Wang Clears the Air Upon Joining Team

Wang Zhizhi likened his dispute with the Chinese Basketball Assn. to a quarrel between a mother and a son. Wang, banned from the Chinese national team after deciding to play with the Clippers instead of with his countrymen in the Asian Games, said he’s not disloyal and loves his country.

“Sometimes a mother and her son have disagreements,” Wang said through interpreter Simon Chan during an introductory press conference Monday at Staples Center. “It doesn’t mean the mother and son don’t love each other.”

Wang hopes to rejoin the national team soon and to play for China in the 2008 Olympics, which will be held in Beijing. He said the dispute began when team officials would not allow him to practice in preparation for the World Championships at Indianapolis last month. They wanted Wang to agree to play in the Asian Games. He wanted to join an NBA team for training camp.

“This is my third NBA season,” said Wang, the first player from China to play in the NBA when he joined the Dallas Mavericks for five games in 2000-01. “I didn’t have a chance to play in training camp.”

Wang joined his Clipper teammates for a workout Monday, then participated in a scrimmage open to the public later that evening at Staples Center. The Clippers signed Wang to a three-year, $6-million contract Friday after the Mavericks declined to match their offer sheet.

“He understands the Xs and O’s part of the game,” Clipper Coach Alvin Gentry said when asked if the language barrier would be a problem for the 7-foot-1 center and his new teammates. “He knows where the low post is. He knows what a pick and roll is. He has a good grasp of basketball. He’s picked up a lot of things [in two seasons with the Mavericks]. I think he’ll be fine.”

When asked what he knew of the Clippers, Wang launched into a lengthy answer in Chinese, mentioning standouts Elton Brand, Lamar Odom and Michael Olowokandi. The last bit needed no translation.

Wang smiled broadly before tapping both fists to his forehead, as Quentin Richardson often does after making a big basket.

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The Clippers waived free-agent center Jason Lawson, who averaged four points in five exhibition games.