ATTITUDE NEEDS NO ATTENTION : CLIPPERS' WRIGHT LIVES UP TO BILLING.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

The Clippers' Mr. Wright got a five-star introduction to Los Angeles on Thursday, complete with a sleek, black limousine delivering him to the Sports Arena.

And after a few minutes, it was easy to see why the Clippers spared no expense in unveiling top draft pick Lorenzen Wright to their coaches, staff and the local media.

The 6-foot-11, 235-pound center from Memphis could prove as valuable to the organization for his polite, soft-spoken manner as for his shot-blocking abilities.

Wright said all the right things during his first real visit to Southern California, living up to draft-day analysis about his pleasant demeanor and solid work ethic.

When asked what position he would like to play for the Clippers after being a center at Memphis, Wright said, ``Whatever coach (Bill Fitch) wants to do, that's what I want to do. I'll play (power forward, center or point guard if they want).''

Nothing could diminish his enthusiasm for being the seventh pick in the first round, not even the Clippers' history of losing seasons.

``They're already losing. I can't go there and make them any worse,'' Wright said.

That much is certain.

And Wright's role next season could grow instantly if free agent center Brian Williams signs with another team.

But there was no room for negative thoughts Thursday, as Wright donned a Clippers jersey with No. 55 on the back.

Wright's college coach, Larry Finch, praised his star center while also lamenting his early departure to the NBA.

``His off-floor habits, you won't have to worry about. He's not one of those guys that will get into trouble,'' Finch said. ``He's a wiry-strong person. He can really get up and down the floor.''

Wright was accompanied by his father, Herb, who coincidentally had a tryout with the New Orleans Jazz in 1976 when they were coached by Clippers vice president Elgin Baylor.

The father-son bond is well known in Memphis, where Herb has always offered coaching advice to Lorenzen. He is the women's coach at Shelby State Community College in Memphis.

Herb Wright played professionally for seven years in Finland after playing at the University of Mississippi. He led the nation's junior colleges in rebounding, averaging 22.9, in 1974.

But in 1983, while he was running a Memphis recreation center, Herb was shot after throwing three men out of a gym for unruliness. The bullet left him paralyzed from the waist down.

It did not stop him from raising Lorenzen, however, and he still accompanies his son on morning jogs around a Memphis lake by taking short cuts in order to meet him at the finish line.

``He's a very good kid,'' Herb Wright said. ``Basically, I took the product and molded it with my expertise.''

Lorenzen Wright, who is recovering from a fractured bone in his right foot, said he wants to rest in the summer and make sure he is fully recovered for training camp in October. He is expected to have a cast removed from his foot in three weeks.

``Lorenzen is an athletic, high-energy guy who can run the floor and block some shots. His foot is a concern, but it's a fixable concern,'' said Keith Grant, the Dallas Mavericks director of player personnel. ``He needs to put on some weight and add strength to his upper body, but his potential is tremendous.''

Imported from Israel: Connecticut point guard Doron Sheffer, the Clippers' second-round pick, would become the first Israeli player in the NBA if he makes the team. Last year, the Clippers could have had the first Chinese player in the league, but they cut Ma Jian right before the season opener.

Sheffer, who is vacationing in Jamaica, said he intends to try to play in the NBA even if he gets better financial offers from Israeli or European clubs.

``My first priority is to play in the NBA. I'll be more than happy to play for the Clippers,'' Sheffer said.

Of his questionable quickness, Sheffer said, ``I definitely know I'm not the fastest guy around, but in three years at Connecticut I never felt it was a problem on defense or offense. I always find a way to match up.''

CAPTION(S):

Photo: Memphis center Lorenzen Wright (right), the Clippers' top pic k in the NBA draft, joins with father Herb in showing off new jersey.

Gus Ruelas / Daily News