SB Nation User Blog: moKi

Sterling Asks Why Black Women Have Children Out of Wedlock

moKi — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:44:45 -0000

I guess DTS figured that Aldridge, being black himself (and a journalist?), would know the answer to why so many black women have children out of wedlock.

How does a person, who openly asks that kind of question to a journalist be allowed to own a team made up of mostly black men who may or may not have been born to unwed black women?

I don't pretend to have a relationship with Sterling. I have spoken to him on a handful of occasions, but one has always given me pause. When the Clippers, briefly, resembled an actual NBA team and made the playoffs in 2006, I was at Staples Center and saw Sterling in the press room. We exchanged pleasantries. Soon after, he asked me, out of the blue, in a way reflecting strong conviction and wild ignorance, why I thought so many black women had children out of wedlock.

Well, at least he asked.

The full story is in the section titled "Nobody Asked Me, But ..." on NBA.com (It's about halfway down a really long page. Keep scrolling down)

David Aldridge makes the point that the NBA should suspend or somehow penalize DTS for his alleged racially discriminatory actions and speech.

People keep complaining but will the NBA ever do anything about DTS?

If the Clippers had a "better" owner, would the team be more successful?

Dish Network: Clip Games NOT in HD?

moKi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:32:33 -0000

Why is this a fanpost and not a fanshot?

Well because it's pretty darn important to me and I'm sure it is to true Clipper fans with Dish here in LA.

The last preseason game was supposed to be in HD but it didn't show up that way on my Dish guide. I figured it must be because it's preseason.

But as I looked to tomorrow night's game, I see that once again it's not on the HD channel. Anyone else seeing this too?

Didn't Ralph say that all Clips games would be in beautiful HD on Fox Sports??????

Anyone have the game tomorrow night in HD? What do you have? Comcast? Charter? U-Verse? DirectTV?

If you're on Dish and you got the last preseason game in HD AND you're getting the Phoenix home opener in HD please let me know so I can complain to DIsh to see if I can get that feed.

If DIsh is only gonna show Clips games in SD I might have to think about switching to someone else, even though I like their DVR the best...

Please share your HD experiences in the comments below.

Thanks!

Clippers Do Not Lose By 38 to Lakers in Opener This Year!

moKi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:04:15 -0000

Clippers got within a point of taking the lead at the end of the 3rd, but lost 99-92.

That was pretty much the highlight of the night for the Clippers.

The Lakers defense was incredible tonight, stifling the Clippers who were sunk by the hobbled Baron. As many here have stated based on seeing Baron's energetic play in preseason - as Baron goes, so will the Clippers.

He still dished out 8 assists, got 4 rebounds, 2 steals and a block but he was definitely NOT the Baron we saw in preseason. There was no explosiveness, there was no slashing, and his shots were off, WAY off. Airballs and awkward toss ups had him shooting 10% by the end of the night.

I think the loss of BLake right before the game, drained some mental fortitude from the team. That plus the ring show before the game seemed to have punched a "we're overmatched" mindset that translated into overanxious jitters and a rash of turnovers which turned into easy points for the Lake show.

Against a defending champ, you just can't make mistakes - and the Clippers made too many to overcome. The only reason it was a game was because Phil rested the entire 1st unit and the Rhino kicked into effect.

BTW it was ring night AND the Lakers won and most of the lower bowl was empty by the time the game was over. It's really sad how their true fans can't even afford to be there, appreciating their team on opening night. I guess they only care about playoff games and championships. The regular season must be such a bore for them. Incredible.

Is it only in L.A. where fans leave early whether the home team is up by ten or down by twenty?

I guess getting out of the parking lot is more important than giving your team a round of applause as they head into the tunnel.

Anyhow, I think the Clippers looked unprepared for the intensity of the Lakers long armed, trapping defense. Coach Chicken Man better have his team more prepared the next time they face a good defensive team so they can take advantage of the open man when the ball gets trapped.

Since tomorrow night is Phoenix (not known as a defensive juggernaut) I think the Clippers should be much more fun to watch with hopefully a better outcome!

Go Clips!

