SB Nation User Blog: moKi

Why Clips Shouldn't Rent Marion For One Year

moKi — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:22:35 -0000

After reading some of the comments to this post I thought I should rephrase the title to better convey what I believe. I didn't change anything I wrote except adding a bold in the second paragraph. I respect the yearning of Clipper Nation to BELIEVE that the Clips have a shot a LeBron James but I hold firm in my belief that the odds of that happening are so low that they shouldn't squander an opportunity to lock in a nice vet player at reasonable price. If he wants too much money or too many years, I agree - forget it. But if you can get him on a Cuttino type deal - he may be a great deal.

Seeing the results of Steve's poll I guess I am in the minority but let me ramble on as to why it might make sense to sign Marion to a multi-year deal instead of a 1 year.

First off, to be clear, my opinion is to get him for a reasonable (~6 to 7M/year) multi-year deal or not at all. Here's why:

1. A One Year Deal with the Clips is Wasted Money

From a fan's standpoint: I don't know Marion's mindset, but it's not a hard jump for anyone to think that a one year deal with the Clippers is easy money. If Marion doesn't perform well it will be easy for many fans to think that the Clippers are just a pit stop for him on the way to somewhere else. It would be easy to think he's not giving a full 100% because he won't be here next year. Any little injury - why push it? He's gone in a year anyway! Total waste of money.

Opposite View: He has to play well - he's in a contract year. Well if he's so interested in looking good on a one year deal shouldn't he accept less money and play for a winning team, with more national airtime, where he could look better for 2010? It just seems that if he takes more money to come to the Clips for one year - his mentality is more focused on the almighty dollar than winning. Plus as a player how would you feel if a team told you, "We only want you for a year, take it or leave it?" Doesn't really make you feel all warm and fuzzy about being part of a team, does it? Would you really put 100% effort into being the "glue" for a bunch of guys you'll be leaving in 9 months anyway?

From Al Thornton's standpoint: Why are they renting this guy to play in front of me for a year? What's the plan here? Should I just cruise until the year is over and I get my starting spot back? Disappointment and confusion.

2. Forget the 2010 Cap Space - No Tier One Guys Will Sign With the Clippers

Get real Clipper Nation. Let's say you rent Marion for a year - obviously hoping he does well. Let's say everything goes according to plan. The new Clippers get to the Western Conference Finals. (Why do I throw that in there? Because. Do you think LeBron is going to want to play for a team that just barely made it into the playoffs or past the first round? NO WAY. It's either go to a contender or stay with the Cavs who will most likely be able to offer him the most money. Remember Kobe coming to the Clippers for less money? Yeah that didn't work out for the Clippers.)

Okay, so Marion does great for one year, like you hope. You throw a bid at LeBron, along with a handful of other teams. As he's taking his time deciding, Marion says "I guess I'm out" and signs somewhere else. LeBron says "No Thanks" and signs with some other team in the East (Why would he even come West, where it's so crowded?...) and the Clippers are starting over again.

Now you've lost your perfectly good glue guy and you're starting over. Again. Rebuild team chemistry - again. What happens to Al Thornton? - again. Bring in someone else? If you're thinking Al is going to be the guy by then, why even sign Marion? Shouldn't Al develop now? All those issues, one year later - same place.

Why didn't I mention Wade or Bosh? Wade plays the 1/2 (uh, Baron and Gordon???) And Bosh? (I see him maybe if both Kaman and DJ look horrible, I guess) But then you're in big trouble if you need to go after Bosh because then you'll want Marion locked in for more years after you just went to the WCF with him. Marion must have been decent to great if Kaman/DJ sucked and you still got that far.

3. Getting Marion for Multiple Years Solves Some Vital Issues

(a) Stability. Marion will know this is his immediate future. He can invest himself fully into the team, being the glue between Baron, Gordon, and Griffin who will all be here with him for the next few years. They can build on this 4 man core. He can settle in and play not having to worry about the upcoming offseason.

(b) Solves the Al Thornton issue. Al knows that he's now behind a veteran for the forseeable future. If he wants to start again he's gotta outplay Marion to get it back. That means play the right way, defend, etc. ALL VERY GOOD. Either Al will step up or the Clips let him go when his rookie contract is up AND they'll still have Marion.

