SB Nation User Blog: Newtybar

Let's Talk: How many wins is Blake Griffin really going to add?

Newtybar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:19:50 -0000

It's hard to say without ever seeing him play a "real" NBA game, but with the play of everyone in the starting lineup, where will Blake Griffin fit in? How much is he going to add to each game and how many wins will the Clippers get as a result?

Marcus Camby is beasting it right now, will the addition of Griffin matter as much as we think?

Here's my take, I think Griffin can pretty much kiss ROY goodbye. His role is going to be in the second unit or possibly starting against teams with "stretch" fours. Camby is just playing too well to be taken out of the game. BG isn't as long and won't be able to provide the shot bothering defensive presence that Camby brings (although you could argue that it seems BG has high BBIQ and a solid body so he could be a good defender in different ways a-la Shane).

This doesn't mean he won't be a pivotal part of the team. Energy and a scoring threat off the bench, good glue guy, strong explosive talent. No one in the second unit should be able to stop him. Reliable backup who will give Kaman and Camby plenty of rest.

You could also play him as a 3, but at this point I really doubt he can shoot any better than either AT or Sual.

All in all I think he will add 5 or 6 wins.

TMac, Aaron Brooks, Chase Buddinger for BD, RDavis, Mardy Collins, Sual

Newtybar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:53:12 -0000

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.

"Winnable Game"...I vow not use these words anymore, how about you?

Newtybar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:58:08 -0000

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.

Poll

Will you use the phrase "winnable game" anymore?

Heck yes, that's how I feel and I'll make no apoloy for using it!

11 votes

I too will not use this word any longer....pertaining to the Clippers

13 votes

Oh god....please no one else use it...I get sick to my stomach when I see it.

15 votes

39 votes | Poll has closed

At What Point Does Firing Dunleavy Become a Serious Issue?

Newtybar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:22:37 -0000

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?

Everyone wants Clippers to run, but CK3.0 likes the half court game

Newtybar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:30:21 -0000

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....

Let's Try to Be Rational for a Moment..

Newtybar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:25:01 -0000

...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.

Lack of Minutes for Blair?

Newtybar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:17:07 -0000

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.

Poll

How many minutes will DeJuan Blair average per game this season?

0 to 10 minutes

7 votes

10 to 15 minutes

41 votes

15 to 20 minutes

33 votes

20 to 25 minutes

11 votes

25 to 30 minutes

1 votes

30 to 35 minutes

0 votes

35 to 40 minutes

1 votes

94 votes | Poll has closed

Second Unit: Telfair & DeAndre Jordan + Any Shooter (Gordon, Novak, Sual)

Newtybar — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:17:24 -0000

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 could be crazy but...The Monkey King?

Newtybar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:34:51 -0000

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?

Clippers waived G. Mike Taylor.

Newtybar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:01:05 -0000

Clippers waived G. Mike Taylor.

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