Newly-acquired forward Zach Randolph left the morning shoot-around giddy about the prospect of making his Clippers debut at Staples Center against the New Orleans Hornets.
Because of a delay in the New York Knicks' completion of all the necessary steps in processing the physical examinations of former Clippers Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley, Randolph was ineligible to play. Guard Mardy Collins, whom the Clippers also acquired from the Knicks, was in street clothes alongside Randolph behind the team bench. But the Clippers will add Randolph to the rotation very soon. Long coveted by Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, Randolph enjoyed some monster scoring outings against the Clippers in past meetings, especially when he played with the Portland Trail Blazers.
"It's a great addition to our team," second-year forward Al Thornton said. "I was sad to see Tim and Cuttino leave. But I think Z-Bo (Randolph) and Mardy Collins will be a great help to us."
Randolph has not played a game with the Clippers yet but already he is calling the Clippers' Baron Davis the best point guard that he's played with. Dunleavy said he is not worried about Randolph getting immersed quickly into the offensive schemes but said that getting fully indoctrinated with the Clippers' defensive schemes and calls will take some time.
"I've know that they've wanted me for a long time," Randolph said. "It's a good move, coming in and playing with Baron, Marcus (Camby) and (Chris) Kaman."
Of course, it's going to take the Clippers time to jell. With this latest trade, Thornton becomes the only player on the roster that was actively playing during the final weeks of the 2007-2008 season.
"Chemistry-wise, we're not there," Dunleavy said. "We have 12 new guys."
HORNETS 99, CLIPPERS 87: A second consecutive triple-double by the Hornets' star guard Chris Paul and 27 points from forward David West helped sink the Clippers. The victory spoiled the starting debut of Clippers rookie guard Eric Gordon, who scored 25 points. The Clippers' shooting woes once again hurt them. They not only shot 38.4 percent from the field and were a poor 68.2 percent from the free-throw line.
