One meeting with Coach Mike Dunleavy was all it took for Sam Cassell to embrace the Clippers, who were also upbeat Wednesday on welcoming the point guard.

The 12-year veteran reported as scheduled for his physical, and Cassell's opening session with Dunleavy set a positive tone, allaying the Clippers' concerns that their unwillingness to offer him a contract extension might dampen things. Cassell liked what he heard about his role on the team, and he's eager to prove that the Clippers got the right guy.

According to Cassell, it won't take long.

"My meeting with Mike was cool, real cool," he said. "Mike Dunleavy and I are on the same page, which is what I wanted to hear, because our major goal is to win.

"That's what he wants and that's what I want, so it was ? the way you want to get it started. I know what I can do, I know the talent they have on this team, and I know what I can do as a part of this team. It's going to be good, real good."

That's the Clippers' view too.

"Sam likes the talent on our team, and he believes he can make an immediate impact," said General Manager Elgin Baylor, who also met with Cassell.

"Coach talked to Sam about the team, how he will fit in and how we will use him. ? He's a heck of a good basketball player. He has the utmost confidence in his ability, and I really believe he will make a difference."