(My Sportsbook) - The Los Angeles Clippers have assembled a talented young core of players thanks to years of sub-.500 seasons and lottery picks. Will the 2002-03 season finally be the year that the Clippers break through and make the playoffs?

Playing in the same arena as the Los Angeles Lakers is a difficult shadow to emerge from, but the Clippers seem intent on qualifying for the NBA's postseason tournament for the first time since 1997.

The team's biggest offseason move came when GM Elgin Baylor sent popular swingman Darius Miles to Cleveland in exchange for point guard Andre Miller. Baylor feels the trade could put his club over the hump.

"Not only do we have a goal of making the playoffs, but we want to make the playoffs and advance," admitted Baylor, whose franchise hasn't finished at or above the .500 mark since the 1992-93 campaign. "If we didn't make the deal for Miller I think we were a playoff team. Now, I think we can make the playoffs and then some."

Just making the playoffs would certainly be an accomplishment for the Clippers. The Western Conference is loaded and quality teams will be left out in the cold come playoff time. Still, the Clippers have a solid group of players and a deep roster. If the maturation process for some of their young stars completes itself sooner than later, then expect the Clips to finally have a big year.

FRONTCOURT

Head coach Alvin Gentry is ready to go to battle with a starting frontcourt of Michael Olowokandi, Elton Brand and Lamar Odom. The most intriguing player of the three is Olowokandi, who doesn't have much of an offensive role on the team. Despite averaging 11.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season, Olowokandi hasn't lived up to the billing of a No. 1 overall pick. Expect Gentry to continue to rely on his starting pivot for defensive purposes since there are so many players on the team who love to shoot the ball. With a dearth of quality centers in the NBA, Olowokandi will win his share of wars down low.

The loss of the ultra-talented Miles is a blow, but Baylor and Gentry still have a deep crop of forwards. Brand, who averaged 18.2 points and 11.6 rebounds in his first year with the team, is a solid power forward with a workmen-like attitude. He can be counted on to play 40 quality minutes per night at the four.

If Odom only had Brand's work ethic he could one of the best players in the game. The mercurial small forward needs to shake the injury bug and produce to stay in the starting lineup. Odom's name has also been mentioned in a number of trade rumors, so his stay in Los Angeles is anything but guaranteed.

GUARDS

Miller, who is a threat to record a triple-double on any given night, gives the Clippers a star at the point guard position. Not only can he score (16.5 points per game with Cleveland last season), but Miller is a great passer with an uncanny instinct for the game of basketball. His pass-first mentality is a welcomed quality for Gentry, who would like to see more passing that leads to shots for the open man. Miller's presence will really benefit Brand, who always gets good position in the post.

SG Quentin Richardson, who excelled as the team's sixth man last season, is expected to get the chance to start on a full-time basis this year. Gentry won't keep Richardson in the starting lineup, however, unless his defense improves. Offensively, Richardson can light it up at will. He's more of a slasher than a shooter, but his up-tempo and athletic style of play should be a nice fit next to the steady Miller.

BENCH

Gentry will have the opportunity to sub in some very talented young players for Olowokandi if the big man gets in foul trouble. Baylor added Melvin Ely (Fresno State) and Chris Wilcox (Maryland) in the 2002 Draft. Ely, who is yet another player who fits the Clippers' athletic mold, is expected to see time at both center and power forward. PF Wilcox has a huge upside and could become an All-Star player if he works on his offensive game over the next few years. For the time being, Wilcox will be a huge defensive presence as a shot blocker and rebounder. The additions of Wilcox and Ely push veteran Sean Rooks to the end of the bench.

The Clips also have a tremendous talent in the form of former Duke star Corey Maggette, who will play quality minutes at both small forward and shooting guard. While he lacks a consistent jumper, Maggette can get to the rim and draw fouls. Sharp-shooter Eric Piatkowski is a solid role player who provides depth at the two.

Baylor is excited about the prospects of his backcourt now that Euro star Marko Jaric, a combo guard, has joined the team. The 23-year-old Jaric could be challenged by the demands of playing the point in the NBA. He played the off-guard overseas and has a scorer's mentality. Jaric will have to make the adjustment to the NBA game quickly in order for the Clippers to have a viable backup to Miller. The Clippers' worries would be lessened if PG Keyon Dooling, who is hampered by an ankle injury, was 100 percent healthy.

OUTLOOK

Baylor made some strong moves in the offseason and has transformed the club from a pretender to a contender. But just how far the Clippers will be able to go is the million dollar question. The team's youth is a strength in the sense that it will be able to outrun opponents consistently and bounce back from back-to-back games a little easier. However, the team's lack of experience could result in attitude problems and overconfidence. Gentry has plenty of talent to work with and the addition of Miller was a no-brainer. Look for the Clippers to finally end a five-year playoff drought, but escaping the first round could be difficult, especially if the matchup is against the other Staples Center tenant.