Ma Once Again Earns a Tryout

Swingman Ma Jian, the Clippers’ final cut last season, is back in training camp in Santa Barbara. Ma, attempting to become to the NBA’s first Chinese-born player, cried when he was waived.

“Nobody thought I could make it last year, but I thought I did a pretty good job,” Ma said. “This year I know it’s harder because they’ve got a lot of [players with] guaranteed contracts, but I’m going to try as hard as I can. Last year I was really frustrated after I got cut, but this year I know what pro teams want.”

Does he have a shot at making the opening-night roster?

“I wouldn’t answer that if I knew the answer to it,” Coach Bill Fitch said. “He’s got a tougher road this year because we have more talent.”

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The Clippers, who open their exhibition season against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night at the Palace of Auburn Hills, scrimmaged, with officials calling fouls, Monday night.

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Center Dwayne Schintzius had a cortisone injection after twisting his right ankle in Sunday’s practice. Schintzius was examined by team physician Tony Daly and hopes to return to practice today.