Wilcox Expected to Deliver

Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy and forward-center Chris Wilcox were on the same page: Wilcox’s performance could be the key to a postseason berth.

“If he had a great year,” Dunleavy said, “we would definitely make the playoffs.”

Said Wilcox: “This is a big year for me. This year can make me or break me.”

Wilcox continued to practice with a sense of urgency Wednesday at Santa Barbara City College, the Clippers said, displaying an effort visible only in flashes during his first three seasons.

The 6-foot-10, 235-pound Wilcox has not developed as the team envisioned, but the Clippers have remained hopeful about their first-round selection -- eighth overall -- from the 2002 draft.

“The guy he reminds me of more than anyone is Amare Stoudemire,” General Manager Elgin Baylor said of Phoenix’s All-Star center.

“You look at him and Stoudemire ... they have similar bodies. In fact, he’s more athletic than Stoudemire. It’s just a question of him doing it. It’s just a question of him getting focused, going out there and doing the things I know he’s capable of doing.”

Wilcox averaged 7.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in 54 games last season. In his career, he has averaged 7.0 points and 3.9 rebounds.

The former Maryland standout is capable of more on offense, Dunleavy said, but Wilcox must increase his rebound and blocked-shot production off the bench.

A consistent effort for an entire season is needed from Wilcox.

“It’s a huge year for him, obviously, going into a situation where you’ve been in the league and you’ve had some success, but it hasn’t been the consistent success that he needs to show,” Dunleavy said. “But he’s got the tools, he’s got the talent, and now he should be familiar with our system.”

Wilcox said he would be ready.

“It’s a great feeling that he has the confidence in me,” Wilcox said. “It motivates me to come out and play well for him.”

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Although it’s early in camp, rookie forward Yaroslav Korolev has impressed.

Dunleavy was pleased about the No. 1 draft pick’s performance in the first four practice sessions, saying the 18-year-old Russian fared better than expected guarding players on the perimeter.

“Sometimes you forget that he is 18,” Dunleavy said. “Like a little flower, we’ll keep watering him and see what grows. He’s not outclassed in any way.”

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The Clippers waived guard Frank Williams, who struggled in conditioning drills, and signed forward Rodney White.