Bennett Gets Another Shot

Forward Mario Bennett, who signed a 10-day contract with the Clippers on Tuesday, did not play against the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night but interim Coach Jim Todd is high on the versatile forward.

Bennett, who has played with four teams since being drafted in the first round by the Phoenix Suns in 1995, has not played competitively since he suffered a ruptured patella tendon in his left knee during a summer league game seven months ago.

“Right now, I’m at about 80%,” said Bennett, a 6-foot-9 power forward whose longest time with any team came when he played the entire 1997-98 season with the Lakers.

Todd likes Bennett’s potential.

“He looks fine. You could tell he is ready to go and anxious to play after sitting out as long as he has,” Todd said.

“He can play a couple of different spots. He can play both forward positions and sometimes because he is so small he can even play [center] with his athletic ability.”

With center Keith Closs placed on the injured list on Tuesday because of a back injury, Bennett is glad to get a chance with the Clippers after spending the last several months rehabilitating from surgery.

“My mind frame was geared to just getting healthy,” Bennett said. “I didn’t know about all the obstacles I was going to face because of the injury. . . . I just want to continue to get healthy and stronger.”

Bennett said the Lakers also expressed interest in him.

“Just looking at the situation the Clippers are in and what I can bring to the ball club, I think I can help,” Bennett said. “My energy, defense and rebounding is something they may lack. I looked at my options and decided to go to a team that needed me the most.”

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Point guard Troy Hudson did not dress for Wednesday’s game because of gastritis, which has been a problem for him for the last two weeks.