Sir Dunk-a-Lot Leads Clips to Victory

moKi — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:06:07 -0000

Everything Kaman isn't - DJ is.

Kaman - slow, goofy looking, gravity hindered

DJ - Quick, Graceful, Instantly Airborne

DeAndre Jordan, Sir Dunk-A-Lot, slammed in 10 points in just the 1st quarter and finished with 9 rebounds against some pretty tall guys in limited minutes - yeah, he was awesome. Clips hang on to win, 91-88.

(Hornets had no CP3 and pretty much looked awful so...enough about the game!)

What an amazing collection of bigs this team has. Griffin and DJ together - you can see that they're friends away from the game in their chemistry on the court. Kaman was awful tonight but Milph kept saying he's been looking good - so I guess he just had one of those "mind was not in it" kind of nights.

This Clipper frontcourt has it all. Inside (DJ, BG, Kaman), Outside (Kaman, Camby, AT), Rebounding (Camby, BG, Kaman), Blocking (Camby, DJ, BG), Runners (DJ, BG, AT), Bangers (Rhino, BG, Kaman),Passers (All seem above average) and Drivers/Cutters (Rhino, AT, BG)

And that's not even taking into account Rasual Butler or Steve Novak who can really spread the floor at the BINGO! line.

I like the fact that the Clippers are holding on to Kareem Rush as EJ seems to take a lot of contact and if he were to get hurt again for any amount of time...they need Rush. Also liked seeing Butler at the two tonight as well.

Although Bassy looked a little lost tonight (rusty from not playing hopefully) it still feels much better seeing him on the floor than MTaylor or JHart or DDickOuch or any other 2nd or 3rd string PGs the Clips have had in A LONG TIME.

I think he's the best bench guard the Clips have had since Shaun. (Still miss that guy...)

Baron looked so much better than Bassy tonight but I sense that he may come on as the season goes on. I think he will have a lot of meaningful minutes that could make or break the Clips this year. He may be more important to this team than most realize. Other than Baron he's it as far as a true PG goes.

As stacked as the Clips are in the frontcourt, the PG spot could be their downfall if Baron gets hurt for any extended amount of time and loses his conditioning. EJ at point could work for stretches, Mardy in a pinch - but if there's any chink in the armor of the Clippers 6-2 mighty preseason shield, it's at the point.

Makes me really think they shouldn't have signed Skinner and left that spot open for a third string PG. Who? I don't know - Bobby Jackson?, White Chocolate?, some undrafted potential guy?

Odd guys out at this point - Skinner, RDavis, Novak (just because all the other bigs are so darn good - Craig Smith - Who knew?), MCollins.

I think because of the thinness at guard, Kareem has jumped ahead of them all in potential minutes.

Anyhow my first ramble as I prepare for the real ones.

PRESEASON IS OVER PEOPLE. GET ON YOUR FEET AND SCREAM!

BEAT LA! BEAT LA!

Hmmmmmm. Kind of weird since we're LA too... How about a nice loud...

(cue Clipper Darrell)

LET'S GO CLIPPERS, LET'S GO!

Pincus On BLake Superior

moKi — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:12:33 -0000

Props to HVYDRT007 for posting this in his comments. Just thought I'd give it a post. I think you have to register on myclippernation to be able to read it so if the link isn't working for you...

Clippers Q&A

Ask Eric Pincus - October 15, 2009

I asked Blake about "Blake Superior" and he's too humble to take that on. Besides it's a lake in Minnesota - it'd only work if he were drafted by the Timberwolves.

Griffin said they do call him "B.G.," "Rook," and "B. Geezy". One teammate calls Blake "A.G" but Griffin is convinced it's because that teammate doesn't know his first name.

I am starting to think that just as Allen Iverson is simply AI, Terrel Owens is simply TO, could it possibly be that everyone should just be satisfied with BG? I mean it's easy to say, the B and G both have the "e" sound - maybe everyone is overthinking it?

Anyhow, I don't know if Steve is still dead set on using Blake Superior in all his posts but I have to say it is starting to become distracting reading any of his posts. Not only do I sigh every time I see it because it just reminds me of how much I don't like it, but it just feels like the comments are going to get sidetracked with those who still do not like it as well.

