Nesby Adjusts to His Role Off Bench

Swingman Tyrone Nesby began last season as an undrafted free agent looking for a roster spot and ended up among the NBA’s top rookie scorers. During the off-season, San Antonio offered him a three-year deal worth $8.9 million and a possible starting position but as a restricted free agent Nesby remained a Clipper when the team matched the Spurs’ offer.

Nesby ended last season as the Clippers’ No. 1 small forward and arrived at training camp with the same title. But one game into the exhibition season, Nesby was replaced in the lineup by Lamar Odom.

Considering Odom’s talent, it’s understandable why Coach Chris Ford made the switch. And, with Nesby’s aggressive nature, the Clippers are hoping that he can provide instant energy off the bench.

In the Clippers’ opening loss to Seattle, Nesby came off the bench and had 16 points and four rebounds in 28 minutes. In the 121-98 loss to Portland on Wednesday, Nesby had five points and six rebounds but fouled out in only 21 minutes.

Nesby, who said he would still like to start, accepts his new role as sixth man.

After all, he was playing in the Continental Basketball Assn. before joining the Clippers.

“I’m right back where I started, trying to fit in again,” said Nesby, who averaged 10.1 points and 3.5 rebounds last season.

“I’m going to keep my head up and go out and play . . . It’s more difficult now because I’m coming off a good year.

“You can’t help but tell yourself that you put yourself in position that it should be hard for someone to take. It hurts a little to know you gave all you can and then you’re right back where you started but in time, everything will work out.”

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After grabbing 16 rebounds against Seattle on Tuesday, center Michael Olowokandi did not get a rebound against Portland until less than eight minutes remained in the fourth quarter. Olowokandi finished with eight points and one rebound in 25 minutes.

Second-year big man Brian Skinner played well against the Trail Blazers with 12 points, making five of six shots.

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Shooting guard Eric Piatkowski, who failed to score in 14 minutes against the SuperSonics on Tuesday, did not dress against the Trail Blazers because of injured ribs. Piatkowski, who missed all three attempts from the field against Seattle, is listed as day-to-day.