Rookie Could Be Part of Frontcourt Solution

Concerned about their frontcourt depth behind All-Star power forward Elton Brand and rising center Chris Kaman, the Clippers selected forward-center Paul Davis from Michigan State with the first of their two second-round picks in June’s NBA draft.

The 6-foot-11, 270-pound Davis inspired confidence in training camp at Santa Barbara City College, the Clippers said, and is off to a good start this preseason.

Davis had two points and three rebounds in 12 minutes of Thursday’s 91-90 exhibition victory over the Lakers at Staples Center.

“We thought he was this good, and I think he’s better than he’s played,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “He knows how to play, he picks up what we do pretty quickly ... he gets it.”

Davis was considered a good mid-range shooter in college, and there are other parts of his game “that can grow, so we’re really going to work with him” to accelerate his development, Dunleavy said.

The rookie said he’s eager to learn.

“I’m used to being a guy who was counted on to score, so it’s different for me now,” Davis said. “With all the veteran guys we have, that’s definitely not my role on this team.

“They just need me to rebound, defend and work hard. That’s my role, and I definitely understand that.”

It appears, however, that Davis might have a bigger role than he anticipated.

Veteran post players Zeljko Rebraca and Aaron Williams have been sidelined because of back problems.

Rebraca, who sat out most of last season because of heart and conditioning problems, did not attend camp. The Clippers, however, said they’re confident about their frontcourt situation because Williams has been a productive reserve throughout his career and Davis has shown them a lot.

Dunleavy said he hasn’t decided on a rotation, but could Davis be the first big man off the bench?

“He’s good,” Dunleavy said, “and the best guys get the most minutes.”

*

Third-year point guard Shaun Livingston could have a breakout season, the Clippers said, but point guard and co-captain Sam Cassell is still expected to have a key role.

Cassell, beginning his 14th season, signed a two-year $13-million contract in July, and Dunleavy said he envisioned the point guards playing more in the same lineup. At 6 feet 7 and strong on defense, Livingston could also earn minutes on the perimeter as a forward, and Dunleavy might put Cassell at the other guard spot in some sets.

“With the way Shaun is playing, I know he’s going to get more time,” Dunleavy said. “The question is, who’s minutes is he going to take? Three or four guys might have their minutes drop.”

*

Kaman (strained left hamstring), Cassell (strained left calf) and Williams (sore lower back) sat out.

jason.reid@latimes.com