Skinner Hears the Call and Answers It

Not much attention was given to Brian Skinner when he was selected 22nd overall in the 1998 draft. Even though he was a star at Baylor, Skinner drifted into the background with the Clippers last season as he struggled to get minutes after recovering from an early-season knee injury.

That’s no longer a problem. With Maurice Taylor out the last four games because of a left foot sprain, Skinner has been hard to miss. In the Clippers’ win at Washington on Saturday, he played all 48 minutes, getting 13 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots.

Over the last four games, Skinner has averaged 16 rebounds, 10.1 points and 3.1 blocked shots. Despite his big numbers, Skinner remains low-key about his play.

“I’m not really worried about it because it is not my focus,” he said. “If somebody notices me, somebody notices me. I think I know what I am capable of doing and what I can possibly do. I’m just going to continue to play and continue to work hard.”

Working hard is something Skinner has done since he joined the Clippers. It’s a quality that pleases Clipper Coach Chris Ford.

“Minutes are going to go to guys who play hard,” Ford said.

“[Skinner] was fantastic at blocking shots, he was in double figures [in scoring and rebounding] and was relentless on the floor.”

Skinner’s teammates have noticed his impact. They now look for big games from the 6-foot-9, 225-pound power forward, who also plays center.

“He’s playing big time for us,” forward Lamar Odom said. “We expect a lot out of him every time he steps on the court now. . . . He’s been answering the call and that’s all we can ask from him.”

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Derek Anderson, sidelined after suffering a mild concussion last Tuesday at Milwaukee, and Taylor participated in pregame drills Saturday, and Ford is hopeful that they will be able to play against New York at Staples Center on Tuesday.