Free-Agent Forward Is a Man on Mission

Can the Clippers cut their leading scorer in exhibition play? Or will they find a place on the regular-season roster for free-agent forward Mike Batiste, who has averaged 20.1 points on 30-for-61 shooting (49.2%) in the first four exhibitions?

The Clippers have 13 players with guaranteed contracts and it could climb to 14 if the Dallas Mavericks’ don’t match the offer sheet signed by center Wang Zhizhi by Thursday’s deadline.

It doesn’t seem likely the Clippers would carry 15 guaranteed contracts, but it also seems improbable the team would release a player with the offensive skills of the 6-foot-8 Batiste.

“I think I’m earning my teammates’ respect,” said Batiste, from Long Beach Wilson High and Arizona State. “Who knows what [the team’s] decision is going to be? All I can do is play hard. It’s a long shot, but good things come to those who work hard and stay committed.”

Batiste, 24, will get another chance to prove his worth when the Clippers begin a three-exhibition trip tonight against the Bucks in Milwaukee.

Because of injuries to key players, Coach Alvin Gentry has given Batiste plenty of playing time. So far, Gentry has liked what he’s seen from Batiste, who played the last two seasons in Europe before joining the Clippers’ summer league team at Long Beach State.

“He’s played well, obviously,” Gentry said. “We’ve stuck him out there and he’s come through. He wouldn’t be playing as much as he has if we didn’t have the injuries. The one thing he’s done is step up, but it doesn’t matter what the situation is, he’s had a heck of a camp. You can’t have too many good shooters. There are four more games to play and a lot of practices before we have to line up and play for real.”

The Clippers, 3-1 in exhibition play, open the regular season Oct. 30 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center.