The Clippers will return to the playoffs next year. I said it.
The two major changes of getting Baron Davis and Marcus Camby put the Clippers into the postseason. Although it is possible to argue that skill-wise Davis-Camby replaces the Corey Maggette-Elton Brand duo, Davis and Camby have been to the playoffs in multiple seasons. They bring the leadership, success, and experience that Maggette and Brand do not have.
While a part of me feels that the Clippers are not done this summer, the current roster holds key elements that will push them into the top eight in the west.
They have a fairly strong starting five with Davis, Cuttino Mobley, Al Thornton, Marcus Camby, and Chris Kaman.
Their frontcourt has immense size (Thornton 6’8”, Camby 7’0”, Kaman 7’0”) which almost matches the potential Lakers front court (Odom 6’10”, Gasol 7’0", Bynum 7’0"). Very few teams can boast one, much less two seven foot players in their starting lineup.
Thornton, Camby, and Kaman are all capable rebounders. Camby led the league in blocks. Kaman can keep opponents out of the lane with his 265 pounds. Thornton is very athletic and quick. Davis has been a leader since his arrival in the NBA. He knows how to control the tempo of the game and can make the clutch shot.
After putting up with Sam Cassell the past few years, coach Mike Dunleavy should be comfortable with Davis’ shot selection.
Cuttino Mobley has been fairly consistent the past few years. He can shoot the three and make set shots. If Davis were to penetrate and drive, Mobley should be open enough to knock down the open shot.
The Clippers’ bench isn’t too shabby either. Tim Thomas gives the Clippers some size as well as another three point threat. He can stretch defenses and play a physical defense.
The two rookies, Eric Gordon and DeAndre Jordan, have shown promise in summer leagues. While those games don’t mean that much, it was an opportunity for them to showcase some of their abilities.
Jordan, once projected a top 10 draft pick, looks to be a young Marcus Camby and gets up and down the floor well. Playing with Camby should provide a lot of experience on the floor and during practice sessions.
Gordon has been accustomed to being the team’s primary offensive weapon at Indiana. Those experiences have given him many weapons to work with. He will not be required to provide all the offense with the Clippers, but we do know that he can score when he has to.
The offseason is not over yet. I hope that the Clippers can sign another swing man or backup point guard. Shaun Livingston is a possible candidate to back up Davis, as is Smush Parker and Dan Dickau. Marcus Williams is very athletic and hopefully will resign with the Clippers.
Just to stir the rumor pot, one addition I would like to see is for Vince Carter to come to the Clippers for Mobley. Carter would bring more playoff experience and a solid outside touch.
The Clippers now have the skills and the right combination of players to make the playoffs. I do expect a least one team over .500 to miss the playoffs (likely the Blazers and Nuggets).
Western Conference playoff teams: Lakers, Hornets, Jazz, Suns, Rockets, Spurs, Clippers, Mavericks.
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2 months ago
I am a Clippers fan, so I want them to be successful. But your analysis is completely retarded.
First of all, most teams can "boast one 7 foot player in their starting line up". It's called the Center, and while most teams employ a stiff at that position, most teams play a 7 footer there.
Secondly, you suggest Tim Thomas can "play a physical defense"...that is just absurd. He is about as physical as a ballerina.
Third, you suggest they could bring back Dan Dickau or SMUSH PARKER as their back up point guard....and you think that would be a playoff team? With one of those stiffs getting back up PG minutes? Just a reminder---Brevin Knight is the back up point guard. That is probably ok--barely, but even that leaves a huge question mark.
Lastly, you want to see Vince Carter for Mobley? What are you smoking? I want to see the Lakers trade Kobe for Nick Fasekas. You think that'll happen too? Come on bro--wake up. The Clippers look good, but your argument for them making the playoffs is weak.
2 months ago
As much as I would like to think the Clippers can make the playoffs, I have to realistic and say the West is far stronger than the East, and it is still going to be an uphill battle, 7th or 8th seed at best.
In saying that i like where they are going with trades, but they need to let some go in Dickau and Parker, Brevin Knight will just hold his spot, on the grounds something will go pear shaped through the season, which seems to happen a lot with our beloved Clippers.
Whatever happens, I'll be there supporting them like I always have over the past 15 years.
2 months ago
STARTERS
B.DAVIS - can score at will, averaged close to 8 assists and can be a leader
MOBLEY - Solid veteran, defends, can still hit some threes and jumpshots ( getn older )
THORTON- Dropped a few 30+ games last year, Athletic, can drive,face up, go one on one,can SCORE
CAMBY - 2006 Defensive player of the year, will be a terror playn next to Kaman, can rebound well
KAMAN - averaged 16/13/3 , should be better this year , very very solid center, top 5 in nba
Bench
HART - solid back up PG , runs the floor well, can hit the jumper most of the time when needed
GORDON - nice offensive game, three point threat, can penetrate and can get to foul line almost at will
R.DAVIS - Solid Offense of the bench, can hit the three, nice player , bad rep
THOMAS - not sure what to say, was a 3 point threat, ok player in limited minutes
FAZEKAS - D league talent, decent bench guy, has a soft touch around the basket
JORDAN - young 6'11" 250lbs , 8 ft wing span, has potential , can dunk a lot
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