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Injuries present opportunities
Outside Staples Center, the steady rhythm of jackhammers worked quickly to construct the L.A. Live project.
Inside, members of the Los Angeles Clippers' freshly assembled roster convened Monday before heading north for today's opening of training camp in Santa Barbara, where two-a-days and a search for a cohesive team await.
After team leader Elton Brand ruptured his Achilles' tendon in early August -- and on the heels of Shaun Livingston's serious knee injury -- the organization moved quickly to cobble together a veteran-laced roster.
The season will answer whether the additions of Ruben Patterson, Brevin Knight and Josh Powell allow the team to remain competitive in a deep Western Conference.
But faced with tight salary limitations and the lateness of the free-agency period, Los Angeles Clippers General Manager Elgin Baylor said he was satisfied with obtaining players ready to contribute.
"Of course we are going to miss Elton," he said. "You can't replace Elton Brand. But they can't dwell on that. They just have to go out there and play."
Coach Mike Dunleavy, whose team finished a disappointing 40-42 and missed the playoffs amid high expectations last season, said the team should be able to run a more up-tempo offense this season.
"We'll see how the new guys we bring in and the guys we have respond and hopefully it'll be in a positive way," Dunleavy said.
Patterson, a hardscrabble forward, is coming off career-best averages of 14.7 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Although not a veteran, Powell, out of North Carolina State, is also expected to add front-court depth.
Meanwhile, Knight, a pass-first point guard, will be looked on to frequently spell starter Sam Cassell.
"This is an opportunity for a lot of players to get the chance to play," Baylor said.
Elton Brand is cleared to rehabilitate on a stationary bike. Livingston, who injured almost every part of his left knee in February, recently began light jogging.
Both players said it is too early to pinpoint a return date and the organization does not want to estimate because of the extent of the injuries.
Sam Cassell said his teammates should embrace the opportunity as the new players look to contribute while returnees Chris Kaman, Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley shoulder heavier offensive loads.
"When your number is called, make sure it's answered," Sam Cassell said. "That's the whole thing I'm trying to tell my guys. If you don't answer that bell, you better look somewhere else.
The Los Angeles Clippers invited free-agent forwards Marcus Douthit, from Providence, and Kimani Ffriend, out of Nebraska, to training camp. . . . Andy Roeser was promoted to team president after previously serving as the executive vice president.
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