I've been trying to be a "good" citizen and refrain from complaining about it in every post he makes but I see that there are others that seem to be just as annoyed as I am that are filling up the comment section with "not liking the Superior" comments.

I don't know why it's so important for Steve to keep forcing this on CN, but it just seems like he is on a mission. I don't get it, I've given up fighting against it - Steve it's your blog - do your thing.

Go Steve.

(sigh)

Poll: Wing Time

moKi — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:52:36 -0000

It's way too early in the season to tell.

But what the heck - I'm bored. Let's debate!

Who should start at SF? Who should be first off the bench?

Easy right? AT just got picked up for another season so he's the starter right? He reminds some of Dominique? How could he not be the #1 SF?

Whoa, hold on says Mr. Rasual Butler! He's 30, in his prime - dropping threes like Novak, defending like QRoss - sure looks like his preseason play is saying "I should be starting!".

So let's go with those two choices and some crazies, just for fun.

Poll

What do you think the rotation should be at SF?

Start Al Thornton, Rasual Butler off the bench

7 votes

Start Rasual Butler, Al Thornton off the bench

51 votes

Start Al Thornton, Steve Novak off the bench (use Butler as SG off the bench)

9 votes

Start Rasual Butler, Steve Novak off the bench (use Thornton as SG off the bench)

2 votes

None of the Above

3 votes

72 votes | Poll has closed

Clips Comeback vs Dubs, 124-117 : My Top #5

moKi — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:07:40 -0000

For a recap, see Sir Steve's main pager. This is just my take aways.

#1. Rasual Butler was impressive.

Were you like me? Everytime I saw him drain a three, I thought "I dunno if Al woulda made that shot." When he came down the lane, trailing Baron for a perfect fast break dunk I thought "Al might have tried to finger roll that. Al probably wouldn't have gotten enough elevation for a dunk. He might have botched that."

I am not an AT hater. He seems like a nice guy - but what do I know? I've never met him or hung out with him.

Overly simplified, the offense seemed to stink like last years Clippers in the first half with AT on the floor. The offense looked awesome in the second half with Rasual out there. Yeah, I know, Baron picked it up in the third but I'm just sayin...

Clips should start Butler and bring AT off the bench so we don't end up down 20 at half time.

#2. As Baron Goes, So Do The Clippers

1st half Baron bad, Clippers bad. 2nd half Baron good, Clippers good. Sure there were lots of other factors such as better team energy and defense (and less AT in the second half) but I think even Steve wrote that Baron will be very important in the team's success this year. I have to agree completely.

A happy (though scowling on the court), healthy Baron will mean the Clippers have a chance to win every game this year. He showed up in the third quarter of this game and it was magic. If he can bring that energy to every game? Wow.

#3. Kaman was OK, but I wanna see more DJ!

Yeah, yeah Kaman looked OK - but did he look dominant against a smaller Dub team? No.

But DJ sure did, rolling down the lane for the alley-oop SMASH! Sure, Kaman may be fine against more traditional centers, but when he's playing against a bunch of little guys trying to swipe the ball, he seems to shrink away instead of bully through.

I wish we got to see more DJ. More DJ, More FUN!

Kaman could start looking very klunky in this new 120 point sports car Clipper team.

#4. Shake n Blake = AWESOME

EG and Might Griff are spectacularly SOLID players PERIOD. Instead of mostly rookie play with flashes of greatness, they display mostly greatness with flashes of rookie-ness!

I AM STILL CRAZY. I still think Eric Gordon could be a point guard in the Deron Williams range IF he wanted to be and IF he were used in that capacity. Last night he showed signs of that while Baron was off the floor (Telfair was hurt and did not play - but gave a nice in-game interview with Milph).

He has all the tools - the ability and willingness to pass, the quickness and burst of speed to get by defenders and cover opposing PGs, the size and strength to play and defend other big PGs in the post. The most unseen aspect of his PG skills so far to me is court vision. Maybe he has it, maybe not.

