Strong Can Only Sit and Wait

Don’t be misled by Derek Strong’s quiet demeanor and think he is content to sit the bench as the Clippers’ 12th man. The 10-year veteran has too much pride for that.

After playing heavy minutes for the first month of the season, Strong’s role has diminished. Before playing four minutes Wednesday night against Denver, Strong hadn’t taken off his sweats for 13 of the Clippers’ previous 16 games.

“I’m being professional about it, but of course, not playing does not make me happy because I definitely want to play,” Strong said. “I understand that it is out of my control. All I can do is the best I can possibly do and be ready to help us win ballgames.”

For Strong, it’s frustrating sitting because he’s healthy now. Last season, Strong played in only 20 games with the Orlando Magic because of Achilles’ tendinitis.

“It’s tough because I’m 100% and ready to go,” said Strong, who is averaging 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. “Sometimes it feels like you can’t get a break. . . . But you never know, things can change.”

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Like Strong, former UCLA and Glendora High standout Tracy Murray has had to deal with inconsistent minutes this season playing for the Nuggets. Acquired in a trade from Washington days before the start of training camp, Murray played in only 11 of the Denver’s first 34 games.

“That’s how it is and that’s been my role,” Murray said. “You don’t know when you are going to get in, but you learn how to adjust. That’s how it is for some people.”

But with George McCloud not with the Nuggets for personal reasons, Murray has received more minutes the last two games. He had 17 points and five rebounds in Denver’s win at Vancouver on Tuesday and had four points in 14 minutes against the Clippers on Wednesday.