Former NBA All-Star Dennis Johnson Is Added to Todd’s Coaching Staff

Before Jim Todd completed his first practice as interim coach Friday, the Clippers added former NBA all-star guard Dennis Johnson to his staff.

When Todd took over for Chris Ford, who was fired Thursday, the Clippers had only two coaches, Todd and assistant Rex Kalamian. Todd suggested to Elgin Baylor, vice president of basketball operations, that Johnson would be a good choice as the team’s third coach.

Johnson, who played 14 years in the NBA with the Seattle SuperSonics and Boston Celtics, began his coaching career as an assistant under Ford with the Celtics in 1993. Johnson had been coaching the La Crosse (Wis.) Bobcats of the Continental Basketball Assn.

The former Pepperdine player coached his last game at La Crosse Friday night and will join the Clippers for tonight’s game against the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center.

“I had talked to Chris [Ford] about Dennis and we thought he would be a good addition and then I talked to Elgin and he [talked to La Crosse] about getting permission,” Todd said. “I don’t know the protocol but things happened fast.”

Johnson averaged 14.1 points and five assists over his NBA career and played on three championship teams. He was named MVP of the 1979 finals when he helped lead the SuperSonics to a series victory over the then-Washington Bullets.

“[Johnson] has played in the league for 14 years and he knows about winning,” Baylor said. “Aside from the other qualities he will bring to the team, I believe he will be a great asset working with our backcourt players and helping to improve our overall team defense.”

Shooting guard Derek Anderson is looking forward to working with Johnson.

“I don’t know him, but I respect what he has done in the past,” Anderson said. “He is a guard and he can help me.”

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By all accounts, Todd’s first practice was productive. Every player practiced, even Brian Skinner, Lamar Odom and Maurice Taylor, each of whom had sat out a game or practice over the last three days.

“Coach Todd and myself went and sat down this morning and went over our practice plan,” Kalamian said. “All we did is just tweak a little with what we had. The practice was upbeat. We did a few drills that the guys seemed to like, a few conditioning drills and they saw how much further they need to get.”

Said Anderson, “It’s like starting all over again. It’s like training camp for us . . . the whole mentality is different.”

When Todd took over for two games in late December while Ford was sidelined because of back spasms, he was able to get players to do different things. He is hoping that works now.

“I’m going to try and play 12 bodies and I know that may be tough,” he said.

“But if we are pressing and running like we want, people will need to take a blow and get some rest.”

TONIGHT

vs. Dallas, 6

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 11-34; Mavericks 18-27.

* Record vs. Mavericks--0-1.

* Update--Dallas, which has won five of six, signed Dennis Rodman this week, but he won’t play tonight. The Mavericks are led by shooting guard Michael Finley, one of three players in the league--Grant Hill and Gary Payton are the others--averaging more than 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.