Clippers Basketball | Love The Game

[SuperNova854]

I would, best cheerleader ever

 

[SuperNova854]

Sessions Could Still Be An Option For Clippers

The release of Mark Madsen is just another move in what has been an unpredictably busy offseason for the Clippers. Madsen was scheduled to make 2.8 million dollars this year, but his release will save the Clippers an unspecified amount off that figure. This move was not made for monetary reasons however, regardless of the actual dollar amount that the Clippers saved. The motivation behind releasing Madsen is that it creates another open roster space, bringing the Clippers roster down to 12 players. That leaves 2 open spots for Dunleavy, who typically enters the season with a 14 man roster.

Regarded as one of the league’s nicest guys, Madsen undoubtedly would have had a positive influence on the Clippers locker room. However, without a clear path to playing time in the crowded frontcourt, the probability of Madsen making an actual impact with his play was highly unlikely. The Clippers simply have too many needs to justify holding onto a backup who wasn’t slated to play any minutes, even if said backup could have helped positively alter team chemistry. Remember, the Clippers could really use another backup point guard, and a shooter off the bench, and Madsen is neither of those things.

This is where Ramon Sessions comes back into the picture. We’ve speculated all summer long about Sessions, but Madsen’s release appears to be another fallen domino. You have to imagine that this will intensify talks if nothing else; it’s unlikely that management would waive Madsen if they didn’t have a plan for his roster spot. After all, when is the last time Clippers management paid someone not to play for them? For a historically frugal franchise, this move signals a step in the right direction. Madsen’s value was unlikely to manifest itself in terms of on-court production, so the Clippers released him to bring in someone who has a better chance at producing and helping the team on the floor. That makes sense, and it’s hard to argue that Mark Madsen, even with his expiring contract as a trade chip, is more valuable than a Ramon Sessions or Steve Novak.

That’s not to say Madsen’s release doesn’t raise some interesting questions. For example, why was Mark Madsen released instead of Ricky Davis? Davis has a 2.4 million deal that expires this year, so both players have very similar contracts. Ricky Davis doesn’t exactly carry the reputation of being a guy good chemistry guy like Madsen does, although Ricky is unquestionably more talented. But if you had the choice for a 12th man who will rarely see the floor, it’s a pretty easy decision, right? You pick the energetic, encouraging, towel waving goofball. Madsen has to be an easier expiring contract to trade as well – Ricky Davis is about as popular as the plague amongst NBA GM’s. I may be jumping to conclusions, but releasing Madsen instead of Davis tells me that Dunleavy plans on giving Ricky a nice chunk of playing time, health permitting. It’s the only conclusion that really makes any sense. Why else would you let Ricky Davis hang around your basketball team?

Even if they may have targeted the wrong player, releasing Madsen was probably the right thing to do. Steve Novak is likely headed back to Los Angeles now, and an additional mystery player will be joining him. Sessions seems like the obvious candidate for the spot, but it is possible he still has little interest in fighting for a second string spot with Sebastian Telfair. Some of the additional free agents we previously listed have now headed off to Europe, such as Maurice Ager and Von Wafer. One player who hasn’t gone to Europe is Allen Iverson, and the possibility of him becoming a Clipper still looms. Perhaps a more realistic scenario would be the Clippers bringing back Mike Taylor. He knows the players, coach, and system, and is still young. He’s obviously not option number one, but don’t rule him out if Sessions happens to become unavailable.

By waiving Madsen, the Clippers lose a great character guy and a trading chip, but they gain valuable roster flexibility and something all good GM’s crave: Options.​

By D.J. Foster, of Clipperblog.com

 

[SuperNova854]

Clippers Recently Talked Sessions Trade With Bucks

The Clippers and Bucks recently engaged in sign-and-trade discussions involving Ramon Sessions, according to a source.

