Ike Diogu bolsters Clippers roster, plays against Houston

An extra body, some quick points off the bench, and … well, an easy first name to plug into a headline.

All in all, it worked out fairly well for all sides in the debut of the newest Clipper, Ike Diogu.

Diogu, who agreed to a non-guaranteed contract earlier in the day, played for the Clippers on Wednesday night against Houston.

The power forward got into the game early in the second quarter and went about 9 1/2 minutes in the first half. He put down his first jump shot, and finished with eight points, going four for seven from the field. He had six points in the first half.

Beforehand, the Clippers spoke about the addition to the lineup that was required because of another recent rash of injuries. The last game in the NBA for former lottery pick Diogu was in April 2009, when he was with Portland.

“I think he could be good for us because he’s a banger down low,” said Brian Cook, who has a sprained right ankle. “He can score the ball down low too. Got good footwork.

“It’s going to take him a little bit to fit in. Today’s shoot-around seemed as though he grasped things pretty quickly.”

Not only is Cook out for an extended period, but so is center Chris Kaman and forward Craig Smith, who provides a significant physical presence.

The Clippers brought Diogu in for a workout session on Tuesday afternoon and moved forward after they received the results of his physical. He had microfracture surgery last year on his left knee and was cut by the Pistons during training camp.

“It looks like he is in very good shape,” said Clippers assistant coach Marc Iavaroni. “Looks like his knee has recovered very well.… Always been a gifted athlete. Lunch-pail player inside. I was tickled that we got him.”

lisa.dillman@latimes.com

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