Kaman off to a slow start

SALT LAKE CITY — Center Chris Kaman says he’s still not in sync with the Clippers, as if that’s not apparent.

The 7-foot Kaman is shooting only 37.5% from the field and averaging 7.4 points and 6.0 rebounds.

His drop-off in production from last season is among the reasons Coach Mike Dunleavy has increasingly relied on smaller lineups so far.

Kaman had three points, three rebounds and fouled out early in the fourth quarter Tuesday night in a 112-90 loss to the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.

Last season Kaman averaged personal bests of 11.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots. He made 52.3% of his shots from the field and 77% from the free-throw line.

The Clippers have changed since last season, and Kaman is trying to find his niche.

“It’s a different team this year,” he said. “The scoring is different, there are so many guys who can score now, and there are some things that I’m not used to yet. I’m not making an excuse, I’m just saying that I’m working on some things.”

Slowed because of a hamstring injury in the exhibition season, Kaman has struggled.

His lack of scoring in the low post has prompted Dunleavy to change course early in games, using 6-8 power forward Elton Brand at center in place of Kaman. Brand and forward Tim Thomas have worked well together with Kaman on the bench.

“I keep going in the game and coming out, which is a little bit different than what I’m used to,” Kaman said. “We’re winning, which is the main thing, so I’m not complaining. I just have to keep working harder.”

The Clippers earlier this month rewarded Kaman with a five-year, $52.5-million contract extension that begins next season. Dunleavy, who pushed for the Clippers to re-sign Kaman, said he was committed to the fourth-year player.

“He’s not playing well, he’s not playing with a lot of confidence,” Dunleavy said. “He’s a little hesitant with his shot right now, but it’s going to come.

“You wish all guys his size had his skills. You try to teach guys the things that come to him naturally.”

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Corey Maggette suffered a chipped tooth in the first quarter in a collision under the basket with Utah center Jarron Collins.

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