Either way, I can see EG ending up an awesome combo PG/SG ala D. Wade. He doesn't show as much aggression, yet but you can definitely see similarities in that quiet determination to kill you. I forgot which teammate was asked that question in an interview last year, but they said the scariest Clipper when mad was EG because if he got riled up he would absolutely try to kill you on the court.

ALSO CRAZY. I still think Blake has enough skills and quickness to play the three. Although I was a proponent of that happening when appropriate, mostly due to the fact that the Clips still had Randolph at the time, last night's game had Mighty Griff matched up against Uh Oh Maggette-o and he did not in anyway look overmatched or out of place. Sure the Wacky Warriors had Mag at the 4, but come on, Corey in all reality is a SF.

The LAKERS, is primarily where I could see BGriff at the 3 vs. Odom. Camby vs. Gasol. Kaman or DJ on Bynum. BIG BIG BIG. Odom might have a quickness advantage, but BGriff might have a physical bang down low advantage. Blake could also be used at the 3 when opposing teams have a slower or non-offensive threat at that spot.

Overall I don't care where he plays because he's straight up solid and only looking to improve. I only bring up the 3 thing because so many citizens seemed to think there was no way in hell he could play the SF.

#5. Matt Kemp May Be Convertable?

During his interview, Matty said he was a Laker fan all his life, but that he is a Mighty Griff fan. Prime showed footage of them hanging out in the Dodger dug out, fooling around.

Well, I know last year when he was interviewed he said his main boy was ARIZA, who is now gone. So with some winning ways and maybe even a win or two against the Lake Inferiors, maybe he will come over to the real side?

Blake Superior Protest

moKi — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:10:50 -0000

Note: I have edited this post as some have taken my sarcasm as a disrespect to Steve. I did leave some in there, though - is that wrong?

I HATE the nickname Blake Superior! (am I banned yet?)

In my last poll so many people hated it, the second place vote (and not by much) was to use his initials rather than expose their eyes to "Blake Superior"!

Let me explain - no that would take too long. Let me sum up.

Blake Superior is in reference to Lake Superior.

The Lake Part. So what does Blake have to do with a lake? It would make more sense if he was a Laker and if this was Lakers Nation maybe I'd say AWESOME.

But this is not. Most here HATE the Lakers. Why would they want Mighty Griffin's name to even conjure up the thought of a lake??? It's already part of his name - do we really need it further emphasized? (You see that? I just forced my own nickname on you! How do you ike that? Mighty Griff, Mighty Griff, Mighty Griff!)

The Superior Part. In itself, it's easy to misread this as arrogant or pompous especially for a seemingly humble kid who has done NOTHING in the NBA thus far. Talk about jinxing somebody with a high expectation name.

if you've read CN for any amount of time you know what happens when Steve implies anything. Yes, sir. The exact opposite happens! A lot. Often. So much so, that it was a running joke for him to try and write the opposite of what we hoped for in any given circumstance so as not to jinx things. Start writing Blake INFERIOR, Steve, before he turns into OlowaCandy!

- - - -

Ok, all kidding aside, I don't mind if Steve uses his beloved Blake Superior in his posts once in a while. It is his perrinogative. (like that, Steve?)

But if he's going to have an attitude about it and parade it around, promoting it as the "Official" nickname for HIS site (whether he was kidding or not) just irks me. It comes off as standoff-ish, bullying as if to say if we don't like it we can go to some other website or make our own!

Wow, did you really have to take it there, Steve?

So I am here officially inviting all of Clips Nation (minus Steve) to defect to my new site -

www.mokiisreallybillplaschke.com

If you guys write nice things about me (or just agree with me on all things Clippers) on my site maybe we'll change it to www.mokisClipperNation.com

So I look forward to seeing you there, on my new non-Steve site where Blake's nickname will be Mighty Griff whether you like it or not.

If you like what you've read, please comment below.

;)

(Steve, this post was a joke - well, at least most of it was. Please don't ban me! I am only kidding!.....or am I?)

Poll: Blake Griffin's Nickname

moKi — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:11:27 -0000

To: Steve Perrin (or the blogger formerly known as ClipperSteve)

Duh! I guess I never thought geographically because I thought your Blake Superior was more akin to Mother Superior than a huge pool of water! Haha Blake the Lake!