(c) The Cuttino Mobley Value Factor. I loved the Clips signing of Cuttino. It wasn't splashy but it was great knowing we had him for X amount of years and he devoted himself to the Clips. I think it was a very fair contract and Cuttino certainly gave us fans our money's worth. I see signing Marion the same way. A veteran whose glory years might be behind him but is able to give a solid contribution night in and night out AT A REASONABLE price.

I think the Clippers win by giving Gordon and Griffin (along with DJ and Taylor) a vet guy who they know will be with them for a few years - and Marion wins by getting a longer contract and a big market to maybe make his last hurrah in and cash in on whatever endorsements might still be out there.

Yeah there is the possibility that LeBron would sign with the Clippers, but really what are the odds? You'd have to say not very good at this point or even a year from now. What's the odds that Shawn Marion will be a bust in a multi year deal? We know very well in Clipperland that injuries can ruin the value of contracts at any time. You have to go with the assumption that players will be healthy and perform close to their career numbers or you'd never make any moves.

Get Marion for a reasonable multi year deal and stabalize the roster now.

The Z-Bo Gone Effect

moKi — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:04:16 -0000

Thank you, Memphis!

With Zach Randolph heading east, the clouded clipper roster may soon take a more solid state. So what next?

MUST SIGN NOVAK

1. NOW, re-signing Novak makes sense. With Z-Bo, BG, Flippy, Camby, DJ and Skinner on the roster I could not see the Clips matching any offer to sign a guy that couldn't play the 3 spot. I just could not see it no matter how many times Perrin wrote it. But now with Skinner opting out and Memphis magically making Z-Bo disappear - THEY NEED TO SIGN NOVAK.

Why? Z-Bo oddly enough was the only other 4 who could shoot from outside with any consistency. He made quite a few 3s last season (his decision to launch those 3s not being debated here). But his corner 3s were an important part of the offense when he got pushed way out, or ended up there on a broken play.

As much as Phil thought Radman was a space cadet, I though Vlad filled a great role as a Clipper 4 who could shoot the long ball. Compared to Novak I think Vlad had a better slash and dunk move, but Novak seems to be a far superior shooter. Everyone remembers how deadly he was, but I also remember those games where he went 0 for whatever. Dunleavy may have the luxury of using him more wisely, taking him out of games where he's not connecting.

GIVE MARDY A CHANCE

2. Everyone can now calm down. Seems many Clip fans are worried about getting a gluey small forward. I say fooey to the gluey. I really, really liked the play of Mardy Colins and I have faith in him. He is still young and he is deceptively agile. I remember quite a few games where I watched him get by people in slow motion - almost like how Sam Cassell got by some guys - not everybody, but enough to make a living. I think he showed himself to be a decent defender and a willing passer. Give the guy a chance. Plus there's still that Thornton kid with so much potential...

SIGN FRED JONES

3.Why sign Fred Jones? See dunk vs. the Knicks @ Staples. How did no other team in the league sign him last year? Former slam dunk champ, able to knock down end of clock 3s over and over again. Remember his explanation of how he was so clutch? "I don't get the ball unless no one else has a shot and usually there's no time left to do anything but shoot it." Haha. Awesome. When Eric needs a breather Jones will be a perfect backup.

I WANT SHAUN BACK

4. Hey they're getting Q Rich back, let's make it a reunion tour and get Livingston back too! Wouldn't it be nice to see Shaun back in a Clipper jersey? He needs to finish what he started here in L.A. and make his comeback in front of fans that are really pulling for him. Plus I want to see all those crazy passes and lobs he used to throw to Wheezy, now going to Blake Griffin! Bullet passes, no look, behind the back, through the legs passes to Gordon, Blake, Camby, Baron.... 6'7" Point Guard out of Peoria, Illinois (The crowd roars!)

So in my semi-reality based dreams....My 2009-2010 Clippers!

PG: Baron Davis, Mike Taylor, Shaun Livingston
SG: Eric Gordon, Fred Jones, Quentin Richardson
SF: Al Thornton, Mardy Collins, Quentin Richardson
PF: Blake Griffin, Steve Novak, Marcus Camby
C: Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman, DeAndre Jordan

Benched in dress suit for entire season: Ricky Davis

Totally OT: King of Pop & Queen of Angels Die on G-Day

moKi — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:35:51 -0000

I know. Totally off topic.

But I was thinking about how in a year or two, Clipper fans might look back on this day as the one that HELPED turn things around with the acquisition of one Blake Griffin.

