Murdock Feels Ready to Play

Days before last season, the Clippers signed Sherman Douglas and hoped he would be the answer to their point guard problems. Instead, Douglas hobbled most of the season with injuries and the team decided not to bring him back.

Days before the start of this season’s training camp, the Clippers traded for Eric Murdock and hoped he would be their point guard answer. But Murdock has struggled with nagging injuries.

The big difference, however, is Douglas joined the Clippers in terrible shape and conditioning has always been a strength for Murdock.

“Hopefully, I’ll be ready for our next game [Sunday at Vancouver],” said Murdock, who plans to practice Friday after missing his third consecutive game Wednesday night because of tendinitis in his right knee.

“It’s been frustrating because I haven’t been able to get minutes to help the team. I just want to get back and start playing good basketball.”

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Whether Lamar Odom wins this season’s rookie-of-the-year award or not, Clipper Coach Chris Ford wants him to enjoy his first year in the NBA.

“He’s no longer a teenager at least, now he’s an old man of 20,” Ford said. “It’s a learning experience for him each and every night. He’s going to have moments where he doesn’t play well but he’s got to play through it.

“What is happening is that we are so quickly throwing out these praises and anointing him as the next coming of whoever. Let’s give the kid a chance to grow as a basketball player. There are going to be ups and there are going to be downs.”