’m out there on guts right now,” Cassell said. “My whole game is about angles and creating angles and plays for my teammates, and I can’t do that right now. I may need to sit out awhile now because I have to get healthy for us to be successful.”

Read the entire story.

The injury-plagued Clippers have dropped five of their last eight home games after starting out a franchise-best 6-0. They have dropped four straight overall and 12 of the last 14 meetings with the Rockets.

"It's a double disappointment because we're losing games and losing players. But we've just got to keep fighting and plugging away," Brand said. "One of the things that's missing from last year are energy, defensive rotations, and the fire and will to win. We've got to get that back."

"It's a fine line when to double-team Yao and when not to. And they made us pay the price with some of our double teams with their 3-point shooting," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said.

Trailing by 12 late in the third, the Clippers cut it to 100-96 as Corey Maggette scored nine of his 19 points in a 3:51 span -- including a 17-footer with 1:19 to play. But Yao responded with an 8-foot turnaround jumper, then blocked Maggette's driving layup out of bounds with 54 seconds to go.

Cuttino Mobley hit an 18-footer and Head made one of two free throws at the other end, before Maggette's layup cut Houston's lead to 103-100 with 19.5 seconds left. But Alston clinched it with four free throws in the final 14.7 seconds.

Tim Thomas started at small forward for the Clippers, but never made it out of the first quarter. He left the floor just 38 seconds after the opening tip because of a bruised left knee and returned with 5:54 left in the quarter. But less than 3 1-2 minutes later, he bruised his left elbow in a collision with Dikembe Mutombo and was knocked on his back by referee Phil Robinson while clutching his painful elbow. X-rays were negative.

Sam Cassell was scratched for the second time in three games because of a sore left heel that limited him to just 12 minutes in the Clippers' loss at Portland on Friday. Another guard, Quinton Ross, left the game with 7:48 remaining in the third quarter because of back spasms.

"It's tough times because of matchups, but I never try to put it on injuries because injuries are an opportunity for other guys to step up and get better," Dunleavy said. "We were hoping that part of our strength was going to be our depth, but that has been pretty well stretched right now."

Read the entire story

He wasn't celebrating afterward.

"We just got beasted in the paint," Dunleavy said. "They're big and strong at every position, and they out-toughed us. That makes them kind of special. They shot the ball from distance and that's an area we struggled in."

Los Angeles played without two of its top three scorers -- Sam Cassell (injured left foot) and Corey Maggette (bruised left knee and left Achilles' tendinitis). The Clippers have lost three of their last four games, with the losses coming by a combined 70 points.

"It's frustrating to face the top team in the league without all your firepower, but if we gave the kind of effort they did, it wouldn't have mattered," Brand said. "They outhustled us to loose balls, to rebounds, got easy putbacks and easy points."

Read the entire recap.

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that the team and Head Coach Mike Dunleavy have reached agreement on a multi-year deal, to begin with the 2007-08 season. Per team policy, no contract terms were announced. Dunleavy is in the midst of his fourth season coaching the Clippers, and last season led the team to its best record since moving to California and on a franchise-best playoff run that saw them come within one game of making the Western Conference Semifinals.

“Mike Dunleavy has proven that he is an outstanding basketball coach,” Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor said. “Mike has already experienced a lot of success with the Clippers, and there is no doubt in my mind that he is the right person to continue to lead this team in the future.”

One of the most accomplished coaches in the NBA, Dunleavy ranks second on the Clippers all-time list for coaching victories and entered the season in ninth place amongst all active NBA coaches. Dunleavy earned his 500th career win on March 13, 2006, as the Clippers have improved their win total in each of his three years leading the club.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Dunleavy has enjoyed success throughout his NBA career, winning NBA Coach of the Year in 1999 while leading the Portland Trailblazers. Dunleavy was with the Trailblazers from 1997-2001, directing them to a 190-106 [.642] record and four straight playoff appearances. Dunleavy started his NBA head coaching career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1990-1991, helping the Lakers to a 58-24 record and a trip to the NBA Finals in his first season as head coach. Dunleavy coached the Lakers again in 1991-92 before serving as the head coach and Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1992-1996.

The third all-time leading scorer in University of South Carolina history, Dunleavy was selected in the sixth round of the 1976 NBA Draft by Philadelphia and played 11 seasons in the NBA for the 76ers (1977-78), Houston Rockets (1978-82), San Antonio Spurs (1982-83) and Milwaukee Bucks (1983-85, 1988-1990).

The Clippers initially called the 76ers to gauge their interest in Maggette, whose agent, Rob Pelinka, recently asked the Clippers to trade the seven-year veteran, sources said. The 76ers then steered the conversation toward Iverson.

Maggette has averaged at least 20 points a game in two seasons. He volunteered to come off the bench this season and is averaging 14.1 points, but his minutes have dropped from 29.5 a game last season to 25.6 this season — his fewest in six seasons.

Maggette has not publicly expressed dissatisfaction with his role, but Pelinka apparently believes Maggette could contribute more with another team. The Clippers are trying to accommodate Maggette, sources said, but won't make a move unless it benefits them too.

In the off-season, the Clippers rejected the 76ers' proposal of trading Iverson for Maggette and Livingston, and Clippers officials Tuesday reiterated their unwillingness to send the fourth-year, 6-foot-7 point guard to Philadelphia, even for a four-time league scoring champion. The Clippers plan to offer Livingston a multiyear contract extension in the summer.

For trade talks to intensify with Philadelphia, however, Sterling would have to get onboard about the team's future payroll structure. Iverson has a salary of $17.1 million this season. He's owed $19 million next season and $20.8 million in 2008-09. The 10-year veteran has the right to terminate the final year of his contract and become a free agent.

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Brand said the Spurs are difficult to defend against.

"They move the ball well, they move without the ball well. They have a post threat in Duncan who's a great player, and then they have outside shooters that can knock them down. It's hard," Brand said.

The Spurs dominated inside, with Clippers' center Chris Kaman out with a stomach virus. Los Angeles started 6-foot-9 forward Aaron Williams in his spot, and Parker was able to drive often, and Duncan was able to shoot without much contention.

The Clippers also were without forward Corey Maggette, sidelined by a bruised left knee and tendinitis in his left Achilles.

Williams played just 17 minutes and had two points and three rebounds. Rookie center Paul Davis came on and had 15 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes.

The Clippers' Sam Cassell left in the second quarter with an injury to his left foot and did not return.

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Dunleavy questioned the team's effort in Friday's embarrassing 29-point blowout loss at San Antonio. He challenged the Clippers to respond against the struggling Grizzlies, who are only 3-5 here and have the worst record in the NBA at 5-15.

Memphis missed 13 free throws while shooting only 61.8% from the line compared with 82.1% for the Clippers, who made 23 of 28. It still wasn't easy for the Clippers, but they had to start somewhere.

"It feels good to get that monkey off of our backs, especially after such a tough loss," said Elton Brand, who led all scorers with 26 points.

"It has been building up, and we felt this was a team that we should beat. We were just about .500 on the road last season, so we have a long way to go to try to reach that mark again. But you have to get that first one."

"When we execute like we did tonight, when we move the ball around and take good shots, it just makes the team better," Corey Maggette said. "It's about us moving the ball, hitting the shots when we're open and playing defense. We did those things and good things happened."

"Obviously, everybody knows he's a clutch performer, he's just a real fourth-quarter guy," Livingston said of his mentor. "It's important for me to start the game off and help get the guys into rhythm, which makes it easier for him to come in and just go do his thing because guys are already in rhythm."

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"They (the Clippers) were kind of forcing me to pass it because they never really left me open," Parker said. "My teammates kept making shots, so I decided to keep passing the ball."

Parker had been averaging 19 points and just over five assists a game.

"We just happened to have a great night and it was sparked by Tony Parker," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "I think he set the table for our team really well. ... He got everybody involved."

As for Ginobili, the usual starter came in off the bench halfway through the first quarter as he continues to get back into playing shape. Ginobili was out for several games with a lower back contusion.

"He's starting to feel more confident with his rhythm and body. I wish he would have played a little longer to get into shape," Popovich said.

Ginobili had been averaging just over 13 points in almost 28 minutes a game this season. And he didn't seem worried about being a reserve.

"I don't know when it's going to change, but we're doing great," he said.

"They're just a better team than us right now and it showed tonight," Livingston said. "I think right now we're still finding ourselves."

The Spurs went 10-of-24 on 3-pointers. The Clippers took only four shots from behind the arc, making two.

"We got outworked," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Defensively, we gave up too many high-percentage shots to them."

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It was his second fine performance in a row, and the second consecutive win for the Clippers after they lost six of seven.

"It's my time," said Brand, who hadn't been playing as significant an offensive role as in past seasons. "We're at kind of a crossroads. We needed to win. Being at .500 is OK for some teams, but we have some lofty goals."

After making the second round of the playoffs last season, the Clippers are off to a 9-8 start, including 0-6 on the road.

"What we were doing wasn't working," Brand said. "I needed some touches. I don't mind taking two shots a game if we win, but we needed to mix it up."

"It was one of those nights when Elton Brand was incredible," Miami coach Pat Riley said. "He was just so efficient as a player. He just did us in."

The double-double was the ninth of the season for Brand, who went 13-of-18 from the floor after going 12-of-14 from the field and scoring 31 in the Clippers' 116-91 win over Orlando two nights earlier.

"When I'm hot like that, I don't feel like I'm going to miss," said Brand, who made a variety of put-backs, layps and jumpers.

"It's always difficult to control Elton Brand," said Wade, who scored 33 points. "It seems like Elton has a good game every time he plays against us.

"He's one of the toughest covers in the league. He's very poised, he knows how to get to the bucket and he knocks down shots. He's one of the best players in the NBA and he showed it tonight."

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Brand shot 12-for-14 from the field in a 116-91 Clippers' victory that snapped the Magic's seven-game winning streak.

"We had to reclaim the home court," Brand said. "Especially against the number one team in the East, who had won some games on the road already. They were very hot."

Tim Thomas added 20 points, shooting 5-for-7 from 3-point range for the Clippers.

It was the biggest victory margin of the season for the Clippers (8-8), and the Magic's worst losing margin.

"I feel like for 48 minutes we played a really good game, maybe our best game of the year," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said

"Something had to give, something had to change, so I had to be aggressive," Brand said. "This is the first step in getting back our winning ways."

Dunleavy said that the Brand he saw Sunday night reminded him of the player that led his team to its best-ever season in Los Angeles last year.

"He's got a lot of bounce back in his step and he looked confident in his shot," Dunleavy said. "That's what we got used to seeing last year."

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Awful 3 point shooting also hurt the Clippers tonight. Notably Tim Thomas was 0-4 and Cassell was 0-3. If they had just made 2 more 3's it may have been a completely different story. It's been a persistent problem so far in the season for the Clippers. Mobley has been solid from beyond the arc, but Cassell has dropped off big time from last season. Tim Thomas has been very disappointing overall from deep, while Maggette has been horrible at 7%.

The Clippers now don't have much time to sulk about another disappointing performance- they have to play the tough Orlando Magic tomorrow night. Dwight Howard, Grant Hill, & Jameer Nelson and co. are playing great- let's see how the Clippers respond.

One night after shooting an NBA season-worst 30.6 percent from the field and missing 17 of their final 18 shots in a 93-80 loss at Sacramento that dropped their road record to 0-6, the Clippers were back in their comfort zone before a receptive Staples Center crowd of 15,829 and improved to 7-1 on their home court.

"We're 7-1 at home, and we still feel we gave one away against Seattle here. So we feel like we should be undefeated at home," Brand said.

"We were just moving the ball well and making our shots," Corey Maggette said. "The past couple of games we weren't. But tonight, we were doing a lot of good things that put us in a great position. When we're playing good hard D and making your shots, we're a tough team to beat."

"Last night I wasn't as aggressive in the fourth quarter as I should have been and I missed three layups," Mobley added. "So I said to myself, `Just come out tonight and shoot the ball. Just go out and do what you've been doing since you came into the league.' And it went well for me."

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Despite playing much improved team basketball tonight, the Clippers simply could not shoot worth a darn. Q Ross- 1 for 7 (the 1 was a layup) including 2 ugly airballs, Elton Brand 4-15, Corey Maggette 0-9, James Singleton 0-5, Tim Thomas 4-18??! Are you kidding me? It wasn't like the Kings played great defense- a lot of the shots were uncontested outside jumpers. Shaun Livingston was probably the most consistent shooter tonight going 10-16, and Cat Mobley hit 5 or 6 straight at one point, but even those two guys missed all their shots down the stretch. Combined the Clippers shot 30% for the game. Other than that they played great in other areas, but 30% shooting was too much to overcome.

There were quite a few bright spots in the game. The Clippers did a great job shutting down Bibby (5 for 16) and Martin (1 for 8)- you can't ask for better than that. Also it was great to see Livingston shoot with some confidence, though there were a couple of plays in the 4th when he was feeding Brand in the post and never even looked at the basket. That allowed his man to hunker down on EB and resulted in turnovers/tough shots. That's where you really miss Sam Cassell- Sam didn't play because of his ankle sprain and wow did the Clippers ever missed (no pun intended) his veteran leadership and shooting. Also I thought Paul Davis was terrific in the 14 minutes he played- 7 points, 5 boards, and a block. Rookie's got a nice outside shot that he puts up with confidence, plus he had some nice forays to the basket. Maybe he should've been put back in the game there in the 4th with Brand and Thomas shooting so poorly.

Overall it was a much better team effort- guys were cutting on offense, making the extra pass, and everyone crashed the boards big time. The shots simply didn't fall- what can you do, especially when you're shorthanded with Cassell and Kaman not playing. Without those two guys and you have Brand, Maggette, and Thomas struggle with their shooting like that- well- we all saw the result.

"The way we play is to control tempo, control boards and control paint," Dunleavy said, "and he's a big part of that, with his rebounding, shot blocking and low-post scoring. But this means that there's an opportunity for someone else."

Kaman said it is unlikely that he will miss two weeks.