But now this day is even more memorable with the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.

Dude, I am now OFFICIALLY old.

I remember being a kid and thinking Michael was AWESOME and wishing I could dance like him. How many of us tried to do the moonwalk in our socks on the kitchen floor after our jaws dropped watching the Grammy's?

How many of us saw posters of Farrah Fawcett and wondered if we could ever meet anyone half as beautiful when we grew up? It was so unfair to be a kid when she was so hot - definitely the hottest of all of Charlie's Angels!

Anyhow - just thought I would tie in the non Clipper world on this day just to remind us of people that are lost while the Clippers are gaining #1...

What a day.

The Blake Griffin Effect/Conference Call Thoughts

moKi — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:51:36 -0000

I almost want to renew now. Sigh.

Decisions, decisions. Even with the prospect of a BG team next year, I somehow still think I will be able to get better seats for less than STH prices if I wait and go single game. What do you guys think?

Anyhow, on to…

The Effects of drafting Blake Griffin at #1

1. Novak is a goner.
According to Hoopshype the Clips will take on a cool $5M to add Young Grif. Playing in the same position and taking that much money, I doubt the Clips can afford to keep the fan favorite, "Buy Season Tickets" commercial, 3 ball, Net killer Novak.

He got far too much attention from other teams for his sharp shooting last season. He will be offered something the Clips won't match.

[6"10" white guys who could stroke a three but can't defend? Vlad Rad, Novak - one and done.]

2. Style of Play - What is it?
Dunleavy always liked to tell interviewers that the Clippers could play both uptempo AND halfcourt. They could run "selectively" when the opportunities arose but dump it in the post when needed. But how will Griffin fit into Dunleavy's system? What is Dunleavy's system? Will he bombard Griffin with a gigantic playbook? Or will Dunleavy adjust to Griffin? Will he even start him?

3. Randolph or Thornton Will Not Be Happy
If the Clips play Young Grif Laker/Thunder style, as a big 3 (Odom, Durant - tall SFs) Thornton will see less playing time and probably be pretty unhappy. If the Clips try to play faster, playing Young Grif at the 4, Randolph will not be happy coming off the bench, not to mention the fact that he makes far too much money to not play big minutes.

4. Griffin Will Not Be Happy If He Doesn't Start
So if the Clips decide to start Thornton and Randolph and bring in Griffin to spell both of them, will he be happy? The Heat brought Beasley in games off the bench, but I think Young Grif is a far different player than B-Easy. Grif's game seems far better suited as a starter than Beasley's laid back, jacking up jumpshots game.

5. If I Was GM & Coach
Next seasons lineup at this point would be...

PG: Baron Davis, Mike Taylor, Eric Gordon
SG: Eric Gordon, Fred Jones, Mardy Collins, Ricky Davis
SF: Mardy Collins, Al Thornton, Blake Griffin, Ricky Davis
PF: Blake Griffin, Zach Randolph, Chris Kaman
C: Marcus Camby, DeAndre Jordan, Chris Kaman

Gone: Skinner (buyout? - he has a player option according to ESPN), Novak, Acker
Forced to Keep: Ricky Davis (possible buyout? - also has a PO)

I would definitely try to keep Jones as you need someone behind Gordon who can make big shots (remember all those clock winding down 3s Fred hit?) He shouldn't cost too much and hopefully no one else in the league knows how serviceable he still is.

I would definitely try to get rid of Zach Randolph, even if it meant losing Kaman to get a decent SF. Why? Zach fit well into Dunleavy's super slow throw it in the post boring EB offense. But according to our conference call today, next year's team will be uptempo. That means less Zach and Chris (slow and slower) and more Griffin and Camby/DeAndre.

Shawn Marion, Ron Artest, Anthony Parker, Marquis Daniels, Trevor Ariza may all be available. A decent SG/SF/PF could make this team complete.

Conference Call Thoughts

Although I missed a large chunk of the call since my phone kept cutting out, the parts I heard seemed to be the same message over and over.

1. Dunleavy is staying.
The Clips regret bringing in so many new people last year. Too much change was no good. (Olshey kept saying "15 new guys") So for the sake of stability they want to keep as many of the same people around for next year which means sticking with Dunleavy.

