ocregister:A major trade or free-agent signing has not been made, but the Clippers put themselves in position to remedy their injury problem Tuesday when they waived veteran point guard Howard Eisley.
The move reduced the roster to 14 players, one under the limit, giving the team the maneuverability to solidify its precarious situation at the small-forward position.
With starter Corey Maggette out at least another three weeks because of a left-foot injury, and swingman Quinton Ross questionable because of recurring back spasms and an irritated sciatic nerve, the Clippers are in need of a forward with solid NBA credentials.
Two available players who fit that description are Indiana's Ron Artest, whom the Pacers have been trying to trade for several weeks, and Latrell Sprewell, 35. Sprewell is unemployed while seeking a contract far exceeding the veteran's minimum of $1.14 million that several teams have offered.
It is doubtful the Clippers would dip into the NBA Developmental League for a player. When asked about that option recently, Coach Mike Dunleavy said the handful of players in the D-League who fit the Clippers' requirements are on allocation from other NBA teams and thus unavailable.
