Sounds like Houston doesn't want Tmac.  Would you pull the trigger on this trade?

I don't really think Houston would pull the trigger on this trade, but according to the trade machine this gives Houston +4 and us -9 (I think we know better).  If anything this could get some ideas sparked up in discussion.

Houston Gets:

BD, Ricky Davis, Mardy Collins, Rasual Butler

Clippers Get:

TMac, Aaron Brooks and Chase Buddinger

Our lineup:

PG: Aaron Brooks

SG: Eric Gordon

SF: TMac (he will need to shift over)

PF: Blake Griffin

C: Chris Kaman

Bench: AT, Bassy, Smith, Camby, DJ, Budinger and we would need to pick up a vet min SG.

After tonight, I vow not to utter those words for the remainder of the season.  In Clipper Nation, it seems this word only serves to torture us.  We say these words, then get our hopes up, only to have them smashed by a team missing their superstar anchor.  

Is it a jinx along the likes of SP reverse mojo or is a factor of the bball gods toying with our emotions? Whenever we think the Clippers will lose, they win, when we think they will win, they lose.

*on a side note about the game*

With a Hornets team over the foul limit at the 8 minute mark,  why were the Clippers settling for jumpers?  Why not attack the rim and keep drawing fouls. 

If the Clippers had converted on all those Hornet turnovers in the last quarter, they would have been in it.

Al Thornton, let's not let the loss sour on how good he has looked lately.  Thanks Al for being the lone hustler tonight.

We all joke about firing MDsr (and Jasen Powell...or the entire medical staff for that matter), but at what point does it become a serious discussion.  I know to many that it already is and they probably feel that he should have been fired long ago.  How much slack can he be given?  Come All-Star break what should our team record be for him to stay on board as the coach?

As for the GM duties, I really like the team that has been assembled so personally I would hope of him staying as GM if he cannot pull through with coaching duties. 

If in fact the team does keep doing poorly and we all agree he should step down.  How do we keep MDsr and fire Dunleavy?! Does anyone have any creative solutions where this would be a possibility?

Kaman recently said he prefers the half court game because he can see things come together and he knows where his teammates are (i.e. cannot process and make decision fast enough during run and gun).

Does this conflict with the "we're going to run" statement and desires of a lot of teammates or does it simply add another dimension?

I think things will become more clear when Blake Griffin gets back. 

I suppose it could work like this: During a break I'm assuming Kaman won't be involved, but BG, AT, EJ and BD would be charging down court (which should be enough firepower anyway)...should they need to reset and set up a half court game, by then Kaman will have caught up and be ready to establish position in the low block. 

Not sure, but that statement kind of struck me and made me stop to think a bit....

...I know it's hard and disappointing, but we have to think about it before we press the panic button.

Last year we were extremely excited about this team, we thought it could do damage.  This was before the arrival of Blake Griffin.  We didn't even have Blake Griffin in the realm of consciousness. 

The team is already better than last year's in every position, excluding Blake Griffin.  It's still possible to do well in the first few weeks.

DJ will just have to develop faster.  Camby will have to speed up his recovery timeline.

Who was the backup point guard last year? Upgraded with Bassy

Who was the backup SG and SF? Upgraded with Sual

Then there's the front court.  Kaman, Camby, DJ, Smith and even Novak.  The team's front court is already deep, certain (you know who) players need to mentally show up and it's all good.

So let's think about it before we cry too much.

I am extremely disappointed in not being able to see the exciting and dynamic Griffin for another 6 weeks (let's hope he doesn't get stuck on the Kaman vortex timeline of doom), but there's still a lot to look forward to.

Looking at the depth of bigs, what do you guys think the number of minutes DBlair will play?  Currently he has to contend with fairly quality bigs who can play the 4 in McDyess, Bonner and Ratliff.  While they do have a lot of miles on them I think it will be tough for a rookie to crack the rotation full of established and experienced vets, Bonner excluded. However, Bonner does bring shooting to the table and can spread the floor.

Anyone else find the combination of these two players intriguing?  Each player in the second unit has their deficiencies which prevent them from being starters, but when put on the floor together (coupled with someone who can spread the floor) seem to mesh perfectly.

Telfair - can't hit a jump shot to save his life, but is a magician with the ball in his hands.

DJ - is a lot more solid this year, but still lacks some in game experience and ability to consistently create in the post. 

DJ is a finisher, you give that guy the ball when he has momentum near the post and he will throw it down.   He's tenacious, no drop back flip shot, no dribble dribble to a soft layup, no fade away jumper...just will power to get to the rim and throw it down.  While I hope he develops something beyond this, right now it's not so bad (I grow tired of seeing Mr. Flippy do his thing leading to a clank, when he could have just thrown it down!).

He also has the ability and coordination to detect jukes and catch passes (instead of Kaman who seems to get faked out himself leading to a bumble and a turnover). 

This is perfect for someone like Telfair who can create openings and make some NICE passes to DJ. 

I think it is going to be interesting.

I almost felt sorry for Baron because he can't do the same with Kaman.  Kaman needs to catch the ball from a nice and simple pass...do a dribble or two...compose himself then go to work.  Every trick pass that Baron throws to him gets bumbled and lost out of bounds.  Then I remembered he had Griffin...

P.S. Does anyone know where I can get a swingman DeAndre Jordan jersey?  This is the one I want the MOST.

I know how some of us may feel about the Mike Taylor loss, I'm particularly bummed because I genuinely liked the guy.  he was in all of my debates regarding how good the Clippers can be and now he is gone.

However, among other waivers there could be some potential.

Taking on Laker leftovers is never the greatest feeling, but what about Sun Yue?

In action he is a smart passer, versatile (can play the 1-3), has the tall PG body type (I believe listed at 6'9) Dunleavy loves.  He's also an unknown commodity with plenty of potential that wouldn't cost us a fortune.

He might not take choose to sign with us, but if he is willing, does anyone else think it would be worth it to give Sun Yue a test run?

DJ and Camby are tied for my favorite players on the team.  I think DJ is long, lean, and athletic and hopefully he will be part of the Clipper youth movement for years to come. 

I really believe that if he were to gain additional strength he could be a dominant center.   He looks a bit soft to me, doesn't really have a "man's" body.  I'm just wondering if it's genetics and he's trying really hard to gain strength or if he just isn't focusing on it.

Judging by his recent workouts posted on his journal, it doesn't really seem to be the case.  It seems they have him do a lot of running and sprints (which is good in it's own right), but I don't see any strength training involved.  What do you guys think?