In the end, the Clippers took the safe route Thursday in the NBA draft. Facing the strong possibility of losing center Michael Olowokandi to free agency next month, they selected Chris Kaman from Central Michigan with the sixth overall pick.

They also took Sofoklis Schortsanitis, a raw and untested 18-year-old forward/center from Greece, with the 34th pick. Called "Baby Shaq" because of his 6-foot-8 3/4, 285-pound frame, Schortsanitis will play another season in Europe before the Clippers decide whether to bring him to Los Angeles.

Kaman was their prized pick Thursday, a player who could help them fill a large void in the middle next season.

"He's by far the best low-post center in this draft," General Manager Elgin Baylor said of the 6-11 1/2 Kaman, who averaged 22.4 points on 62.2% shooting and was the Mid-American Conference player of the year as a junior last season.

Or as Barry Hecker, the team's director of player personnel, said, "Centers are hard to find. It's a very difficult position. In this draft, he's the only center if you stop and think about it. That's the man right there ? Chris Kaman."