Barnes Ready, Willing

In today’s NBA, versatility equals playing time. That’s the best way to explain how former UCLA forward Matt Barnes has been able to make an impact with the Clippers days after he played for the Long Beach Jam of the American Basketball Assn.

Since signing a 10-day contract with the Clippers on Sunday, Barnes has worked his way into Coach Mike Dunleavy’s rotation because of his ability and willingness to play three positions.

“This is a tryout for me, and I’m just trying to go out there and prove myself,” said Barnes, who was averaging 18.9 points with the Jam.

“Any time they need me to fill in, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Filling in for injured Bobby Simmons, Dunleavy’s physical reserve swingman, Barnes has given the Clippers everything they hoped for and more when they signed him. Not only is he giving them quality minutes, 23 a game, he’s filling the stat sheets, averaging 8.5 points and nine rebounds, and providing defense on difficult, mobile big forwards such as Golden State’s Clifford Robinson.

Barnes was one of the few bright spots in the Clippers’ blowout loss to Sacramento on Monday, with four points and eight rebounds in 20 minutes. Then he followed that effort with 13 points and 10 rebounds in a victory over Golden State on Wednesday.

Barnes, 6 feet 7 and 225 pounds, was selected by Memphis with the 43rd pick and then traded to Cleveland the day of the 2002 draft. He was cut by the Cavaliers in training camp and finished last season in the National Basketball Development League. In October, he was cut by Seattle in training camp and signed with the Jam.

Although his best position is considered small forward, Barnes can also play shooting guard. He finished against the Warriors at power forward.

“He’s bringing a lot of energy, a lot of hustle plays and he can defend three different positions,” guard Quentin Richardson said of Barnes. “And he really hasn’t learned the offense yet. He was just thrown into the fire, and he’s doing well.”

Playing multiple positions is something Barnes has done throughout his career, and it’s starting to pay off.

With Dunleavy determined to improve the Clipper defense -- ranked 26th in the league -- Barnes probably will keep getting his chances as the team heads into a stretch where it will play 14 of 16 games on the road after tonight’s game against Utah at Staples Center.

“I needed a guy who could come in and give us safe solid minutes,” Dunleavy said.

“Bobby Simmons was that guy. He filled all of those spots. In order to fill those spots [without Barnes], it would have had to be filled by two or three other guys.”

It’s a difficult role but Barnes will take it.

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Starting power forward Elton Brand and guard Eddie House, both of whom are suffering from left knee problems, and guard Doug Overton, who has an injured left foot, did not practice Thursday. All three are expected to play tonight against the Jazz.

TONIGHT

vs. Utah, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- XTRA (690/1150).

Records -- Clippers 17-22, Jazz 21-20.

Record vs. Utah -- 0-1.

Update -- Since Jan. 1, Brand is averaging 21.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.82 blocked shots, and is shooting 52.9% from the floor. Utah, which has lost three games in a row, may be without forward Andrei Kirilenko because of an ankle injury. Jazz forward Matt Harpring already is done for the season following last week’s knee surgery.

Tickets -- (800) 462-2849.