"We have great trainers, but they don't know how fast I heal," he said. "It's going to be sore, I know. But I want to play sooner than later."

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Dunleavy said second-year forward James Singleton earned another chance to be in the playing rotation after his inspired play against Denver. Singleton made an immediate impact when he was inserted into the game to start the second quarter and he subsequently played a season-high 32 minutes. Singleton had appeared in just three of the first 11 games. "I figured sooner or later an opportunity would come and I'd get a chance," he said. "I always stay ready." ...

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Dunleavy said Monday it is possible that second-year forward Yaroslav Korolev, 19, will be sent to the Clippers' NBDL affiliate, the Anaheim Arsenal. NBA teams can send two players at a time to the developmental league (rookies and second-year players) to gain experience and playing time. Korolev, who appeared in 24 games last season and has not played in any of the first 12 games this season, fits those criteria. "It is a possibility," Dunleavy said. "The positive is that he'll receive playing time. I don't see any negatives, other than he'll miss practicing with our guys."

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Rewarding the coach who led them to their best season, the Clippers have reached agreement with Mike Dunleavy on a four-year contract extension for more than $21 million, The Times has learned.

Andy Roeser, Clippers executive vice president, and Dunleavy's agent, Warren LeGarie, late last week finalized the framework of a package that will pay Dunleavy more than $5.3 million a season, multiple team sources said Monday. The Clippers have not announced the agreement because Roeser and LeGarie were still negotiating bonuses for Dunleavy tied to the team's future playoff performances.

Dunleavy was in Sacramento with the Clippers on Monday preparing for the final game of a road trip Tuesday against the Kings. Asked about his new contract, Dunleavy said he had hoped "something could be worked out because this is where I want to be, which is what I've said all along."

With a current salary of $2.5 million in a contract that expires after this season, Dunleavy has a below-market package for someone with his experience. And Dunleavy — the 1999 NBA coach of the year — has significant input in the Clippers player-personnel decisions, the primary reason Sterling was willing to increase his salary by about $4 million a season in the new contract.

Among other things, Dunleavy played a key role in persuading center Chris Kaman to sign a five-year, $52.5-million contract extension in October.

There had been speculation within the organization that Dunleavy might receive an additional title in a new contract, but sources said Dunleavy is fine with the Clippers' current management structure and enjoys working with General Manager Elgin Baylor — the 2005-06 NBA executive of the year.

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Los Angeles cleaned it up briefly midway through the second, using a 13-2 run to get within four, but that was it.

Already playing without center Chris Kaman, who sprained his ankle against the Timberwolves, Los Angeles lost point guard Sam Cassell for most of the second half with a sprained left ankle.

Cassell, the catalyst for the Clippers' win over the Nuggets in the first round of last year's playoffs, was 1-of-4 in just seven first-half minutes and lasted two minutes in the third quarter before coming out.

That left the Clippers with two big holes instead of one and Denver took advantage, opening the second half with a 13-4 run that led to an 87-70 lead by the end of the third quarter.

Corey Maggette had 22 points to lead Los Angeles, which shot 36 percent to lose its fourth straight.

"This isn't the way we play," Cassell said. "We aren't in a rhythm. We can't get a rhythm. You can get it back or it can get worse."

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Foye had scored just 14 points in his previous five games, but was by far the best player on the court when it counted on Saturday night.

"I've been kind of waiting for this," Foye said. "I just wanted the chance to do what I did in college, have the ball in my hands and make plays."

Cassell scored 28 points in the first 36 minutes, but Ricky Davis shut him down in the final period, holding him to three points on 1-of-5 shooting.

Foye opened the fourth with a 3-pointer and a pretty, swooping layup in traffic, then added another 3 with 4:49 to play to cut the Clippers' lead to 94-88.

The jaw-dropping performance stole the show from Cassell, who was dominant for the first three periods.

Cassell jumped on Minnesota right out of the gates on Saturday night, scoring 12 points in the first quarter, including six straight during an 8-0 run that helped the Clippers take a nine-point lead after one.

But while he has earned a reputation as one of the better clutch players in the league over his career, Cassell didn't have anything left in the tank when Foye and the Wolves made their run.

After going 13-for-19 in the first three quarters, Cassell was just 1-for-5 over the final 12 minutes.

His last basket came on a 3-pointer with just over 5 minutes to go that made the score 94-85, but the Wolves closed the game with an astounding 19-2 run to win their third game in a row.

"I want to win everywhere. I try to play my heart out everywhere," Cassell said. "It's a loss. We're 6-5 now. We haven't yet won on the road, so we've got to try to put together some road wins, but we're all right."

"We're a confident team," Cassell said. "We understand we let this one slip through our hands, but we've got to find a way to win this kind of game."

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Kaman's injury occurred on the eve of the Clippers' first extended trip, a three-game slate that continues Sunday in Denver and then concludes with a game Tuesday in Sacramento. According to Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, Kaman rolled his ankle when he stepped on a teammate's foot in a full-court scrimmage.

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One nagging problem for the Clippers is slow starts. The Clippers have been behind in the first quarter in all but one game. "I don't know the answer to that, other than we haven't shot the ball well," Dunleavy said. Players are passing up open, mid-range jump shots. The often-negative results have been 24-second shot- clock violations, three-second violations and over passing, leading to turnovers.

Dunleavy's answer?

"You have to be able to step up and shoot with confidence," he said.

"We know we haven't been playing our best basketball, and then we've run into some teams that have been trying to pick themselves up," Thomas said, alluding to losses to Utah, the Lakers and Seattle. "It's a little difficult for us right now, but we just need to stick together and we'll be all right."

Thomas said the players have discussed the offensive stagnation, and part of the problem lies with lack of ball movement.

"A lot of situations we've been caught holding the ball, with the shot clock almost gone," Thomas said. "It comes down to matter of trust, in most cases. Trust that if you pass the ball, and make your cut, that you'll get the ball back."

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Rashard Lewis had 35 points and 13 rebounds and Ray Allen scored 12 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter for the Sonics, who never led by more than 12 points and never trailed in a 95-85 victory on Wednesday night.

"Rashard Lewis had a great game and Ray Allen followed it up," Clippers guard Cuttino Mobley said. "But we're giving other teams confidence. We didn't have that many turnovers, yet we didn't have that many rebounds. They outrebounded us, and we're the bigger team."

Reserve forward Tim Thomas scored 15 points for the Clippers, who won their first six games at Staples Center to set a franchise record for the fastest start at home. They were the road team in Tuesday's 105-101 loss to the Lakers.

"We caught them on the back end of a back-to-back, so we had to take advantage of them early," Allen said. "Even though they're at home, we knew they played last night and we didn't, so we had fresher legs."

"We weren't putting them in situations where they had to make plays under duress," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "We were getting outworked, and it was disappointing to see. Big shots by Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis kept us at bay."

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Individually Brand was terrific with 20 and 15, and Cassell was solid with 18. Maggette did very well, though he (and EB) missed way too many free throws early. Mobley kind of dissappeared tonight- Cat had only 4 point. Chris Kaman and Shaun Livingston played much better than they have lately. Kaman played like he did late last season, though he still commited way too many turnovers (5). Livingston really sparked the Clipper comeback in the 4th. He blocked a shot, got a steal, made some layups, and hit a huge 3 to tie the game at 83. He shot that because the clock was running down, but you kind of knew it was going in because he didn't have to think much about it- all those reps from practice over the summer just took over. In the future Shaun really needs to just shoot that if he's open- no hesitation, no thinking. He did miss a running bank shot that would've given the Clippers a 3 point lead later in the game. Shaun should pratice that shot more- he's going to have tons of opportunities for that banker during the season. Q got some tough touch fouls early and really couldn't do much to stop Kobe. Interestingly with the Clippers down by 7 with a minute and a half to go the Clippers came out of a timeout and specifically drew up a play for Q to shoot the 3- and he drained it like it was a layup. That would be something if he starts to hit 3's on a consistent basis- that will really help stretch the court on offensive.

"They are a great basketball team," Iverson said. "They have what you need to win in this league. They have a grown man playing power forward (Brand). They have young talent, leadership in Sam Cassell, a great pickup in Tim Thomas, players who know their role, and an effective center."

The Clippers have won their first six home games for the first time in the franchise's 37-year history -- including six seasons in San Diego and eight as the Buffalo Braves. The team started a season 5-0 at home only three other times -- last season, 1983-84 in San Diego, and 1988-89 at the L.A. Sports Arena.

"I'm part of a lot of Clipper history now, so I enjoy it. Just keep stacking 'em up," Brand said. "It's special -- and disappointing at the same time, because we should never have had to be in a position to have to claw and fight back."

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Despite the Clippers' horrendous shooting in the second half, their main problems tonight were defense and rebounding. They allowed Deron Williams, et. al to split double teams on the perimeter that lead to easy layups or jumpers. And they didn't rotate quick enough to get a hand up in the face of Jazz sharp-shooters. Rebounding-wise the Jazz combo of Boozer & Okur combined for 21 boards which outclassed the total of 9 by Brand and Kaman. Couple their rebounding advantage with Clipper turnovers, the Jazz shot the ball 15 more times tonight- a big disparity to overcome, especially when you miss a ton of free throws.

We were all hoping that Chris Kaman would have a break-out game, but instead he was thoroughly dominated by Mehmet Okur. Okur was simply too quick and crafty for Kaman- driving by him time and time again and getting fouled. And when Kaman wanted to get back at Okur at the other end of the floor it resulted mostly in offensive fouls. Chris looked like a rookie playing a veteran All-Star out there. Maggette also had a poor game. Even though he scored 17 he turned the ball over 5 times and took too many quick shots that resulted in Utah transition opportunities. Brand was very aggressive from the get-go but didn't get the ball enough in the 2nd half. When he finally got the ball he also forced some tough ones against triple teams. Utah packed the paint once they got a comfortable lead, and the Clippers just couldn't make any outside shots to make them pay.

Now the Clippers have a few days to contemplate things and to prepare for the 76ers. It's going to be a tough game and if the Clippers don't bring their A game to the table in Philly the result may be just as ugly.

No kidding.

"We never wanted to send a message that we didn't take them seriously. We always got up for those games because we knew for sure that they would," longtime Laker guard Derek Fisher said on the eve of the 5-1 Clippers' visit to Utah. "We had some great battles over the years. Even when they had really bad teams, in terms of their record, we never took them for granted."

The Clippers, who routed Denver and lost a seventh game to Phoenix in last season's playoffs, may just have a one-year head start in the growing process.

"I'm happy for them, personally," said Fisher. "They have a bunch of guys who have worked hard to get to this point."

They are receiving national attention for a change. More importantly, they are being noticed by the locals, something that certainly wasn't true a few years ago.

"We always had respect for them, but sometimes it didn't seem like anyone else did," Fisher said. "All the years I was [in Los Angeles], they were relegated to second-tier [status] in terms of large-scale L.A. media. Other than a few hardcore Clippers fans, they really didn't have much support."

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"I'd like to expand and play more guys, at some point in the year," Dunleavy said. "But right now we have a lot of days in between games so (fatigue) hasn't been an issue. And the caliber of teams we've played have made it tight. So, we haven't gone deeper into our bench. But I expect that we're going to need to and I want to give those other guys opportunities."

That would include Ewing, who got valuable experience at running the offense as the lead guard on the Clippers' summer-league team.

"We know Daniel can play and I'd like to get him some minutes," Dunleavy said.

"There are guys ahead of me and I just have to wait my turn," Ewing said. "Hopefully, my turn won't come at the expense of someone being injured. But if it does, I'll be ready to play."

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But now that the Clippers' second-round draft pick is playing his rookie season of pro basketball in the Czech Republic, he has become so desperate for English-language programming that he recently installed a satellite dish that shows mostly soccer games from Britain.

"At least I can understand what they are saying," Diaz said. "Before that, all I had were Czech stations."

Few people in the Czech Republic speak English. Fewer still know Diaz, a 6-foot-2 combo guard who was second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference the previous two seasons at the University of Miami.

He left Miami after his junior season for the NBA draft and was picked late in the second round by the Clippers, as the 52nd overall selection.

The Clippers persuaded him to sign with Nymburk for one season to develop his skills and told Diaz he would have a chance to earn a spot on the Clippers next fall in training camp.

Nymburk, the three-time defending league champ, jumped at the chance to grab Diaz. They made him the highest-paid player in league history at $250,000 and provided him with a free one-bedroom apartment, a new 2006 Czech-made Skoda car and a cellphone.

Diaz is leading the team in scoring at 21.4 points per game, second-best in the league, and is making 46% of his three-point shots. Overall, he is shooting 55% from the field, despite the physical play that is typical of the Czech league. He also is averaging 4.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists.

"We want Guillermo to be a success here, and we want to see him in the NBA next season," said George Zidek, Nymburk's assistant general manager and the starting center on UCLA's 1995 NCAA championship team. "We want to make sure he is comfortable."

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New Orleans has dropped five straight to the Clippers in Los Angeles -- including a humiliating 89-67 defeat on March 21 in which they scored an NBA record-low 16 points in the second half. The Hornets missed 21 consecutive shots in that game, had only one field goal over the final 20 minutes and were outscored 25-0 during one stretch.

"I'm sure they remembered that horror show, so they really showed some resilience on their end today by fighting hard and coming back," Brand said. "But we didn't fold. We wanted to get that win. You've got to protect your homecourt. You've got to send a message to other teams that it's going to be tough to win at Staples Center -- especially when you play the Clippers."

Down by 13 with 7 minutes left in the third quarter, the Hornets used a 9-0 run to slice the margin to 62-58 with 4:18 left in the period. They got as close as 66-64 just before the end of the third on a pair of free throws by Bobby Jackson, but weren't able to take the lead.

Los Angeles ran off eight straight points early in the fourth to restore their double-digit margin and trigger a decisive 20-5 run that put the Clippers ahead 88-71 with 1:51 to play.