Which I think might have been good if he was on the BLakers (BLasphemy - I know) but what do I know?!

Seems like some people like it for a non-everyday kind of nickname?

-moKi

So what does Clipper Nation have to say? Please vote!

Poll

What nickname do you like for Blake Griffin? What flows off your fingers as you type in your thoughts? Here are just some I found here in CN. Pick one or offer your own in a comment below!

Blake Superior. I like it so much I'll use it everyday!

29 votes

Big Country

4 votes

Lionheart

3 votes

Shake n Blake

17 votes

Smash

4 votes

BG

24 votes

BGriff

4 votes

Griff

4 votes

Mount Griffin. (not an invitation)

0 votes

Mount Saint Griffin (also not an invitation)

2 votes

BG Knockout

7 votes

The Punisher

4 votes

Notorious B.A.G.

7 votes

Griff-N-Dunk

2 votes

111 votes | Poll has closed

Post Summer League Poll: Should Clips Get Iverson?

moKi — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:06:45 -0000

I know there's still this weekend left in Summer League but I was curious to see if Clipper Nation has been swayed at all by what they saw so far.

If you don't want me to sway your vote just skip the rest of this post and vote. Otherwise here's my thoughts.

After Watching Some Clipper Summer League Games I Now Think...

Center Position: Excellent Condition
Kaman, Camby - Backup Deandre Jordan (looked like he's progressing fine), Griffin can slide in here as well.

Power Forward Position: Good Condition
Griffin (looked solid and impressive), Camby, Kaman, Novak (if re-signed)

Small Foward Position: Ok Condition
Thornton (still a decent scorer, still developing?), Collins, Q Rich, Ricky Davis, Fred Jones (if re-signed)

IF Al Thornton starts, who gives him a breather? If the opponents are big, maybe Blake can handle a few minutes at the three. I watched some of the summer league games and he looks to me like he can handle the ball ok and could play some minutes at the 3. There's also my favorite new underdog Mardy Collins. Everyone seems to like discounting his skills or plain overlooking them but I think he could do well as a bench guy. He's still relatively young 24, (25 in Aug) solid build 6'6", 200lb. Might be just fine against most second unit guys?

SF Position - Sure you might want better options than Blake sliding over or Mardy Collins but I think it's in better shape than...

THE GUARD SPOTS - YIKES!

Shooting Guard: Questionable Condition
Gordon is solid but then who do you have? Fred Jones (hasn't re-signed yet), Ricky Davis (get real!), QRich (maybe if he gets in shape????)

Point Guard: Poor Condition
Baron Davis (can you say injury prone?), Mike Taylor (see below) and......YIKES! Mardy Collins as your PG again????

After watching Mike Taylor in the summer league...(sigh). I love MT's energy but he does not look ready to be the first guard off the bench, horrible turnovers, tons of fouls. Maybe Steve is right in that Summer League brings out the worst in Mike's game but wow.

Who comes in for Baron? Who comes in for Gordon? What if either one of them gets hurt? When the not hurt guy takes a rest who are your two guards on the floor? Mike Taylor and Fred Jones? Mike and Ricky Davis? Ricky and Fred? I don't even think I have read anywhere that Fred has signed with the Clips! What if he gets scooped up by someone else?

They already have a mediocre player in Ricky Davis back there. They need another scorer in the backcourt. Other than Taylor's career high play at the Garden, he has not shown himself to be able to score the ball when needed. You need scoring in the second unit. Where is it gonna come from? QRich? Camby? Novak will just be smothered at the 3 point line (he's no secret anymore) Mardy? Fred?

Poll

How do you feel about the Clippers pursuit of Allen Iverson now?

Mike Taylor was awful. Clips need to get AI at a 1 year deal.

71 votes

Taylor was awful but Clips don't need a score first PG like AI. Try to get Sessions.

74 votes

Mike Taylor will be fine in the regular season. Clips should just pick up a backup guy on the cheap (Jason Hart, Earl Watson,...)

20 votes

165 votes | Poll has closed