Dunleavy Undecided About Mobley’s Offer to Be Backup

SANTA BARBARA —  In an effort to foster team unity, Clippers swingman Cuttino Mobley said Thursday he would accept a reserve role this season.

Mobley, one of the three veteran perimeter players vying for two starting spots along with Corey Maggette and Quinton Ross, offered to come off the bench in a meeting with Coach Mike Dunleavy. Although Dunleavy said he had not determined who would start the season opener Nov. 1 against the Phoenix Suns, he applauded Mobley’s selflessness.

“I want all my players to feel that way, but it was great for him to make that offer,” Dunleavy said after practice at Santa Barbara City College. “Ultimately, I’m going to make that decision. I’m going to do what I think I’m supposed to do period.

“For a coach, though, it’s terrific to know that his players are behind any decision he wants to make. It says something about him.”

Mobley, an eight-year veteran, started 74 of 79 games he appeared in last season, his first with the Clippers. Despite often having to guard bigger players because of injuries to others, Mobley was a key contributor on offense, averaging 14.8 points.

“It’s about doing your part, being professional and helping the team,” said Mobley, in the second year of a five-year, $42-million contract. “It’s no big deal to me. It’s just about winning.”

Swingmen Maggette and Ross also started at times last season with power forward Elton Brand, center Chris Kaman and point guard Sam Cassell.

Maggette is more comfortable as a starter. He played in only 32 games last season -- starting 13 -- because of foot, hamstring and back injuries.

Maggette led the Clippers in scoring in 2004-05, but his role is not expected to be as significant in the offense this season.

Ross was limited to 67 games (with 45 starts) because of back problems. Ross is considered the team’s best individual defender, and Dunleavy has preferred to have Ross on the court with Cassell, who acknowledged he’s not strong on defense.

Backup point guard Shaun Livingston and forward Tim Thomas also could take minutes from Maggette, Mobley and Ross based on lineup matchups.

“We have a lot of guys who can play this game, that’s a good thing, and it’s a real nice gesture for [Mobley] to make,” Cassell said. “But it’s Mike’s decision, and Mike is going to want him in the lineup.”

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Maggette left training camp because of a family medical emergency in Chicago, a Clippers spokesman said.... Thomas returned to Los Angeles to undergo gum surgery. He is expected to return today. ... Cassell (strained left calf) remained sidelined.

jason.reid@latimes.com