SB Nation User Blog: clippers#1

first impressions: Clipper scrimmage

clippers#1 — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:50:57 -0000

In lieu of ClipperSteve being at ClipperMax's soccer game, I offer these Clipper first impressions from their open-to-public scrimmage at Camp Pendleton Semper Fit gym:

Was that Sam Cassell standing courtside? No kidding, behind the Clippers' bench stood a man with a gray t-shirt, gym shorts, basketball shoes and an egg-shaped, bald head who looked exactly like Sam at first, second and third glance except it was a marine private-or-lieutenant. Everyone behind the Clippers's bench was talking about the resemblance, and I even noticed even Chris Kamen and Tim Thomas talking about Sam's look-a-alike before tip-off.

When I got done with my double takes of the Cassell's twin, a fan with a Golden State uniform walked through the gym door, which of course had Baron Davis number. It made me wonder what type comments I would have received if I wore my Felton jersey instead of my long-sleeve Clipper shirt, especially when taking photos with Clipper players and my eight-month old son. That would have made for some humorous moments. Should have done it!

My son's photo with Kamen, Davis, and others completed a life cycle journey for me as my dad took my to Buffalo Braves games as a kid, and I have a photo of my dad holding me up to a 7-foot center named Jim McDaniel. have to say I found all the Clipper players friendly, especially Tim Thomas and BD, in my 10 seconds with most players (it would have been all except the wife and I had an argument1). BD made several goofy faces at my son, who just stared down the Clippers' newest star without a response, while Thomas was the only played to hold my son and chatted with him. He also seemed to be a fan favorite of those seeking photos and authographs.

Now on to the scrimmage... Two Clippers who looked sharp in their return to the Clippers were Brian Skinner and Jason Hart. Skinner had a one-hand slam of an offensive rebound, aggressively blocked a dunk attempt by another Clipper and swished his only 15-foot jump shot, while Hart capable commanded the blue squad's offense and hit several jumpers, making me thankfully not think about Brevin Knight's outside shot. BD, the other Clipper making a return to LA, did not stand out as one would expect of an all-star, yet Kamen, rookie David Noel (a long-shot to make the roster who otherwise looked solid by hitting two jumpers) and perhaps others blew easy shots or were called for traveling from Davis' on-the-spot passes.

As for signs of a possible more up-tempo Clipper offens? BD did push the ball up the court whenever possible, yet he was playing with Kamen, Mobley, P.Davis, TThomas, Steve Novak and DeAndre Jordan (rather than Ricky Davis or Al Thorton) and I don't remember any points off fast break from BD's white squard, who I think ended up winning the 40-minute scrimmage. Other first impressions: Kamen controlled the defensive boards in absence of Camby (flu past few days); Mobley was called for traveling three times; Paul Davis looked like he could crack the rotation again by connecting on four or five jumpers while never-ever-ever showing a single emotion; Ricky Davis and Al Thorton, as expected, showed flashed of offense; and Steve Novak connected on the majority his outside shots while looking otherwise one-dimensional.

Overall, the Clippers collectively looked sort of raggedy--which would be expected after a week of practice--and it is way too early to judge their performance. However, the sight of so many outside shots made from the perimeter is definitely a good sign of things to come. BD hit a sweet turn-around 20-footer from the corner and a three-pointer, and though BD did not stand out in this scrimmage, his leadership was evident in communicating with players about mishaps on the court. That has to a good sign, too. One humorous moment was a prank by rookie Mike Taylor, who called rookie Deandre to come back to the bench from the scorer's table and asst. Kim Hughes had to send Jordan back.

Go clippers!

ho hum, quentin ross a Grizz

clippers#1 — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:29:07 -0000

Quentin Ross signed a contract with Memphis Grizzlies Friday, according to their website. Just in case any one is interested in former Clipper, who hopefully can crack the rotation of the last year's (I think) worst team in NBA. Correct me if I am wrong. While he will shore up their perimeter defense, I don't think he will score points from the perimeter, as Clips fans can attest. He's a win-lose player on perimeter.

