Johnson’s Approach Good for the Rookies

The Seattle SuperSonics, tonight’s opponent for the Clippers, began to revamp their roster when they traded Gary Payton to the Milwaukee Bucks for Ray Allen six weeks ago. The Clippers’ overhaul began more subtly, with interim Coach Dennis Johnson trimming the playing time of some players and adding minutes for others.

Melvin Ely and Chris Wilcox, the team’s first-round picks in 2002, have been given a chance. Marko Jaric, a third rookie, also plays more.

Ely started at power forward Tuesday against the Utah Jazz, scoring four points in 25 minutes. Wilcox played only five minutes Tuesday, but had 15 points in a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies and 16 in a loss to the Sacramento Kings.

Jaric finished the game against Memphis on the floor, rather than on the bench.

“The rookies have been getting much more time,” Johnson said. “If it happens, like the other night [against Memphis], I’ll get them in the game even quicker. It’s the last few games and they need more time.

“Chris is always running, but I’ve never seen him expending a lot of energy. He’s really been getting up and down the court lately. He’ll work on his jump shot in the summer. Melvin’s game is better suited to the pro game because he’s played more. Chris will catch up to him quickly, though. Marko’s going to play a lot more too.”

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TONIGHT

at Seattle, 7:30

Site -- KeyArena.

Radio -- XTRA (1150).

Records -- Clippers 23-51, SuperSonics 36-38.

Record vs. SuperSonics -- 1-2.

Update -- The Clippers play six of their final eight games on the road. They end the season with a home game April 16 against Portland.