2. They Are Not Looking for a GM at the Moment
They said they feel Dunleavy can do both as of now but will keep evaluating it and if it seems like there needs to be a separate GM in the future they are open to it. Blah blah blah.

3. Vague Promise To "Do Something" Next Season
If after everyone is healthy and had time to gel and learn the coach's system and the team is not performing up to expectations of "entertaining and competing every night, and SUCCESSFUL" then Andy Roeser will "definitely do something about it". I took that to mean that when Dunleavy runs out of the "too many injuries - not enough time together - too many new guys" excuses they will fire him. But again they did not specifically say that.

4. Next Year's Team Will Be Uptempo
Roeser repeatedly promised a "young, exciting, uptempo" team. I hope he told Dunleavy that. When asked about Dunleavy micromanaging Baron and not letting him play a more freestyle game, he once again brought out that MDSr and BD have talked and are on the "same page". More vagueness. What page are they on? Is Dunleavy gonna take a trip to India, smoke some pot and come back a changed man? Or are we going to see the same old, stubborn, coach - screaming at everyone the whole game? Once again - blah blah blah.

5. Season Ticket Prices May Be Negotiable?
At the end of the call he asked all STHs to call their reps to see what they could do "depending on where their seats are" to make sure they had the best seats at a price that is affordable to them. I took that to mean if you have good negotiating skills and any amount of leverage (many years as an STH, higher priced seating) you should call your rep and work out whatever you can (most likely better seats at the same price, who knows? - maybe a discount).

Me? I'm still done.

Drafting Blake Griffin is nice but not enough for me to renew. I'll be waiting for Website Wednesdays and Fastbreak Fridays so I can start laughing at all those STH suckers.

Kings Tighten Grip On Lottery Throne, Lose to Clips 109-78

moKi — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:50:50 -0000

Darn it! The Clippers won.

The Blake Griffin contest just turned further in favor of Sacramento.

The Kings played with absolutely no effort and got punked tonight en route to a rout. This game was literally over at the end of the first quarter. For those of you wishing it were on TV, don't worry there wasn't much to see.

Sure, I could put some stats in here and talk about how Brian Skinner somehow found some leftover Elton Brand mojo in his locker, sprayed it on and went for 21 and 10.

I could write about how the Kings' big men, Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes were continually getting knocked onto the floor by the aggressive Clipper defense, getting stepped on repeatedly, as the Clippers blocked, snatched and wrestled the ball away.

Or I could write about how good the offense looked, how Gordon was again the perfect picture of consistency, how Kaman went for a double double and 4 blocks, or how Acker even looked good in limited minutes or how DeAndre had a monster high two hand slam.

But I won't write any more about those things.

Why? Because the Kings were so bad - so bad, that I'm sure any team from the NCAA tournament could have done the same or even better than the Clippers.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy to see Gordon's bingos and Kaman's utter rejection of Jason Thompson's slam attempt but it is just not that fun when the other team looks like they're not even trying. I don't think any of them even put their hands above their shoulders unless they were shooting. They looked tired and uninterested.

It was so bad I even caught Marcus Camby yawning.

It was so bad Dunleavy actually SAT DOWN AND DID NOT CONTINUALLY SCREAM AT EVERYONE for most of the game. I don't think I've ever seen Dunleavy sit for that long during a game - EVER!

So to wrap up - The Clippers showed up and beat up the Kings. They led 35 - 15 at the end of the first quarter, at one point led by 30 (71-41) and it was basically on cruise control all night. A big giant SNOOZER.

SO WHY WAS THE STAPLES CENTER PACKED?

I know I got two tix for free for filling out a survey, but they must have paid people to come to the game tonight. It hasn't been that full since maybe the Boston or Cleveland games? But Sacramento????? Come on!

Of the games I have been to this year, the ones that have been packed have been the ones against teams with a large fan base. It's usually been almost 50% opposition fans. But tonight there didn't seem to be many Kings fans at all or maybe they were quiet the whole night because they were losing so bad?

I looked around and all I could see was one King fan, center court right behind the announcer, who kept screaming something or other at the refs and Kings players. And I don't think it was a Maloof.

So where did all these Clipper fans come from?

I heard a lot of kids in the 300s shouting "Let's go Clippers!"

The four "Fire Dunleavy!" guys were at it again tonight, in section 119, about 12 rows directly above MDSr.

It seemed like there were a lot of friends of ushers or employees as an unusual amount of employees kept talking to people around us as if they got them in. Maybe they are giving away tickets to employees now and having them fill the arena?

