Korolev Is Seizing the Opportunity

Although pleased with the progress of Yaroslav Korolev, the Clippers plan to ease in the rookie forward.

Of course, the 18-year-old Russian could alter their plans.

Coach Mike Dunleavy left the door ajar for Korolev’s role to increase based on his performance in the exhibition season, which began Wednesday night in a 95-80 victory at Staples Center. Korolev was 0 for 1 shooting with three rebounds and one assist.

Korolev competed well in practice at Santa Barbara City College, Dunleavy said, displaying the skills that prompted the Clippers to select him with the 12th overall pick in the 2005 draft. Korolev impressed at times, especially passing, but the Clippers want to avoid “situations where it could be detrimental to his development,” Dunleavy said. “As he grows and deserves more opportunities, then that’s the way we’ll go, but he’s blended in pretty well.”

However, the 6-foot-9, 203-pound player could face problems on defense that would limit his role this season.

“From an improvement standpoint, matching up against different NBA guys is the main area,” Dunleavy said. “Not knowing a lot of guys and what they do, it’s something he’s learning. He got better as he played in camp.”

The exhibition season is an opportunity, Korolev said.

“I want to play good defense. I want to play the best defense I can,” he said. “I want to look for open shots, make some passes and get some rebounds.

“I was much [more] comfortable every day in camp. I’ve got to learn a lot of things, but I know I have to be here right now.”

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Forward Elton Brand, who suffered a thigh bruise Monday in a collision at practice, sat out the exhibition opener.

“I’m kind of bummed out,” said Brand, who received treatment Wednesday. “One day left in training and a guy falls on my leg, but I’m going to play in at least five of these preseason games.

“We’re not taking this lightly at all. We’re using this to jell and get a feel for one another. That’s why I’m disappointed that it happened at the time it happened.”

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Because of his grandmother’s death, center Chris Kaman will miss exhibition games Friday and Saturday.... Shaun Livingston sat out Wednesday’s game because of a lower back strain.