The Los Angeles Clippers are still playing a waiting game with free agent Lamar Odom, who is trying to get back into playing shape to be able to sign up with his former team, but sources say the Clippers already have an alternate in mind in case Odom does not sign up with them.
Marc Stein of ESPN.com is reporting that while Odom is still the leading candidate to fill its roster opening, head coach Doc Rivers is also considering former player Chris Wilcox in the event that the Odom signing does not push through.
Sources of ESPN indicate that Rivers' familiarity with Wilcox is one reason why the former Boston Celtic could be considered by the Clippers. The sources also revealed that the unfamiliarity of Rivers with Odom prompted the team to summon the two-time NBA champion to a two-hour meeting at the team's practice facility.
"Odom is well-known in Clipperland after his two stints with the team -- with the second coming as recently as last season -- but that was all pre-Rivers," ESPN.com writes.
Still, there is a strong belief in LA that Odom will eventually sign up with the team. Again quoting its sources, ESPN said that while there is no imminent deal many would be surprised if Odom will not be a Clipper for the third time in his career.
Earlier this week, Rivers was quoted as saying to LA media about Odom: " I've always liked him. The teams he's played on and the coaches who have coached him always liked him, but, honestly, [last week's meeting] didn't go much further than that."
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