The Clippers, however, realized a sign-and-trade is unnecessary since the Bucks aren't in a financial position to match nearly any offer sheet Sessions signs. This in turn means that Sessions' most likely destination is with the Clippers.​

 

[SuperNova854]

Five shooting guards to watch for 2009-10

Jason Richardson — In his first full season in Phoenix, with the Suns fully committed to running the kind of system in which he was born to run, J-Rich should see a marked improvement over last year’s numbers (16.8 ppg). While he might seem older than his 28 years, he’s still got enough bounce to pull off (or at least try) 360 dunks in games, and isn’t shy at all about launching a ton of threes. Something else to consider: J-Rich had has his best seasons on bad teams, and the Suns are slipping.

Eric Gordon — Overlooked in Rookie of the Year talk, Gordon (16.1 ppg) has been a beast this summer, spending extensive time working out with Kobe and D-Wade, and attending the Team USA mini-camp in July. Having Blake Griffin around only makes EJ’s life easier, and if Baron Davis delivers on his promise to be more of a leader in L.A., Gordon will be one of the main benefactors.

Andre Iguodala — One of the most versatile wings in the League, A.I.2 has improved every season of his career, and is on the verge of a 20-5-5-2 campaign after averaging 18.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.3 apg and 1.6 spg last year. New Sixers coach Eddie Jordan’s system is being crafted to get Iguodala Gilbert Arenas-style buckets, but Iguodala needs to do his part by stepping up his long-range game (30.7% 3PA).

Manu Ginobili — In a recent interview, Gregg Popovich said he expects Manu to start next season out of shape, but at least he’ll be healthy. Pop will bring him along slowly, and eventually Manu will get back to his usual self, where he’s simply one of the best two-guards in the world and one of the NBA’s coldest closers. San Antonio’s offseason activity was designed to make one more push (or two) while Tim Duncan is still playing at an All-NBA level, and Manu knows he’s a vital part of that. All he’s done throughout his career is respond in big moments, and this should be no different.

Xavier Henry — After a year of reloading/rebuilding following the ‘08 national championship, Kansas is expected to be back among the NCAA’s top dogs. While point guard Sherron Collins and center Cole Aldrich are the headliners and veteran leaders, Bill Self needs somebody to step into that pure scorer Brandon Rush-type role, and Henry is the front-runner. The most pro-ready player in the high school class of ‘09, Henry is a bullish 6-6 lefty with three-point range and a strong off-the-dribble game. After a drawn-out recruiting process, he finally settled on Kansas, and the program will do whatever it can to keep him happy.​

 

[SuperNova854]

Blake Griffin: Narrow World of Sports

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8_OjY4SKXE"]YouTube - Blake Griffin: Narrow World of Sports[/ame]​

 

[SuperNova854]

"I used to cry myself to sleep, like...why do I have to be half white?"

lulz

 

[Sean]

like the top 5 SGs to watch but you could have atleast threw in a actual star, like JR, :shifty:

 

[SuperNova854]

I got it from a site, forgot to put the author.

 

[SuperNova854]

Clippers interested in bringing Barry back?

The Rockets have been in trade talks with several teams about moving veteran guard Brent Barry, according to several individuals with knowledge of the talks.

The most serious discussions have been with the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder. A trade to the Clippers could extend Barry's career, with the Clippers potentially offering a chance to play near Barry's Los Angeles area home.

Though nothing appears imminent, there is “a good shot” that Barry could be traded to create roster space before the start of training camp Oct. 28.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey declined to comment and Barry could not be reached for comment on Monday.

Barry has one more season, worth $2.062 million, left on the two-year contract he signed with the Rockets July 10, 2008.​

By Jonathan Feigen, of Chron.com

 

[SuperNova854]

Clippers no longer interested in bringing Barry back

A Clippers source confirmed a report from the Houston Chronicle that said the Clippers were among three teams to have had talks with the Rockets for acquiring veteran guard Brent Barry, but that the team's interest is "dated."

The Clippers had talks earlier this summer with the Rockets, the source said, but their interest waned after acquiring backup point guard Sebastian Telfair, Craig Smith and Mark Madsen in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Quentin Richardson.

