Cassell, Mobley Impress Baylor

SANTA BARBARA — Clipper General Manager Elgin Baylor smiled Tuesday while observing the team’s final practice of training camp.

Baylor focused on guards Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley, who continued to set a positive tone at Santa Barbara City College. Whether instructing teammates during drills or encouraging them from the sideline, the new veteran starting backcourt delivered what Baylor expected.

“I’m very happy with the way those two guys have just taken that role of leadership,” Baylor said. “They’re sharing their knowledge and experience with players, and it’s been just wonderful. It’s been really great.”

Baylor credited the newcomers with raising the intensity level compared to recent training camps.

“It’s been a spirited camp,” he said. “The guys have played hard, competing against one another, and I’m very happy with their energy and enthusiasm.”

Coach Mike Dunleavy similarly praised the experienced duo.

“They do a good job of being able to be mentors on the floor to players without it being a situation where somebody is resentful of the way you’re trying to help them,” he said. “You can look at it as criticism, or try to give guys your knowledge to make them become better and more confident. It’s been well received.”

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Dunleavy said he didn’t push players physically as much as in his first two camps as coach. He planned to evaluate the team’s conditioning in the first three exhibitions, beginning tonight against Dallas at Staples Center.... The Clippers waived forward Jan Jagla and center Amal McCaskill. The Clippers, expected to carry 14 players on their opening-day roster, have 18 players on the preseason roster.