"We just executed what we needed to do," Sam Cassell said. "I wouldn't say we wore them down because they're a heck of a team. They put you in awkward situations and give you some difficult matchups, with Chris Paul's penetration and Peja Stojakovic out there shooting the long ball."

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The Clippers' win overshadowed a 35-point, 13-rebound performance by Portland's Zach Randolph, who also blocked three shots.

Maggette, a reserve who played 28 minutes, had nine rebounds.

Cuttino Mobley had 17 points for Los Angeles, while Sam Cassell had 16. Chris Kaman added 15 and nine rebounds for the Clippers and Quinton Ross had 13 points.

The Clippers (3-1) won their third in a row, all at home, and beat Portland for the fifth consecutive meeting.

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Maggette previously expressed reservations about accepting a reserve role, but he told Dunleavy his thinking had changed. Dunleavy eagerly accepted Maggette's offer and committed to giving the seven-year veteran a prominent role in the offense.

Maggette has been frustrated with his standing on the team, many in the organization said, but his acceptance could help things improve.

"It's about winning, it's about the team, so I told him to let's just do this," Maggette said of his conversation with Dunleavy. "It's not about the coach and our personal whatever we're going through, it's about my teammates and wanting to help them out. It's just better for the team this way."

It was for the Clippers in Saturday's 114-108 victory at Staples Center.

Maggette provided a boost off the bench in an all-around strong performance, making 10 of 17 shots from the field with only one turnover in almost 31 minutes. Fans chanted his name as Maggette made big plays that energized the Clippers.

Dunleavy noticed and called plays especially for Maggette, who possesses the skills to become the league's top reserve, Dunleavy said.

"It's a role in which Corey Maggette could be an All-Star player and the sixth man of the year," Dunleavy said. "His abilities are so unique as far as explosiveness, being able to get points and rebound the ball. Potentially, this could be really big for the development of the team. I think it will be."

Of course, Dunleavy has to hold up his end of the deal, Maggette said.

"I've got to get touches, that's what it needs to be, and he said I was right," Maggette said. "That's what he said, so we'll see."

Last season, Maggette, who missed 50 games because of injuries, averaged 17.8 points. He averaged 17 in a first-round playoff victory over the Denver Nuggets and averaged 14 points and 8.3 rebounds against the Suns in the Western Conference semifinals.

"I've talked to Corey about it, and he told me he's willing to do whatever he has to do to help us win," All-Star power forward Elton Brand said. "He's going out there and proving it. That's going to be big for us."

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Reserve Corey Maggette led Los Angeles with 23 points and 12 rebounds Saturday night in a 114-108 victory over the Phoenix Suns, and his teammates pitched in with a variety of contributions.

Sam Cassell also had 23 points, Cuttino Mobley had 18, and Elton Brand had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Tim Thomas had eight points and 13 rebounds against his former Phoenix teammates, and Shaun Livingston came off the bench to score 14 points and dish off nine assists.

"When we move the ball and get eight, nine, 10 or 11 touches, who can you stop?" Mobley said. "You have an Elton Brand, Tim Thomas, Cuttino Mobley, Corey Maggette, Shaun Livingston, Sam Cassell. You have all those guys."

Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy was pleased.

"I thought this was a really good character win for us," Dunleavy said. "We did a lot of good things."

The Clips have more of Leandro Barbosa to look forward to tonight. Also odd that the NBA would schedule the Suns to play two back-to-back games against the Clips in one week.

It's time for the Ship to take advantage. And that's going to happen one way: Forget getting caught up in the Suns style and remember: BIG PEOPLE ARE OUR FRIENDS. That would be Elton Brand and Chris Kaman.

After failing in their efforts to acquire swingman Corey Maggette in the summer, Denver has continued to express interest in a multiplayer trade with the Clippers, sources said Thursday.

General Manager Elgin Baylor does not comment on trade talks, but the Nuggets are willing to include guard J.R. Smith as the centerpiece of their proposal for Maggette, the sources said.

Forward Joe Smith also is among the players Denver has considered moving for Maggette, who led the Clippers in scoring in the 2004-05 season. Others teams have also contacted the Clippers about Maggette.

At this point, however, the Clippers are not interested in trading the seven-year veteran, but things could change.

In Wednesday's 112-104 season-opening loss to the Phoenix Suns, Maggette played fewer than seven minutes and did not score. Maggette suffered from a bout of food poisoning and received fluids intravenously at a Phoenix-area hospital before the game, but "it was coach's decision not to play me," Maggette said. "I told him before the game that I could go. I made myself available for the team."

There has been speculation the Clippers would trade Maggette for a first-round draft choice, but "that's not going to happen," a high-ranking team official said recently.

Hearing his name involved in trade speculation doesn't bother Maggette.

"It's positive when other teams want you, it's not a negative," Maggette said. "I haven't done anything negative, I just play hard every game.

"If it's not my place to be here, then that's just the way it is. That's how I look at the whole picture."

Overall, however, you cannot be impressed with the Clipper performance, especially considering that Carmelo Anthony got thrown out of the game in the 3rd quarter. LA got badly outrebounded 56-38, missed a ton of free throws, and turned the ball over too much again. The offense doesn't look fluid and there just isn't enough movement. Hopefuly they can tune-up and make the right adjustments before they face off once again with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.

The Clippers face the Denver Nuggets at home tomorrow and let's see if they can bounce back and play a better team game. I suspect that guys will be sharper tomorrow night.

Offseason acquisition Aaron Williams is likely to be in uniform for the opening night, but he has had a lower-back strain for much of camp. Williams did not practice Monday.

But his situation is better than that of Zeljko Rebraca, who missed training camp because of a pinched nerve in his lower back. Rebraca played in 29 games last season because of heart problems that subsequently required him to undergo a surgery.

Davis played in seven exhibition games and averaged 3.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. Davis displayed solid rebounding, especially on the defensive end. Although he struggled periodically with his perimeter shot, Davis has the ability to make jumpshots from 15 feet.

"I don't have a problem playing (Davis) minutes," Dunleavy said. "He knows what he's doing. He understands what we're doing."

Davis said he is ready if called upon.

"It's good that (Dunleavy) has confidence in me," Davis said. "It shows that I've been working hard. My job isn't to be the superstar. If I'm called, I go in and play good defense, rebound, and if I'm open, shoot the ball."

Swingman Corey Maggette sprained his right ankle in practice Monday. His status was listed as day to day. Maggette was in full stride, preparing to catch a pass on a fastbreak, when he twisted the ankle. Forward Elton Brand was held out of practice because of flu-like symptoms.

"Nothing major," Brand said. "I'll be ready (Wednesday).

Read the entire story.

"Shaun has been great," All-Star power forward Elton Brand said Sunday after practice. "His passing, the way he's running the team, his post-up game … he's just exuding that confidence every day." Cassell played in only three of eight exhibition games because of his calf injury, and the team training staff might instruct Coach Mike Dunleavy to limit Cassell's minutes in the opener.

With Cassell sidelined last season because of an injury, Livingston started and had 12 points and 13 assists with one turnover and seven rebounds in a 119-105 victory over the Suns. Livingston also led the team's strong effort on defense.

"I haven't decided what our starting lineup is going to be against Phoenix," Dunleavy said. "But I'm comfortable playing Shaun any amount of minutes."

______________________

Also the article talked a little about the Kaman contract extension:

Center Chris Kaman expressed relief his contract situation was resolved Friday when he signed a five-year, $52-million extension.

"This is where I've always wanted to be, so I'm just glad it's done and I can focus on the season," said Kaman, who was slowed because of a strained left hamstring in the exhibition season. "I'm definitely happy about it."

Kaman is among the keys to the Clippers' goal of winning a championship, General Manager Elgin Baylor said.

"You need a player like Kaman," said Baylor, who drafted Kaman. "He's young, he's only 24 years old, and he's getting better and better."

The improvement in point guard Shaun Livingston and swingman Quinton Ross has been evident since the first day of training camp in Russia, Cassell and Brand said, and they could become the Clippers' starting backcourt this season.

"Shaun came back a whole lot better and so did Q Ross, you can see it in those guys," Cassell said. "They're in better shape and ready to play. They're bringing that real positive energy every day.

"Mike Dunleavy decides who starts on this team, he's the coach, but those guys are good enough to start. No doubt about it."

Because of their growth on offense and the Clippers' emphasis on defense, Livingston and Ross could be key in Dunleavy's late-game plans.

"Q has been much better offensively," Dunleavy said. "He's not doing anything more than I thought he could do, but he's just being more aggressive and more confident in what he's doing.

"Shaun spent a lot of time this summer working on his shot. He's shooting the ball better, he's playing much more confidently, and he's being more aggressive, which is what we want."

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Sam Cassell, Shaun Livingston and Cuttino Mobley added 15 points apiece for the Clippers, with Livingston had 10 assists.

Cassell played his second game of the preseason after missing the previous five because of a strained left calf. He played 23 minutes and added six assists and one steal.

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Sam Cassell and Shaun Livingston will share the point guard duties, and they'll look to get the ball to Elton Brand, who averaged 25 points and 10 boards last season. On the wings, Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley provide scoring and toughness, and Chris Kaman is one of the best centers in the league. The Clippers are on the verge of something very special, and they can feel it.

Their first order of business, of course, is to win the Pacific Division. But with high-flying Phoenix pouring in points, that won't be easy. Still, the Suns are not without their issues.

Read the entire story.

"People forget that he's been doing Clippers games a very long time," Leiweke said, "and, unlike Chick and Bob, who have highlights and lowlights, Ralph went a very long time with this franchise not being relevant."

It's also important to reward Lawler's insistence that the players and the game are the stars, not him. He couldn't imagine approaching it any other way.

"People don't understand, when this club won 12 games or 17 games or 19 games, I was having the time of my life. I mean, I love what I do," he said.

"I enjoy broadcasting. I enjoy the preparation. I enjoy getting up on game day. I enjoy going to practices. I enjoy talking to the coaches. I enjoy being around the players. I love the buzz in the arena. I get a little lift before each and every game. I just love it. That's why I do it."

"It's really more of a challenge to do a good job with a bad team," he said, "and there have been some times that we had a bad basketball team, with the Clippers, and I've come out of the game thinking, 'I really got it done tonight. I gave people a reason to keep watching or keep listening.'

"It's much easier if you're playing for a championship or playing for a division title or playing a big playoff game because of the ramifications to it. Much easier. But I love it no matter what. I just think it's a great way to earn a living and it's afforded my wife and our kids and me a nice comfortable living, and we can't wait for the start of the season every year."

Elton Brand added 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Clippers, who were playing their third game in as many days after going 1-1 in the Lakers' annual Staples Shootout.

The Clippers never trailed despite committing 20 turnovers and playing without injured guard Sam Cassell (strained left calf) center Chris Kaman (strained left hamstring) and center Zeljko Rebraca (back).

Allen scored seven straight points during a 14-0 run, which ended with a 3-pointer by Earl Watson and a layup by Nick Collison as the Sonics pulled into an 80-all tie with 3:07 to play. But Brand put Los Angeles back in front 19 seconds later with a layup, ending a 4:03 span between field goals for the Clippers.

Quinton Ross hit a 17-footer from in front of the Seattle bench to give Los Angels an 84-80 lead with 48 seconds left. Lewis came back with a dunk at the other end and the Clippers lost possession on a shot clock violation, giving the Sonics the ball with 13.2 seconds on the clock.

Allen misfired on a 3-point shot over Ross and Thomas grabbed the defensive rebound before Mobley clinched it with a pair of free throws.

Read the entire story.

Yaroslav Korolev led the way for Los Angeles with 25 points and Jawad Williams had 17. Corey Maggette played 27 minutes and missed his first nine shots before converting a late three-point play.

The only Clippers among the starting five who had any significant playing time last season were second-year point guard Daniel Ewing and newly acquired Tim Thomas, who picked up two fouls in the first 62 seconds after shooting 1-for-11 from the field in Thursday night's 91-90 win over the Lakers. Thomas was 5-for-13 against the Warriors and finished with 15 points in 30 minutes.

The Clippers used a 15-point third quarter by Thomas to take an 87-86 lead into the fourth. But the Warriors began the final quarter with a 15-4 run to grab a 101-91 lead. Wagner hit a layup and a 3-pointer 26 seconds apart and Mickael Pietrus capped the rally with a three-point play after getting fouled by Ewing on a fast-break layup.

Read the entire story.

Pick a summer morning, any summer morning.

Shaun Livingston, staying in Los Angeles for the first time, shows up at the Spectrum Club South Bay about 8 a.m.

"Actually, sometimes, it would be earlier than that," says Richard Williams, Clippers strength coach. "He'd call me at 7 a.m. and say, 'Where you at?' "

Livingston arrives and works the weights, does the stretches, then picks up a ball.

For the next hour and a half, he will take 500 shots.

Some of them will be with only his right hand. Others will be while he's on the run. Some with his back to the basket. Others with him flying to the basket.

All of them will occur with his Ipod strapped to his left arm and rap music blaring in his ear.

All of them will count.

"Not to discount the work of anyone else," says Jim Eyen, the assistant coach who was often there to rebound the shots, "but what Shaun did this summer, to go to those extreme lengths, it was above and beyond anything we saw."

The workout will end in the early afternoon. But, then, sometimes, a couple of hours later, it will start again.

"We'd be in the gym working with other guys and here he comes, back for more," says Williams.

Livingston will shoot another several hundred shots in the late afternoon, dodging the wild throws and stares of health club members who staked out their gym turf.

"I've been waiting my turn," Livingston says. "I know this is the year I can earn it."

Q: Looking at Shaun Livingston’s development, how much will it benefit him that he is getting to play three positions, and how much will it help him playing the point, down the line, being that he gets to learn from Sam Cassell?