The Clippers had liked Barry's versatility and ability to play at point and shooting guard. The Rockets signed Barry in the 2008 off-season because of his playoff experience. Barry, who has one season left on his contract worth a reported $2.062 million, averaged 3.7 points and shot 40.7% in 56 games last season.​

By Mark Medina, of LA Times

 

[SuperNova854]

Arroyo Gets Contract Offer From Clippers

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Clippers extended a contract offer to point guard Carlos Arroyo, a source close to the situation tells RealGM's Alex Kennedy.

While terms of the deal were not disclosed, it is the only offer Arroyo has received this summer.

Arroyo's last stint in the NBA was with the Orlando Magic. He averaged 6.9 points and 3.5 assists per game in 2007.

Last season, Arroyo led Maccabi Tel Aviv to an Israeli Premier League Championship and was named Finals MVP.

He would be the fourth point guard on Los Angeles' roster, which suggests that they're no longer pursuing restricted free agent Ramon Sessions.​

 

[SuperNova854]

No we don't lol. We have two

 

[mfbmike]

There were rumors the Wolves talked to Arroyo as well. haha

 

[SuperNova854]

Yea, supposedly only Clippers have offered him. Looks like I have to learn to like hm, as wolves signed sessions basically.

 

[SuperNova854]

Davis comes ranked #43 in SLAM's Top 50

It’s impossible to talk about Baron Davis without talking about the team around him, as his impact is as closely tied to the players around him as any other superstar. Just like in his first full season in Golden State, Baron and the Clippers failed to gel in his first season with the team. But the Clippers have put a lot of effort into making the second go-round better, and there’s a lot that could go right. Baron is allegedly healthy, and one would imagine his focus might have been shocked back onto basketball after last year’s fiasco. Pick-and-roll, full-court running rookie superbeast Blake Griffin is in the starting lineup. Eric Gordon is ready to build on his promising rookie year. Al Thornton’s ball-dominance should be replaced in the starting lineup by Rasual Butler’s floor-spacing and versatility. Zach Randolph has been miraculously exiled. Mike Dunleavy must know that he has one season to learn new tricks or go down as one of the worst coaches in NBA history.

The Clippers are starting to look like America’s favorite underdogs again, and seem hungry to wipe away the memory of last season. So much of that depends on Baron, and so much of Baron depends on the team. Will the Davis lead the Clippers to reinvent themselves as young, dangerous, fast-breaking, pick-and-rolling, cross-matching, bats out of hell with a swagger never really seen in Clipper Nation?

Or will they be another mismanaged, ill-conceived mix of players, some too young and some too old, desperately ISOing up and haphazardly launching jumpers early in the shot clock, with Baron being the biggest culprit of all? I honestly have no idea. All I really know is that Baron won’t be the 43th-best player.​

By John Krolik, of SLAMonline

 

[SuperNova854]

Clippers hope offseason reorganizing paves path to Playoffs

Los Angeles Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy isn't about to dance around the obvious. For a franchise that's spent most of its existence snakebit, the ping pong-inspired fortune of May culminating with a New York moment in June serves as a heck of a starting point for 2009-10.

"We've had a great summer," Dunleavy told NBA.com. "Obviously, it started with a little bit of luck in getting the first pick of the lottery to get Blake Griffin, but then from there we did a lot of good things."
Reversing Fortunes
NBA.com's experts review the teams that didn't make the Playoffs last season and what they'll need to do to avoid the Lottery next season.

Picking up the consensus No. 1 pick in the Draft was the start of an offseason of restructuring and reorganizing. Trading away power forward Zach Randolph made room for Griffin and allowed Dunleavy, also the team's general manager, to beef up a lean bench.

Combo guard Eric Gordon and small forward Al Thornton join Griffin as long-term foundation pieces. The veteran starters -- headed by Baron Davis, Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby -- have been productive when they've been able to stay on the court.

Should the pieces fall into place, Dunleavy is predicting an end to the cycle of mediocrity. The Clippers, 19-63 last season, have made the postseason just once in Dunleavy's first six years at the helm (2006) and just four times since the franchise relocated to California in 1978. The 2006 squad is the only one ever to win a series in the Western Conference.

