Comments on: 2008-09 NBA Preview: Los Angeles Clippers

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:06:23 +0000

Did you know that the Clippers have three guys named “Davis”? (Baron, Ricky, and Paul). When in NBA history has a team had three or more players with the same last name?

By: b-side

b-side — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:54:28 +0000

As an IU alum and self-professed Eric Gordon follower, I have to chime in about the Sampson comment. He never paid players. I’m not trying cut Sampson some slack, after all he did my ruin my school’s program last season and of course for this year. But it’s unfair to label him as a “cash under the table” type of recruiter/coach. I mean, it’s not like this was similar to Chris Webber or even the more recent Reggie Bush shenanigans.

By: jjg

jjg — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:22:06 +0000

Pete, That’s nuthin’. I have an Elgin Baylor doll doin’ a reverse-logic layup - pull the string and he makes the wrong draft pick. Also have a Jack Ramsey swimming cap with the Braves logo on each side.

By: noah

noah — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:10:43 +0000

i don’t know about this one. to me, this Clips team looks more like a fantasy team than a real one. they have a lot of guys who duplicate eachothers strengths. they have a lot of scorers, but they’re all on-the-ball me-first types. their backcourt is quite old, and unless Baron is really fired up and focused, their perimeter defense will be very suspect. their bench is old, thin, and filled with guys that have had major chemistry issues throughout their careers.

i’m not saying their isn’t a lot of talent on that roster, because there is. any number of those guys could be solid contributors or really good teams. but on the same team? i just don’t see it.

By: Dannie

Dannie — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:03:17 +0000

Matto – You are right on. We are alternating between a Western Conference Division then Eastern Conference Division. Once we finish up with Sacramento, we are moving on to the Southeast Division.

By: Dave T

Dave T — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:20:52 +0000

Pete, you bring up a good question with “how good would the Clippers have been”. I’d put them even higher, at the 6th seed. I think Brand is not an ideal go-to-guy for a team, but think he’d be by far the most effective with a ball dominating PG like a Baron Davis, Arenas or Iverson being the star of the backcourt.

Chris Kaman REALLY came on last year…Thornton is their Thad Young up and comer, and I think Eric Gordon is going to make teams look very dumb for letting him slip to #7. Baron was healthy last year and had a very strong year, and can put an entire team on his shoulders when he wants…just think this team would have been real strong and could make the 2nd round.

I think the Sixers will split the series, 1-1. LA is going to boo the sh*t out of Elton Brand for pulling a Benedict Arnold on them…his reason is still “when I called the owner, he didn’t pick up, so I went to Philly.” Obviously there was more behind the scenes, but can you imagine if he said that in Philadelphia? You left a TEAM because the owner happened to miss a friggin phone call? He’d get fried here. I think the Clippers will win it out of vengeance…plus Baron is one of the few players with the potential to be a one man offensive wrecking ball against our team.

By: matto

matto — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:11:01 +0000

Do you think you could go to the East next? - Just to mix it up a little, i’m a trifle disinterested in Western teams

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:55:54 +0000

Dannie & Pete– once again great job with the analysis. The L.A Clippers are an interesting team based on the roster they have and are hard to read. For the Clippers, it is a matter of chemistry and do see what Mike Dunleavy Sr. can do. They have quite a defensive frountcourt in Kaman and Camby. It is also the question of how affective can the bench be.
Weaknesses:     Management
                         – they’re cheap and that can turn fans off in a sense of determining whether they are committed to winning and whether they do not want to be the Lakers doorstep or floormat.
                         -a lot of Clippers went on to become better players once they became FAs.

                    Hollywood (distractions/drama)
                         -Baron Davis is a filmmaker, producer, and director
                         -Sterling v.s Dunleavy


  Let us not forget that the Clippers have Brian Skinner back in the fold for a second stint with the Clips. A former Sixer as well!!

The Warriors and the Clippers have had big offseasons and have some connections with one another, including swapping players (through free agency):
http://www.reclinergm.com/2008-09-nba-preview-golden-state-warriors/

Some Philly fans can relate to the Clipper fans in terms of getting the Rodney Dangerfield treatment of “No Respect”. It’s incredible how time flies after being a one year wonder in 05-06. Also incredible that at two points recently, the Clippers had a better record than the Lakers (04-05 and 05-06).

There is something though interesting about this team. Sure, they will still be the Lakers floormat, but the rivalry will be a little more interesting. It would be cool if the Clippers do get the #8 seed so then a possible matchup with the Lakers would be awesome. An all LA affair in the playoffs has never happened before. It was close in 05-06 until the the Suns beat the Lakers in Seven games and lost a 3-1 series lead to the Suns. Billy Crystal was so excited if that ever occurred that he called it, “The Hallway Series”.

One day, I will be like Billy Crystal and sign a one-day contract and give the money to charity at the end. Who is the Clippers mascot? I think Billy Crystal should be. A loyal fan even in the worst of times.

On a separate note, the Sixers will sweep the Clippers (2-0). Even though the team will not likely admit out loud and same with Elton Brand, you know mentally they want to win those two for the new teammate and former Clipper. Oh yeah, Andre Miller was a Clipper as well. Brand and Miller will most likely hear boos, especially for the way in how Brand did not become a Clipper.  That is still up in the air, but I think his agent David Falk really played hardball and did a great job of getting Brand to the Sixers. Hopefully, the most loyal and respectful fans, will give Brand an ovation and will wish him the best of luck. I think in the series against the Clippers, Iggy will play big. I don’t know if anyone on the Clippers team can match or defend him.

Overall, for the L.A Clippers, they will be 3rd in the Pacific, but 9th in the West!!

By: Pete

Pete — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:55:25 +0000

Ryan - Yeah, Sixers will be last. And we'll probably do a little more for them.

jjg-

i have an Elton Brand Buffalo Braves bobble head. Got it a couple years ago. now its even better than it was then!

By: Ryan F

Ryan F — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:43:45 +0000

@PETE and DANNIE

I bet you are going to do the Sixers last aren’t you. I dont know if I can stand the wait. 1st place Atlantic, 1st place Eastern Conference, 1st place NBA?!? Thats what I’d put but Im probably dreaming.

Also, thanks for taking the time. If I didnt have the posts and everyones comments to read my day would a hell of alot more boring. I dont think I have been as anxious for a season to start in my life.