Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy threatens suspensions

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Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy offered a stern warning to players who arrive out of shape at next season’s training camp.

‘Before media day, before the first day of training camp, we can have guys come in and have to pass a certain test before they’re eligible,’ Dunleavy said. ‘Or they’ll get suspended.’

Dunleavy spoke to reporters before the Clippers’ season finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and very little of it dealt with the game. It’s understandable, considering the Clippers’ 19-62 season. Instead, he addressed questions about the NBA draft (‘It’ll be based on talent’) and rebuilding for next season (‘As far as I’m concerned, it starts tomorrow’).

The biggest revelation of the session entailed Dunleavy’s expressing his desire to change the Clippers’ conditioning program. He didn’t offer specifics, but he acknowledged that he felt a need to revamp conditioning as early as the last training camp. ‘Some of the guys came not in great shape, not in good enough shape,’ Dunleavy said.

‘Our guys have to come back into shape, not come to camp and think you’ll get in shape,’ he said.

-- Mark Medina