Maggette Sees ‘Nothing Less Than the Playoffs’

Forward Corey Maggette has big expectations for the Clippers, who have a new attitude because of guards Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley.

Maggette, who practiced for the second time Monday, said the new starting backcourt should help lead the Clippers to a postseason berth.

“These are guys that we really needed,” said Maggette, whose mother underwent emergency heart surgery last week in Chicago, where she is recuperating.

“We needed veteran leadership. Sam is a guy who can take the pressure off of everyone, and he gives everyone the opportunity to just concentrate on winning.

“Bringing those guys in, and just the core that we have, I’m pretty excited about what’s going to happen this year. Nothing less than the playoffs.”

Maggette, Cassell and Mobley should coexist well and thrive on offense, Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

“It would be hard for me to believe that anyone couldn’t get along with [Cassell and Mobley],” he said.

“Their attitude has been so terrific. They’ve come in with one focus in mind: Winning.”

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The team made strides on defense in Dunleavy’s first two seasons, and the trend should continue, he said.

“I fully expect that,” Dunleavy said. “Last year was better than the first year, and this year we should have improvement. We have a fairly decent number of guys who have been here and know the concepts. When they know it, it’s easier to pass on to the other guys who don’t know.”

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Dunleavy says he is eager to evaluate forward Walter McCarty on defense against small forwards in the exhibition season.

The 6-foot-10 McCarty, a three-point specialist, could provide a boost on offense off the bench, but his role depends on defensive matchups.

“I know there are some [small forwards] he can guard,” Dunleavy said. “I don’t know that he can guard all.”

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The Clippers break training camp today and begin their exhibition schedule Wednesday against Dallas at Staples Center.

Forward Elton Brand, optimistic before camp, is pleased.

“We’ve had our ups and downs,” he said. “But, overall, it’s been a good camp. A real good camp.”