Dunleavy: Well, first off, Shaun got a lot of experience last year in the playoffs. His first two years were marred by injuries, which slowed his development a little bit. But he’s worked extremely hard this summer. He’s changed his shot around, changed his rotation on the ball, and he was very diligent, spending two or three hours a day this summer in the gym, working on it. And it’s really coming along. It’s only going to get better over the next couple of years, and he’s shooting the ball well right now. He’s been an excellent defender and playmaker already. He’s got great size, has a post (up) game. He put some weight on this summer, probably another eight to 10 pounds of muscle, which will, I think, continue to happen for him for the next couple of years. We have no timetable with Shaun. It’s basically, we don’t want to push him into a situation that he won’t be ready for. But as his confidence grows, the better he gets, the harder it is to keep him off the floor, because again, I think he’s an excellent defender and someday he will be one of the best defenders in this league.

Q: You managed to get a guy like Paul Davis in the second round (of the 2006 Draft). Is it possible he will be able to get some minutes in your frontcourt this year?

Dunleavy: We’ve been very pleased with Paul in training camp. He had a rough summer, he pulled a hamstring at our Vegas Summer League and didn’t get a chance to play. But, he’s a very smart player. We played him last night in Phoenix and he did a great job – guarding pick-and-rolls and court defense. All things he’s supposed to defensively, he picked up very nicely. He’s a good outside shooter. He didn’t have his legs early, but of late he’s been making his shots, as well, in practice. We like his development and we like him as a player. I can say right now, I have no problem putting him into a game period. So, he just needs to continue to work hard and grow.

Q: Coach, can you talk a little bit about how you envision your backcourt rotation working, and are you leaning in any way toward Cuttino Mobley’s offer to come off the bench?

Dunleavy: Well, the bottom line is, that was great. I want all of our players to be willing to do whatever it takes for our team to win. Basically, the way I’ve always approached the game has been from a defensive standpoint. So, the first thing I look at is stopping the other team, and then figuring that we can figure out a way to win offensively. You know if we get into a close game and some pressure situations, we have some excellent players on our team – Elton Brand, Sam Cassell, Corey Maggette, Cuttino Mobley, Chris Kaman, Livingston. So, basically, we may shift our lineups around at times to be in a better position to defend. Last night was a good example for us. A team like Phoenix, who plays up-and-down, they’re so fast, they play great off the dribble – we started Shaun Livingston and Quinton Ross, with Cuttino Mobley and Maggette and Brand. We went with a smaller lineup and it was a positive fit for us. So, there are times along the way where everybody has got to check their ego at the door, and understand that it’s nothing personal, but we’re going to do whatever it takes to win and nothing can get in the way of us winning.

Defending NBA scoring champion Kobe Bryant, recovering from offseason knee surgery, has yet to play in the preseason and hopes to be ready for the Lakers' season opener. Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who had hip replacement surgery Oct. 3, has been working part-time and is expected to be on the bench for the season opener.

Shaun Livingston hit a 13-footer, Corey Maggette had a breakaway dunk off a turnover by Sasha Vujacic, and Daniel Ewing hit a 3-pointer to give the Clippers an 83-75 lead with 7:27 to play. But the Lakers pulled ahead 87-86 with a 12-3 run that included eight points by Farmar, playing his first game at Staples Center as a pro after two seasons with UCLA.

Tim Thomas of the Clippers blocked an attempted layup by Lamar Odom with 40 seconds to go and the Clippers ahead 91-90. Ewing missed a 3-point shot at the other end, and the Lakers got the defensive rebound before calling a timeout. Farmar dribbled out most of the remaining 18 seconds looking for a possible game-winning shot, then lost possession of the ball before time expired.

Read the entire story.

IGN Sports: Why are you so difficult to defend?

Shaun Livingston: A lot of hesitation moves and crossovers. My speed as a tall guy is deceptive. You look at me and I might not look fast, but when I go out and play, people are left scratching their heads like 'Where did that come from?'

IGN Sports: A lot of people expect you to step it up to superstar status this season. Is there a lot of pressure on you to elevate your game to that next level?

Shaun Livingston: There's a lot of pressure but that's what we get paid to do. That pressure has been there since the first day I arrived. Coach Dunleavy has done a great job of humbling me, letting me go out there and make mistakes and I've got a great feel for the game right now. I put a lot of work in this summer, I'm comfortable, and I'm ready to take it to the next level.

IGN Sports: When you got drafted by the Clippers, did you ever think you'd be this good? This team was doomed for years.

Shaun Livingston: I never thought it would be this good. [laughs] I knew we would be good. I thought we would be better than people expected because we have some players that can play, but I think the key is, if you can get some players who can play playing together, you're going to win. If you have a bunch of individual guys, they'll just play individually, and they might be good, they might get their stats, but the team is horrible. As long as we play together, and we have some talented guys here, I'm not going to throw out any numbers, but we'll be one of the top five teams in the this league.

So a nice win for the Clippers- guys were very active overall. They had too many turnovers (20) and were a tad low on the assists (11), but the huge 50-31 rebounding netting 18 extra shop attempts was the difference. Now let's see how they look on Thursday against the Lakers in a nationally-televised game on TNT.

http://www.nba.com/broadband/alp_schedule.html

Unfortunately the game is being called by Suns' broadcasters, but hey it's live nonetheless.

BTW you can listen to all the NBA preason games via the NBA Audio League Pass over the net for free.

The Clippers are not expected to offer Kaman much more because of salary-cap concerns, and Kaman intimated he and agent Rob Pelinka had envisioned a higher average salary. As the Clippers prepared to play the Phoenix Suns in an exhibition tonight at US Airways Center, Kaman was the center of attention.

"I'm not going to go for what's under market value for my position after how I performed last year and what I know I'm capable of," said Kaman, who also declined to discuss specifics of the offer after practice. "If we don't get something done, we can always wait until the summer and see what happens then."

Kaman, who has a salary of almost $3.5 million in the final season of his current contract, would receive a raise to about $8.5 million in the first year of the new offer, which Dunleavy presented to Pelinka on Sunday night after owner Donald T. Sterling, General Manager Elgin Baylor and Andy Roeser, executive vice president, agreed last week on a package that would average $10 million.

At the prodding of Baylor and Dunleavy, Sterling, who in the past has let the market set the worth of the team's restricted free agents, took a proactive approach in approving the major offer to Kaman.

However, it might not be enough.

Responding to reporters' questions about his situation, Kaman repeatedly referenced the contracts of centers Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers and Tyson Chandler of the New Orleans Hornets.

In August 2005, Dalembert signed a six-year, $64-million extension and Chandler received a six-year, $63-million contract from the Chicago Bulls, who traded him to the Hornets in a multiplayer deal in July.

Neither player has been as productive overall as Kaman, who had personal-best averages of 11.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.38 blocked shots last season while shooting 52.3% from the field and 77% from the free-throw line.

The 76ers rewarded Dalembert after he averaged 8.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.68 blocked shots. In Chandler's best season before his extension, he averaged 8.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.76 blocked shots.

"I know what guys have gotten most recently with Dalembert and Tyson Chandler," Kaman said. "I know what they did in their years when they got paid, and I think my numbers are probably a little bit better in some areas."

Based on his opinion about his standing in the game, Kaman is believed to be seeking a five-year contract averaging at least $11 million a season — more than Dalembert and Chandler.

But with Kaman at an average of $11 million, the Clippers would approach the luxury-tax threshold if they, as planned, offer a multiyear extension to backup point guard Shaun Livingston before the 2007-08 season.

"Honestly, I think this was a very significant offer that was made to Chris, and we'd obviously like to see this get done," Dunleavy said. "We think it would be in the best interest of our club and best for Chris as well, but there is a deadline."

Coach Mike Dunleavy made the guaranteed offer to Kaman's agent, Rob Pelinka, after the team's final day of training camp at Santa Barbara City College. Attempts to contact Dunleavy, Pelinka and Kaman late Sunday were unsuccessful.

It was unclear whether Kaman and Pelinka had discussed the offer and informed the Clippers of a decision. Under NBA rules, Kaman has until Oct. 31 to accept.

If the offer is rejected, Kaman would become a restricted free agent after this season, and the Clippers could match any offer he received from another team. Kaman, who has a salary of almost $3.5 million in the final season of his contract, also could decline the offer, sign a one-year deal with the Clippers this summer and become an unrestricted free agent after the 2007-08 season.

Read the full article.

Cat: Hey I'll come off the bench next season so you can start! Corey: :-)))

Mobley, one of the three veteran perimeter players vying for two starting spots along with Corey Maggette and Quinton Ross, offered to come off the bench in a meeting with Coach Mike Dunleavy. Although Dunleavy said he had not determined who would start the season opener Nov. 1 against the Phoenix Suns, he applauded Mobley's selflessness.

"I want all my players to feel that way, but it was great for him to make that offer," Dunleavy said after practice at Santa Barbara City College. "Ultimately, I'm going to make that decision. I'm going to do what I think I'm supposed to do period.

"For a coach, though, it's terrific to know that his players are behind any decision he wants to make. It says something about him."

"We have a lot of guys who can play this game, that's a good thing, and it's a real nice gesture for [Mobley] to make," Cassell said. "But it's Mike's decision, and Mike is going to want him in the lineup."

Read the entire story.

"My mentality about the game, what I expect from myself, is just different than what it used to be. I've learned a lot and just know what to expect."

In an effort to play a full 82-game schedule this season, Livingston has added muscle, saying he weighs "around 200 pounds" after playing at about 190 last season. He also worked on his jumper throughout the summer.

"Just actually starting the season off, being healthy in training camp, is big for me," he said.

Point guard Sam Cassell signed a two-year contract extension in the off-season and is still listed as a starter, but Livingston could move ahead of Cassell this season.

"He's going to be the guy taking the torch, so it's very important for him to be healthy," swingman Corey Maggette said of Livingston. "It's up to Coach Dunleavy when the torch will be passed officially, but everyone knows this team needs Shaun."

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Cassell (strained left calf) and Tim Thomas (sore lower back) sat out practice for the second consecutive day.

Read the entire article.

Apparently, the feeling is mutual.

Dunleavy remaining in his role is "one of the most important things for me," Kaman said after practice Tuesday at Santa Barbara City College. "To have Coach Dunleavy here … it's definitely big."

Kaman credited Dunleavy and assistant coach Kim Hughes with much of his improvement in three seasons, and he said their continued presence would be a plus for the Clippers.

"I know I can't keep Kim here forever," Kaman said. "I don't want to speak for him, but he probably wants to be a head coach one day.

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Backup center Zeljko Rebraca, sidelined most of last season because of heart and conditioning problems, remained in Los Angeles to receive back treatment. He did not accompany the team on its recent trip to Russia…. Forward Tim Thomas (sore lower back) sat out practice at Santa Barbara City College.

Read the entire story.

This marks Murray second stint with the Clippers, who originally drafted him with the seventh overall selection in the 1994 NBA Draft. The eleven-year NBA veteran brings with him career averages of 11.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 25.1 minutes per game.

Murray averaged 3.4 points and 10.1 minutes in 57 games played with the New Jersey Nets during the 2005-06 NBA season. He turned in his most productive NBA season in 2001, tallying 16.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in 71 games played for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A 6’7” forward out of California, Murray averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 31.6 minutes in 81 games played for the Clippers during his rookie season in 1994. During his five seasons in Los Angeles, Murray averaged 11.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Murray’s most productive year for the Clippers was in 1997, when he tallied 15.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 79 games played.

Murray was eventually traded by the Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers on August 4, 1999 in exchange for Derek Anderson and Johnny Newman.

Center Chris Kaman had 15 points and 11 rebounds and Corey Maggette scored 13 points for the Clippers, one of four NBA teams taking part in a European preseason tour and the first to play in Russia since the Atlanta Hawks in 1988.

"I'd love to come back and play these guys when we're definitely in shape -- to show them what we can do," Maggette said.

"Beating a team from the NBA is not a thing that happens often," said Theodoros Papaloukas, who had 10 points and nine assists for CSKA.

Los Angeles forward Elton Brand said he "definitely (had) flashbacks of Papaloukas," who had 12 assists when Greece beat the United States in the semifinals of the world championships.

"He's a great player," Brand said.

Dunleavy said the game was a good test for his team ahead of the new season.

"It tells us how far away we are," he said.

CSKA's Italian coach, Ettore Messina, said the team must "stay extremely humble" after the win.

Read the entire story.

Read the entire story.

I have never heard of BC Khimki, but CSKA Moscow is supposed to be pretty good. These games are a big deal over in Russia, especially with one of their own, Yaroslav Korolev, coming home to play. It will be interesting if Yaroslav gets significant minutes for these two games. I wouldn't be surprised, since its early in preseason and the games don't really count.

There is no evidence that these games will be televised here, but we kind of expected that. After these two games, the Clippers will take a very unusual 10 day break from games until they come back to the states. I am relying on some of our Euro Fans to give us update on these games if you guys do have the opportunity to see them on TV. Miguel wrote that he might even try to go to the games. So, we will wait for those reports.

On various sites there are a lot of interesting pics of Clippers visiting various sites in Russia, including one of Coach Dunleavy dancing some sort of an Russian jig. I have provided a pic of Chris Kaman auditioning for a job after he reitres from basketball. He looks like he will fit right in.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday morning at 10AM for any of you that do not want to buy packages and just want to buy individual games that you have picked out. I think that the Miami Heat games will be in demand.

Jamfan

Diaz, who performed well with the Clippers Summer League team in Las Vegas, met with Dunleavy to assess where he was with the Clippers. Reports were that he could have made the team. But since the Clippers have 14 guaranteed contracts now that Vin Baker has left to play elsewhere, he would have been relegated to the end of the bench, and not even being active to play in most games.

Apparently, Coach Dunleavy felt that his playing overseas for one year as the projected starting PG would be better developement for Diaz than sitting and watching here. This is the same theory they have used with Baby Shaq who is playing in Greece. Only thing is Baby Shaq, based on his performance the the World Championships, looks ready now. But still, there just isn't room for either of these guys to get playing time. So there time will come in the future. Moreover, Diaz will actually make more money in Europe, not to mention a free apartment and car. We will be relying on our Euro Topbuzz Fans to keep us updated on the progress of theses guys.

