A year ago during Clippers media day, there was talk about how the franchise had become a playoff contender.

At their media day Monday, talk of the playoffs was not emphasized. Instead, the focus was on how this year's team is different from last season's and that it's time for a fresh start.

"It's a new year," Corey Maggette said. "A new year is about new things. There are a lot of new things going on, and hopefully, we'll be able to go out there and do what we're supposed to do on the floor and get it done."

Perhaps what contributed to the gloom of last season was that the Clippers were expected to make the playoffs, or at least fight for a playoff berth.

With Mike Dunleavy and his staff taking over coaching duties and with Elton Brand and Maggette signing six-year deals, there are obvious differences this year. There were visual differences at media day, too. The jerseys players wore made it look as if the team were trying to forget last season.

Lamar Odom's No. 7 has been taken by free-agent guard Marcus Hatten, and Michael Olowokandi's No. 34 now is worn by free-agent center Josh Moore. Andre Miller's No. 24 has gone to Tremaine Fowlkes, and Darius Miles' No. 21 from two seasons ago is Bobby Simmons'.

The numbers may be different, but the question remains if last year's final number -- 27 victories -- will be different.