CLIPPER REPORT Brand's Premonition Keeps Coming True By Jason Reid, Times Staff Writer May 7, 2006 In a preseason interview, power forward Elton Brand said he had a "different feeling" about this edition of the Clippers. Brand expressed confidence in the team doing "big things," believing the off-season acquisition of point guard Sam Cassell and swingman Cuttino Mobley, and the development of second-year point guard Shaun Livingston and center Chris Kaman would provide the difference. The Clippers qualified for the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons, won a postseason series for the first time in 30 years and will play the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals beginning Monday. Is that what Brand had in mind? "This is definitely what I thought, what I hoped, we could do," Brand said Saturday. "With getting Sam and getting Cuttino, and with the improvement of all the guys who have been here, I just felt like we had a good chance. A real good chance." Brand said he's focused on helping the Clippers achieve as much as possible this season, but he's also looking to the future. The Clippers could sustain success for the first time in franchise history, Brand said, if management continues to do its part. Cassell, a co-captain with Brand, and three-point specialist Vladimir Radmanovic can become free agents after the season. The team holds a 2006-07 option on Coach Mike Dunleavy's contract, but many in the organization said Dunleavy deserves a new deal because of his key role in what's considered the best season in franchise history. "I don't make the decisions, but I definitely want to see Sam back, Vlade back and, of course, Coach back," Brand said. "Wherever we end up this season, I want another crack at it, with the same team." Team officials have recommended the re-signing of Cassell and Radmanovic, Clipper sources said. Owner Donald T. Sterling has approved big-budget moves recently, such as the signing of Mobley for $42 million — the richest contract in team history for a free agent from outside the organization. Radmanovic might accept a six-year deal in the neighborhood of $40 million, and Cassell probably would re-sign for $10 million to $12 million over two seasons. Whatever it took to keep the group together, it would be worth it for the Clippers, Brand said. "I get the sense that it could happen," Brand said. "You give Coach the extension he needs to be happy, and you get the players back. Ownership and management, they're enjoying it as much as we are, because they haven't been here either. "The winning feels good, and I'm sure it's profitable. I haven't done the numbers, but I'm positive it's profitable." * First look NO. 6 CLIPPERS vs. NO. 2 SUNS ‧ FORWARDS: Elton Brand, an inside force his entire career, improved his midrange jump shot, making things more difficult on opponents. Brand's size, and ability to score in the post, could pose big problems for Shawn Marion, who struggled against Lamar Odom in Phoenix's first-round victory over the Lakers. Opponents have been more selective in double-teaming Brand because of Vladimir Radmanovic's three-point shooting. The Suns' James Jones is efficient beyond the arc as well. ‧ CENTERS: Chris Kaman, who emerged among the league's most productive young players at the position, earned his teammates' admiration for playing in the first round despite having a viral illness. Backup Zeljko Rebraca, sidelined most of the season because of heart and conditioning problems, has experienced chest pains and lightheadedness recently. Boris Diaw, the NBA's most improved player, is really a small forward or big guard, but he plays here because Amare Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas are injured. Diaw, however, does many things well, and his court vision and passing are among the reasons the Suns led the league in scoring. Chicago Bull castoff Tim Thomas is a clutch scorer off the bench. Just ask the Lakers. ‧ GUARDS: Quinton Ross again draws the key defensive assignment, this time against Steve Nash, who led the NBA in assists and will win his second consecutive MVP award today. Nash, the up-tempo Suns' most important player, sprained his right ankle in the first half of Saturday's Game 7 victory over the Lakers. Speedy Leandro Barbosa is a backup in name only. Raja Bell is a strong defender and shooter but tends to lose his cool at times, as Kobe Bryant could attest. Sam Cassell made his reputation on clutch shooting in the playoffs, Shaun Livingston is growing quickly, and Cuttino Mobley and Corey Maggette delivered against the Denver Nuggets in the first round. ‧ COACHING: Mike D'Antoni is among the best in the business, and so is Mike Dunleavy. D'Antoni convinced the Suns that they could overcome a 3-1 deficit against the Lakers, they stuck with his system and won. Dunleavy convinced the Clippers they were capable of more than they'd ever accomplished. The Suns and Clippers. Both teams will be well prepared. ‧ ANALYSIS: This won't be the party L.A. eagerly awaited, but it's fine with the Clippers. The Suns are all about tempo, and the Clippers don't want to play at their pace. In their most impressive road win of the regular season, the Clippers beat the Suns, 119-105, on April 5 while Cassell sat out because of an injury. For the Clippers, this series will be about their ability to control tempo with defense, so a few key players might have reduced roles. — JASON REID http://0rz.net/161kp --

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