SB Nation User Blog: MichaelCage

How will the recession affect the Clippers and the NBA?

MichaelCage — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:13:41 -0000

There seems to be a chill in the free agency market this off season. Unlike most years, we've seen very few inflated long term contracts being awarded and alot of good solid veterans signed for much less money than what they would have earned a few years ago. Part of this might be due to the big free agency class of next season, where many GM still harbor fantasies of adding Lebron and D-Wade to their franchise. A bigger factor might be due to the reduced salary cap, which is a concession by the NBA that the recession has impacted league wide revenues.

No sports franchise or league can be completely independent of their macroeconomic environment of course. As unemployment edges up ever higher and households rein in their spending and reduce their debt burden, how will this affect attendance at games this season, and consequently, how will it affect the team's payroll in the future? Though we might technically see an uptick in our GDP this quarter, consumer spending might be weak for years. And spending upwards of $5k for season tickets each year is an indulgence that is easily cut.

Many of us renewed our season tickets last year before the fall of Lehman Brothers and before the extent of the collapse of housing values became known. Our record had alot to do with the sparse attendance last season, but we also have to remember that alot of those tickets were already sold to season ticket holders who were trying to unload them for pennies on the dollar during the year. This season promises to be alot better in terms of quality. But we are also staring into a very deep recession and a nagging sense that it would be wiser to put that extra $5k into CDs or TIPs rather than spending money as if we're immune from the recession.

The Clippers, as we know, are doing their best to maintain ticket prices for this season, which is a bit mind boggling as other teams with better records have slashed prices in order to maintain their fan base. I haven't renewed our tickets this season yet, and of course, I've been innundated with calls, special package deals, and incentives for renewal. I've talked with other season ticket holders who are also on the fence these past few weeks to compare notes on what Clippers rep are offering and it's very telling:

The reps are aggressively trying to get existing season ticket holders to buy additional tickets. They're offering to sell a second or third seat for half price. They've offered free parking passes plus two free tickets for every game (in the 300 section) for an extra $500 per seat (if you buy two seats in the 100 level). And prime seats in the first three rows of many sections are still available. What it adds up to is that ticket sales this year is shaping up to be disastrous for our Clips. They're hoping that they can sell more tickets or give away free tickets in the 300 section to existing season ticket holders and let them try to off load those seats to their friends and neighbors. I suppose this shouldn't be surprising with retail numbers still dismal across all sectors, with even stalwarts like WalMart reporting very weak sales figures.

Many of us here are hard core basketball junkies, of course. And there used to be consensus that during economic crisis and hard times, entertainment and sporting events tend to do well. But that was when going to a Yankees game cost you 25 cents. It seems that we are now light years away from those days, as a beer will now cost you $11 at the Staples Center. I'm curious if the recession will affect anyone's ability or willingness to attend Clippers games this year? Is anyone reining in their discretionary spending at all? Or are we still splurging on $100 scotch and laughing at the recession?

Where the Clips stand in the West

MichaelCage — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:08:59 -0000

After going through some posts on this blog, and talking to our Clippers rep for the upcoming season, it seems to me that many people assume that we have a good chance of making the playoffs next year. This seems a bit overly optimistic for a team coming off a 19 win season. Even if we double our wins to 38 next year, which would be a pretty impressive turnaround, that probably won't be enough to snag a spot in the western conference playoff. Granted the West has gotten weaker than in years past, but of the eight playoff spots in the West, how many are actually up for grabs?

I was talking to a friend today and this is our run down:

PLAYOFFS BOUND TEAMS (barring catastrophic injuries to superstar players)

1) Lakers - The world champs will snag a top three spot in the West even if they lose Lamar to free agency. Their only weakness is a thinning bench (if they lose Lamar) and a starting PG to ease the minutes for Fish. Artest might also run around naked and burn down the team hotel one night. Barring that, though, they should have a playoff spot locked up.

2) San Antonio - My sentimental favorite to win it all next year. The health of Ginobli is still key, but if their core can stay healthy with the addition of Richard Jefferson and darkhorse rookie DeJuan Blair, they might have enough fire power to take out even the Lakers on their best day.

3) Denver - Chancey has calmed the team down tremendously, and while they might not be as good as they were during the first two rounds of the previous playoffs, they'll probably get 50 wins even if they sleepwalk through the regular season.

4) Portland - Unless they take a huge step backwards, their young core should be even better next year. Maybe adding Andre Miller to the team will screw up their tempo and chemistry. But asides from that, they should have enough raw talent to contend for spots 3-6.

5) Utah - Deron Williams and Jerry Sloan will have to be placed on suicide watch if they fail to make the playoffs, with or without Boozer. They have enough talent and are disciplined enough not to slack off during the regular season.

