Nesby Adjusting to Starting Role

Tyrone Nesby started his third consecutive game at shooting guard for the Clippers in their one-point loss at Vancouver on Sunday night but he knows the position is his only until Derek Anderson returns from a bad ankle sprain.

Nesby, a starter for 36 games at small forward last season, has made a smooth transition to his new role after being a backup at both positions for most of the season.

“I look at it different because if D.A. would not have gotten hurt, I would not be starting,” said Nesby, who had 16 points on six-of-nine shooting from the field against the Grizzlies. “I’m not overwhelmed with everything going on right now. I’m just happy to get in the game.”

Nesby, who was re-signed by the Clippers during the off-season after the team matched a three-year $8.9 million offer from the San Antonio Spurs, wants to be a regular NBA starter but he wants to earn the position.

“It’s different when you work your way into a starting role than being out there because someone is hurt,” Nesby said.

“I’m always going to work hard. . . . I just want to do my little things to help us win. I’m not trying to go out and do it all.”

Last season, Nesby burst on the scene as an undrafted free agent rookie, averaging 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.54 steals. This season, Nesby has struggled some offensively.

“I like this season better because if you do get in a slump you have enough games to make it up,” Nesby said. “Last year, I knew I had only a one-year deal and just 50 games. They went by so quickly . . . but this season, I’ve already learned a lot.”