Livingston wants to follow Brand’s lead

They were sometimes side by side, other times crisscrossing from trainer’s table to physical therapy and back again.

One is playing. One is still rehabbing.

But now Shaun Livingston is looking to Elton Brand’s healthy return from a ruptured Achilles’ tendon for motivation.

“It’s inspiring to me,” Livingston said. “And it also sheds some light and hope on coming out and playing.”

His own chances of returning this season were derailed after the discovery of tendinitis in his surgically-repaired knee. He was examined again Monday in Alabama by Dr. James Andrews, who said Livingston’s tendinitis is improving, and the point guard still anticipates playing summer ball in a few months.

But there are other issues that he and the organization will soon face. If the Clippers tender Livingston a $5.8-million qualifying offer by July 1, they retain his rights as a restricted free agent. If not, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The organization is encouraged by Livingston’s progress from three torn knee ligaments and the dislocated left kneecap he sustained in February 2007, and all signs point toward an eventual full recovery.

On the other hand, concerns about his durability probably will follow Livingston for the rest of his career. Through four seasons, the 22-year-old point guard has played more than 54 games only once in a season.

Livingston said he was a bit concerned about his contract situation. “At the end of the day, I just want to play. In another sense, I’m not really worried about it because . . . when I feel I’m 100%, I can play wherever,” he said. “It’s just that I’d like for it to be here. This is where I started. This is where I’d like to continue and help this team to great heights.”

The Clippers also could try to secure his return for less than the qualifying offer. Other teams probably would be hesitant to extend significant offers because of his history of injuries.

“I’ve seen him do things on the court -- non-contact things -- that I didn’t know I would see: speed, quickness, agility, that type of thing,” said Coach Mike Dunleavy. “But the last question for us is durability [and] building the muscles up.”

Livingston says he hopes to soon resume the jumping and on-court drills he had started before his tendinitis was discovered. He’ll spend the next couple of months working out in Los Angeles with the Clippers’ training staff.

Regardless, the Clippers probably will look to improve their point guard position over the summer. A weak free-agent class at the position awaits them and they may look to upgrade it through the draft.

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Corey Maggette is doubtful for tonight’s game because of a strained right hamstring. Tim Thomas is probable after sitting out five games because of sore Achilles’ tendons.

After attempting to play against Houston, Chris Kaman confirmed he will sit out the rest of the season because of a sprained right ankle. Kaman played in only 56 games this season, the fewest he has played in his five NBA seasons.

TONIGHT

vs. Denver, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 23-58, Nuggets 46-31.

Record vs. Nuggets -- 1-2.

Update -- Denver, in a fight to make the playoffs, has lost its last two games, including a 151-147 double-overtime defeat Sunday at Seattle.

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jonathan.abrams@latimes.com