6) New Orleans - Unless George Shin goes into complete miser mode and dumps Chris Paul's contract for peanuts, the Hornets should be able to snag one of the spot. Paul and Byron Scott are too competitive for the team to lose focus. Getting Okafor for Chandler gives them a bit better offense in the post, though they lose a bit of an edge defensively. Playing with Paul should also get Ike some good numbers.

7) Dallas - Kidd is another year older, but Dirk is still in his prime. They have alot of questionable guys like Jason Terry & Josh Howard, and a bunch of one dimensional ex-Clippers in Q Ross, Singleton, and Tim Thomas so they're almost a bubble team. But Carlise got those guys to play hard and they competed well in the last month of the season. Before he burns out the team completely, this Dallas squad should be able to build on their momentum this year. I think they'll probably end up in the 6th or 7th spot again.

BUBBLE TEAMS: That leaves these five teams fighting for the last playoff spot

8) Phoenix - Nash and Grant Hill might have enough left in the tank for one last push for the playoff, with Amare getting monster numbers now that Shaq is gone, but wins might be a different story. It's hard to count out Steve Nash, though, and they seem capable of at least playing .500 ball.

9) Houston - Was last year's playoff series against the Lakers without Yao a fluke? Artest played horribly after the first two games, so in a way, they were winning without him. Who knows how much T-Mac's got left, but they have a decent young core and Adelman might squeeze enough out of Brooks, Landry, Scola, and Battier to at least fight for the last spot. Aaron Brooks looks like a star against the Lakers. It will be interesting to see how effective he is in the regular season against guys with better ankles than Fish. But their young guys gained alot of confidence last year in pushing the Lakers to 7. The NBA season is long, but they just might have enough mental toughness to contend for the last spot.

10) Clippers - It's all about young core developing and making sure that the veterans don't suck up all the crunch time shots and stifle the growth of Blake and EJ. If Baron don't sulk and comes back in relatively good shape we should be there fighting for the last spot. It would help if you can sneak into the West under .500, but that hasn't happened in a long time. We need ALOT of luck, Blake & EJ to have a monster year, no injuries, and hope that Phoenix, Houston, OKC, and/or Dallas falters.

11) Oklahoma City - People are whispering that Durant might be able to lead the league in scoring next year. They have a good young core and the budding superstar. We're probably on equal footing with OKC and a step below Phoenix's level of consistency and veteran leadership. It will be interesting to see who finishes the season with a better record. That might be the real race for the Clips this year.

12) Golden State - Nellie is going to ramp up the pace again with all his young guns. They're alot more volatile than most teams, so if Nellie catches lighting in a bottle, they can get 45 wins, but on the other hand, everything can completely collapse on his head. Stephen Jackson and Maggette can get into fist fights or end up choking Nellie before the season is over.

Anyways, that's our take on the playoffs picture next year in the West. We're hoping to contend for the final spot, but with the teams ahead of us, it doesn't look all that promising. So we're dialing down our expectations accordingly. That way, if we make the playoffs, it will be a nice and pleasant surprise.

SportsXchange: Dunleavy says no changes for next season.

MichaelCage — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:21:56 -0000

For those fans who don't approve of changes in either coaching/personnel (40% of respondents), this should warm your hearts:

Los Angeles Clippers Getting Inside
SportsXchange
Apr. 16, 2009 09:40 AM

In limping to the finish line with their poorest record since the 1999-2000
season, the nagging question is this: Can the Clippers satisfy their long
suffering fan base by promising that an injury-free season next year with the
same cast of players will produce a playoff team? Clippers coach and general
manager Mike Dunleavy could be banking on that risky platform because when asked recently if he expected an overhaul of this year's team, his answer was that he did not think so, pointing out that of the 15 players currently on the team,
only two could claim to be Clippers in 2007-2008.

The makeover began in the offseason, which featured the ballyhooed signing of free agent guard Baron Davis, and it continued into the season, when Dunleavy sent veterans Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas to the New York Knicks in exchange for high-scoring forward Zach Randolph and sparingly-used swingman Mardy Collins. The trade did little to affect the Clippers' fortunes for this year. Time will tell if it is to have any future positive effect, other than opening up a starting position for potential star Eric Gordon, the 20-year old guard, whom the Clippers
selected seventh overall in the 2008 NBA draft.

Throughout this season, Dunleavy has used the same excuse that he offered for the team's debacle the previous year -- injuries. No doubt the team was decimated by injuries, with not one player able to stay healthy enough to play all 82 regular-season games. But it is possible that even if all the players would have remained healthy that the squad Dunleavy assembled was a combustible one.Randolph and free agent acquisition Ricky Davis came dragging baggage and both had episodes that gave credence to their wayward past. Ricky Davis had to serve a suspension for violating terms of the NBA's substance abuse policy, while Randolph was docked with a two-game team suspension for being arrested on a suspicion of DUI.