When you look at the Clippers roster it is easy to see there are a couple of older guys whose days are numbered. Sam Cassell 36, Aaron Williams 34, and Z Rebraca 34, are all heading into the twilight of their careers but should be counted on to be around for at least a couple more seasons if they stay healthy. Z, who has not made the trip to training camp in Moscow, is the most unlikely suspect to make it long term unless he can fully recover from his heart condition.

Unless their is a 2 for 1 trade, or a player traded for a future draft pick, it seems there will be little room for playing time for Diaz or Baby Shaq for at least another two years. The Clippers have time to wait on Diaz. But Baby Shaq, despite still being very young, is ready now. And there are reports that the Clippers want to bring him over next year. Only time will tell how this all plays out for these two talented young players.

JamFan

Clippers May Be Close to Contract Extension Deal with Mike Dunleavy & Elgin Baylor: "I was here before he was, so I've seen the changes he's instilled," power forward and co-captain Elton Brand said. "The play of this team has improved immensely."

With a salary of $2.5 million, Dunleavy — the 1999 NBA coach of the year — has a below-market package for someone with his experience, especially with his significant input in player-personnel decisions.

Roeser and Dunleavy's agent, Warren LeGarie, made little progress in previous talks. Dunleavy was believed to be seeking a four-year extension for about $6 million a season, sources said, but the team wasn't in that neighborhood. It seems, however, the Clippers are willing to elevate Dunleavy among the game's highest-paid coaches, which could be accomplished with a salary in the $4.5-million range.

In addition to negotiating with Dunleavy in Russia, the Clippers might reward General Manager Elgin Baylor — the 2005-06 NBA executive of the year — with a new contract. Baylor, who has a good working relationship with Dunleavy, is the league's lowest-paid general manager.

"Mike and 'Pops' … those guys are a good team," Cassell said of Dunleavy and Baylor. "Just look at where the Clippers are now."

Yaroslav Korolev Interview: Q: Do you feel you learned a lot your first season with the team? If so, from what have you taken in and what have you worked on as a result this summer?

Yaroslav Korolev: Last season I got used to American life and got much closer to the players and coaches. I learned how to be much better at the point and I learned what I need to do to help my teammates.

This summer I played with my National team - we qualified for the European Championship next year. I was playing basically the whole summer and didn't rest. During the summer I also gained about 15 pounds.

Clippers Sign Three Free Agents: The Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agents Ryan Humphrey, Dawan Robinson and Jawad Williams it was announced by Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor. Per team policy, terms of the contracts were not released.

Rebraca to Miss Russia Trip: During the course of his annual pre-camp physical on Monday, September 25th, center Zeljko Rebraca was diagnosed with disc-related lower back discomfort.

Accordingly, Rebraca will remain in Los Angeles and continue physical therapy, rather than undertake the effects of the team's trip to Moscow. He will be further evaluated upon the team’s return from Moscow.

No longer laughingstocks, Clippers future looks bright: "Obviously it was very positive time for us, coming off our playoff success and the confidence that our players gained from that showed in their offseason workouts and improvement in their game," Dunleavy said Friday as the Clippers prepared to head to Moscow for a brief training camp and two exhibition games against Russian teams.

Asked if the Clippers' playoff experience made him feel greedy, Dunleavy grinned, held up both hands and said, "Well, I've got room for a few rings."

"We did it through defense. Our defensive numbers were among the best in the league across the board. If we do those things again, we're a playoff team that has a chance again to beat almost everybody."

The Clippers open camp in Moscow on Oct. 1 and play BC Khimki there on Oct. 6 and CSKA Moscow on Oct. 7 before returning to the United States.

"The first challenge I have is to go to Moscow and rein us in," Dunleavy said. "It's good to feel good and we did accomplish something last year, but last year's over and done with. They're not giving us plus three or four games in the standings because we had a good year last year.

Clippers: Camp heads to Moscow: Clippers forward Elton Brand also was in Japan this summer with the U.S. national team, and he had a busy summer, which included getting married in North Carolina. But he likes the idea of playing in Russia.

"People are saying that's too long a trip," Brand said. "But I enjoy the travel, and I know we can really get out and get focused on basketball. We're going to be very, very, very far away from home, and we can bond with each other. And we get to start camp two days earlier than everyone else, so I think that's an advantage."

As for second-round pick, Guillermo Diaz, the Clippers still have his rights, but he will be playing in Prague.

Baylor also said he has been impressed by Sofoklis Schortsanitis, who helped Greece defeat the United States in the World Championships. The 21-year-old Schortsanitis, a second-round pick by the Clippers in 2003, will remain in Greece this year, but most likely will join the Clippers next season.

It has been only four months since Brand and the Clippers made their run in the NBA playoffs, losing at Phoenix in Game 7 of the second round, a loss that still stings.

"I sat and thought about that one for a couple of weeks," Brand says. "My butt marks are still on my couch."

That, however, was about the last Brand's couch saw of his butt. Shortly after his marriage July 8 in North Carolina — his wife's name is Shahara — Brand joined the U.S. national team for training in Las Vegas, then traveled for exhibitions in China, Hong Kong and Korea before the 10-day world championships in Japan.

After that, he flew home for some time with family in New York, interrupted that for a quick trip to Toronto and a film festival, then went back to New York and eventually back to his home in the Hollywood Hills. There, his butt was reacquainted with his couch just long enough to get ready for another departure.

Friday, the Clippers leave for Moscow, where they will train and play two exhibitions. This apparently is part of NBA Commissioner David Stern's ongoing efforts to further indoctrinate the rest of the world in our game so that we can lose more in the Olympics.

But that's another column for another day.

When Brand and the Clippers return from their faceoffs with hated rivals BC Khimki and CSKA Moscow — just in time to get ready for a week of training in Santa Barbara, more exhibitions and opening day Nov. 1 (where else) in Phoenix — Brand should be greeted by airline executives, carrying plaques. Did government subsidies or Brand's credit card do more to keep the airlines aloft this summer?

If you calculate Brand's off-season frequent-flier miles, tossing in that LAX-Moscow round trip shuttle, you get slightly more than 37,000.

Sofo is ready, not because he is a polished prospect, just a better one over a year ago. He is ready because he is physically ready. When I read the reports of his weight, I assumed he was to fat and out of shape. Wrong. He looks a little chubby, but his upper body strength might be the strongest I have ever seen in the NBA. He can literally drag NBA players to the hoop. Lebron James looks like a little high school boy standing next to him. Moreover, when he runs the break with Greece, he is often the first player down the floor. On the high pick and roll, he rolls quickly with much agility, and displays really soft hands receiving quick passes in traffic and putting the ball on the floor as he drives to the hoop.

He hit 80% from the floor the last 5 games, but most of his shots were dunks or close to the rim. If he has another shot, he didn't get a chance to show it because nobody was able to stop him going to the hoop. Elton looked helpless. So did everyone else. He shoots hooks and jump shots in warmups with a certain amount of style. His free throw shooting form is better than Shaq's but the result is about the same. He looks like he could be a 65% shooter from the line someday. When he is going to the hoop on a fast break or on a roll, the opposition kind of gets out of the way. No reason to get hurt.

While he's prowling the middle of the defense, you can't help be reminded of Shaq. Losing weight would help his leeping abilities for blocked shots, but he is quick to rotate and help clog the middle. In one game he had 3 fouls, and trust me, they were intimidation fouls. Fouls that said don't bring that stuff in here or you just might get hurt. On one play Carmelo Anthony was driving to the hoop and Baby Shaq stepped out to draw the charge. It was ruled a block, but when Carmelo ran into Baby Shaq, he bounced all the way back to the free throw line. It was actually funny to watch.

He was the darling of the press. Everyone wrote favorable articles about Baby Shaq. When Greece turned the game around in the second quarter against team USA, it was Baby leading the way. TV commentators often wondered what the Clippers were waiting for. Elton probably wondered when he will hear Baby Shaq, while in a Clipper uniform, softly saying, "Don't worry big fella, I got your back."

JamFan

The 21-year-old, who was a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Clippers in 2003, has four years remaining on his contract with Olympiakos, but has an escape clause that will allow him to get out of it to play in the NBA.

The buyout on Schortsanitis' contract with the Greek club is only $ 500,000, according to sources.

The Clippers, who came within one game of the Western Conference finals last season, would have to pay that amount, and then come to terms with the Kavala native, to bring Schortsanitis to L.A.

Though he is not the most refined prospect, based on his performance in Japan, it is not hard to envision Schortsanitis backing up Elton Brand sometime in the not-too-distant future.

Read the entire story.

On the other hand I''m sad with the USA basketball attitude.Surely none USA player has watched the game.You can''t say that you have prepared a game when you don''t know the names of the opponent team.I''m talking about the fact that the prestigious coach k didn''t know any name of the Greek team.Ridiculous.They escaped yesterday when they finished his game versus Argentina.Normally the last day is when the medals are delivered but they opted for to receive the medals yesterday.They left the Championship showing as always his arrogance and lack of education.

Basketball is still a sport TEAM and thanks to teams like Spain,Greece,Argentina for to play like that.

This man was seeking redemption as the US took the floor this afternoon (your early morning) to play Greece in a semifinal.

``It does matter to me," Brand confided. ``I was part of a team that placed a dismal sixth place in the world, and I'll never forget the feeling of guys not caring anymore once we lost [to Argentina]. We expect to win here, but even if we were to lose [in the semis], because of this coaching staff and the way we've come together, we would never fold the way that team did."

And no one was more inspired than Brand. ``It's an honor and a privilege to be on this team," he declared. But he was just one of 12 guys who needed to get it into their heads that in order to beat Greece, they were going to have to play, as Yannakis would say, basketball. Just showing up and throwing out those NBA clippings doesn't cut it any longer.

Read the entire story.

Here's more:

"They played a great game," said the Clippers' Elton Brand, who failed to score. "They got hot when they needed to. They hit their shots. They knocked down their foul shots.

"They hustled hard, and they won."

How about this comment from Chris Bosh:

"We flat out got beat," said Chris Bosh, who watched the carnage unfold mostly from the bench. "We didn't play any defense. They got 101 points. They got second chance points. They outworked us.

"They taught me how you can lure a team to sleep and then just go," he said. "I'm going to take this tape home and watch it. Every day."

Read the entire article.

ALERT - YOU CAN ALSO SEE BABY SHAQ PLAY IN THE FINALS AGAINST SPAIN ON SUNDAY AT 3:30 AM OR 10 PM ON ESPN

JamFan - The revamped, restocked, restored, recoached Team USA, showcasing the best talent that the NBA has to offer, were stunned by the team from Greece 101 - 95 in the World Championship semi finals.

We have seen the Clipper's Baby Shaq, Sofo Schortsanitis, play well against ofther teams, most notably Yao and company from China. But last night, Baby Shaq, dominated the NBA big men while he was on the floor, hitting 5 of 6 shots for 14 points in only 17 minutes. For a guy who is suppose to be to short for his weight, he was very agile. On the downside, he only had one rebound. Both teams also combined to shoot 56% from the floor, so the entire Greek team only had 27 rebounds. By contrast, Elton Brand scored zero, nada, in 12 minutes with 2 rebounds.

Early on in the playoffs, Baby did not play much if at all. I do not know if he was injured or what. But in the last 4 games he has only missed 2 shots hitting 84%. He is going to the line a lot, but only hitting 55%.

In the last 4 games, he has averaged 12 points on 84% shooting, 2 rebs, in only 13 minutes. Not bad. So why isn't he over hear this fall in the Clipper training camp to see if he is good enough to be a Clip? I'm sure, Clippers management after watching him play in the World championships are wondering the same thing.

JamFan

Baby says his time with his current Greek team has been very valuable to him in preparing for the NBA. We had some reports that he would be with the Clippers in summer league this year. It didn't happen. But he now says he is most likely to come over next year. He went on to say that the Clippers have told him that it is up to him when he comes to the NBA. I doubt that. I feel the Clippers will decide when and if he comes. His contract situation is also a factor. Baby also said he is 320lbs and needs to lose 33-44 lbs before he comes. But he has been at that weight for about 2 years now. If he has no work ethic now to get in shape at the tender young age of 21, whose to say he is suddenly going to become more committed to his career. What is he waiting for. I have heard before that he wanted to get down to around 275, but that was last year. Since everybody lies about their weight, I wouldn't be surprised if he is really 330 or 340. At that weight in on a frame that at last report was no taller than about 6' 10".

Unfortunately, my spanish is only so good. I know we have some fans over in Europe (Miguel) who follow the Baby Shaq situation more closely than we do. So this is an official request to go read this article, check on his stats and other reports, and give us an update.

JamFan

On the USA Team:


Guys will step up different days. It?s not just one player. I?ll have a good game, Dwyane Wade will have a good game, LeBron James, anybody is capable of having a good game.

On Brazil:


They are a very different team. Brazil got us in foul trouble. They hit some shots and came back and took the lead. We had a 16-point advantage and when we do that, we have to keep our lead.

On Brazil's zone:


That was key, having a zone. But, we didn't have Dwyane Wade obviously and didn't have Carmelo Anthony - two of our best penetrators and shooters. So, that really hurt us.

On the offensive execution:


We should have attacked it more and got it in the post a little more. But, we're learning and we're growing and that's what this process of exhibition games is about.

On if a close game came earlier than expected:
We weren't sure but we're glad it did. It builds character and we can learn from it. And we won't take any teams for granted.

Read more player intereviews.

"We're close to agreement," Mark Bartlestein, Williams' agent, said from his Chicago office Friday.

A Clippers official said the team would have no comment.

The Clippers will be the 10th team for the 6-foot-9, 235-pound Williams, a 34-year-old left-hander who wasn't drafted out of Xavier in 1993 and got his first real shot under Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1995.

Traded by New Jersey to Toronto in the multi-player 2004 deal in which Alonzo Mourning refused to report, Williams played parts of two seasons for the Raptors before going to the New Orleans Hornets and averaging 20 minutes and six points over the last 34 games.

Last season the Clippers' reserve center, Zeljko Rebraca, was sidelined intermittently by a heart problem and played only 29 games. Williams gives the team a No. 3 center who can also back up power forward Elton Brand.

