Boykins Grows in Stature

Point guard Earl Boykins might only be 5 feet 5, but don’t be mistaken by his height. The Clippers have known that since training camp and are happy to see him finally get his chance to play.

With rookie Keyon Dooling on the injured list until next week, Boykins made his Clipper debut as Jeff McInnis’ backup against the Lakers on Sunday and Coach Alvin Gentry said the team is looking for ways to keep him on the active list.

“Keyon is going to be back on the roster the first day he can,” Gentry said before the Clippers’ game against Indiana on Monday. “I think it is important for us to let Keyon totally recover than rather force him back into the situation. . . . We want to make sure he is recovered and had rest.

“But the question is whether we can do something else to keep Earl active on the roster. It’s not a shock to us because if you saw him during the exhibition season, you knew he’s a good player.”

Gentry said Boykins is different than other smallish players who have played in the league because he can score.

“There’s no circus act about his game, he is for real,” Gentry said. “In college, he averaged 24 points a game and you don’t do that unless you are a pretty good player. Earl looks at himself as a basketball player. He understands the game and has a good feel for the game. It doesn’t matter who he is playing against.”

The Clippers are at their best when they are able to run and with Boykins pushing the tempo, athletic players such as Darius Miles, Quentin Richardson and Corey Maggette are able to better use their skills.

“I love being in the game with Earl because he is so fast and quick and I’m fast and quick,” Miles said. “We’re able to open the court. I know what [Earl] is doing out there and I know if they don’t guard him, he’s going to make a layup.”

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Veteran big man Sean Rooks was in uniform for Monday’s game against the Pacers but he still was not 100% because of flu. With Rooks slowed, Gentry turned to Cherokee Parks for heavy minutes as Michael Olowokandi’s backup.

“Cherokee is a real smart player,” Gentry said. “He gives an additional big guy who can rebound, play smart defense, gives you six extra fouls but more than anything, he can step out on the floor and shoot the ball.”