Chilcutt Is Added to Roster

With power forward/center Brian Skinner still struggling to return to the lineup because of a severe ankle injury, the Clippers brought in another veteran player to fill their 12-man roster.

Late last month, the Clippers signed forward Marty Conlon to replace Skinner but he played in only three games before being waived. On Tuesday, the Clippers signed 6-foot-10 forward Pete Chilcutt to a 10-day contract.

Chilcutt, a nine-year veteran, played with the Utah Jazz to start the season and was waived earlier this month. He played in 26 games, averaging 1.8 points and 1.7 rebounds.

“We need another body,” Coach Chris Ford said about the signing of Chilcutt, who will join the team for Friday’s game against Minnesota at Staples Center. “We now have the ability to have a full practice.”

The Clippers will be Chilcutt’s sixth NBA team after playing with Sacramento, Detroit, Houston, Vancouver and Utah. Ford said Chilcutt’s outside shooting should help the Clippers.

Said Ford: “He’s not a power forward, but he’s a forward who can step outside and knock down shots. He’s a smart player.”

Chilcutt, drafted by the Kings in the first round in 1991, had his best season with the Rockets in 1994-95. He averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds, and made 40.7% of his three-point shots for Houston’s championship team.

“We’ll have to wait and see where he is as far as conditioning is concerned,” Ford said. “Hopefully, he’ll be able to help.”

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The Clippers dropped to 3-18 on the road with Tuesday’s loss at Sacramento.