Dunleavy Should Be in Mix for Top Coach, Baylor Says

The Clippers’ record has improved each season under Coach Mike Dunleavy, and the team is on the verge of its first playoff berth in nine seasons.

Dunleavy has also had a major role in player-personnel decisions while working closely with General Manager Elgin Baylor, who says the Clippers’ third-year coach should receive consideration for the NBA’s coach-of-the-year award.

“When you look at the injuries we’ve had, and where we’re at, you have to give a lot of credit to Mike and his staff,” Baylor said recently. “The team has played well, and that starts with the coach.”

Dunleavy, who won the award in 1999 while with the Portland Trail Blazers, said he’s focused on the team’s playoff goals.

“I’m not real comfortable even talking about that,” he said of potential individual recognition. “I’ve been in this business long enough to know that everything can change real quickly.

“We’ve had some success, but we’re a team that has to keep going at it, so I don’t take our positioning for granted at all. There’s a lot of work still to be done, and there’s a lot of time. You can’t get lulled into being soft.”

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Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley are scheduled to play host to a charity basketball game April 15 at South Los Angeles Area New High to benefit the underprivileged.

Elton Brand, Chris Kaman and Shaun Livingston are among the Clippers expected to attend the “WeROne Celebrity Street Ball Game.” Dallas receiver Terrell Owens, rapper Silk and actors Michael Rapaport and Frankie Muniz have committed to participate, said Eric Smith, Cassell’s associate who is helping organize the event.

“The proceeds will go to kids, women’s shelters ... anything that’s going to be positive,” Smith said. “We want to be positive and try to end racial tension.”

Information: (310) 867-9436.