Could be, as there were many people there who did not have that typical Clipper fan "look". Most looked totally lost while enjoying the massacre. Will these free giveaway seats spawn new Clipper fans for next year?

Probably not. The girl in front of me was flipping through a Laker guide during the game.

As soon as the playoffs start, I'm sure at most of those "freeloaders" there tonight will forget about the Clips as they root for the Lakers to go all the way.

Etc.

Assistant GM, Neil Olshey says the team will draft based on best available. For those unaware, that means the Clippers will use their draft pick for the player they believe has the most talent/potential when it is their turn to pick. As opposed to saying they will pick the best point guard, or "big man" available etc.

Brian Siemens (radio announcer) remarked post game that he believes the Clippers could very well trade away their pick, if another team offers a player that can help improve the team immediately.

I would think they would keep Blake Griffin if they got him, but anyone else - I agree. They might not be able to get a star player for picks 2 through 6 or 8, but if they could dump Ricky Davis as part of the deal, they should probably do it (as long as the contract they get back is "good").
Dunleavy may be trying to get on Baron's good side. In his post game interview, the coach praised Baron's aggressiveness and leadership displayed during the game tonight. He said that Baron was very involved and actually interupted the coach's huddles several times to interject some points that Dunleavy said were "right on".

Maybe those "Fire Dunleavy" chants are getting to him? Trying to ingratiate himself with Baron can't hurt as the season ends with fans yelling for his head.
In his post game interview, Baron was asked about the renewed sense of defense, as the Clippers "seem" to be playing better D, holding the last three opponents' points to below 90. BD remarked that they are communicating more, talking and helping each other. He also said it doesn't hurt when you have two 7 footers squashing guards that get by them into the lane. He once again said how this is a good team that just needs to find better "chemistry".

To support Baron's thoughts, I have to agree that having two 7 footers on defense, continually rotating between Camby, Kaman and DeAndre did look very promising. Add to that Skinner's outstanding play (21 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks) and the Clippers interior "D" was awesome - tonight.

Let's see how it looks against someone who actually wants to win a game.
ClipperSteve is in Cabo. I hate you, CS!
(Enjoy your holiday and be safe!)

57% Want Dunleavy Gone, 42% Say OK If He Stays

moKi — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 08:52:35 -0000

Wow!

So I waited patiently for Clipper Nation to take my poll on what would entice people to buy or renew their season tickets and here are the results so far.

57% said Dunleavy would have to be fired completely for them to buy or renew.

42% said that Dunleavy could stay but only as GM or if the organization somehow got a superstar or a hot new draft pick.

* Ironically no one voted for buying or renewing season tickets if the Clippers retained Dunleavy as coach while hiring a new GM, which is exactly what major news outlets have been reporting the Clippers attempting to do.(I sure hope someone in the organization reads this and gives Sterling a dose of reality.)

I am stunned.

Let's be real Clipper Nation. The Dunleavy experiment has failed. The combination of players that MDSr has assembled plus himself as coach is not working.

Sure you can point to injuries all year long, but now we've seen that even when they've had their main core healthy it has not looked promising.

Yes, the individual parts have looked exciting at times - Camby's constant effort through most of the season, Gordon's calm demeanor as he drops 3s and slashes to the basket, Taylor's 35 point night at the Garden, DeAndre dunking all over the Lakers, Baron's health returning and dropping dimes in double digits.

All promising. But why can't the individual pieces come together and form more than the sum of their parts? (Why can't they win games they should be winning?)

When I look at all that talent the Clippers have, and see them lose to teams with less talent - badly at that, I can only look to the coach. Sure MDSr could hide behind the injuries excuse for awhile but when the team's wins start depending on the availability of Mardy Collins, something is very very wrong.

31% of Clipper Nation said they would buy or renew if Dunleavy were to stay on as GM while someone else is brought in to coach

Wake up, dreamers! The megalomaniac that Dunleavy is, rumours have been abundant pointing to the fact that he has refused to step aside as coach and will not take a position solely as GM. If he did somehow accept losing his head coaching job while remaining GM maybe he'd pick Isiah Thomas to be his successor!

So basically these 31% can join the 57% in saying that they will most likely not buy or renew their season tickets.

