LOS ANGELES (AP) Mike Dunleavy never felt sorry for the Los
Angeles Clippers when he coached the Lakers back in 1991-92.
That was the same season Magic Johnson retired for the first
time and one of the few times the Clippers made the playoffs.
Dunleavy's primary goal this season as the Clippers' sixth
head coach in six seasons is to make certain no one has any
reason to feel sorry for them. He made that clear on Monday during
the team's media day.
``They've shown great flashes,'' Dunleavy said. ``I love the
opportunity to get out on the floor with these guys and teach them
and try to explain to them how it works. It's a long-term
process.''
The Clippers are coming off consecutive 30-win seasons for the
first time since Larry Brown guided them to the playoffs in
1992-93.
But three of last season's starters Lamar Odom, Michael
Olowokandi and Andre Miller are no longer with the team. Neither
is 3-point threat Eric Piatkowski, who played more games for the
Clippers in Los Angeles than anyone else.
``We have a challenge, because we're so young,'' Dunleavy said.
``But these guys really work hard, and they're like sponges. You
can just see it in their eyes. They want to learn and do the right
things, and become better players and a better team.
``So this is an exciting time for a coach and a teacher.''
The patience of the crowds that came out more than 17,000 strong
per night has been wearing thin. The Clippers failed to make the
playoffs for the fifth straight season, finishing 39-43.
But forward Elton Brand, who was third in the league last year
in rebounds and blocked shots, is confident Dunleavy can take them
to the next level.
``He brings a winning style of basketball,'' Brand said. ``He
knows how to win. And when you see a coach whose won that many
games, it's easy to follow him.''
Two seasons ago, the Clippers began earning respect with a
talented group of energetic young of players who appeared on the
verge of being a solid team. But an assortment of injuries to key
players, including Odom and Olowokandi, put them back at square
one.
Odom and Olowokandi both signed offer sheets with other teams,
which were not matched by frugal owner Donald Sterling who did
match offer sheets on Brand and Corey Maggette.
``We're not one of the top six teams in the West. Everybody
knows who they are. They spend a hundred million dollars on their
guys, for the most part, and they've got a lot of veterans and a
lot of talent,'' Dunleavy said.
``But we want to be that team that's coming and a team they know
they have a battle with every night. And if we can get it all
together quicker than most people expect, then maybe we have a shot
to play some meaningful games in April.''
Dunleavy, the NBA coach of the year with Portland in 1999, comes
into this unenviable task with a career record of 398-390. His
players are intent on keeping him above .500.
``We can't let coach go under,'' Keyon Dooling said with a grin.
``Hopefully, we can just pick up on his system and everybody will
buy into it.
``It's very complicated, but it's not out of control. You can
understand it. Defensive is number one. We need to talk and be able
to communicate on the court, so it's a whole new language we're
learning.''
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)