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Olowokandi Won’t Rule Anything Out

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Times Staff Writer

More and more, it looks as if center Michael Olowokandi has played his last game for the Clippers, although he says he still hopes to return this season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Feb. 3. He also refuses to say he will sign elsewhere when he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Olowokandi continues to rehabilitate for up to six hours per day with a physical therapist in Culver City. He is not yet able to jog and is uncertain when he will be able to do so. There is no timetable for his return and he acknowledged he might not be fit to play before the season ends April 16.

“Miracles do happen,” Olowokandi said late Wednesday night. “I’ve come along the last two weeks. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be able to jog next week. I would be very happy, very pleased to come back before the end of the season.”

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Above all, Olowokandi said he would like to play again with power forward Elton Brand and the rest of the Clippers before season’s end. Olowokandi averaged career-bests of 11.1 points and 8.9 rebounds last season, his first playing with Brand, acquired in 2001 from the Chicago Bulls.

Olowokandi was on pace to top those figures with averages of 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds in 36 games before an ongoing struggle with knee troubles sidelined him near the end of January.

He said complications from surgery and a desire for more intensive rehabilitation than he could get with the Clippers kept him from joining his teammates for more than a month. He attended his first game Sunday at Staples Center since having surgery.

“My objective is two-fold,” he said. “I want to be healthy and not cut corners and I also want to return and play with this team. I hope there isn’t a conflict of interest with those two things.”

Asked if he would consider re-signing with the Clippers, he said, “All my options are open. I’ve never, ever been one to close doors. I’m open to whatever might be out there. The summer is right around the corner and there are so many things to consider. The team we have is the most talented I’ve ever been on and one of the most talented teams in the NBA.”

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