"If we stay healthy and we get good chemistry going from this group, we're a Playoff contender," he said. "We've got a shot to make the Playoffs. Normally I'd say we are a Playoff team, but the West is so hard and the teams are so good. You might have to win 46 games just to get in there. So from 19 to 46 would be a pretty amazing jump for us, but we're hoping to do it."

The notoriously frugal Clippers have been able to add to the talent base the last two offseasons without losing real assets. Operating below the salary cap, the team traded for Camby before last season and Rasual Butler this offseason without giving up anything more than a second-round pick in either case.

Moving Randolph provided extra payroll flexibility, and Dunleavy focused his sights on depth. Clipper reserves scored a paltry 24 points per game last season, which was 28th in the league.

"Randolph was a guy we really liked," Dunleavy said. "He's a guy who can give you 20 and 10, which is tough to give up, but we just couldn't figure out how those two guys [Randolph and Griffin] could play together. So instead of stacking a position, we were basically able to turn Randolph into Sebastian Telfair, Craig Smith and Rasual Butler.

"That gave us a lot of really good depth for our bench. That was something we were trying to accomplish, and we were able to do it pretty smoothly and seamlessly. All those guys are very good chemistry wise for our team."

Aiding the locker room vibe is a prime piece of Playa Vista real estate that Dunleavy hopes builds a year-round connection to the franchise. Players already enjoy living in Los Angeles. Might as well get them in your gym.

"The thing I'm happy about is it's the first year we've had a practice facility," Dunleavy said of the $50 million hub of operations that opened a year ago. "We didn't have it last summer. We've had guys in working there and around each other, and that's always a great thing. We have a great practice facility. Guys have been drawn to it and spend a lot of time here, and I think that bodes well for us as well."

Griffin also signals a new beginning for the Clippers. The franchise has won the lottery before, but Danny Manning (1988) and Michael Olowokandi (1998) didn't exactly set the league or the Clippers ablaze. Lady Luck may finally be smiling on the other team in Los Angeles and the good teams somehow manage to get their share of breaks.

"There's no question about that, absolutely," Dunleavy said. "Blake Griffin is clearly the best player in this Draft, so to get the guy who's the clear best player in the Draft is helpful. He's a great kid, with a great work ethic and he's going to be a great player for us for many years to come.

"But if we had not gotten Blake, we would have got a good player and we would have had a good team. The team is set up to have a chance to be a good team for a long time. You look at the age of our guys between Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman. Then you have DeAndre Jordan in the wings. We have a good mix of veterans and young guys, and that's what you want to have to win."​

By Art Garcia, NBA.com

 

[SuperNova854]

As you can see, the Clippers haven't lost anyone of real value. The only main player they lost was Zach Randolph. The Clippers were able to get a great player in Griffin, and great depth with Telfair, Butler, and Smith.​

 

[SuperNova854]

Clippers hope offseason reorganizing paves path to Playoffs

Los Angeles Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy isn't about to dance around the obvious. For a franchise that's spent most of its existence snakebit, the ping pong-inspired fortune of May culminating with a New York moment in June serves as a heck of a starting point for 2009-10.

"We've had a great summer," Dunleavy told NBA.com. "Obviously, it started with a little bit of luck in getting the first pick of the lottery to get Blake Griffin, but then from there we did a lot of good things."
Reversing Fortunes
NBA.com's experts review the teams that didn't make the Playoffs last season and what they'll need to do to avoid the Lottery next season.

Picking up the consensus No. 1 pick in the Draft was the start of an offseason of restructuring and reorganizing. Trading away power forward Zach Randolph made room for Griffin and allowed Dunleavy, also the team's general manager, to beef up a lean bench.

Combo guard Eric Gordon and small forward Al Thornton join Griffin as long-term foundation pieces. The veteran starters -- headed by Baron Davis, Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby -- have been productive when they've been able to stay on the court.

