Clippers’ Darren Collison ready for any role

Because of injuries to their bigger shooting guards, the Clippers now have one of the smaller backcourts in the NBA.

All-Star point guard Chris Paul, who is listed at 6 feet, now starts alongside backup point guard Darren Collison, who also is listed as a 6-footer.

Collison is scheduled to start his second consecutive game as shooting guard against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night because 6-foot-5 Jamal Crawford is out with a strained left calf.

Crawford, usually the Clippers’ sixth man, became the starter because the 6-foot-4 J.J. Redick is out with a bulging disk in his lower back.

And though both Paul and Collison are smaller, they use their quickness to their advantage.

“It’s made it easier on everybody,” Collison said. “Everybody is more alert. When Chris has the ball or when I have the ball, we can all make plays. So it just makes it easier for everybody. We get up and down the court a lot faster.”

Collison recognizes that the Clippers’ offense revolves around Paul and Blake Griffin, the team’s stars.

But Collison also knows that he has to attack on offense.

“When you’re playing with [Chris Paul and Blake Griffin], you’ve got to pick your spot,” Collison
said. “But at the same time, guys are getting on my about just staying aggressive. When I’m not aggressive, I hear from the coaches.”

[email protected]
Twitter:@BA_Turner