Douglas Is Expected to Sign

With Washington’s re-signing of free-agent point guard Rod Strickland on Wednesday, the Clippers are expected to sign veteran Sherman Douglas before today’s 3 p.m. league roster deadline.

“Sherman is somebody we’ve been talking about for a long time,” Clipper Coach Chris Ford said Wednesday night. “We thought that it was somewhat of a dead issue, but in recent hours it’s resurfaced and hopefully something can be worked out.”

Douglas, who played for Ford at Boston and Milwaukee, has averaged 11.3 points and 6.5 assists in nine seasons. He played well for New Jersey last season when he had to step in for injured starter Sam Cassell.

“The domino theory of Strickland going back to Washington, now has Sherman [needing] to make a decision,” Ford said. “If it gets done, we’re just trying to improve this team. I spoke to Darrick [Martin] and Pooh [Richardson]. . . . I explained to them to make sure that they were comfortable.”

Ford said that it helps that he and Douglas are familiar with each other.

“He’s a fierce competitor and he knows the game,” Ford said. “He’s very knowledgeable. Does he have weaknesses? Yes. There are not too many players that don’t have weaknesses.”

*

Rookie Brian Skinner had knee surgery Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined 2-3 weeks. . . . Guard Scott Brooks could be out two months because of a slight ligament tear in his right knee. . . . Phoenix guard Rex Chapman is not expected to play Friday against Clippers because of a sore hamstring.