Anderson Is Latest Addition at Guard

Fortifying their roster for what they hope will be a late playoff push, the Clippers on Tuesday claimed veteran point guard Kenny Anderson off waivers from the Atlanta Hawks.

With Marko Jaric and Shaun Livingston sidelined because of injury and not expected back until the middle of the month, the Clippers sought outside help.

Anderson, a 14-year NBA veteran who was the No. 2 pick in the 1991 draft, has bounced around the league the last few seasons. He averaged 5.0 points, 2.5 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 18.4 minutes in 39 games with the Hawks this season. His career averages: 12.6 points, 6.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

“He’s had a good career in this league,” said Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy, who coached Anderson for 1 1/2 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. “He’s a veteran guy, good pick-and-roll player -- just all around, he’s got a good feel for the game and the position.

“We just felt like in our situation, where you’re trying to make a run for the playoffs, that we were going to grab the best guy available. So when his name popped up on the board ... we figured we’d bring Kenny in and see how it works out.”

Anderson, 34, joined the Clippers after flying in Monday from Los Angeles, where he has three daughters, ages 12, 10 and 7. He was waived by the Hawks at Thursday’s trade deadline and cleared waivers Monday afternoon.

“I just want to help the team as much as I can,” he said. “I’ve still got basketball in me. I’m just trying to play, man, and enjoy myself.... I’m kind of happy to be with Mike because he knows what I’m capable of doing.”