CLIPPERS ANALYSIS: THERE'S HOPE FOR CLIPPERS - HONEST.

Byline: Randy Hill

The Clippers' future? Even the Psychic Hotline wouldn't touch that one.

Let's consult history to see if it provides any clues. Fifteen years in L.A. have produced 14 losing seasons. The past certainly has been gruesome enough, but the franchise is threatening to turn the corner after losing 41 of 50 games in the just-completed lockout-shortened season.

In a few months, the Clippers will ditch the Sports Arena, travel north on Figueroa and hang a right at the Convention Center. Looming just a 3-pointer away will be the Staples Center.

The first change to be made after that is their look. When most sentences expire, prisoners are released with a new suit of clothes. Following that protocol, the Clippers will wear new uniforms next season. Mum's the word on the color scheme, but figuring out who will be modeling Clippers costumes when the next season erupts should be a bit easier.

Following this evolution, a prioritized list of Clippers questions:

What about Maurice Taylor? This one's easy. If owner Donald T. Sterling decides to grant his second-year power forward the maximum contract extension (roughly six years, $70 million) before training camp begins, there is hope. If he doesn't, there is a problem.

``That would be a distraction we don't need,'' said first-year Clippers coach Chris Ford, in reference to the prospect of not making a financial commitment to his leading scorer. ``Offensively, he certainly is an awesome talent.

``But he needs to do more. He has to prove he can get the rebounds that are necessary.''

Will Michael Olowokandi, the Clippers' selection with the first pick in the 1998 NBA draft, become a good NBA center? Yes. But you had to be there.

Of the eight Clippers no longer under contract, who is expected to return? The best bets to stay are shooting guard Eric Piatkowski, undrafted rookie small forward Tyrone Nesby and veteran point guard Sherman Douglas.

Who are the long shots to return? Forwards Lamond Murray and Rodney Rogers, center Stojko Vrankovic (who represents $4 million in salary-cap gravy) and point guard Darrick Martin figure to be goners.

This abundance of contractual lame ducks certainly didn't help the season-opening 0-17 effort.

``I don't want to use it as an excuse,'' Ford said, ``but it's a fact.''

What about Lorenzen Wright? The versatile and dedicated low-post reserve was offered a six-year, $30 million contract extension the day after he grabbed 25 rebounds in a victory over Sacramento. He and his agent turned it down. Ford would like Wright to return, but the Clippers won't re-sign him for the Wright price.

Who will be this summer's draft target? Ask again after underclass hot shots Lamar Odom (Rhode Island) and Baron Davis (UCLA) make decisions on their immediate futures. However, you would think point guard is a main concern.

Is Ford a good coach? Yes. But you had to be there.

He also is a classy person and a fine judge of talent. If Elgin Baylor (the executive director of basketball operations) assimilates as much personnel input from Ford as from his predecessor, Bill Fitch, future rosters will look much better.

Does this franchise have hope? Well, this answer may seem anathema to its past, but the franchise does possess some sound basketball minds. Jeff Weltman, the director of player personnel, has helped turn the roster into a basketball Pygmalion. He was smart enough to endorse CBA workers Nesby and Troy Hudson, a stunning find at point guard. Baylor was wise enough to agree.

Will Sterling make the proper financial commitments? Pass. Sure, we know where most of you would put the smart money, but even Nostradamus didn't have the guts to call a bookie.