Olowokandi Still Seeks Breakthrough

The Clippers’ world doesn’t revolve around center Michael Olowokandi, but their fortunes would be significantly improved if it did occasionally. Olowokandi remains a work in progress, however, unable thus far to live up to the lofty expectations that come with being a former No. 1 draft pick.

Others might sneer at the Clippers’ choice of Olowokandi in the 1998 draft. They might point out his puny career averages of 9.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in three seasons since leaving Pacific for the NBA. They also might point out his penchant for foul trouble.

The Clippers remain hopeful that Olowokandi will have a breakout season in 2001-02, giving them a formidable front line that also features Elton Brand and Lamar Odom. They also are determined to be patient with Olowokandi, who can be a restricted free agent after this season if the team doesn’t extend his contract before an Oct. 31 deadline.

“Obviously, everybody would like for him to be Shaq,” Coach Alvin Gentry said, referring to Laker center Shaquille O’Neal. “He’s coming along fine. I think this guy has a chance to be a tremendous player. I think people expect too much because he is a former No. 1 pick.”

Avoiding foul trouble would be a good first step in Olowokandi’s development. Because of it, he averaged less than 26 minutes of playing time.

“If Michael played 38 minutes per game, it’s very likely he’d be in double figures in points and rebounds,” General Manager Elgin Baylor said.

And last season, at least, Baylor believed Olowokandi was burdened, rather than aided, by off-season attempts to bulk up. Olowokandi arrived this week at the College of the Desert for training camp weighing 268 pounds, down from 291 last season.

“He was too heavy; I think you’ll see a different player this season,” Baylor said.

Said Gentry: “I think you’ll see Michael stay out of foul trouble. He’s going to get more respect from the officials. He’ll be smarter and not take as many fouls.... As a coaching staff, we need Michael.”

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The Clippers have rehired Barry Hecker as director of player personnel. Hecker served in that capacity for the team from 1986-1994 and also was an assistant coach from 1994-98. He was the coach and director of player personnel for the International Basketball League’s Las Vegas Bandits since 1999.