That leaves the 11% who said they would buy or renew if the Clippers somehow managed to get a superstar or top draft pick

Wake up, dreamers! Does it even matter who joins the team at this point? They could draft Blake Griffin and get Allen Iverson and I still would not be optimistic if Dunleavy is still around. Am I alone here? Am I crazy for saying that those two would not be enough to make me renew if Dunleavy is still here?

Isn't Baron Davis a superstar? Isn't Eric Gordon a fabulous high draft pick? Doesn't Zach Randolph give you 25 and 15 consistently? Isn't Marcus Camby a recent Defensive Player of the Year?

Those guys alone should be enough to make any fan want to renew. But all those tasty dishes are covered by a foul stench that can only be known as Dumbleavy. His presence sucks out whatever life there is left in the team.

Get real Clipper Nation. Wake up and recognize the odor. It's a moldy old coach that is way past his expiration date. We gave him a fair shot. He needs to go.

Join me in saying "No" to the Clipper organization. I will not give them any more of my hard earned money until Dunleavy is gone. I only hope you will do the same.

(I'm keeping the blanket though. Is that wrong?)

What Would It Take For You To Buy/Renew?

moKi — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:30:26 -0000

The Clippers are in the dumps.

Before they were a team that showed sparks of brilliance. The only reason their record was so bad? Injuries of course.

But now, with the team healthier, in their loses there is no joy. Even the consistently great Gordon seems to be getting pulled under by the all mighty Clipper curse. Seems like he may finally be hitting that wall he has eluded all season.

The rookie wall? Maybe. The wall of Dunleavy? Maybe more so.

Before, I would get down after the losses but cheer up after a good victory and think to myself, "This team could really be good next year!"

But now, even if the Clippers win a game, there is no joy. There are not enough games left for them to win to give me confidence towards next year.

What's going to happen with Dunleavy?

If Baron is not the right fit, is he getting traded?

Then what do they do about the Point Guard position?

Are they really going to build around Zach Randolph?

What are they going to do with Camby and/or Kaman?

There's so much uncertainty when you really think about it that it's hard to latch on to anything Clippers other than the name itself. It's like the Seinfeld shtick about being a fan of the jersey. The players change, the coaches change, the owners change so in the end many fans are really fans of a jersey or logo or maybe the city.

I was a Brand fan. I was a Kaman fan. I had high hopes for Shaun. I loved the "swagger" Sam brought.

Who is this team I renewed for this year? What team will I get next year?

I am not renewing because I like the name or logo. I need to know who my Clippers are. So with the team in doubt, I do not feel inclined to renew my season tickets.

Poll

What would it take for you to renew (or buy) season tickets for 09-10? What scenario below would make you want to renew/buy the most?

Dunleavy Fired. A New GM AND a New Coach are brought in.

43 votes

Dunleavy is Fired as GM. He is kept on as Coach.

0 votes

Dunleavy is Fired as Coach. He is kept on as GM.

23 votes

Dunleavy stays but makes an off season trade to bring a Big Name/Superstar to Clippers.

3 votes

Dunleavy stays. Clips draft Blake Griffin (or some other player you love in the draft.)

5 votes

74 votes | Poll has closed

Should I Renew My Tickets? Will You?

moKi — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:42:33 -0000

This has got to be one of my worst seasons as a Clipper Fan.

Everything that was familiar, whether good or bad are gone. From the start of the season I was taken away from my family and placed in a strange foster home.

EB's integrity, Caveman's blocks and cleanup around the rim, UhOh Maggette-Os gagillion free throws per game, Cuttino "Bingo" Moooooobley, Sam's awesome trash talking and windshield wiper slow mo post moves, QRoss's defensive effort. All gone. Where's my Clipper team? (Even the arena announcer's "shoooooooting twooooo" and the little sparkly sound and flashing lights for made free throws are gone. God, they fired the guy who hit the sparkly button, too?)

In came a new team with my focus on Marcus Camby more than Baron, personally. Marcus encompassed everything that I believed the Clippers were, and he was one who could take over the ship. He plays with effort and shares the ball. He prides himself on defense and team play. Plus, he is the elder stateman of the team, an experienced veteran who seems like a truly nice guy.

So I went to the first game of the season. I showed up early for autograph alley and met Marcus, Baron, Eric, DeAndre and had them all sign my Clipper Backpack. Marcus did not rush through the line of fans but took his time and talked to us - seemed like a truly nice guy. Maybe I could fall in love with the "new" Clippers...

