Clippers Are Not in Dire Need of Help

With only two second-round selections today in the NBA draft, the Clippers aren’t expected to acquire an impact player.

For a change, though, they said they didn’t need one after the best season in their history.

“Even if we had a pick in the first round, we don’t think any player in this draft could break into our rotation because of the guys we have,” General Manager Elgin Baylor said. “There are some players who could surprise some people, but there aren’t impact guys like a LeBron James or a Dwyane Wade. We’d just like to find someone who could maybe get some playing time.”

The Clippers have the Nos. 34 and 52 picks. The team would like to add a long-range shooter, but a low-post player is the top priority, Clippers sources said.

There are concerns about backup center Zeljko Rebraca, who played in only 29 games last season because of heart and conditioning problems.

The Clippers were considering whether to bring Greek forward-center Sofoklis Schortsanitis, their second-round selection in 2003, to the NBA next season, but he recently received a lucrative contract extension offer from his team in Greece and is expected to remain in the Euroleague.

Although the Clippers might acquire a veteran low-post player in free agency, they would prefer to address the need today.

“At 34, you hope that somebody you don’t expect to be there drops to you,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “We’re looking for somebody who can make the NBA.”

If point guard Sam Cassell and forward Vladimir Radmanovic re-sign, the Clippers would have 12 guaranteed contracts for next season. They also might offer at least a partial guarantee to the No. 34 pick, leaving only two spots on the 15-man roster, so it’s doubtful the No. 52 pick would be with the team in 2006-07.

The Clippers could draft a foreign player who plans to stay in the Euroleague, or persuade their selection to play in Europe next season.

“We have a few players we like,” Baylor said. “There are a few players who could help us.”