LOS ANGELES — Elgin Baylor is out as vice president of basketball operations with the Clippers, and coach Mike Dunleavy will assume his responsibilities as general manager.
Dunleavy said Baylor had decided to resign after spending 22 years as an executive with the team.
“We greatly appreciate Elgin’s efforts during his time with the Clippers, and we wish him the very best,” Clippers owner and chairman of the board Donald T. Sterling said in a statement Tuesday.
Baylor, 74, became vice president of basketball operations with the Clippers in 1986 after an outstanding 14-year playing career with the Lakers and a brief stint as coach of the New Orleans Jazz.
The Clippers also announced Neil Oshley, the team’s director of player personnel, will be elevated to assistant general manager.
Injuries mount for Wizards
DALLAS — Wizards forward Antawn Jamison left his team’s preseason opener against the Mavericks with a strained right knee.
Jamison’s leg buckled while he played defense midway through the first quarter, and he had to be helped to the locker room by teammates. He will have an MRI today.
The Wizards already are without Gilbert Arenas several months because of a knee injury, and center Brendan Haywood is scheduled to have his sprained right wrist examined by a specialist today.
Lakers coach misses opener
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Lakers coach Phil Jackson missed his team’s preseason opener against the Jazz because of soreness and swelling in his lower legs.
Assistant coach Kurt Rambis ran the team in place of the 63-year-old Jackson, who has been experiencing discomfort for the past few days.
“We don’t anticipate that it’s anything serious at all,” team spokesman John Black said.
Marbury OK in reserve role
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Only days after he defiantly refused to perform as a backup, Knicks guard Stephon Marbury said a bench role would be acceptable.
“Whatever role they want me to play, that’s what I will play,” Marbury said.
Coach Mike D’Antoni seemed more bemused than pleased.
“Wow, for y’all, that’s big news,” he said to reporters. “For me, I’m like, ‘Well, that’s how everybody should act.’ . . . I’m really proud that he did that and it should be that way, but it shouldn’t be news- worthy. To do the right thing shouldn’t be newsworthy.”
Magic picks up option on Redick
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Magic picked up its $2.8 million option on J.J. Redick for next season. The guard was Orlando’s first-round pick in 2006.
Denver Post wire services
