Maggette Is Eager to Work Again

Back again, Corey Maggette says he hopes to stay awhile this time.

The veteran swingman, scheduled to return to the lineup tonight against the Utah Jazz at Salt Lake City, was sidelined the last 39 games while recovering from a left-foot injury, and he also sat out the first four games because of a strained hamstring.

There’s still time for him to find his rhythm and help the team in its playoff push, and he’s eager to work.

“I just have to come in and do what I do,” Maggette said after practice Thursday at the Spectrum Health Club in El Segundo.

“The team has been doing an excellent job, as far with guys being out, stepping up to the challenge. I missed the first four games early in the year, and then I just came back and did what I do.

“I just played the way I play, getting to the basket and getting to the foul line, it’s as simple as that. The biggest thing is just being patient, but I’ve been patient for three months.”

Maggette, averaging 21.7 points in 13 games, suffered a separated ligament in his foot Dec. 5 against the Miami Heat.

Although some physicians recommended season-ending surgery, Maggette opted to follow an aggressive rehabilitation program. He credited the Clipper medical staff, including team trainer Jasen Powell, with helping him through a difficult process.

“Everyone has done a great job,” Maggette said. “I just listened and trusted it would go in the right direction.”

While Maggette rehabilitated, the Clippers offered him to the Indiana Pacers for forward Ron Artest. Concerned about Maggette’s injury, the Pacers rejected the deal and traded Artest to the Sacramento Kings.

“I’ve put that in the past. That’s just part of the business,” Maggette said. “I saw what they were trying to do, they were trying to get someone to help the team, and there are no hard feelings.”

Maggette led the Clippers in scoring last season, but power forward Elton Brand, having a career year, tops the team this season.

Center Chris Kaman has become a bigger part of the offense in Maggette’s absence, swingman Cuttino Mobley and point guard Sam Cassell also have major roles and long-range specialist Vladimir Radmanovic recently arrived in a trade with the Seattle SuperSonics.

“This is a great time to come back,” Maggette said. “The team is playing well, my job is to just come in and help, so there’s no pressure.

“Elton is playing unbelievable basketball. E.B. has been a dominant force for this team, and Cuttino and Sam have been guys contributing in addition to Chris Kaman.”

The Clippers said they expect Maggette to blend in well with the group, and Coach Mike Dunleavy is “not really worried” about how it will all work.

The Clippers have rebounded from losing streaks, and Maggette could provide a boost to the finish.

“E.B. turned it up, Sam turned it up, Cuttino turned it up, Chris turned it up and Coach turned it up,” Maggette said. “Coach has been like the backbone.

“He’s been very positive about every situation, and we weathered the storm. It just shows his character as well.”

TONIGHT

at Utah, 7 PST, ESPN

Site -- Delta Center.

Radio -- 1150, 830.

Records -- Clippers 33-23, Utah 27-30.

Record vs. Jazz -- 1-0.

Update -- Backup center Zeljko Rebraca is expected to sit out because of a hamstring injury. Swingman Quinton Ross (back problems) and center Chris Kaman (sprained left ankle) might return to the lineup.