Baron Davis -- Jenny Craig Spokesperson

clippers#1 — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 07:19:45 -0000

Thought everyone might be interested in story in Daily Breeze (www.dailybreeze.com) on Baron Davis becoming a spokesperson for Jenny Craig. Article says Davis gained weight on and off this summer, then lost 19 pounds in August on Jenny Craig food. It says he is beginning to get plenty of ribbing from friends, and article also mentions Davis wanting to be quicker-and-faster for up-tempo offense, so I guess this partly answers questions on previous post about Davis' activities in off-season.

training camp quest

clippers#1 — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:11:42 -0000

training camp quest

anybody know when training camp starts, and if there are any open scrimmages? Thinking getting my 8-month son started as Clipper fan!

Turn around season: 46 - 36

clippers#1 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:04:19 -0000

This is my prediction for Clippers' 08-09 record. Here's why:

Kamen 2.6: Develops year-long consistency and less of labrador demeanor while providing strong post play and defense in the middle. 15 pts, 11 reb, nearly 3 blkx

Camby: Smart player adjusts to new teammates in complimentary fashion with solid team defense in middle, rebounding, blocking shots, providing passing-offense as needed and leadership. 8 pts, 10 rebs, nearly 3 blks.

B.Davis: All-star play from L.A. native is key to season turn-around, and he brings intangible component to make offense click in fast-break and half court, providing Clippers with floor leader its never had except one year of Sammy. 20 pts, 7 assist, 5 rebs.

Mobley: With better teammates, savvy veteran rises to occasion with leadership in preseason in developing on-and-off-court chemistry to make this experiment work while adding solid play on courth. 10 pts.

Thorton: While B. Davis play is major key to season in addition to other players performing in their roles, Thorton is second most important player in season turn-around. I'm optimistic AT ups game in second year with better teammates, a year of experience, and does not fail to disappoint with MUCH bigger role. Relex, AT, and just play. 15 pts.

R.Davis: First man off bench, Dynamite sixth-man type player rejuvenates Clippers bench with many buckets scored in variety of exciting fashion from 3's to dunks. 10 pts

J. Williams: Veteran directs second unit with poise, leadership to keep offensive scoring. Brings unselfish passing, teamwork that jells 2nd unit of TT, RD, etc, together, when played together. 6 pts, 4 assists

T. Thomas:Here's hoping, wishing for TT of 3 years ago who shot Clips out of Western Conference Championship... here's hoping, wishing for Tin Man to find a heart to go with athletic-basketball ability. JW and BD will help TT find the heart for improved, yet not stellar play off bench. 3 pt. touch returns! Grab some rebounds, TT, play with purpose, and we're past the first round. Because of expected on consistent performance from 7 previous players, I call TT my third key to turn-around season. 7 pts, 4 rebs

B. Skinner: Can't underrate tenacious, physicality in post and practice to improvement in Clippers. In practice, he helps Kamen develop more toughness, which translates to better Kamen in games. 3 pts, 3 rebs

B. Gordon: New man in league will take time to impact team, yet BD once again will bring best out of BG with his mentoring rooking. Confident BG, when gets comfortable, will provide flashes of offense. 8 pts,

S.Novak: Guy can shoot. That's good for team with BKnight, QRoss, JPowel on court last year. Fills in admirably whenever, however. Good team player. 3pts

Jordan: I'd like to say look out for former projected lottery big man! Offense will be rough, yet all he needs do is rebound, play D and he will impact team. Keep practicing for bigger, future impact. 1 pts.

Any other players, I guess, have not made my radar.

46 - 36 is good for Clippers making playoffs...as long as MD puts focus on team winning with defense. BD and co. can take care of offense with freer style of play on offense than past, if MD loosens grip a tad.

What do you guys think?????????