Olowokandi Makes Progress

Center Michael Olowokandi’s season has been so bad, he doesn’t even watch highlight shows any more because there’s always a possibility he’ll see himself on the wrong side of a play.

But since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joined the Clippers’ coaching staff last month, Olowokandi’s work habits slowly have improved and he’s starting to show that in games.

“The thing that Michael is doing is something we’ve always talked to him about doing,” interim Coach Jim Todd said. “Posting up strong. Having his hands up and ready. Using his body and staying low. Fight for position like all of the top centers in the league do. When he does that, he’s more effective.”

Olowokandi made nine of 14 shots and finished with 21 points in the Clippers’ loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. Olowokandi was aggressive from the start and more importantly had only three fouls in 40 minutes.

“If we can get production out of Michael, night in and night out, it would be great,” Todd said. “That’s something we definitely need.”

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Rob Brown, director of media relations and broadcasting for the Fort Wayne Fury of the Continental Basketball Assn. since 1995, has been named assistant director of communications for the Clippers.

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The Clippers have 11 games remaining, with the next four at Staples Center. They will continue their current homestand Tuesday against Dallas with power forward Maurice Taylor (left ankle sprain) and rookie Lamar Odom (left calf sprain) listed as questionable.