"He has a relationship with Mike," Bartlestein said of Williams. "Mike coached him in Milwaukee. Mike gave him his first chance in the league. The Clippers have a chance to really do something, so I think it was a combination of that and their relationship."

Read the entire story.

Well, all is quiet on the home front. By the lack of news, rumors, or ink of any kind surrounding the Clippers, you would think everybody is on vacation. This time of year, a lot of the execs do go and take time off. But not if there is work to be done.

We know from comments that Chris Kaman made in Michigan that his agent is working on his extension. That is somewhat urgent. The team is probably working on Coach Dunleavy's extension, but that could get done anytime before the season starts.

The Clippers still have McCarty and Ndong listed as free agents. 2nd round draft pick Guillermo Diaz is still unsigned even though they did sign 2nd round pick Paul Davis. The status of Vin Baker is unclear. Will they sign one of the other players from the summer league sqaud who performed well like Jawad Williams?

From what I can tell they have 13 players under contract. Who they will invite to camp and who they will sign to round out there roster remains to be seen. I think they still have their 1.8 Mil exemption to use. It would most likely be used to bring in a veteran back up center if Rebraca is a no go this season.

But the only announcement that would be a blockbuster this offseason would a trade involving Corey Maggette. Some Philadelphis sportswriters have suggested that a trade of Allen Iverson for Maggette have been discussed. What would the Clippers do? Move Livingston and Cassell to SG? So with all this unfinished business still out there, why is it so quiet?

It should be mandatory that the Clippers at least put out one rumor or roster move each week just so we all do not fall into a fan coma. Boy, it is going to be a long summer. Don't worry, Preseason starts in October.

JamFan

An interesting side-note about Ewing is that most of his life friends and family foresaw Daniel tossing and tucking a pigskin, rather than dribbling and dishing a Spalding.

“Most people don’t know, that don’t know me, that I was a pretty good football player,” Ewing said. “Growing up in the state of Texas, where football is huge, I was quarterback… and actually a lot of people, my family and friends that know that when I played I stopped playing in middle school and I was about to go to high school, they thought I was probably better at football than I am at basketball, so that might say a little sometime about how good I could have been.”

Obviously, Ewing has a good sense of humor n and so do his friends and family.

For Ewing, making the choice to stick with hoops couldn’t have been easier.

“Well, when I got to high school I wasn’t really trying to deal with that heat, man n the spring training and all that,” Ewing said with a grin.

So what is Ewing’s favorite thing about playing basketball for a living?

“It’s really how I can let loose and just be myself in a different kind of way, not a bad way, but a different personality comes out with me on the court that I’ve always been able to have fun and let loose,” Ewing said.

James Singleton picked up the games lone double-double, as he dropped in 10 points (3-6 FG) and collected 10 rebounds in the win. Singleton was one of four Clippers to tally double-figures in the game. Daniel Ewing led all scorers with 21 points (9-13 FG) and was followed by Boniface Ndong's 14 and Yaroslav Korolev's 12.

Read the entire story.

The Lakers moved quickly on the first day of free agency by snatching away a piece from their cross-town rival and agreeing to terms Saturday with Radmanovic, a three-point shooting forward who has made a career of stretching defenses.

The Clippers reacted swiftly after Radmanovic and Cassell apparently reneged on agreements to stay with them, then reaching terms with the sharp-shooting Thomas and making a push for free-agent guard Bobby Jackson as a back-up plan in case Cassell left.

But Cassell, the 36-year-old point guard and undisputed on-court general of the Clippers last season, late Saturday agreed to a two-year, $13-million contract, keeping intact a Clippers nucleus that lasted longer than the Lakers in this year's playoffs.

They offered Cassell, last season's co-captain and emotional leader, a two-year deal that could be worth as much as $12 million. Radmanovic, whose long-range shooting helped in the Clippers' run to the Western Conference semifinals, received a five-year, $31-million offer, sources close to the players said. Players can sign contracts beginning

Teams were permitted to open negotiations immediately after midnight on the East Coast, and the Clippers extended the proposals to the players' representatives on Friday at 9:01 p.m., sources said. At one point, the Clippers believed they were close to reaching agreements with both players.

Other teams' interest in Cassell and Radmanovic, however, delayed the process, and it became unclear whether the Clippers would have to pursue alternatives. The Lakers were believed to be among the teams aggressively pursuing Radmanovic.

Cassell's agent, David Falk, persuaded the Clippers to make a two-year offer.

Including bonuses, Cassell had a $6.3-million salary last season. The team had initially considered offering Cassell, who turns 37 on Nov. 18, a one-year, $7.5-million contract, or about $2.1 million more than the midlevel exception for 2006-07 season.

That rate would have made Cassell the third-highest paid on the roster behind power forward Elton Brand and swingman Cuttino Mobley. Moreover, only 11 point guards in the NBA last season made more than $7 million.

"Talented big man with rare touch and fundamentals ... Can score with his back to the basket as well as any big man in the nation ... Gets to the free throw line incredibly well ... Has a nice face-up jumper ... Not a super athlete, but is smooth and doesn't lumber ... A mediocre rebounder, he lacks the intensity, lateral quickness and athleticism to be a great one, but still should be better ... Also a mediocre shot-blocker, not a quick leaper off the floor, so he has difficulty reacting to shots in time to swat them ... Turnover prone, will try and do too much himself ... Needs to improve as a passer ... Tremendous ball-thief, has good hand-eye coordination ... Has an NBA future, but staying four years at Michigan State would help him tremendously.

For the 52nd pick the Clips went with Guillermo Diaz- a big-time athlete featured by Jamfan in the previous article. So his FG% is not all that great at 41% but apparently he shoots the J well. Also his speed and explosiveness are assets he brings to the Clippers. Here's NBA.com's take on him:

A fiery competitor and an incredible athlete measured to have a 41’’ vertical while at Miami, Diaz can change the game in a variety of ways. His quickness and overall athleticism make him difficult to stop when he is attacking the rim for one of his electrifying dunks, and his potent three-point stroke forces defenders to play him honestly even on the perimeter.

"After six games in the playoffs and four in the regular season, we know each other pretty well," Brand said. "It comes down to who plays the best in Game 7."

The Suns will get some time off now, since Game 7 isn't until Monday night in Phoenix, where they beat the Clippers in two of the three previous playoff meetings, including a 125-118 double-overtime triumph in Game 5.

The Clippers sounded like they can use the time off, too. Neither team will practice Friday.

"Sam Cassell's legs are tired, and he's 58, so I think the days off will help him," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said with a smile.

Cassell, actually 36, said he could have used some extra time off after extending himself in Tuesday night's double-overtime game.

"It took its toll on me," Cassell said after getting 15 points and eight assists but committing six of his team's 19 turnovers.

"I want the championship for us. My crew is ready," he said. "You have to take advantage of these opportunities because you never know when they're going to come back."

Read the entire story.

The Clippers now have a tall mountain to climb- all the pressure now is on them to win game 6. After such a draining defeat, I'd be so impressed if the Clippers can bounce back to win on Thursday.

Three-pointers by Vladimir Radmanovic and Cassell gave the Clippers what appeared to be a safe 106-93 lead with 5:54 remaining. The Suns then scored 12 straight points to move within one before Elton Brand made an 18-foot jumper with 56 seconds remaining and, after Tim Thomas missed a 3-pointer, Cassell hit his big shot.

"Last year, we would have lost at the end," said Brand, who had 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. "Sam brings swagger, Sam brought swagger tonight. We need to have it every game."

"Emotionally, it was a big game for us," Dunleavy said. "We didn't want to go down 3-1. Now, it's a three-game series. We have to win one in Phoenix."

Even without the 7-foot Kaman, the Clippers dominated the backboards, outrebounding the Suns 55-37. Los Angeles outrebounded Phoenix 57-26 in winning Game 2, but just 47-46 in losing Game 3.

Read the entire story.

Cassell acknowledged his performance was hampered.

"I didn't shoot the ball well tonight; they put a bigger guy on me, which discouraged my shot a little bit," he said. "I'll be doing my homework and I will be ready for Game 4.

"They got all the spare change, we didn't, and that's why they're up 2-1 right now."

Vladimir Radmanovic, who scored 14 of his 18 points in a span of less than four minutes early in the fourth quarter, missed a 3-pointer as time wound down, and Phoenix's Boris Diaw got the rebound.

Brand led the Clippers with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, but scored only nine after the first quarter. He had a total of 67 points in the first two games, shooting 28-of-38, but went just 7-of-17 on Friday.

Cuttino Mobley scored 14 points and Chris Kaman had 11 points and seven rebounds.

"I tried to facilitate the ball, but we missed easy shots," Brand said. "Their defense was different from what we saw during the season. We let one get away -- they took it."

Read the entire story.

The Clippers dominated the Suns in every way imaginable in Game 2. After scoring 123 points in losing game one, they scored 122 points in winning game 2. The Suns scored 130 point in game one, but the Clippers held them to only 97 in game 2.

How do you account for such a turn around. They held the Suns to 33 fewer points. They slowed down the 3 point shots, the dribble penetration, and the passing angles. The Clippers out rebounded them 57-26, but more importantly held the offensive rebound edge 19-5. That led to a 31-6 advantage in second-chance points. The Clips dominated points in the paint 58-36. Amazingly, the Suns only led in one category, assists.

Elton Brand had a horrible game with 27 points, hitting only 10 of 16 shots. He only had 10 rebounds, 6 offensive, and 3 steals. So compared to his first game, I guess he should turn in his sneakers, right? Just kidding! Sam had 23 points and 6 assists. Cat, who struggle in game 1, went for 23 and 8 rebounds. Everyone else played well except for Corey Maggette, who for some reason just couldn't get it going and ended with 2 points in 16 minutes. Chris Kaman made a big improvement in game 2 with 10 points, hitting 6 of 8, and 16 rebounds.

This performance by our Clips certainly gives us all encouragement. We now have home court advantage, but so did the Lakers. This is not a time for our boys to let their guard down. The Clippers are a deeper team, with more weapons to stop than the Lakers. They are also more dominant than the Lakers on the front line where the Suns are the weakest. Look for the Clippers to go down deep time and time again to Elton and Chris. Going down low and driving to the hoop, they expect to score or go to the line. We exploit what is our strength and what they have a hard time defending . That could end up to be the difference in the series.

JamFan

Cuttino Mobley, held to three points on 1-for-6 shooting in Game 1, scored 23 points, as did Sam Cassell, the Clippers' 36-year-old point guard. Chris Kaman added 14 points and 16 rebounds and Quentin Ross scored 11 points.

"We feel good about going home," Brand said. "They didn't do what they had to do on their court, now we shift it to our home court advantage."

But the story of this game was rebounding. The Clippers dominated the offensive boards 19-5, leading to a 31-6 advantage in second-chance points.

"We've got a size advantage down there," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "As long as we keep our bigs down there, that's what's supposed to happen."

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"Tempo wasn't exactly what we needed," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said.

Elton Brand scored 40 on 18-of-22 shooting, but scored only two in the final 8:33 for the Clippers, who hadn't played in a week since beating Denver in five games for their first playoff series triumph in 30 years.

"It must be a difficult loss for Elton," Nash said. "He was phenomenal. I thought he was trying to get them to change the MVP at halftime."

"To get the tempo in our favor, we really need to limit our quick shots," Brand said. "That is their game plan. It can't be fool's gold. We need to take it down and run our plays."

Read the entire story.

It was the franchise's first playoff series victory in 30 years. The Buffalo Braves defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 1976 Eastern Conference playoffs, and the Clippers finally have something to show for their time in California.

"This is a great feeling," said power forward Elton Brand, who had 21 points and 13 rebounds. "I might not really appreciate it until we start the second round, but it's been 30 years in the making.

"We're proud of the Clipper Nation for sticking in there with us after all these years. … We're trying to start our own tradition and win some more playoff series."

Swingman Cuttino Mobley had 23 points and center Chris Kaman and Cassell had 10 apiece. And sixth man Corey Maggette and backup point guard Shaun Livingston capped a strong series for the Clipper reserves, who outplayed their Nugget counterparts.

Maggette had 23 points and Livingston, who appears to be growing quickly with the stakes rising, had eight points and set a franchise playoff record with 14 assists.

"I'm just not really letting the intensity level affect me," Livingston said. "Obviously, it's a playoff atmosphere, and I'm new to the game, but I'm just coming in, knowing I belong out there."

Read the entire story.

The ESPN commentators were dumbfounded by the dominance of the Clippers over the Denver Nuggets in last nights 100-86 victory. Most felt this was going to be a close series. But the expression on the faces of the Nuggets and their body language says "their done". Coach George Karl stood on the sidelines the entire game looking like a deer in the headlights. There was nothing he could do.

Karl is being outcoached this series and his team is being out hustled and out played. I "think" his game plan was to shut down Elton Brand and to a certain extent they have done that. Elton Brand went on a terror for most of the season, seemingly carrying the Clippers on his back. But Coach Karl's game plane is not working because of the depth of the Clippers squad and the confidence of every player the Clippers put on the floor.

Last night the Clippers had 7 players in double figures and shot 49% from the field with an astounding 56% from the 3. The clipper bench scored an unbelievable 47 points with 53 points for the starters.

Moreover, it's hard to know who to stop when their are different heroes everynight. Maggette went for 19 off the bench on 11-12 free throws, 6 rebs, 3 assists in only 29 minutes. Livingston, coming off the bench played 32 minutes, had 16 points hitting 7 of 10 shots, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Wow! He's only 20 years old. Radmonovic had 14 points, hitting 5 of 7, 4 of 5 from the 3, 4 rebs, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Elton Brand had another double double and both Cassell and Mobley each had 11. How do you stop something like that?

Chris Kaman who did not feel well in the 3rd game at Denver had two IV's before the game and one at half time. They juiced him up and he came in an played 31 minutes scoring 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. He was aggressive both on offense and defense. On one play while boxing out on the boards, Reggie Evans reached between and under Kaman's "butt" and grabbed his testacles. Kaman showed he isn't going to take that kind of ........ off anybody and shoved Evans to the ground. Going after the family jewels, Evans is lucky Kaman didn't deck him with a hard right.

