Maggette Pursues Key Role

PALM DESERT —  In the final analysis, making the Clippers’ starting five means little to Corey Maggette. Opening the game isn’t nearly as important to him as seeing action during the middle and, particularly, at the end.

“It’s cool if you start, but at the same time, I just want to play,” he said.

Maggette made the most of his time on the court last season, averaging 10 points and 4.2 rebounds in fewer than 20 minutes per game. Now he wants more.

“I wish I could have gotten more playing time last year,” he said. “I should have gotten it too, but the coach makes the decisions.”

Coach Alvin Gentry has yet to define Maggette’s role.

“I know I’m bigger and stronger than most twos,” said Maggette, 6 feet 6, 218 pounds, referring to other NBA shooting guards. “I might be as big as most threes [small forwards] too.”

All Gentry would say Thursday is that Maggette will be included in a rotation of players that might go 10 deep.

“Corey will play some [at shooting guard or small forward], Quentin Richardson will play some [at shooting guard or small forward] and Keyon Dooling will play some [at point guard or shooting guard],” Gentry said.

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The twice-daily workouts are taking a toll on the Clippers. Elton Brand sat out Thursday’s morning session because of a sore left knee. Darius Miles jammed his thumb Wednesday night and could not practice Thursday. Miles probably won’t participate today, either.

“We’re a little sore right now,” Gentry said. “We’re probably going to have to take a day off soon.”