Clippers assistant general manager Neil Olshey said recently that it would be
difficult for whomever the Clippers draft to break into the rotation. (As their roster is already loaded with talent and lacks only chemistry to be successful).

So it seems that we will have more of the same next year, an encore of this season. Dunleavy still believes that he has assembled a very talented squad: as Ricky Davis, Zach, & Baron are capable of going off for 30 points on any given night. They didn't do so very often this season, but just wait till next year.

The Baron Poll: Part III

MichaelCage — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:02:56 -0000

I'm interested to see if fan opinion on this website has changed with regards to Baron. Earlier in the season, when sentiments turned against Baron at Staples, it seemed that his popularity held up relatively well online. The first poll, if memory is correct, gave Baron 85% approval. By mid season, the second poll gave Baron a 60% approval, so there were some decline, though the majority still believe that he is the team's leader and future. I would like to see if there's any further changes in opinion regarding Baron's leadership and role with this team going forward.

Poll

Should Baron be the Clippers starting point guard again next year?

Yes. Baron is still an All-Star, MVP caliber player. Give him, Dunleavy, and the team time to jell. Baron will lead the team to the Playoffs next year.

43 votes

No. Baron is fat and finished. Hand the team over to Gordon and the youngsters and rebuild.

52 votes

95 votes | Poll has closed

Dunleavy vs Fan

MichaelCage — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 10:25:25 -0000

Ok, I'm pretty exhausted as after the game as we spent a few too many hours at the Roosevelt afterwards, but this is too good to pass up. I've been watching Dunleavy's reaction to fans heckling and chants throughout the season and for the most part, the man has kept his composure. But tonight, at half time against Portland, he finally lost his cool.

One of the season ticket holder in my section is a pretty vocal guy. He's a big dude, with a deep baritone, who yells some pretty funny and sometimes derogatory things to opposing players to knock them off their game. This season, his ire has also turned to Dunleavy, Baron, Zach, or Kaman depending upon their level of ineptitude. Earlier in the season, he brought along signs and tried to lead the crowd in chants of "Pat Summit" to replace Dunleavy...which I thought was pretty funny, if you knew who Pat Summit was.

Well tonight, after a dismal second quarter, he was yelling at Dunleavy again. He wasn't the only one, as there were others yelling at Dunleavy to fire himself and of course, the now constant "Fire Dunleavy" chants reverberating in different part of the arena. But tonight, as Dunleavy was walking off the floor, he seemed more agitated than usual, and he turned to our section's human megaphone, grabbed his crotch and yelled back in very clear term to "kiss my ass." The redness in his face and his anger was palpable and made it clear that he wasn't joking around.

We thought it was amusing, though I'm sure that if this were New York and Dunleavy were Isiah, there would be an uproar about the coach cursing out his season ticket holders. I feel a bit sorry for the man though. Dealing with hecklers and unhappy fans is part of the job of being an NBA coach. But I get the feeling that the facade cracked a bit tonight. The season has been terrible and the toll is heavy for all involved...perhaps more on Dunleavy most of all. Perhaps relieving Dunleavy of his duties now would be the humane thing to do, though I doubt it will happen due to Sterling legendary miseriness. It will be an interesting off season to say the least.

A Message from Andy Roeser

MichaelCage — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:36:23 -0000

Is the Clippers entire organization completely tone deaf? With better teams than us slashing ticket prices for next year, did Andy Roeser confuse our team with the Lakers? Yes, the Lakers announced that they won't raise ticket prices next year due to the economy and their fans take it in stride...because they're close to 60 wins and are favored to win the championship AGAIN. Our team on the other hand has the inverse record of the Lakers and we're going to hit 60 losses. We're the laughingstock of the league and the city. And Andey Roeser has the balls to tell us that he understands our pain and will not raise ticket prices. Gee thanks. What an idiot. What a completly dysfunctional, tone deaf, incompetent organization. The Staples Center crowd is going to look like a girls high school basketball game next year for Clippers games. What a way to destroy what is left of the season ticket holder base. This is the last handful of dirt on the grave of Clippers Nation.

Here's the email that we got today from the Clippers:

We want to personally thank you for your loyal support as a Clippers Season Ticket Holder. We understand times are tough and appreciate your commitment to the team.

We recognize the effect the economy is having on our fans. More than ever, we understand that investing your hard-earned dollars in season tickets is a big commitment.