All Denver has to do now is win 3 in a row with 2 out of the 3 remaining games at Staples. They need a miracle. The Clippers only need to win one. This series is over. After Monday nights game the Clippers are heading to the second round. Will it be the Suns on the road or the Lakers back at home at the Staples Arena. If it is the Lakers, it might be one of the strangest playoff series we have ever seen. On the same home floor every night but switching back and forth from the home team to away team. Different Cheerleaders every night. You got to love it!

JamFan

"They shot a lot of free throws," Cassell said. "I can't respond to what the referees call. They shot, wow, 46 free throws to our 31. That's a lot.

"At the same time, they played harder than us. They took it to us tonight. I tried to warn our guys before tonight's game that on the road, when a team is down 2-0, they come punching. They come feisty, they're nasty. And we just didn't match their intensity."

The Clippers never controlled the flow of the game as they had both times in Los Angeles, and a foul-filled third quarter kept either team from getting into any kind of rhythm to pull away.

Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said a hobbled Kaman wasn't the reason for his team's troubles.

"This loss had nothing to do with his ankle or any other injuries we might have," Dunleavy said. "This all had to do with Denver came out and played a really good ballgame. They gave a great effort tonight and they just beat us."

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Who would have Thunk! Just a couple of years removed from being the GM of one of the most ridiculed franchises in the history of sports, Elgin Baylor is now being honored as the NBA Executive of the Year. He was voted this honor by other NBA GM's.

Those who chose to ridicule Elgin over the years, really never lost site of the fact that he always had to operate with both hands tied behind his back. But he was an easy target. Questionable draft choices and the inability to hold on to the good players they drafted, along with zero money spent on free agents of any consequence, kept the team in a constant state of flux.

But the guy who was making the decisions on some of those draft choices and how much money to spend was not Elgin. Look what has happened since owner Donald Sterling loosened up the purse strings. Baylor immediately signed Brand and Maggette to long term contracts. He brought in free agent Mobley and traded for Cassell and Radmonovic. He made really shrewed draft picks in Livingston and Kaman. He also surrounded this core of players with good role players in Ewing, Singleton, Rebraca, McCarty and Ross.

It is an effective, well put together machine, with very few flaws. Elgin Baylor has done a masterful job. Just like he did on the basketball court. Congratulations Elgin!

JamFan

So overall this was a very impressive win. With Cassell shooting very poorly and the team going a combined 4-17 from deep, the Clippers were still able to make it look like a cake-walk all thanks to great defense. Game 3 is going to be anything but, however. The Nuggets are going to be pumped playing in front of their home crowd. But if Sam Cassell go something like 9-15 on Thursday and Quinton Ross doesn't get into foul trouble the Clippers will likely emerge 3-0.

But wow- the first playoff victory for the Clippers since 1993. This is certainly something huge for all us long suffering Clipper fans. So let's savor this sweet feeling until our team will battle the Nuggets again on Monday night. Woo hoo!

"I'm just ready to get it started," co-captain Elton Brand said. "I've never been to the playoffs, and a lot of us who've been here for a while haven't, but it's something we've all wanted.

"We worked together to make it happen, we did what we had to do to get here, so let's go."

The Clippers (47-35) secured the sixth spot in Tuesday's 101-95 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Fifth-seeded Memphis plays at fourth-seeded Dallas (60-22) Sunday night in its playoff opener.

For the Clippers, playing the Nuggets, who won the Northwest Division, to start the playoffs was their final late-season goal.

Although the Nuggets (44-38) dropped the last three games in losing the season series to the Clippers, 3-1, the Clippers haven't seemed overconfident.

Denver's fastbreak could have something to do with that.

The Nuggets topped the league in fastbreak points with an average of 20.2. They had 4.2 more fastbreak points than the second-place Phoenix Suns, an impressive figure when considering that the Clippers gave up the fewest points at 9.79.

Read the entire story.

The Clippers cut an 18-point deficit to 3 down the stretch Tuesday night before finally losing 101-95 to the Memphis Grizzlies.

For the loss, the Clippers' second straight and fifth in the last seven, they were rewarded with the sixth seed and home-court advantage against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

In one of the league's most unusual late-season matchups, the Clippers did what was necessary to assure they got the sixth seed and opened the playoffs with home-court against Denver, the Northwest Division champion.

But despite all the talk about the convoluted playoff picture, the Clippers showed down the stretch, even though it was done mostly with reserves, that they were hardly trying to lose.

"We didn't talk about it much," Los Angeles forward Walter McCarty said of losing their way to the sixth seed. "We wanted to win this game, and we were trying to win it with the guys we had on the floor.

"We were playing down to the wire. If people think we were trying to throw games or whatever, they've really got it wrong."

Read the entire story.

The Clippers (46-34) dropped a game behind the fifth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the playoff standings.

If the teams finished with identical records, the Grizzlies, who play host to the Clippers on Tuesday at FedEx Forum, have the tiebreaker edge.

Privately, many in the organization expressed hope that the team, which occupied the fifth spot for most of the second half of the season, would fall to sixth to avoid a first-round encounter with the fourth-place team, either the San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Mavericks.

Read the entire story.

If the Clippers end up w/ the 6th seed, this win should pretty much seal the deal for home court advantage against the Nuggets (unless Denver goes 3-0 and the Clippers lose the next 3). Another great win w/ defense leading the way in the 2nd half. Now if the Clippers are able play the same sort of defense in the first half of games on a consistent basis then they'd really be something.

He said he's unfazed by fans' insults, but although not naming anyone, he has expressed frustration about some of his teammates' on-court criticism of his performance.

"I haven't really gotten along with all my teammates in the past," he said. "This year has been pretty good, but some things have happened on the court that shouldn't. A lot of [the criticism] is helpful, but some of it is that people are frustrated with themselves and they want to take it out somewhere.

"That's why they do it to me, because it's no big deal and I can take it. I don't say too much about it, and I like my teammates, but sometimes it goes past a good point."

Co-captain Sam Cassell is one who has pushed Kaman this season.

"People think I get on him just to get on him, but I get on him because I want him to let stuff go," Cassell said. "He'll talk about something that happened three plays ago, but basketball is a game of mistakes, so you can't let it carry over another three or four plays. Mistakes affect him too much.

"But the progress he has made has been magnificent. When he's focused, and knowing what he has to do to make us successful, he's a force, man. I really have no complaints with Kaman. I stay on him because I just know how good he can be, and I want the best for him."

Read the entire article.

http://revver.com/video/19401/3367

It features Elvis, Queen Elizabeth, and Andy Rooney...among other Clips fans!

As we all speculate on who the Clippers will get, two things make it hard to determine where would be the best spot for the Clippers.

One, if the Clippers, who are currently 1/2 game behind Memphis, move ahead of Memphis to the 5 spot, we don't know if we end up getting Dallas or San Antonio.The Spurs are only one game ahead Dallas who has won 5 in a row.

Secondly, many fans are happy about the fact that the Clippers have dropped to the 6th seed because that means we get Denver. Key to this strategy, however, is staying ahead of Denver so we get home court advantage. Currently we are only 1/2 game ahead of Denver. Getting Denver on the road won't be as much fun.

The bottom line is we are 1/2 game, one way or the other, from playing Dallas, San Antonio, or Denver and getting home court advantage.

For the fans who are excited about where the Clippers fit into the playoff picture, this is going to be a very exciting finish to the season. Anything could and probably will happen. Stay tuned!

JamFan

"It's disappointing, but we'll bounce back," Brand said. "I'm very optimistic. As a team, we didn't shoot well. Personally, I got great looks, but just didn't knock them down."

Brand shot 4-of-15 including 1-of-7 after halftime.

The team that finishes second in the Southwest Division will be seeded fourth and play the No. 5 seed in the first round of the playoffs.

"I was real pleased with our defensive effort tonight," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "In the second half, to hold a team to 25 points like that is pretty strong."

The Clippers outscored the Mavericks 13-4 before Nowitzki's game-winning shot.

Both teams struggled offensively in the third quarter, with the Clippers outscoring the Mavericks 13-11 to move within eight points. Los Angeles shot 5-of-19 and Dallas 4-of-16 in the period.

The Mavericks turned up their defensive intensity in the second quarter, outscoring the Clippers 33-14 for a 50-40 halftime lead. Los Angeles shot 3-of-14 and committed four turnovers in the period after going 11-of-21 with one turnover in the first quarter.

"The second quarter is what killed us," Kaman said. "Hopefully we'll get to play these guys in the playoffs because I think we match up well with them."

Read the entire story.

The only comment I could find was Coach Dunleavy commenting that Corey couldn't even get out of bed. He has reportedly been to the doctor and a chiropractor for back spasms, but he is down and out. For how long? Nobody is quite sure.

The Clippers have invested a lot of their cap space in Corey. And over the last couple of years, he has been one of the most injury prone players in the NBA. The list is to long and boring to mention.

The fans love Corey and his game. But recently, when trade speculation swirled around Corey being traded for Ron Artest or others, the one reason fans found for making a deal, was that if another team would take his contract and his injuries, the Clippers would actually be better off down the road. It's not that his contract is huge. It's just that it is to huge for a guy who is hurt all the time. Even a productive player that we like, doesn't do us any good if he isn't on the floor.

The Clippers have actually gotten used to playing without him. But you can see the team become unsettled for a few games after he departs for an injury. You also see the team struggle for a few games when he comes back as they adjust to him being on the floor again.

Corey obviously struggles for awhile after being out. You see it in his outside jumpshots where his shooting percentage is probably only about 25%. Driving the lane, his percentage has been better, and he goes to the free throw line alot keeping his numbers up. His best game was his last against Phoenix where he went for 23 points and 10 rebounds.

So, the playoffs will be here soon and we don't know if we will have Corey or not. If he sits for to long, will that adjustment period for Corey and the team take place right in the middle of the playoffs. If it does that will obviously hurt their chances of progressing past the first round or further.

All of this will determine if the Clippers will trade Corey in the offseason. That is if another team will take on the problem he has become. It's a crapshoot to keep him, and it's a gamble for another team to trade for him. Their biggest need if Corey is gone would be another small forward but that is not a logical trade. If the Clippers could get a first round draft pick, that might be the best they could do. Since our roster is so deep it might be the logical move. All of this might hinge on whether or not they feel Korolev might be ready to make a move. And reports from our European fans say that Baby Shaq is starting to make noise over in Europe. He could be here for summer league and on the roster next season.

A couple of times when I went to watch the Clippers at Staples I got to watch Korolev come out early and warm up before the team. My eyes light up watching him stroke it. It's only a matter of time. Korolev can also play the 1, 2, or 3.

Someday, hopefully sooner rather than later, Corey will return to the lineup once again. If he doesn't this season, we might have seen him play is last game as a Clipper.

HE'S BACK.........er, HE'S GONE, AGAIN.

Jamfan

The Clippers will play in the postseason for the first time in nine years and just the fourth time since 1976, when they were the Buffalo Braves.

"It's great, but I don't feel anything other than this is what I expected," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said before the game. "I thought last summer we were a playoff team, we could win 45 games if we could avoid the injuries. We did it with the injuries. From that standpoint, I'm more pleased.

Corey Maggette has missed 45 games including the last two because of back spasms. He was sidelined for three months due to an injured left foot before returning March 3.

Dunleavy had a different take after the game.

"If we go into the playoffs like this, we're going to be one and done," he said. "We were careless -- the turnovers that we made translated into easy layups and scores for them. In the fourth quarter, turnovers and some of our shot selection just wasn't very good."

Asked if his team might have experienced a letdown since it had already clinched a playoff berth, Dunleavy replied: "I don't even want to talk about something like that. That should have no relevance to what we do."

Brand didn't sound so sure.

"We need to learn exactly what it takes to win ballgames," he said. "I don't know if it was the fact that we clinched a playoff berth. They (Lakers) are fighting for their playoff lives and they're playing like it. They are stripping the ball. We get a rebound and then they get the ball. It was so disappointing that we weren't tougher than that tonight."

Read the entire story.

But a lot more will on the line for both teams other than just LA bragging rights. As we near the end of the season, both teams are fighting for position in the playoffs.

The Clippers still remain in the 5th spot with 7 games reamaining on their schedule. But they are in danger of dropping to the 6th position as Memphis continues to nip at their heels only 1/2 game back. Some fans would actually like to see the Clippers drop so that they get Denver in the first round of the playoffs instead of Dallas.

The Lakers are in an ever more precarious position. With Fridays loss to Sacramento they have dropped into a tie with Sacramento for the 7th spot, but because of the tie breaker are actually now the 8th seed. They are not in any immediate danger of dropping out of the playoffs because they have a 2 game edge on New Orleans and Utah. But the Lakers do need to continue to win to secure that 8th spot.

Depending on finishes the with the best record, the Lakers or Sacramento will meet either San Antonio or Phoenix. Coach Jackson has said he would rather face Phoenix. The Lakers would have to hold on to the 7th position for that matchup.

Tonights showdown between the Clippers and the Lakers is televised at 6:30 PM on Fox Sports West and KTLA Channel 5 in LA. Check you local listings and don't miss it.

JamFan

The Clippers haven't beaten the Kings since Jan. 18, 2003. Sacramento's average margin of victory in the last eight meetings is just five points. The Kings made it harder on themselves in this one by missing 13 of 36 free throws, but compensated for it by converting the Clippers' 13 turnovers into 20 points.

"Clinching a playoff spot tonight was our goal," Brand said. "To be up by four points with under 2 1/2 minutes left, it's disappointing that we let it slip away. We had some defensive mishaps that led to Artest getting some open shots. Everybody talks about his defense, which is incredible, but you saw the big 3 that he hit to tie the game."

Mobley missed one of two free throws for the Clippers and Brad Miller sank both of his at the other end for Sacramento to make it 96-93. Cassell missed an off-balance 3 with 12 seconds on the clock.

