Brand Eager for Return of Livingston

The return of forward Corey Maggette last week prompted forward Elton Brand to look to the future.

The Clippers are still awaiting the season debut of backup point guard Shaun Livingston, who has been sidelined since training camp because of back problems, and Brand said he believed the team could move up into the NBA’s elite once the talented second-year player recovered.

“Not taking anything away from the guys who are playing, we’re 5-1 right now, but Shaun is going to get some minutes, he’s going to be playing against backups and he’s going to have an advantage against those guys,” Brand said. “You see what happened as soon as Corey came back, you see everything he brings to our offense, and Shaun does different things that will help us.

“Shaun could start on a lot of teams in this league, but he hasn’t played a lot the last couple of years because of injuries. People haven’t really seen him a lot, so they don’t understand the tools that he possesses. His uncanny passing ability and the way he breaks down a defense ... that’s going to be big for us.”

Although Livingston’s most recent MRI exam revealed improvement in his back, according to a team statement, the Clippers said they had no timetable for his return.

“There’s no rush,” Brand said. “We’re playing well and guys have stepped up and done a good job behind Sam [Cassell]. We just want him back whenever he’s ready, and we’ll welcome him back.”

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Coach Mike Dunleavy said he expected significant improvement in rebounding from post players after the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks combined to pull down 35 offensive rebounds during the last two games.

“It’s something we’ve talked about,” Dunleavy said. “That’s just not going to cut it.”

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Forward Walter McCarty, sidelined the first six games because of a cut on his right thumb, practiced again Saturday and might play tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers.

TONIGHT

at Philadelphia, 3 p.m. PST, Channel 5

Site -- Wachovia Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Clippers 5-1, 76ers 3-3.

Record vs. 76ers (2004-05) -- 1-1.

Update -- The 76ers defeated the Lakers, 85-81, Friday and have won three in a row. Allen Iverson scored a game-high 34 points and Philadelphia outscored the Lakers, 23-12, in the fourth quarter.