Clippers to add rookie to roster
The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to sign rookie Nick Fazekas, a 6-foot-11 center who was the Dallas Mavericks' 2007 second-round pick, to a 10-day contract Wednesday. Fazekas played in four games with the Mavericks but spent most of this season with the Mavericks' Developmental League affiliate Tulsa 66ers.
Fazekas started 24 of the 28 games he played with Tulsa and averaged 19.9 points and 9.9 rebounds. He was selected to play in the D-League all-star game earlier this month in New Orleans, but he did not play. Dallas waived Fazekas a week ago.
"He can shoot the ball, and he has some (low-post) skills," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Plus he's a rookie."
Because of the continued absence of forward Elton Brand and guard Shaun Livingston, and with forward-center Paul Davis out for the season with a knee injury, the Clippers have been playing with a shortened roster. The recent injuries to center Chris Kaman (sore lower back) and guard Sam Cassell (sprained right wrist) reduced the Los Angeles Clippers to nine available players the past two games.
Kaman's status
Kaman had an epidural Tuesday and has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Portland. The diagnosis on Kaman's back revealed nerve inflammation.
"They told me I'd be out three weeks if I didn't get a shot," Chris Kaman said.
An X-ray and MRI taken on Kaman's back Tuesday showed no structural damage. He said he hopes to be able to play Friday, when the Clippers are in Denver.
Cassell update
Cassell continues to nurse a sore wrist. He still doesn't know whether the Clippers will agree to a buyout of his contract. Cassell must be waived by 8:59 p.m. Friday to have 48 hours to clear waivers and be signed by another team to be eligible for the playoffs.
Sam Cassell said his agent, David Falk, and Clippers president Andy Roeser have been talking. As of Tuesday afternoon, nothing had been resolved.
"It's not my decision, put it that way," Cassell said, when asked if the situation has reached the frustration point. "It's in the hands of the higher people."
The latest rumors have the Boston Celtics, the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets interested in him.
It's no secret Cassell would like to land with the Celtics, who have the NBA's best record and defeated the Clippers by 28 points Monday. Boston could use Cassell's veteran savvy and clutch play in the playoffs to support talented but inexperienced starter Rajon Rondo.
"I can still play at a high level," said Cassell, 38, who is averaging 12.8 points per game.
Asked if he thought a buyout would come, Cassell shrugged and said, "I don't know. Honestly, I don't know."
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