Dwight Howard or CP3? I thought it'd be fun to poll the Clipper nation to gauge how everyone feels about this. EJ's obviously a top SG in the league and is only getting better, but I get the feeling that a potential deal for Dwight or CP3 means that EJ will have to be a part of it unless those teams get desperate. So the question is would you guys include him for either Dwight or CP3?

With the lockout ongoing, isn't the U.S. going to be at a disadvantage at next year's Olympics if the worst case scenario plays through and there is a full season lost?  I don't know how many international players from other nations are also not playing, but it would seem the majority of those who can beat the U.S. (i.e. Spain, Argentina, Greece) have most of their players in a professional league somewhere.  

I realize that this topic is frivolous but hell there's no basketball i wanted to talk about something.  

Now that it's officially the off-season for the Clips, I was wondering who you guys thought would be the ideal free agent pickup for next season.  Obviously the glaring hole for the Clips is the 3 position.  The Clips also seem to have a bit of wiggle room though the whole situation is fluid because of the looming lockout possibility.  Assuming that the salary cap stays the same at $58 mil, who would you guys want?

Personally I think Wilson Chandler would be perfect.  He can pretty much guard positions 2-4, he rebounds, shoots the 3, and plays hard.  It would be tough because he is a restricted FA, but Denver does have other players on the wing (Afflalo who is also a FA and Danilo).  I say he's at least worth a shot.  Shane Battier and Prince would be nice choices for plan B.  They're both veterans and play to win.  

There was a link posted a while back on Clipsnation that had all the Free Agents by position (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=18192) for reference.  

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/21/sports/la-sp-clippers-fyi-20101222

No more walking boot needed for the Kaveman.  I know it's baby steps, but it's something right?  He's already effectively ruined part of my fantasy season so I guess I'm trying to be optimistic.  

On a side note, how excited is everyone too spot an Ike Diogu sighting?  I think I'm a solid 3 at this point.   

Just wondering if VDN is going to be starting Aminu from now on.  I'm assuming this is a given since he played so well against NOH.  I was confounded by VDN starting Gomes against the Knicks.  I thought Aminu would have torn them up as he has the athleticism to run with them and the length to match up against their smaller guards.  Gomes is solid and all, but I think most of us are in favor of letting Aminu develop and see what he can give us right?  

Ralph alluded to this yesterday: the Kaveman's poor play this season has been extra baffling because of the great preseason he had.  Anyone know what's going on with him?  Is it the beard?  Is Blake messing with his mojo?  All I know is his play is really what's preventing the Clips from getting over the hump so far this season.  I'm sure he'll have fun going up against Timmy D tonight too.

Should the Clips make an effort to trade for him?  Rudy can play the 3 (a position we need) and is a great shooter and ball handler.  Unfortunately, with the spate of new signings, we don't have many contracts on the books that we can trade.  The only trade that makes any sense and that is successful on the ESPN trade machine would be a Deandre Jordan for Rudy trade.  I'm sure we could throw in a draft pick.  Would you pull the trigger on that deal?  I personally would as I don't see Deandre developing into anything more than a bench player while we haven't seen what Rudy can do in a full time starting role.  We are of course assuming Rudy gets desperate and says I will go anywhere.  

Thoughts and predictions on Blake's "rookie" year?  I've been going back and forth about what type of numbers to expect from him and still don't know where I stand.  On one hand he is coming off major surgery and is adjusting to a whole new beast of a game.  On the other hand the guy has had a whole year to recover and is a phenomenal athlete and competitor.  I'm thinking the guy can average in the neighborhood of 14 and 10, though it's hard to see him winning the ROY over John Wall.  

Thoughts or predictions on the upcoming road trip? 

Washington

Boston (Back to back)

New Jersey

Minnesota

Cleveland

Chicago

Atlanta (back to back)

Thankfully there's only two back to backs in there, but considering how the Clips have been struggling on the road (5-14 this year), this could be a 2-5 trip.  I worry the Washington game is a trap as they've won 2 of 3 including a win over Portland and close loss against Dallas.  Also Eric's status is still up in the air for that one.