Photo courtesy of Getty Images/NBAE.Not that it has to be that way -- the Clippers showed that they could throw punches with the best of the West in 05-06, where an MVP-caliber Elton Brand led the charge with Sam Cassell, Corey Maggette, Chris Kaman, and Cuttino Mobley playing important supporting roles. What happened between then and now? Aging of most of the roster, a major injury to Elton Brand, and the single most gruesome sports injury I have ever seen. They were one game from eliminating the Phoenix Suns (maybe a lucky Tim Thomas three or two is more like it) and heading to the Conference Finals, but the question now is -- can they even make the playoffs next year in an absolutely ridiculous Western conference?
The Big Pieces:
Elton Brand
Still an all-star level talent at the least, once Brand is 100% healthy you have to think he can be a serious force for this team. His mid-range jumper and turn around jumper can only be defined as 'money', and he's as good as undersized pivots get.
Corey Maggette
Almost a moot point; Maggette is assumed to be opting out of his contract, and I just don't see him returning to the Clips unless he is refused money. That situation seems impossible, as someone will pay him ridiculous money to shoot free throws and contested jumpers for their team. If he is on the roster next season, he's a second fiddle and a scoring threat, but little else.
Shaun Livingston
The biggest X-factor on the roster. Call me a cynic, but I never really bought into Livingston's potential after watching him play. That comment itself should be put in perspective, as tall point guards are pretty much one of my favorite things about basketball. That being said, Livingston can't really shoot and can't really drive, and although he's tall, doesn't have much of a back-to-the-basket game to exploit shorter 1's.
Chris Kaman
Kaman put together a very solid 07-08 campaign before fighting some injuries, but the question remains: can he do it with Brand in the lineup? The evidence from 05-06 still stands in my mind, where both were able to be extremely productive for a winning Clippers. If Kaman can continue to play well on both ends of the court, he and Brand could be one of the best PF-C combos in the league (Bested only by Shaq-Amare and Bynum-Gasol in my mind, with the possibility of Oden-Aldridge).
Cuttino Mobley
It's no secret, but he's really not that great. It's not that his numbers are abysmal, but rather what's immediately visible only from watching a Clippers game: he's just off his game. Something in his play is off-kilter. He doesn't move particularly well, and although has decent ball handling skills for a 2, doesn't really create a good shot for himself or others on a consistent basis. Still, a three-point shooting 2 guard who can handle the ball some could be an asset if the Clippers decide to start Livingston, who makes "rookie" mistakes and has some very inconsistent stretches.
Al Thornton
In a bizarre way, if Corey Maggette and Elton Brand had an illegitimate lovechild, it would probably be Al Thornton - he can post up, take it into the paint hard, and step out to shoot from long range. Thornton has put together a very solid rookie campaign, and shown flashes of greatness throughout the second half of the season. This guy can play. My only concern is that some of his talents seem to be duplicates of Brand's. Not necessarily a bad thing, but how they play together could determine the team's success even more than establishing a consistent Chris Kaman. If Thornton can play the 3 for this team with Brand and Kaman, that would create a pretty formidable frontline.
The Role Players:
Brevin Knight - A good backup veteran point guard, which is a must on playoff teams. Rock-steady.
Dan Dickau - Can't see him having a big role after Livingston heals, his time in L.A. may be up.
Nick Fazekas - Better than you think. Fazekas could be a legitimate bench contributor on a team that has few big men for support.
Josh Powell - Has stepped in at center and done a decent job, though has a pretty high turnover rate. I think he can provide backup PF and C duty in limited minutes and be successful.
Tim Thomas - Who knows what to expect from this guy anymore? He was a volcano for the Suns - sometimes drifting in and out of the offense, sometimes exploding in an inferno that few players have the firepower to match. If the Clippers are in the playoff race, will he be a contributor or the world's most overpaid sandbag?
Smush Parker - Has no future with this team. Should be gone in the off-season.
Quinton Ross - A defensive stopper who isn't that great at defense. I think he might have been labeled a stopper because he isn't a scorer, but I don't think he should be starting for the 08-09 Clippers. With any luck, Mike Dunleavy will agree.
Marcus Williams - I know who he is, but that's about it. (Read: non-factor)
Draft Prospects:
The Clippers will likely be picking in the 6-10 range in the upcoming draft, and there is really only one pick that makes sense for them:
Eric Gordon
Gordon can replace a lot of what the Clippers will lose in the departing Maggette - a guard with a big frame who can flat-out score. Gordon was a very capable scorer in the college game and all signs indicate he can do the same at the NBA level. Read this summary provided by HoopsHype and tell me that it doesn't sound like Maggette:
A bowling ball of a shooting guard, with outstanding scoring ability. Built like a brick wall, capable of just overpowering defenders on his way to the rim, thanks to his excellent first step and low center of gravity. A terrific finisher in traffic who is confident and assertive with his moves. Also a very capable perimeter shooter, either pulling up off the dribble from mid-range, or spotting up from behind the arc. Solid defender when he wants to be. Has a tendency to force things at times-- his shot-selection isn’t always the best. Turnover prone.
However, as a rookie, hopefully Gordon can submit to Brand and Kaman in a matter that Maggette never really could. He can provide scoring and defense, but I don't think his ego is established enough to cause any of the same problems.
Western Outlook:
Shocker - life is hard out West. Out of the 9 playoff worthy teams this year, are any of them capable of implosions? Doubtful, but possible. If the Nuggets fall out of the 8th spot or are rolled over in the first round again, I could see the Nuggets making some changes and possibly ditching George Karl. The Spurs are aging, but I can't imagine them just keeling over. The Mavs and Suns will still be legitimate contenders. The Jazz, Lakers, and Hornets have plenty of time and few foreseeable problems. The Warriors...well, when are they not capable of imploding or exploding? Possibly even at the same time?
Factor in a potentially-improved Portland Trailblazers team who adds Greg Oden plus some additional young pieces, and it's hard to imagine the Clippers finding their way into the playoffs. Assuming Shaun Livingston is playing at the same level as prior to their injury, it would be incredibly difficult to see this team going into the postseason. Not because they're particularly weak, but because the West is particularly ridiculous. Brand would need to be playing for that new contract, Kaman would need to be a man possessed, Eric Gordon/random rookie would have to be putting up ROY type numbers, and Al Thornton would need to be successful at the 3 alongside Brand. A lot of ifs, and that might ONLY get them a number of wins in the high 40's that leaves them on the outside looking in come April.
Final Thoughts:
Things aren't looking up for history's most dismal franchise. They've been endearing at times, and many of their players are not only likeable but talented, which makes it that much worse that the Clippers will likely miss a playoff berth for a third consecutive season. Sorry Clipper Darrell, Billy Crystal, and ClipperBlog - I know you've hung through some tough times, but you might have another season of tough times ahead.
0 comments:
Post a Comment