Heading into the 2009-10 season, many experts think that the LA Clippers is a darkhorse squad. Why not? Not only they got the best deal in the draft in Blake Griffin, but also they have one of the more talented team in the league. But again just like in any other sports, talent alone is not enough. The Clips had a great team last year as well, but injuries and chemistry problems made them underachieve.
Setting aside everything, still a lot of people are convinced that the Clippers is a playoff contending team. Actually I also do. Let’s examine the core of Clippers and how they can make the most next season.
TEAM LEADERS:
When you talk about team, you’d easily talk Baron Davis. Baron is one of the talented and big athletic guards in the league who can take over in any given night. However, he had a terrible season last year and was hampered by variety of injuries. He also didn’t mesh well with the team specifically with the coaching staff (Mike Dunleavy). The team can only go far depending on how Davis will perform in the next season.
Another leader in the team is the shot-blocking Marcus Camby. Camby had a nice season last year and has provided inside toughness for the team. He is also one of the better locker-room guys in the NBA. A healthy Camby means a lot as well for the team.
PRIZED ROOKIE
Blake Griffin had a teriffic summer and it only shows how good the guy is. Sending away Randolph is an indication on how the team wants to develop Griffin as quick as possible. Now the only question is on how he can manage his full first season as a starting 4 for the team. Can he bang well with other well-built and beefy power forwards in the league?
TALENTED YOUNG CORE
Last year was a revelation of two young players on the team named Eric Gordon and Al Thornton. Injuries to some key players revealed the talent of the two. With the full team healthy back at helm, it just gets more exciting to see how the young blends with the old.
BENCH and ACQUISITIONS
Many people have forgotten that Chris Kaman had a superb season two years ago when Brand never played a single game. Last year was a rough year for him as he was bothered by several injuries. A healthy Chris Kaman can really mean a lot for the team as he can be one of the reliable bench players for the team. The Clippers also had a superb offseason acquisitions. Rasual Butler’s three point shooting will help address the team’s weakness. Sebastian Telfair can be a good backup to Baron Davis while Craig Smith is a tough undersized low post scorer. Mainstays Ricky Davis and DeAndre Jordan can also give support off the bench.
OVERALL
The Clips have a good mix of young, old, talented and veteran presence. The only question now is on how they can put it together to win games and eventually make the playoffs. Lack of chemistry and underachieving is always a case for Donald Sterling’s squad and its interesting to see this time if the team can be able to meet expectations. What do you guys think?
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Comments
6 Comments so far. Leave a comment below.I don’t know but the LA Clips lineup reminds me of the New York Knicks lineup when they had Marbury and Francis, Crawford, Curry and etc. The problem with them is Chemistry and I dont think just the arrival of a rookie would change all of that..
You have a point, but I think its unfair to compare them to the 06 Knicks lineup. Like what I said, they are a team that 80% of time underachieves, but lets give them chance this time..
Go Clips! I’m going to try to catch a game this year in LA!
Great article! I was just thinking about the Clips, maybe to post something about them myself. I won’t do that now, because you basically wrote what I thought. One question remains: who will be a Clipper come February? Camby or Kaman?
If Im the GM and Im Sterling, I would keep both of them.. Just my 2 cents…
I bought Clippers season tickets this year – i plan to see all 44 games and see them win – i happen to bump in to griffin and jordan and a few other clippers in santa monica last week – they seem to be happy and getting along great – they are gonna have a great season i can fee it