Radmanovic Looks Ahead

Forward Vladimir Radmanovic joined the team Wednesday, happy and ready to shoot.

The 6-foot-10 long-range specialist, acquired from the Seattle SuperSonics for Chris Wilcox, underwent a physical in Los Angeles and joined the Clippers for their last game before the All-Star break against the Golden State Warriors.

With Seattle struggling and the Clippers among the NBA’s elite these days, Radmanovic said his situation had quickly improved.

“Coming from a team that’s not in the playoffs right now, gaining [10 victories] overnight feels pretty good,” he said. “I’m just happy to be here.”

Radmanovic was also pleased about playing with power forward Elton Brand and center Chris Kaman, among the league’s most productive inside tandems.

The Clippers traded for Radmanovic to help stretch defenses, and he might be open often because of the attention Brand and Kaman have received this season.

“With the low-post presence that this team has, it’s something that I should only look forward to,” Radmanovic said. “Playing with Elton Brand, who is one of the MVP candidates for this year, and Sam Cassell, who’s having a great year, it’s a real privilege for me.”

In his Clipper debut, Radmanovic made six of 13 shots and scored 14 points with eight rebounds. He made one of five three-point shots and played nearly 30 minutes.

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There are perks to being selected to the All-Star game, such as an invitation to Kenny Smith’s party.

For the fourth straight year, Smith, a former player and TNT NBA analyst, will be the host of an invitation-only All-Star bash Friday.

Brand and Cassell, Smith’s former teammate with the Houston Rockets, are expected to attend.

Party sponsors donate to Smith’s Aim High youth foundation.

“You need that time off to relax and enjoy the festivities,” said Brand, a two-time All-Star. “It’s good to get that break, so that you can come back fresh for that final stretch run.”