The Los Angeles Clippers held training camp at City College’s Sports Pavilion last week for the second consecutive year, with conditioning and surprisingly the playoffs on their minds.
The new-look Clippers, led by Elton Brand, Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley, began training camp on Oct. 4 and were given access to the Life Fitness Center, Nick Carter Track and training rooms for one week. In exchange, the team agreed to make a $6,000 donation to the college’s athletic department through the Foundation.
In their 34-year history, the Clippers have reached the postseason six times and finished the year with a winning record just five.
“I want to take this team to the playoffs,” said point guard Sam Cassell a 12-year National Basketball Association veteran. “I take it as a challenge and feel it would say a lot about me and my teammates if we made it to the postseason.”
“We got our swag back,” added sixth-year forward Elton Brand. “Don’t take us lightly.”
Head coach Mike Dunleavy praised Santa Barbara for its picturesque views and flawless weather but said the first three days of camp, made up of two-a-day practices, were all business. The Clippers ran wind sprints and rigorous three-man weaves to get the team ready for its preseason opener tonight against Dallas at the Staples Center.
Brand said he spent the off-season working wrinkles into his low-post game. He checked into camp 18 pounds lighter and ran the floor impressively.
“Camp is the place to get the team jelling together,” he said. “I’m 26 years old now and it’s our time. It’s our time.”
Cassell and Mobley are expected to start at the guard positions while Corey Maggette, Elton Brand and Chris Kaman fill in the frontcourt. Dunleavy said the team’s wildcard is its bench and third-year center/forward Chris Wilcox.
“It’s a huge year for him,” Dunleavy said. “He has the tools and is familiar with our system. He’s a really big key to our success. If he has a great year then we will definitely make the playoffs.”
“This year is either going to make me or break me,” said Wilcox on the matter.
In practice Wednesday, he brought the thunder, with two huge slams on fast breaks, while rookie guard Daniel Ewing provided the lightning. Ewing, the 32nd pick in the draft, said veterans on the team have provided much needed mentorship and guidance so far in camp.
“I get a lot of help from the guys, especially Sam [Cassell],” he said. “We work a lot together to help me make the adjustment from college.”
Brand and Cassell both agreed that the team lost too many games in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter last season.
“The addition of Cuttino [Mobley] and I should bring veteran experience and should help the team pull it off,” Cassell added. “My whole thing is winning. If I can’t win I’m disappointed.”