Maggette Seeks Versatility

Armed with a rich new contract, Corey Maggette went to work over the summer at shoring up the weaknesses in his game.

Which were what?

“I can’t even specifically say,” said the Clipper forward, who in July signed a six-year, $42-million offer sheet from the Utah Jazz, which the Clippers matched. “I’ve just got to stay consistent with what I do.

“I think if I continue to stay consistent on what I work on each year, I’m only going to get better. I have a game that, if I continue to work at the stuff that I think is my weakness, my game will elevate each year, and that’s what I need to do.”

The high-flying Maggette averaged a career-best 16.8 points last season but knows he could be more effective if his outside shooting improved.

“In the past, my scouting report was, ‘He’s not a really good shooter; he wants to drive to the basket,’ ” Maggette said before making five of 20 shots in Sunday night’s 93-69 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Oakland. “I think I’ve improved my shooting, so I think you have to respect me a little bit. If you don’t, I’m just going to drive to the hole and dunk the ball.

“With me, you’re in a bad situation, because if I’m shooting the ball well you don’t know what to do. I’m definitely going to drive, so what can you do?”

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Point guard?

Shooting guard?

If you must label Eddie House, try this: “I’m a basketball player.”

House made his reputation as a gunner at Arizona State and in three seasons with the Miami Heat, but he also has filled the role of playmaker at times, and the Clippers have tried him at the point because that’s where they need help.

“Either/or,” House said. “I just want to be on the court.”

A son-in-law of USC Coach Henry Bibby and brother-in-law of Sacramento King guard Mike Bibby, House said he was looking for “a whole new beginning” when he signed with the Clippers as a free agent two months ago.

“I think I might have an opportunity here to do something I didn’t do in Miami,” he said. “That’s be a rotation guy and be able to help this team get some wins.”

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Four Clippers did not dress because of injuries: Glen Rice (hyperextended right knee), Quentin Richardson (back spasms), Elton Brand (sprained left ankle) and Chris Kaman (strained lower left leg).

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Mike Dunleavy scored 13 of his game-high 19 points in the first half in helping the Warriors past his father’s Clippers. Golden State never trailed.

A father has coached against his son only once during the regular season in NBA history. That occurred when New Orleans Jazz coach Butch van Breda Kolff coached against the New York Nets on Nov. 9, 1976, and Jan van Breda Kolff scored six points.

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Associated Press contributed to this report.