Korolev to try again with the Clippers
Free-agent forward Yaroslav Korolev will report to the Clippers’ training camp in Santa Barbara next week, ending speculation that the team’s 2005 lottery pick would report with another team or play in Russia this season, a source said Wednesday.
Korolev, the 12th overall pick two years ago, tried out with the Phoenix Suns and other NBA teams in recent weeks but has returned to working out at the Clippers’ El Segundo training facility. Korolev is expected to sign a non-guaranteed contract before camp begins.
Korolev has played little in his Clippers tenure, appearing in only 34 games in the last two seasons, and has yet to develop as the team anticipated.
Korolev was offered a new contract after last season, but it was rescinded after the team’s plans changed when All-Star forward Elton Brand tore his Achilles’ tendon.
Instead of using the roster spot on a player needing seasoning, the Clippers signed veteran forward Ruben Patterson. Forward Josh Powell, a former Golden State Warrior and North Carolina State product, also signed an off-season contract.
Although the team is inviting Korolev to camp, he faces an uphill battle to make the team. Coach Mike Dunleavy usually carries three point guards and the competition for the last roster spot figures to be between second-round point guards Jared Jordan and Guillermo Diaz.
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