Many key decisions ahead for Dunleavy

Two Western Conference scouts on Saturday said the Clippers could be among the NBA’s best teams this season.

They pointed to the production of All-Star power forward Elton Brand, the continued development of 7-foot center Chris Kaman and 6-7 point guard Shaun Livingston, and the team’s depth as reasons the Clippers have gained respect.

“Other teams around this league know what the Clippers are about now,” point guard and co-captain Sam Cassell said. “They know the Clippers are no joke.”

The Clippers should have high expectations, Coach Mike Dunleavy said, but they still have work to do.

“It’s a process each year,” Dunleavy said. “You try to take steps and work toward the goal of being as good as you can moving forward, and we’ve definitely taken some positive steps, but we’re not where I want us to be. Not even close.”

Dunleavy faces many decisions during the remainder of the preseason, including choosing a starting lineup and rotation for the opener Nov. 1 against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center.

Barring injury, Brand, Cassell, Kaman, Cuttino Mobley and Quinton Ross are expected to start. Corey Maggette prefers to start, and Mobley recently volunteered to come off the bench, but Maggette could provide a boost on offense for the second unit.

Moreover, defense is Dunleavy’s top priority against the high-scoring Suns and point guard Steve Nash, a two-time league MVP. Ross is considered the team’s best perimeter defender, though Livingston isn’t far behind, coaches said.

“We lead with our defense,” Dunleavy said. “Everything we do is based on that.”

As for the rotation, Livingston’s role is expected to increase.

He split time with Cassell late last season and during the playoff run that ended in Game 7 of the West semifinals against Phoenix. It wouldn’t be surprising if Livingston moved into the starting lineup this season, many in the organization said.

Tim Thomas is the designated long-range shooter and veteran Aaron Williams, slowed because of lower back soreness, is competing with rookie Paul Davis to be Kaman’s primary backup.

“We’ve got some pieces,” Dunleavy said. “We’re a solid team.”

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Thomas and Mobley each scored 15 points Saturday night to lead the Clippers to an 86-82 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics at Staples Center.... Kaman (strained left hamstring), Cassell (strained left calf) and Williams sat out.

jason.reid@latimes.com