To help make your renewal decision a little easier, we are pleased to announce that there will be no price increase in the lower level for the second consecutive year. In addition, we think you'll be excited to learn about the new benefits, flexible payment options, and tenured Season Ticket Holder programs we have added. You've maintained the kind of enthusiasm we admire in Clippers fans and we are grateful for your dedication.

We remain optimistic regarding our core of young players combined with the experienced leadership of our veterans. We will also have the advantage of one of the top lottery picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, who should give us a boost next season as well.

We need your support more than ever and encourage you to remain loyal for the better times ahead. Your 2009-10 Season Ticket renewal kit will arrive in the mail next week.

We look forward to seeing you next season!

Sincerely,

Andy Roeser
President

The Nuclear Option: Isiah

MichaelCage — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:31:18 -0000

Ok, so I'm just reading the Isiah GM rumors and I'm shocked beyond words. If this were to happen, then I'm done with this franchise. Never mind renewing season tickets, I will never watch another Clippers game again. As a matter of fact, I will be tempted to put my fist through every TV screen showing a Clippers game.

Is this Dunleavy's ruse to freak out the fans and remind us that there are worst alternatives than him? After all, the articles seem to suggest that it was Dunleavy who set up the meeting between Isiah and Sterling. Perhaps all of us have underestimated Dunleavy. Perhaps he is much more than inept, he might be one of those rare, truly evil men (Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot) who plans nefarious deeds for the satisfaction of seeing everything burn, wither, and die. Ok, maybe he's not that evil, but he's at least on par with Manson or Charles Starkweather.

At any rate, bringing in Isiah is the equivalent of calling in a nuclear strike on your own position. The devastation would be total and there won't be a soul left standing. With a franchise as moribound as the Clippers, this can be construed as a good thing, I suppose.

We Clippers fans are gluttons for punishment. We've taken alot over the years. But this might be the greatest indignity of all. It just might be the final fatal blow.

Poll

Should we bring on Isiah and burn the Clippers house down?

Hell yeah, bring on Isiah. Let's watch the fireworks. I will renew my tickets to witness the calamity first hand.

18 votes

Errr...I would rather have Dunleavy as coach, GM, and dictator for life.

17 votes

Neither Zeke nor Dunce, we need the real deal...can we offer Osama or Al-Zawahiri a contract?

28 votes

63 votes | Poll has closed

Chaning Frye's post game comments about Clips

MichaelCage — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:06:49 -0000

Read this on my mobile phone's SportsXchange page, though strangely, you have to be a paid member in order to access their website via a computer....It will be interesting to see which Clippers team show up on Wednesday against the Celtics. The one that played well against Golden State or the one that the Portland players described below:

Los Angeles Clippers Notes, Quotes
--Right or wrong, the Trail Blazers thought they detected some early quit in the
Clippers during what eventually resulted in a 116-87 Portland victory Sunday.
According to Blazers forward-center Channing Frye, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy
kept calling the same plays over and over. In addition, several Portland players
said after the game that it seemed apparent to them that there was a lot of
bickering among Clippers players on the floor and it appeared that the players
didn't really like each other.

Bill Dwyre on Jerry West

MichaelCage — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:47:41 -0000

This is not directly Clippers related, but after reading this article by Bill Dwyre in the LA Times today, I couldn't help but be jarred by the discrepancy between the Clippers recent performance and this description of Jerry West:

Dwyre quoted Keith Erickson, who was a teammate of West, that "West was the only player he has ever seen who could score 40 points in a game in which his hamstring was torn and he couldn't run."

Jerry West loved the game with passionate intensity. It was why even his fiercest competitors loved and respected him; why Bill Russell would embrace and commiserate with him after beating the Lakers. Can you ever imagine West jogging down the court and not trying very hard? I think he would have rather shot himself in the head.

How did we ever go from Jerry West to Baron Davis? Are these guys even playing the same sport? Are they even part of the same family of man?

Heisler's NBA Roundup

MichaelCage — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:15:21 -0000

Did anybody read Heisler's weekly article on the NBA in Sunday's LA Times? He listed tonight's Clippers-Heat game as his NBA Game of the Week. Then he wrote "just kidding" right below it. Heisler is a funny guy.

He also moved us to dead last in his NBA Power Rankings. After tonight's performace against Miami, I think it is well deserved. I'm curious if other reporters in other cities (let's say the Plainsdealer) have their own power rankings and if they list the Clippers as dead last too. Heisler is a local reporter so he might be biased toward the Clips. I mean do national reporters look at our team and think that we're just run-of-the-mill awful? Or do they consider us exceptionally awful?

If we're going to be this bad, then we should strive to be the absolute worst that we can be. We should revel in our badness.