ROSTER

DEREK ANDERSON (GUARD)

No.: 1. Size: 6-5, 195.

Age: 25. Third season.

An athletic slasher acquired in an off-season trade from Cleveland and is determined to drive his NBA stock up with a strong season in his final contract year.

*

ANTHONY AVENT (FORWARD)

No.: 54. Size: 6-9, 240.

Age: 30. Sixth season.

A steady backup big man who provides depth at both power forward and center after being signed as a free agent because of his NBA experience.

*

KEITH CLOSS (CENTER)

No.: 33. Size: 7-3, 212.

Age: 23. Third season.

Shot-blocking specialist has not played much in his short NBA career but had a solid training camp after being in Coach Chris Ford’s doghouse for much of last season.

*

TROY HUDSON (GUARD)

No.: 6. Size: 6-1, 170

Age: 23. Third season.

At this time last season, he was playing in the Continental Basketball Assn., but is now counted on to play heavy minutes and provide instant offense.

*

CHARLES JONES (GUARD)

No.: 11. Size: 6-3, 185.

Age: 24. Second season.

A former two-time NCAA scoring champion who made the team as a free agent and will back up Eric Murdock and Troy Hudson at point guard.

*

ERIC MURDOCK (GUARD)

No.: 3. Size: 6-1, 200.

Age: 31. Ninth season.

Veteran point guard picked up in an off-season trade is the no-frills type of player Ford wants to direct the Clipper offense and knock down the open shot.

*

TYRONE NESBY (FORWARD)

No.: 8. Size: 6-6, 225.

Age: 23. Second season.

Last season’s surprise free-agent rookie will be expected to take his game to a higher level as a reserve swingman and spot starter at small forward.

*

LAMAR ODOM (FORWARD)

No.: 7. Size: 6-10, 220.

Age: 19. Rookie.

Versatile rookie can penetrate, pass, shoot and rebound and will start at small forward, play some power forward and both guard positions.

*

MICHAEL OLOWOKANDI (CENTER)

No.: 34. Size: 7-0, 269.

Age: 24. Second season.

Has an improved offensive game, but he has to become more consistent on both ends of the floor to take the next step.

*

ERIC PIATKOWSKI (GUARD)

No.: 52. Size: 6-7, 215.

Age: 29. Sixth season.

After starting most of last season, he will come off the bench as a designated three-point shooter in his role as the team’s top threat from the perimeter.

*

BRIAN SKINNER (FORWARD)

No.: 32. Size: 6-9, 225.

Age: 23. Second season.

Spent much of last season on the injured list and has stepped up to become a inside force as he takes over minutes made available with the departure of Lorenzen Wright.

*

MAURICE TAYLOR (FORWARD)

No.: 23: Size: 6-9, 260.

Age: 23. Third season.

Will be watched closely as he plays out his final contract year after promising not to return next season after not being given a contract extension.