Team is 2-16 without center, who was having a great statistical year.
By Jonathan Abrams, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
April 2, 2008
Clippers center Chris Kaman will probably sit out the team's remaining eight games after spraining his right ankle in Monday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
"Looks that way," Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said. "His ankle is pretty big."
Done for the year
The injury is just another in a long line for the Clippers, who have been decimated by them all season. Kaman had returned only three games ago after sitting out 13 of the previous 18 because of nerve inflammation in his lower back.
He rolled his ankle late in the first quarter of their 93-86 loss after he hauled in a rebound and was fouled. In all, Kaman has been sidelined for 18 games. The Clippers are 2-16 without him.
They travel to play the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings the next two days with Kaman staying behind to receive treatment.
He was having a splendid year, averaging 15.7 points and 12.7 rebounds, but he is not included among the statistical leaders in rebounds or blocks because of his games missed.
It appears the team will have to wait until next season before it can pair an improved Kaman with Elton Brand, providing he returns, in its ideal frontcourt.
When it rains it pours.