Read the entire story.

But that wasn't the most amazing thing that happened Wednesday night. Sure they interviewed Elton Brand after the game because of his 34 points. But as usual, they missed the point, the story behind the obvious. They missed the story that has been emerging the last couple of weeks. The one the exploded last night. The emergence of Shaun Livingston.

I wrote earlier in the season, that Shaun, coming back after a couple of injuries so early in his young career, was playing tentative, like he didn't want to get hurt again. I also wrote that Sam, was the Co-MVP because of his abilities, especially in the 4th quarter to bring home a win when the going got tough. Sam was to be the director of the show.

But I could see a change coming the last couple weeks. Reading Shaun's body language on the court, I could see a young guy who had had enough of losing, enough of his not playing up to his potential. He was starting to really push himself, to push the team, to establish himself as someone who could lead the team to victory. It is harder for a point guard to showcase his talent on a team that really isn't built around a fast break offense. Imagine if he was the point guard for the Phoenix Suns. He would have 20 assists every night.

The tentative Shaun Livingston was starting to vanish. Last night the more agressive Shaun finally exploded. In 36 minutes all he had was 12 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and only 1 turnover. You could see the confidence in his shots, his passes. He was only a couple of rebounds away from his first triple double.

If he continues to play this way in the final games, we will see more games with 7 Clippers in double figures. The better he plays the more rest Sam gets. The most rest Sam gets, the better he plays, especailly in the 4th quarter when we might need him most.

All of the fans had better get ready, the Shaun Livingston Show is about to begin. Get a front row seat, you don't want to miss it.

JamFan

They received their highest marks of the season Wednesday night in their most recent test, routing the Phoenix Suns, 119-105, at US Airways Center.

Elton Brand scored 34 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Clippers — playing without injured point guard Sam Cassell — ended a road losing streak to the Pacific Division leaders at three games.

Backup point guard Shaun Livingston dazzled while playing for Cassell, sidelined because of a hyperextended right knee, scoring 12 points with a personal-best 13 assists. Every starter scored in double figures, the Clippers made 54.8% of their shots and Corey Maggette contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

"Obviously, I'm pleased by the performance," he said. "Defensively, I thought we did as good a job as you can do against them. Our coverages were good, and our guys played sharp and hard.

"They're such a talented team offensively, they hit you in waves, and we did a good job of taking their punches and getting the flow of the game we wanted. We got a great game out of E.B., and Shaun did a great job of running the show.

"I just thought we had a great defensive effort. I was really pleased."

Read the entire story.

"I'm just happy and proud that we showed the resolve and the intensity and the heart to come back," said Elton Brand, who recorded his 41st double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

"But on the other hand, it was disappointing that we had to come back like that after digging ourselves such a deep hole. We thought if we kept playing defense the way we were playing, they might shoot 90 percent. Coach really laid into us, but he didn't have to because we were disappointed in ourselves."

It was the largest deficit that Los Angeles has overcome this season to win a game, and tied for their third-largest ever. They came back from 24 points down to win at Chicago on Nov. 13, 2004, and erased a 23-point swing at San Antonio on Dec. 23, 1988.

"We just gave up layup after layup in the first half, but we knew we would get back in the game," Cassell said. "We got seven consecutive stops and scored five times off that and cut the lead down to 10, and then I knew we were going to win."

Read the entire story.

"We need to have a different focus," said Corey Maggette, who had 16 points and five turnovers. "If we settle for just making the playoffs, we're going to get beat in the first round."

Elton Brand had 16 points on 5-for-14 shooting and 13 rebounds for the Clippers, who haven't won at Arco Arena since Nov. 7, 1997.

Read the entire story.

Brand went 10-for-15 from the floor, and Cassell was 7-for-11 and had six assists.

Chris Kaman had 13 rebounds and 11 points for Los Angeles, and Vladimir Radmanovic had 14 points.

Los Angeles coach Mike Dunleavy liked his team's play after a loss to San Antonio earlier in the week.

"Defensively we were much better," he said. "We were tougher and went after the ball better. It was important for us to get in the open court and create some easy baskets.

"We did a better job offensively, attack as opposed to settling at times. The board game was even in the second half, but we shot it better and we took care of the ball better, so it resulted in a win."

Read the entire story.

"If you miss Tim Duncan, then there's a difference. But you can make up Tony's 20 (points). And Finley's a starter anywhere else."

Chris Kaman added 18 points and eight rebounds and Corey Maggette had 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for the Clippers (41-29), who lost for just the fourth time in 12 games and need only one victory to clinch their first winning season in 15 years.

Sam Cassell was held to eight points and seven assists.

"It was a little disappointing," Brand said of the Clippers' performance. "We built some confidence playing against this team. We felt like we should have won up at their place and lost in overtime, then we beat them pretty handily here, and with their full complement -- Tony Parker, Ginobili, Duncan, everybody.

"But they played pretty well tonight. They made shots and we didn't. We didn't take it onto the court, and they got easy layups and easy shots."

Read the entire story.

The Clippers, currently holding the fifth playoff spot in the Western Conference, led by as many as 25 points for their eighth win in 11 games. Corey Maggette added 19 points.

"We needed this win, so we couldn't take Portland lightly," Maggette said. "We just went out there and jumped on them early and tried to bury them in some type of hole."

Read the entire article.

Maggette seemed to soften from his demands from the previous day. “There is no frustration. The biggest thing is I came back and I feel like I am ready to play and get more minutes,” Maggette said. “At the end of the day it’s on Mike. It’s his decision. I just voiced my opinion and Mike voiced his opinion. There is nothing big about it. I just left it at that and it’s done.”

Mobley’s return is in doubt for the moment. “I thought he would be able to play today because Mobley said yesterday and today he didn’t feel that bad. But, when he went out on the floor before the game to try it out he said he couldn’t go. So, I don’t know,” Dunleavy said.

Read the entire story.

"I'm really more concerned with just doing whatever we've got to do to get in. Once we clinch a playoff position, then it's going to be really more about getting ready for the playoffs and putting ourselves in a position to play well."

Sam Cassell scored 26 points for the Clippers, who have recorded 40 wins for only the third time in the last 27 seasons and the first time since 1992-93 under Larry Brown. Chris Kaman added 21 points and 13 rebounds.

"They did a good job not letting me get free for easy baskets," Arenas said. "They're more mobile than other teams. Their 4s and 5s can actually help and get back and recover. With most teams we're playing, if I do a screen-and-roll with somebody, that guy is not recovering. But against these guys, basically, it's not even worth doing screen-and-rolls."

Read the entire story.

Corey Maggette wants more playing time and wants back into the starting lineup.

"This is on the coach now," he said after Friday's practice — after Coach Mike Dunleavy had left the El Segundo facility. "He needs to throw me in there. All this little minutes here and there … it's just crazy."

Maggette played 29 minutes and scored 25 points in Tuesday's 120-108 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. He played 23 minutes and scored only eight points in Thursday's 95-85 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

And so ended the contentment. "It needs to change," he said. "I'm 100%. I'm ready to play. Simple as that."

Dunleavy said Maggette might be inserted into the starting lineup as early as today against the Washington Wizards, particularly since Cuttino Mobley is questionable because of an ankle sprain suffered Thursday.

But the coach said this does not necessarily mean Maggette would become the starter for the remainder of the season. "We may mix and match our lineups as we go forward," Dunleavy said.

Maggette, the Clippers' second-leading scorer with a 17.9 average, said this is similar to what happened at the beginning of the season, when he suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason and was not reinstated as a starter until his fifth game back, when Ross was injured and couldn't play.

"If I was already a starter, why this?" Maggette said Friday. "I haven't been beaten off my spot. With this team if you get hurt you're penalized. That's just not right."

The Clippers trimmed the Grizzlies' lead to 51-46 with an 8-0 run midway through the third period, but Memphis answered with a 9-0 run, which included a 3-pointer and a reverse layup by Jones for a 60-46 advantage.

Miller's 3-pointer a few minutes later increased Memphis' lead to 65-49 -- the Grizzlies' largest of the game.

The Clippers made one last run midway through the final quarter to give themselves a chance. A layup and two free throws by Cassell followed by a pair of jumpers from Shaun Livingston cut the Grizzlies' lead to 74-71.

But Miller and Jones responded with consecutive 3-pointers for an 80-71 lead with 1:53 to go. The Grizzlies hit 11 of their final 12 free throws.

"Mike Miller is a big luxury," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Having a guy like that come off the bench makes a big difference. He has improved this year. He's making big shots and putting up big numbers."

Read the entire story.

By Percy Allen

Seattle Times staff reporter

Andrew Bogut didn't have a chance. As centers go, he's pretty quick, but the Milwaukee Bucks' rookie had the unenviable task of curtailing Chris Wilcox, who ran past him like a rushing river current over embedded rock.

The Sonics forward slashed, dashed and dunked at will over the bewildered Bogut, who appeared dazed and confused and looked as if he had suffered whiplash watching Wilcox streak to a career-high 30 points that led Seattle to a gritty 114-105 victory on Wednesday in front of 15,231 at KeyArena.

"What were their choices?" Sonics coach Bob Hill said. "He'd jump over [a smaller defender]. When he's playing like that — running and jumping — you got to put somebody on him that can run with him first. Andrew Bogut can run. Maybe he just wasn't. I don't know. That's not for me to say, but when Weezy [Wilcox] is out running like that, man.

"He found the holes in the defense. He played a whale of a basketball game, and I don't know if they had anybody really that could matchup with him. ... He was active. He was really something."

Milwaukee coach Terry Stotts, a former Sonics assistant, gambled with a tall front line that included forward Jamaal Magloire (6 feet 11) and Bogut (7-0). Magloire adequately defended Johan Petro and held the rookie center to just five points, but Bogut had his hands full against Wilcox, who flushed three high-flying dunks and converted three layups.

"I knew in order for us to win this game, we were going to have to run their bigs, and that's what we did," said Wilcox, who converted 10 of 14 field goals and sank 10 of 12 free throws.

In a game in which the pace was slowed because the teams combined for 83 free throws and Seattle (27-40) attempted a season-high 51, Wilcox put the zip in Seattle's running game and was largely responsible for Seattle's 21 fast-break points.

He made Luke Ridnour a better point guard, given the fact that four of his 10 assists were to Wilcox. He took rebounding pressure off Petro and center Robert Swift while collecting a game-high 14 boards.

Wilcox has emerged as the third scorer capable of carrying the burden when Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen are struggling, as they did in the first half Wednesday night.

"The thing for me is just having fun," Wilcox said. "When I go out there and have fun, everything else comes to me. Offense comes, defense comes and everybody else starts playing well.

"I really don't have anything individually that is my game. My game is getting everybody involved. When I run the floor, it opens it up for someone else."

A few days ago, it became apparent to assistant Jack Sikma that Wilcox had never had a period in his four-year professional or two-year college career at Maryland in which he had started and played as much as he has since he joined the Sonics on Feb. 14 in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Vladimir Radmanovic.

Before the deal, Hill had received a ringing endorsement from Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy.

"Mike said if a running team ever gets the guy, he's going to be great," Hill said. "With those guys, he never had a chance to play. Mike was right."

Coupled with Tuesday's 16-point, 19-rebound performance in a 105-96 defeat to Sacramento, Wilcox's two-game stretch is his best since entering the NBA in 2002.

With Wilcox providing 20 first-half points, Lewis was able to ease his way into the game and the Sonics were able to live with an off night from Allen.

"Chalk this one up to Weezy," Hill said. "He's just a load."

"We shouldn't have let these guys beat us, man," said Mobley, who later cursed and punched a locker. "This is the time of year where your mind has to adjust faster. This is not the first half of the season."

Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said he warned his team about the Hornets' desperation to win.

"That message was delivered and we didn't respond," he said.

Read the entire story.

So where do we go from here. In our current poll, 70% of you fans felt it was better for the Clippers so slip down into the 6th playoff spot to get Denver in the the first round. If we keep winning that won't happen. The chase for 50 wins will solidify the 5th spot and get us Dallas or San Antonio in the first round.

I've said all along that no matter who you meet in the first round, to get to the championship game you have to eventually beat everybody anyway. So it is better to finish the season playing well, prepared to beat the best, rather than limp into the post season playing poorly, benefitting only by first getting to meet Denver.

We have 17 games left and 11 wins with 6 losses gets us to 50 wins. 50 wins really puts the league on notice. It brings respect to the franchise. But the road to 50 wins is not easy. We have 8 games at home with 4 teams playing below 500. We have 9 games on the road with 4 teams below 500. We have Dallas and Phoenix on the road and Dallas and San Antonio at home.

Getting to 50 wins won't be a cake walk. The Clippers have had 10 game stetches during the season where they have played way over their heads (or maybe to their potential) and 10 game stetches where they seemed to be in a funk and lost alot of games they should have won.

We are a mostly healthy team and the bench is playing deep. Coach seems content to have Ross start and be the defensive stopper against the "scorer" on the opposing team, not letting him get off to start the game. That brings plenty of fire power in Maggette, Livingston and Radmanovic off the bench. Is this the formula that Coach will stay with? Which Clipper team will show up for the final 17? It's better to have the over achieving team show up and win 50 games. We go into the playoffs strong and on a roll. We will have the opportunity to prove that we can beat anybody.

JamFan

Corey Maggette added 20 points for the Clippers, who, appropriately, were wearing orange and black Braves uniforms from the franchise's inaugural 1970-71 season for retro night.

"Since Cat (Cuttino Mobley) and I got here, we've been expecting to win," Cassell said. "People were saying, it's still the Clippers. But just the attitude he and I bring has made a difference.

"Elton Brand is progressing and Corey Maggette has done well. Hey, we've got a lot of talent in this locker room."

Mobley, like Cassell, is in his first season with the Clippers.

"We should be at least 19 games over .500 right now," Mobley said. "I've been telling guys we could do this since the beginning of the season. We're going for the 50 (wins) and the playoffs. I can't wait."

Read the entire story.