Skinner Could Be Most Improved

Keep an eye on Clipper big man Brian Skinner.

After an injury-plagued rookie season, Skinner has turned heads in training camp as a backup to power forward Maurice Taylor and center Michael Olowokandi.

Skinner suffered a knee injury early and played in only 15 games last season. Over the summer, Skinner worked hard on his post moves and defense under assistant Jim Todd. The work has paid off as Skinner has recorded double figures in points and rebounds in two of the Clippers’ three exhibition games.

“This is my second year and I’m starting to see things a whole lot clearer, things are starting to slow down a little more,” said Skinner, who came close to a triple double in the Clippers’ victory over Chicago on Saturday with seven blocked shots to go with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

“He was an absolute monster . . . changing shots, blocking shots, going to the boards, scoring,” Clipper Coach Chris Ford said. “An official came to me and said that he didn’t realize he could get up so quickly.”

Skinner’s work ethic and understanding of his role has made him a favorite among his teammates.

“For four months, he put his time in . . . lifting, putting his time on the floor,” Todd said. “His total package has improved. He’s so strong, which helps his overall game.”

Ford sees Skinner getting plenty of minutes,

“He’s grown tremendously in his knowledge of the game, where he should be and what he should do,” Ford said.

“Depending on our needs . . . I’m quite comfortable with him at the four or the five.”

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Ford is likely to continue to start Troy Hudson and Derek Anderson at guards with Lamar Odom and Taylor at forwards and Olowokandi at center. Tyrone Nesby, Eric Piatkowski, Keith Closs, Scott Brooks and Skinner have been making up the second unit. Point guard Eric Murdock, who has been out because of an ankle sprain, hopes to practice today and possibly play Tuesday against Phoenix or Friday against Vancouver.