Young Backup Guards Could Get Their Time

With starting guards Marko Jaric and Kerry Kittles out because of injuries, the Clippers have given long looks in training camp to rookies Shaun Livingston, Lionel Chalmers and Quinton Ross.

For better or worse, they’re the Clipper kiddy cavalry.

“We’ve made a little bet on our backcourt,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said, acknowledging that among the 13 Clippers with guaranteed contracts, the backup guards are the only ones who have never played in the NBA.

Ross, 23, played in Belgium last season. Chalmers, who turns 24 next month, played at Xavier. Livingston, 19, was in high school.

“I’m optimistic about where we’ll end up with these guys,” Dunleavy said. “The decision now is, how far do I push the envelope?”

Of course, either Corey Maggette or Bobby Simmons could slide into the backcourt, but they’re most effective, and comfortable, as forwards.

So, the rookie guards have been brought along quickly at practice in Santa Barbara.

Livingston, potentially a premier playmaker, has defended better and “played at a higher level of intensity” than Dunleavy had anticipated. Chalmers, who also is a point guard, has shot the ball confidently, Dunleavy said, and shown an ability to beat traps. And Ross, a shooting guard cut by the Clippers a year ago, has defended at a high level and “just been terrific all over the place,” the coach said.

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With center Chris Kaman sidelined Sunday because of shin soreness in both legs, Elton Brand was the only starter fully participating in practice. “I feel pretty good,” Brand said, “but I don’t want to jinx anything.” ... Kaman, who also suffered shin soreness early in training camp a year ago, was the only Clipper to play in all 82 regular-season games last season.... Backup center Zeljko Rebraca, who had been sidelined because of a strained right quadriceps, took part in conditioning drills but was held out of contact work. He, Kittles and Jaric will not play in Wednesday night’s exhibition opener at Phoenix, Dunleavy said, adding that he was unsure about the availability of Kaman and Maggette.... Kittles, trying to strengthen his surgically repaired right knee, might sit out all eight exhibitions.