Team considers short-term help
The Clippers are not expected to make a major move before the Feb. 22 trading deadline, so General Manager Elgin Baylor and Coach Mike Dunleavy have attempted to bolster the roster through the use of 10-day contracts.
Seeking another long-range shooter, the Clippers brought in Luke Jackson, a former No. 1 draft pick from Oregon, who was playing with the Idaho Stampede of the Developmental League.
When Shaun Livingston suffered a sprained ankle recently, the Clippers signed point guard Alvin Williams, an eight-year veteran who had not played in the league this season.
Although Jackson and Williams were released when their contracts expired, the Clippers might still attempt to find short-term help. After a slow start, the team must explore all options in an attempt to continue to improve, Dunleavy said.
“You have to look at everything,” Dunleavy said recently. “You see what’s out there and try to find a fit. You might not find something but you’re always looking.”
Center Zeljko Rebraca is out for the season, but Aaron Williams is an experienced backup behind starter Chris Kaman, the Clippers said. The Clippers are also considered to have good depth at power forward and point guard.
They could, however, soon need help on the perimeter because of Corey Maggette’s injuries.
Team trainer Jasen Powell has worked overtime to help Maggette remain in the lineup, and the sixth man has been productive despite his pain.
“The way I was raised, you just go out and do your job, you don’t complain about how you’re feeling,” said Maggette, the team’s second-leading scorer with a 15.5 average. “I feel fine. All that matters is for me to just go out and find ways to help this team win basketball games.”
But just in case Maggette needs an extended break in the second half of the season, the Clippers might consider signing an experienced wing player. That probably would be someone who has not been on a roster this season, but so what?
As Dunleavy has said, the Clippers must keep their options open.
TONIGHT
vs. Chicago, 7:30 p.m., FSN Prime Ticket
Site -- Staples Center.
Radio -- 710.
Records -- Clippers 22-22, Bulls 26-19.
Record vs. Bulls (2005-06) -- 1-1.
Update -- The Bulls are tied for the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Guard Ben Gordon averages a team-high 21.6 points.
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