Cassell Points Out the Pluses

Although backup point guard Shaun Livingston has been slowed since training camp because of a lower back strain, starting point guard Sam Cassell recently said he expected the second-year player to have a breakout season.

And with Cassell and Livingston, 20, running the offense, the Clippers should be better than most at the point, Cassell said.

“Oh, man, it’s going to be something,” he said. “I’m going to do what I always do, I’m going to get everyone involved and get it going, and then Shaun is going to come in and keep us rolling, getting guys good shots.

“We’re going to have the type of point-guard play most teams can’t even dream about. It’s usually not the same when your starter goes out, things can change a lot, but it’s not going to be like that with us. Just watch.”

Cassell, a 12-year veteran, is an on-court mentor for the 6-foot-7 Livingston, whom the Clippers selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft.

Livingston missed 52 games because of knee and shoulder injuries in his rookie season of 2004-05, participated in limited activity in training camp at Santa Barbara City College and sat out the first five exhibitions because of the injury he suffered during informal workouts before camp.

His work in practice, however, has steadily increased, and he could return to full workouts after undergoing an MRI exam when the Clippers return from their trip. Livingston is expected to be ready for the season opener Nov. 2 against the Seattle SuperSonics, Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

“We definitely need Shaun to get back and do the things he can do,” Cassell said.

Livingston will be a star in the NBA, Cassell said, and Cassell wants to help him reach that level.

“He’s definitely got the talent, but nobody cares about how much talent you have in this league,” Cassell said. “You think Steve Nash cares about how much talent a young guy like Shaun has? You think Mike Bibby cares? You think Tony Parker cares?

“You’ve got to have that experience to know what those guys are going to do, and how to go right back at them. It’s going to come for him, but it takes time.”

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The Clippers cut 6-foot-11 forward Jared Reiner and guard Fred Vinson after a 99-93 exhibition loss at Seattle.

Reiner played in three exhibition games and averaged 2.7 points. Vinson shot 23.1% from the field and failed to make a three-point basket in five attempts.... Chris Wilcox led the Clippers with 15 points and eight rebounds.