SB Nation User Blog: madglove

The target should be Ricky Rubio

madglove — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:58:41 -0000

A few of us broached this topic in the Iverson thread and upon SilverClip's suggestion, I thought I would put up a separate fan post to fill the lull before the next game.

There have been several discussions on what the team should do in the near future (ie. the next 1-3 years). Some have suggested trading Kaman to maximize cap space to make a serious run at Lebron James, Wade and others. Some have suggested standing pat and just seeing what we have. My contention is that the team needs to focus on putting the right pieces around Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin. Those two are our core and because they're so young, we have the time and resources to build a contender around them to ensure that 1) we make the most of the talent that we have, and 2) to make sure that neither want to leave as free agents when the time comes. The idea is similar to what the Thunder are doing around Durant.

To that end, I think the plan should be clear - trade for Ricky Rubio.

The fit is natural - Minny has Flynn and Sessions for the next several years. There's already been speculation that they will try to trade Rubio before the draft next summer. The Clips have a need for a PG to grow with EJ and Blake, and Baron only has a few more years left in his prime. Plus, the timing is perfect as Rubio won't come to the NBA for another year or two. By that time, the time will be right to hand the reigns over to him from Baron.

The icing on the cake of course is that the Clips own the TWolves' draft pick, unprotected in 2011 and have several other assets at its disposal.

The trade proposal that I originally suggested was Thornton and Minny's pick for Rubio and Brewer. Minny could use the scoring punch at the 3 and the Clips are obviously in need of a defensive stopper on the wing. However, based on David Kahn's latest comments, I think it seems as if they value cap space. Thus, I'm thinking another option would be Ricky Davis and Minny's pick for Rubio, Brewer and Ryan Hollins (this would really be 2 separate trades - Davis for Hollins and Brewer for our Z-Bo trade exception). This frees up an additional $5+ mil in cap space for Minny, giving them max or near max cap space this summer.

This would give the Clips a future starting five (Rubio, Gordon, Brewer, Griffin, Kaman) all in their 20s and as balanced as any in the league. A pure passing PG, an all around SG, a defensive stopper SF, a star PF, and a true center.

OT - So who wanted Iverson again?

madglove — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:25:21 -0000

So yea...who wanted Iverson on this team again? All the talk about him being willing to come off the bench was BS. It's a wonder anyone is surprised (yet I'm sure some are).

After his first game (after missing all of preseason and the first three games of the season), he's already complaining about coming off the bench. Gotta love this quote:

"I had no problems (with the hamstring)," Iverson said afterward. "I had a problem with my butt from sitting on that bench so long. That's the only thing I got a problem with."

Just think, we'd be 1-4 right now AND having to listen to that guy cry about coming off the bench.

Just say no to cancerous players.

SI.com - Opposing Scout Analyzes the Clips

madglove — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:19:28 -0000

SI.com - Opposing Scout Analyzes the Clips

Some pretty interesting stuff. I obviously don't agree with everything, but it's good insight nevertheless.

Yahoo's J.E. Skeets still likes Blake Superior

madglove — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:15:48 -0000

Yahoo's J.E. Skeets still likes Blake Superior

It's Yahoo's posting of the Griffin dunk but he says:

"In a recent survey conducted by NBA.com, 79.3 percent of the league's general managers picked Clippers forward Blake Griffin(notes) to end up as rookie of the year. Good choice, gentlemen. Blake Superior is ready."

Blake Griffin Mailbag - Apparently accepts "Amazin"

madglove — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:41:54 -0000

Blake Griffin Mailbag - Apparently accepts "Amazin"

He answers the question of what his nickname is and says that they call him "Amazin." So I guess it's set.

Steve's is clearly more creative, but it is what it is. Ironically, the "Great Nickname Debate" on Clipsnation is probably what caused all this. Lisa liked Steve's nickname and asked Blake about it. It caused a stir amongst the fans, resulting in constant questions to Eric Pincus, Lisa, Blake and other Clips. This pushed DJ to promise to come up with a nickname...and now we have it - Amazin.

Blake's Amazin, so Amazin, so Amazin, so Amazin...

Lisa Dillman Likes Blake Superior

madglove — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:18:41 -0000

Lisa Dillman Likes Blake Superior

"Unlike Eric Gordon - who was called Hobbit from Day 1 (it has since been shortened to Hobbs) - there doesn't seem be an obvious one for the No. 1 draft pick. Blogger ClipperSteve has suggested Blake Superior.

(I'm in favor of that one, having actually been in chilly Lake Superior for a few seconds as a youngster)"

"Blake Superior" Expands...

madglove — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:12:29 -0000

I'm sure this is going to tick off all the angry folks against the nickname, but Steve, it looks like your efforts are working. Obviously yesterday's headline on Yahoo Sports was just great, but other blogs and sites are starting to pick up on it too.

Check out the latest entry from Basketbawful.com:

Back in more innocent times, Brian Skinner, Darius Miles and Lamar Odom were supposed to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a new and greater destiny. They believed, man. They believed in themselves, their team, and you, the basketball fan. And probably the Legend of Chupacabra...which, as it turns out, is much easier to believe in than the Clippers. Clippers fans should consider that as they begin the "Blake Superior" era.

Awesome. Clearly people are liking the nickname (despite those on here who claim it doesn't have a ring to it).

Btw, after this catches on completely and the TNT crew starts using it, remember who pushed you to promote the nickname!

FanHouse Player to Watch - Eric Gordon

madglove — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:51:58 -0000

FanHouse Player to Watch - Eric Gordon

This article really does a great job of capturing what makes EJ so good. My favorite part:

"You'll find Gordon in the Double Awesome quadrant, where high usage and high efficiency combine to form Double Awesomeness. "

EJ = Double Awesomeness

Dimemag - Baron is 21st best "Go-To" Player in the League

madglove — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:23:47 -0000

Dimemag - Baron is 21st best "Go-To" Player in the League

John Lucas to Join Clips as Assistant!

madglove — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:55:57 -0000

John Lucas to Join Clips as Assistant!

This is from Lisa Dillman:

reallisaJohn Lucas over in Clipper offices now. Completing finishing touches for him to join Clippers as assistant coach. One-year deal. More TK.

GREAT news as far as I'm concerned. Lucas is WELL respected by players around the league and helps bolster our reputation as a changed franchise.