Now at this point in the season, looking back, I wonder if I felt like this last year. I wish I was on CN back then to compare my feelings now.

I doubt I was this depressed about being a season ticket holder. I have to admit that the way the economy has tanked has definitely affected my mindset about the dollars lost supporting this team. I guess last year I felt bad about how much I spent on tickets, with how bad they were - but I think the loss of EB offset my dissappointment. How could they even have a chance without him?

This year, with times even tougher than any other in my lifetime, I find myself wanting more for the $$ I have spent on the Clippers. I don't want to hear about suspensions for drug use and I can only take so many injuries as an excuse for poor play.

So forget it! Don't renew my tix, burn my Clipper gear and start rooting for the Thunder or maybe the Heat? What team would be my favorite if I ditched the Clippers?

That's the sad part.

With all that's happened I LOVE watching Eric Gordon. I LOVE watching Marcus Camby. I really like Mardy Collins and Fred Taylor. I'm in suspense to see if DeAndre and Mike Taylor can develop into consistently good players.

Baron, Zach, Chris, Al, MDSr - all necessary evils in the NBA I guess. I'm happy when they do well but I'm not a fan of any one of them, well – maybe Chris if he comes back strong...

I went to the Knicks game and Staples was electric. For one night, it seemed like a glimpse of how good this team could be next year. Then I went to the Boston game. What effort!

THEN

More injuries, horrible losses with no effort and the DTS "profanity laced tirade". What an idiot! Being upset with your employees is one thing, cussing them out, much less in front of outsiders is simply wrong. From all accounts DTS' reputation as a human being is questionable at best.

Giving Donald Sterling my hard earned dollars just does not sit well with me. So now I am seriously thinking I will not renew my seats.

What do you think Clipper Nation? Am I overreacting?

Poll

Should I renew my tickets? Will you?

Yes. And I will renew with you. Things will be way better next season.

11 votes

No. But I am going to renew and take your seats.

7 votes

Yes. You should, but I won't be renewing my tickets.

0 votes

No. Let's all ditch our seats in protest!

20 votes

38 votes | Poll has closed

Clippers Play Defense? (I'm Ron Burgundy?)

moKi — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:42:06 -0000

Clipper Nation has been feasting on Eric Gordon and Al Thornton for the last few months. To think of the Clippers being competitive without them was unimaginable - until yesterday.

For most of this season, the Clippers main offensive contributors have been the DonTon Boys. But for a big game against the defending champs last night, EG left early in the third with only 4 points and AT didn't play at all. Yet the Clippers prevailed.

This fact just impressed upon me that no matter how consistently awesome Gordon has been and how inconsistently awesome AT has played, they are very, very young.

In the NBA very, very young usually translates into close losses and blowouts. (Yes, I know AT is not young in age, but he is only in his second year and he started playing later in life, etc., blah blah, ad nauseum.)

The point is I'd almost forgotten that experience and effort can overcome physical limitations - through defense.

That is exactly how the Clippers beat the Celtics.

In the win against the Warriors, the Clippers beat them with big three point shooting from Gordon and Baron, and a couple of great dunks by Fred Jones. A whole lot of offense adding up to 118 points.

The Celtics, on the other hand, don't let teams get off open shots or unmolested dunks or score gobs of points. So the Clips had to play a completely different style of game - a defensive game fueled by effort.

Holy Moly! Who knew the Clippers could play defense this year?

Ricky Davis? Zach Randoplph? Play defense? – Practice? Practice? We're sitting here talking about defense?

As a season ticket holder for the past 3 years, I've been to a fair share of games. One of my favorite games was against the Hornets (in the '05-'06 season, I believe). The Clippers held them to 16 points in the entire second HALF. It was AWESOME. Steal after steal, block after block, - to me, that was Clippers basketball. I was screaming from my seat the whole second half!

I have never come close to being as excited about Clipper defense like I was that game, until last night. Sure, the Clippers might have had some defensive gems since then but not at a game I attended, against a team as good or highly ranked as the Celtics. Yes, it wasn't a shutdown like the Hornets game, but holding them to 9 points in the last 8 minutes while scoring 20, forcing 21 tunovers for the game, beating the defending champs without two of your top scorers - it was pretty darn fun to watch.

