Rookie power forward Al Thornton was thrust into big minutes due to the injury to Elton Brand and he hasn’t responded well yet. Thornton has played in 23 games so far this season and he is averaging 16.8 minutes, 7.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game. His problem has been his shooting as he is only hitting 39.5% from the floor, 36% from three point range and 64.6% from the free throw line. He will likely only increase his playing time if his shooting improves soon.

Dan Dickau is getting increased minutes this month due to Sam Cassell being a little gimpy but he’s not taking advantage of it. In 5 games this month Dickau is averaging 16.8 minutes, 4.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He also is only shooting 35% from the floor and that will need to improve or he will have a hard time getting some playing time.

Corey Maggette and Chris Kaman are carrying the Clippers in December. Corey Maggette has played in 5 games this month and he is averaging 37.2 minutes, 20.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steal per game. Maggette has had problems shooting this month as he’s only hitting 39% from the floor but he should snap out of that soon. Chris Kaman has continued to be a monster this month. Kaman has played in 5 games this month and he is averaging 40.8 minutes, 18.8 points, 14.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 4.4 blocks per game. Kaman is also hitting 50% from the floor this month.

The Clippers are in last place in the Pacific Division with a 7-12 record which has them 7.5 games behind the Suns. The main problem with the Clippers is that they are having big trouble scoring points. They are only averaging 94.0 points per game this season and their defense isn’t good enough to make up for the poor offense.

Quinton Ross and Brevin Knight have been heaving bricks towards the rim at alarming rates. Ross is only shooting 34.8% from the floor this season and Knight is only hitting 34.5% and that just won’t get it done. They will start losing minutes if they don’t start playing better soon. Ross has played in 15 games so far this season and he’s averaged 21.5 minutes, 4.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game so far this season. Knight was brought is as insurance for Sam Cassell and he has played pretty bad so far this season. Knight has played in 12 games so far this season and he’s averaged 20.5 minutes, 4.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Clippers need help from all hands on the deck until Elton Brand is ready to return so Ross and Knight need to get their acts into gear.