Without Elton Brand for at least the first three months of the season the Clippers will need every one of their starters to step up. Sam Cassell might look like E.T. but he can still play when he’s healthy. Cassell is a shoot-first kind of point guard which contrasts in style with his backup Brevin Knight who is a pure point guard. Cassell played in 58 games (30 starts) last season for the Clippers and he averaged 24.3 minutes, 12.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Quinton Ross will start this season and he will give the Clippers a lot of hustle and defense in the starting lineup. Ross played in 81 games (43 starts) and he averaged 21.0 minutes, 5.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. The Clippers will need small forward Corey Maggette to be selfish with the basketball because they need more scoring punch with Brand out. He will be up to the task. He played in 75 games (31 starts) last season for the Clippers and he averaged 30.5 minutes, 16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Tim Thomas will start at power forward and he’s pretty soft. Thomas will need to get his share of rebounds or the the Clippers will be in trouble. Thomas played in 76 games (24 starts) last season for the Clippers and he averaged 27.0 minutes, 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Starting center Chris Kaman will need to be the enforcer in the paint until Elton Brand is ready to return. Kaman played in 75 games (66 starts) last season and he averaged 29.0 minutes, 10.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.