Although pleased with the progress of Yaroslav Korolev, the Clippers plan to ease in the rookie forward.

Korolev competed well in practice at Santa Barbara City College, Coach Mike Dunleavy said, displaying the skills that prompted the Clippers to select him with the 12th overall pick in the 2005 draft. Korolev impressed at times, especially passing, but the Clippers want to avoid "situations where it could be detrimental to his development," Dunleavy said. "As he grows and deserves more opportunities, then that's the way we'll go, but he's blended in pretty well."

However, the 6-foot-9, 203-pound player could face problems on defense that would limit his role this season.

"From an improvement standpoint, matching up against different NBA guys is the main area," Dunleavy said. "Not knowing a lot of guys and what they do, it's something he's learning. He got better as he played in camp."

The exhibition season is an opportunity, Korolev said.

"I want to play good defense. I want to play the best defense I can," he said. "I want to look for open shots, make some passes and get some rebounds.

"I was much [more] comfortable every day in camp. I've got to learn a lot of things, but I know I have to be here right now."