Should the pieces fall into place, Dunleavy is predicting an end to the cycle of mediocrity. The Clippers, 19-63 last season, have made the postseason just once in Dunleavy's first six years at the helm (2006) and just four times since the franchise relocated to California in 1978. The 2006 squad is the only one ever to win a series in the Western Conference.

"If we stay healthy and we get good chemistry going from this group, we're a Playoff contender," he said. "We've got a shot to make the Playoffs. Normally I'd say we are a Playoff team, but the West is so hard and the teams are so good. You might have to win 46 games just to get in there. So from 19 to 46 would be a pretty amazing jump for us, but we're hoping to do it."

The notoriously frugal Clippers have been able to add to the talent base the last two offseasons without losing real assets. Operating below the salary cap, the team traded for Camby before last season and Rasual Butler this offseason without giving up anything more than a second-round pick in either case.

Moving Randolph provided extra payroll flexibility, and Dunleavy focused his sights on depth. Clipper reserves scored a paltry 24 points per game last season, which was 28th in the league.

"Randolph was a guy we really liked," Dunleavy said. "He's a guy who can give you 20 and 10, which is tough to give up, but we just couldn't figure out how those two guys [Randolph and Griffin] could play together. So instead of stacking a position, we were basically able to turn Randolph into Sebastian Telfair, Craig Smith and Rasual Butler.

"That gave us a lot of really good depth for our bench. That was something we were trying to accomplish, and we were able to do it pretty smoothly and seamlessly. All those guys are very good chemistry wise for our team."

Aiding the locker room vibe is a prime piece of Playa Vista real estate that Dunleavy hopes builds a year-round connection to the franchise. Players already enjoy living in Los Angeles. Might as well get them in your gym.

"The thing I'm happy about is it's the first year we've had a practice facility," Dunleavy said of the $50 million hub of operations that opened a year ago. "We didn't have it last summer. We've had guys in working there and around each other, and that's always a great thing. We have a great practice facility. Guys have been drawn to it and spend a lot of time here, and I think that bodes well for us as well."

Griffin also signals a new beginning for the Clippers. The franchise has won the lottery before, but Danny Manning (1988) and Michael Olowokandi (1998) didn't exactly set the league or the Clippers ablaze. Lady Luck may finally be smiling on the other team in Los Angeles and the good teams somehow manage to get their share of breaks.

"There's no question about that, absolutely," Dunleavy said. "Blake Griffin is clearly the best player in this Draft, so to get the guy who's the clear best player in the Draft is helpful. He's a great kid, with a great work ethic and he's going to be a great player for us for many years to come.

"But if we had not gotten Blake, we would have got a good player and we would have had a good team. The team is set up to have a chance to be a good team for a long time. You look at the age of our guys between Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman. Then you have DeAndre Jordan in the wings. We have a good mix of veterans and young guys, and that's what you want to have to win."​

By Art Garcia, NBA.com

 

[SuperNova854]

Top 10 Clipper Plays From 2008-2009

<script src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/js/1.1/xmp/module.js?vid=/video/channels/top_plays/2009/09/09/nba_20090909_lac_top10.nba" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript>Embedded video from <a href="http://www.nba.com/video">NBA Video</a></noscript>​

 

[SuperNova854]

Baron Unveils New Shoe

After years of wearing Reebok sneakers, Baron Davis is getting his own sneaker with Li-Ning. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Li-Ning is China based sneaker company that has been trying to make in roads into the NBA for a couple of years now. Baron Davis is the most high profile and the first NBA player to receive his own signature sneaker with the brand.

The Li-Ning BD1 features a low a breathable perforated leather upper sitting on a low profile midsole/outsole that emphasizes proper traction. The best of the sneaker is easily the Baron Davis branding which includes a "BD" on the heel, "Baron" on the tongue tab, and the logo on the tongue which features Baron's face including his now trademark beard and headband.

No word on a stateside release but look for Boom to wear the Li-Ning BD1 this year on the court. ​

Pictures