Al Thornton

Perhaps in another life, Guillermo Diaz was a wide receiver, Corey Maggette a defensive back and Sam Cassell a quarterback. In a lighthearted moment at the end of Monday's practice, several of the Clippers turned the court into a gridiron field, running routes and using a basketball as a football. "Charlie Ward, baby, Charlie Ward," Cassell said as he dropped back, an ode to his fellow Florida State alumnus who won the Heisman Trophy and also played basketball for the New York Knicks.

At long last, the Clippers are posed with one of those problems a team wants to have. Exhibit A: Corey Maggette, athletic, long and an explosive finisher near the basket. Exhibit B: Al Thornton, athletic, long and an explosive finisher near the basket (Disclaimer: He must adjust to the NBA level of play during his rookie season). The issue is how Coach Mike Dunleavy will manage a group that includes the two, both of whom are naturally small forwards.

Technically, Al Thornton's high-jump personal best is 6 feet 10 inches, set as a track and field athlete at Georgia's Perry High. But unofficially, he eclipsed that mark playing basketball for Florida State when he leaped over 6-11 Wisconsin center Brian Butch for a dunk, a la Vince Carter in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. "I actually just wanted to lay it up, but it would have been a charge," said Thornton, 23. "I tried my best to clear him and that's what happened."

Possibly preparing for life without Corey Maggette, the Clippers on Thursday selected forward Al Thornton of Florida State in the first round of the NBA draft, choosing a player they think can make an immediate impact. The Clippers focused on the present, taking Thornton with the No. 14 overall pick instead of others who might need more seasoning to become NBA-ready performers, and they also moved to protect themselves if Maggette terminates his contract after next season.