Jarron Collins makes Clippers’ roster

There was a small measure of suspense left in the Clippers’ camp Monday.

Of course, it was anything but a small matter to the likes of forward Marqus Blakely and center Jarron Collins, especially when careers are at issue. Blakely got the word after practice that he was waived, and Collins heard from Neil Olshey, the team’s vice president of basketball operations, that he made the 14-man roster.

The Clippers open the season Wednesday against Portland at Staples Center.

“Neil told me just to be ready Wednesday night,” said Collins, 31, who was in camp on a non-guaranteed contract. “I’m very excited obviously to get an opportunity to play for my hometown team, and be a part of something special. Turn the ship around, so to speak, and getting back to the playoffs. I’m very excited to be part of that, and I’ll do my part to get us where we want to be.”

Collins has a decorated past in area basketball circles, dating to when he and twin brother Jason dominated at Harvard-Westlake High before going to Stanford. Jarron was a second-round draft choice by the Utah Jazz in 2001 and received his first NBA tutorials from Karl Malone and John Stockton.

“I was their rookie. Those guys were my vets,” Collins said. “I did everything, ‘Yes sir, no sir.’ Carrying bags and all that stuff. Those guys were great. They taught me so much about the game, the physical and mental approach you have to bring. Those are the types of things I try to impart on the young guys that are in our locker room now.”

That’s the sort of effect the Clippers expect Collins will have on the likes of Blake Griffin and the team’s other rookies, the way Collins influenced Robin Lopez at Phoenix.

“He does all the little things,” Coach Vinny Del Negro said. “Excellent teammate. I think he really kind of stabilizes us in terms of his approach and how he goes about every day playing. He’s been great to have here.”

Etc.

The Clippers almost managed to complete a practice without some sort of mishap.

Almost.

By the time the media was let in for practice Monday, center DeAndre Jordan was applying some ice to his eye.

“I think Blake hit him,” Del Negro said. “Just going for a rebound and got scraped. He’ll be fine.”

Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman, who had been dealing with injured ankles, were able to practice. Craig Smith (back) was restricted in his activities and was not allowed contact in practice.

lisa.dillman@latimes.com

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