Ode to the Clichés

Offense is a fickle girl. She can leave you and hook up with your enemy in an instant. She can stay with you for a whole game or never show up and leave you standing there, humiliated.

But Defense, Defense is your trusty dog - man's best friend. It's the kind of dog that barks to warn you, growls to protect you and listens only to your voice. It loves you because you feed it and will always stick with you.

Defense wins championships.

As much as I like seeing Novak and Gordon's three pointers, DeAndre and Thornton's throwdowns (and even our Slam Dunk Champ's back to the future jams), I like watching great defense even more.

In football - Interceptions and sacks, recovering fumbles and running for touchdowns - why are they great? Because you're rooting for the underdog. You're rooting for the guy that was too slow or not talented enough to be an offensive player. You're rooting for that guy to score, sucking the life out of the opponent's offense, making them feel like they cannot score or gain any momentum.

In basketball, beating another team with offense just makes your opponent want to score more. You made an incredible shot? Well I can make one too. It just doesn't have the same frustrating effect as stifling defense. (see Eddie House's face after Fred Jones stole a pass leading to a pass - pass - pass - three pointer by Steve Novak.) Priceless.

I hope the Clippers can take this game and use it as a measuring stick to rate their defensive effort in all games from here on out.

My February Staples Record

So I've been to three games at Staples this month - ALL OF THEM WINS! ALL FUN!

I don't have the tickets to Sat (I split my season this year) so that means 3 out of 3 for me this month!

Man, am I glad I wrote that Turnaround Post to get this all started. (wink)

Finally, being a Clipper fan is fun again.

Clippers Set For Turn Around

moKi — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 07:03:03 -0000

What games have I been watching?

Yes. The same ugly, awful, disgusting games you have.

So why am I posting a laughable headline stating that the Clippers are set to turn things around?

Logic.

My brain refuses to believe that the Clippers will stay as bad as they are now. How can they? Sure some teams hit the bottom and then stay there, but it's usually because they are injury riddled and have very little talent. But isn't that who the Clippers are now?

No. Step back from the ledge, Clipper Nation.

Baron sucks. Dunleavy sucks.

Ok. I get it. You want one or both to leave town - pronto. But we all know that's not going to happen. So what does happen?

Moki's Fabulous Prediction for the Rest of This Clipper Season

However much you hate Dunleavy and think he's awful, I sincerely don't believe he doesn't care about winning. If he didn't care about winning, why would he wear his soles out pacing back and forth for every single minute of the game shouting out plays and fouls to players and refs? If he didn't care wouldn't he just stay with one starting lineup and not change players according to matchups?

Dunleavy, through his actions, shows too much effort to be a guy that is content with losing. He wants to win.

So that being said, just go with me here.

The Clippers have a coach who wants to win and is putting forth effort trying to come up with some. Just a couple of weeks ago the Clippers were a rag tag bunch of no names competing with heart and determination, coming very close to winning against some very good teams.

The bench was empty, except for Jones and Samb who just joined the team and didn't know any plays or have any time to practice. I think Dunleavy did a decent job in those games, keeping them close and did a tremendous job managing minutes between the 7 to 9 guys he had at any given moment.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I like him or the way he coaches. That is not my point.

My point is HE WANTS TO WIN.

That being said, as Mardy and Mike come back at point, Dunleavy will give them more minutes than Baron Davis if he thinks he has a better chance of winning with them.

I believe in his mind his job is to win. It is not his job to make Baron happy.

So, the Clippers will start getting better from here on out (baring more injuries of course). They will be more competitive and actually start winning some games.

Marcus Camby wants to win. Eric Gordon wants to win. I see it in their demeanor. It's who they are.

I also see it in Dunleavy.

Logic tells me that the Clippers are set for a big turn around. Don't be surprised if things start looking up with the return of Collins, Taylor and Kaman.

So what happens to Baron? I think there are only two things that can happen.

1. He gets with Dunleavy's program and figures out how to make it work.

2. He doesn't put forth the effort needed and gets benched/limited minutes. If he's unhappy with that he may claim his back hurts (ala Al Harrington while he wanted to be traded) and take himself out.

I don't think he can be traded this season. I don't think they would buy him out or waive him. I don't think Dunleavy would be fired to get a coach the would "fit" Baron better this season either.

So suck it up, stop dreaming of a new coach and get ready for better Clippers basketball as the season closes. With or without Baron.