The Clippers could use a little help starting today. By the looks of it, they need a new center, a new point guard and a new coach, although they won't have all three crossed off their to-do list when the clock strikes midnight.

Or maybe even by the end of next month.

Michael Olowokandi is expected to seek a new contract elsewhere when he's eligible to begin talking to other clubs Tuesday, and it probably won't be long after the free-agent signing period begins July 16 that he lands a new deal.

Which means the Clippers could be looking for a center today, when they select sixth and 34th overall in the NBA draft. Chris Kaman, who stands nearly 7 feet and weighs 255 pounds and averaged 22.4 points in a traditional post-up role last season at Central Michigan, would be a logical first-round pick.

But it's not quite that simple for the Clippers, who begin what promises to be an eventful off-season with today's draft at New York City.