Clippers' DeAndre Jordan remains a starter, but coach wants changes

On Monday at Charlotte, Kaman came off the bench for his third double-double of the season, and Jordan, the starter, was scoreless. But Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro said there would not be a tweaking of his starting lineup in Wednesday's game here against the Celtics.

"Not right now," Del Negro said after practice Tuesday afternoon. "DJ has got to be more consistent with his energy, his effort, his approach to things. When he does that, he makes a big difference for us.

"We've talked about that. But he's got to understand his role: defense, rebounds, set screens, run the floor, do the things he's more than capable of doing physically. Chris gives us a different look."

Kaman realizes he is better on the floor when he is patient. That's the way he is approaching the starter/reserve issue.

"Whether it happens this year or not — with my minute restrictions, all that kind of stuff — it's up to Vinny," he said. "I think I definitely am a starter in this league. On any team, around the league. I think I've proved that."

Pausing, he revised that … slightly.

"There are some teams obviously with solid players where I wouldn't be able to start on," Kaman said. "But the majority of teams, I think I would be a starter. I really haven't had the chance to prove that much this year. We'll see.

"We've got 18 games left. So we'll see. I just want to be patient. I want to take my time and play the right way … and I want to make this team successful.