HoopWatch

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The entire roster for the Los Angeles Clippers has been kept almost intact, with just minor additions and losses. Why not! The team finished second in their division after a 12-year-no-playoff drought. They also finished ninth over-all in the NBA and had 47 wins. A great feat for a lottery team the previous 12 years.

Elton Brand shoulders most of the load of the team’s offense and defense. He is one of only three other current NBA players who average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and 50% from the field. The other two are Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal, who are both definitely shoo-ins for the Hall of Fame. Also, he has developed a consistent jump shot and has slimmed down tremendously. He is a sure shot from mid range, at around 15-18 feet. He has compiled 20.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 50.1% FG percentage.

Much of the Clippers’ success, however, could well be attributed to Sam Cassell, the wily 37-year old veteran point guard. He has turned Brand into an MVP contender, and led the Clippers to their first playoff appearance after so many years. They are laughing stocks of the NBA no longer. Cassell can also be attributed to the Conference Finals appearances of both Milwaukee and Minnesotta, where he is much a factor of Kevin Garnett’s MVP plum, and for Houston’s two NBA titles. Cassell has brought in his leadership, steadiness, veteran smarts, and that deadly and clutch shooting. He is one of the few deadly shooters in the NBA.

Chris Kaman has also helped this team a lot by improving on his offense. Plus, we all know that he is a good shot blocker. Opponents are having doubts trying to drive into that Clipper lane with both Kaman and Brand patrolling the paint, having at least 2 shot blocks credited to each of them. The only problem for Kaman during his first seasons is that he is foul prone. But Coach Mike Dunleavy has remedied that last season by letting Kaman play through his fouls. As a result, he jacked up his numbers in field goal percentage, free throw attempts, free throw percentage, rebounds, steals and points. He has also learned to limit his fouls a bit towards the end of the regular season.

Well, I feel that the Clippers will utilize a regular nine-man rotation. Brand, Cassell and Kaman are locked-in at the 4, 1 and 5 positions respectively. Cuttino Mobley, who was also acquired last season with Cassell, is a sure-fire to play the 2 spot. He brings in his outside shooting and penetration. He is also a veteran, being at his thirties, and has played for a number of years for the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings. Now the question is, who will play the 3 spot or the small forward position?

When Corey Maggette, a regular starter, got injured for a significant number of games last season, Dunleavy and the rest of the world discovered the Bruce Bowen-like defensive abilities of Quinton Ross. He is a leech, sticking like glue to the man he is guarding, and is especially effective in guarding quick point guards. Very much effective that Maggette was relegated to coming off the bench upon his return. And turning Maggette into a sixth man was also effective that he has provided the bench scoring for the Clippers, and the Clippers won more games, even extending their series against the Phoenix Suns to seven games, to the brink of elimination. I then believe that Dunleavy will continue to utilize Ross as the starter since it has really worked effectively for them. Why fix it if it ain’t broke. Thus, Ross will start at 3 at the start of the season.

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Maggette will then relieve Mobley towards the end of the first. The Clippers added Tim Thomas, a 6-10 clutch shooter who was instrumental for the Suns during last season’s playoffs. He may play some 4 since Shaun Livingston may come in at 3, 2 or 1. Aaron Williams will be rotated with Brand and Kaman at the 4 and 5 positions. Williams can play both center and power forward spot, is a hardworker, banger, good defender, and a veteran. He was also acquired in the off-season. Daniel Ewing, veteran forward Vin Baker, and 34th pick rookie Paul Davis complete the bench, and will play sparingly.

I predict the almost the same finish for the Clippers. Although, there is a possibility that they may win 53 games this season with a healthy Maggette and Cassell. But with Maggette being injury prone the past seasons, and Cassell at age 37, I do not expect them to play a full season. Especially Maggette, whose no-fear-drive-to-the-hoop-and-get-to-the-line style of play frequently lands him with injuries. I expect the Clippers to have at most 49 wins this season. They may advance to the second round, but not past that – yet! (pics courtesy of clippers.topbuzz.com)
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