With Kaman Sidelined, Veteran Baker Is Activated

Because of center Chris Kaman’s left ankle injury, veteran big man Vin Baker was activated for Monday night’s game against Charlotte at Staples Center.

Knowing that this may be his last opportunity to finish his NBA career on a positive note, Baker -- who joined the Clippers after the All-Star break -- has already impressed Coach Mike Dunleavy with his ability to pick up the offense.

“We didn’t do a lot as far as conditioning in [Sunday’s] practice, but he looked good,” said Dunleavy, who drafted Baker in 1993 and coached him for three seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.

“System-wise, he’s OK. But when we play him, it will be in short shifts.”

Baker, who has played in 783 games in his career, did not play against the Bobcats.

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Veteran Walter McCarty, who played in only 22 games before Monday, got his first start of the season against Charlotte, which features a big lineup. He had four points and eight rebounds in 32 minutes.

Matchups probably will determine the Clippers’ playing rotation the rest of the season, Dunleavy said.

“It’s going to be determined by who we’re playing,” he said.

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If everything goes as planned, Corey Maggette may return to full practice with the Clippers later this week. Maggette, who has been sidelined since Dec. 5 because of a left-foot injury, has been working out but has not been involved in team contact drills.

“I think that he’s ready to move to the next level of things to do,” Dunleavy said. “He could be on the court with us on Thursday.”

Once that happens, Maggette’s return to the lineup could be rapid, Dunleavy said. “We’ll know more after he practices.”

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Swingman Quinton Ross, who has sat out the last six games because of a lower-back injury, is expected to return next week, which could also be when Kaman is back from injury.