Posted on Thu, Jan. 24, 2008

Clippers' Dunleavy: `I'm frustrated, as well'

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --

Clippers' Dunleavy: `I'm frustrated, as well'

At times explanatory and at times combatant, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy addressed statements made this week by team owner Donald T. Sterling, who said he is frustrated by the team's overall play this season."I understand his frustrations. I'm frustrated as well," Dunleavy said.

However, Dunleavy said he did not try to be misleading at all regarding the team's prospects this season, that were dimmed considerably when their franchise player, Elton Brand, suffered a ruptured left Achilles' tendon two months before the start of training camp. That was coupled with the knowledge that another key player, guard Shaun Livingston, would miss most if not the entire season recuperating from a catastrophic injury suffered last February to his left knee.

"I said it was going to be a struggle (but) if we stayed healthy, we could hang around long enough to have a playoff run, if we'd get good timing with Elton and Shaun coming back," Dunleavy said. "It didn't happen for us. I'm not using injuries as an excuse, but you can't put your head in the sand, either. We've had $30 million dollars sitting on the sidelines in suits. It's not like we're missing one guy. We've had six or seven guys out at different times."

Sterling stated Monday that despite the Clippers' injury situation, the team should be in a better position than its current last-place status in the Pacific Division. Sterling said that if Dunleavy or vice president Elgin Baylor could not make Los Angeles fans proud of the Clippers, then he'd have no choice but to make changes.

"Changes, like me being changed? Be my guest," Dunleavy said. "It would be the biggest mistake you've ever made, I think. But it's his team. He can do whatever he likes."

-- observer news services

Around the league

CHICAGO: Forward Luol Deng is expected to miss one to three weeks because of his recurring left Achilles tendinitis, and leading scorer Ben Gordon sat out Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers because of a sprained right wrist. DENVER:

George Karl is hoping to entice Nene to attend an upcoming practice.

The Nuggets coach thinks it would be therapeutic for the Brazilian forward to hang out with his teammates.

Nene found out Tuesday that a testicular tumor removed Jan. 14 was malignant. The team said the tumor was discovered early, and tests showed the cancer was isolated. -- Ons