Olowokandi-Bibby Comparison Begins

Clipper Michael Olowokandi and Vancouver’s Mike Bibby, who went 1-2 in last year’s 1998 draft, will face each other in an NBA game for the first time tonight.

Although Olowokandi is a 7-foot-1 center and Bibby is a 6-2 point guard, Olowokandi realizes that he will always be linked with the Grizzlies’ rookie.

“I’m sure ‘SportsCenter’ or ‘Fox News’ will probably play it up,” said Olowokandi, who has played well in his first two games in averaging 13 points and six rebounds.

“I might be at a little bit of disadvantage [because Bibby is a starter]. I’m going to go out there and do what I can do. It’s inevitable that people will make that matchup and comparison. Like last year with Tim Duncan and Keith Van Horn.

“I can’t go out there and start being selfish or trying to get plays not necessarily run for me because I’m trying to conquer Bibby.”

Bibby has started both games for the 0-2 Grizzlies. He’s averaging seven points and eight assists, but he has made only four of 26 shots.

Elgin Baylor, Clipper vice president, said the team is pleased with its selection of Olowokandi.

“He’s going to learn,” Baylor said. “There are things that you cannot teach a player. . . . [He] has to learn through experience.

“It’s over the years how a player develops. You can’t judge by just one year in a short season. Big players generally take longer to develop than smaller players. I just think that he has a good chance to get better.

“Look at it this way: It’s only been three years that he’s played competitive basketball. If he’s come this far, there’s no reason not to believe that he’s going to get better and better.”

*

Forward Rodney Rogers will sit out tonight’s game because of a sprained right knee. Rogers, who did not play against Chicago on Sunday, does not consider the injury serious.

Rogers has been replaced in the starting lineup by Maurice Taylor.

TONIGHT at Vancouver 7

* Site--General Motors Place.

* Radio--KXTA (1150)

* Records--Clippers 0-2, Grizzlies 0-2.

* Record vs. Grizzlies--(1997-98) 1-3.

* Update--This will be the first road game for the Clippers, who have lost to Phoenix and Chicago at home. Lamond Murray leads the scoring at 17 points a game. Vancouver lost to Sacramento on the road and to Portland at home. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who recently signed a six-year contract extension, is off to a slow start, averaging 13 points on eight-for-29 shooting.