Lebron with Clippers? Don't dismiss it.
The idea seems to be picking up steam. The buzz is growing! I'm tempted to ridicule the notion and to sing its praises in the same breath.
I'll say this: The playoffs this year may be far from the most important thing. If Griffin ultimately shows his stuff and we win, say, 35-40 games, the team will unmistakably be on the rise. Bitch about it if you like, but next year is looking more promising than this one, and the appearance of improvement could prove most pivotal.
about 2 years ago
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BTW, who cares about ZBo?!?
For crying out loud, we always knew he could score, just as we were always fully aware that Griffin is but a rookie. The moves we made last offseason were always about laying the groundwork for a long, bright future. Just because that future hasn’t arrived yet, sooner than was ever realistic, is really of no consequence. I know we’re all tired of waiting on success, but this time it actually is very close, probably just around the corner. PATIENCE, gentlemen.
Plenty of us care about Zbo, discussing the Clippers, playing armchair GM and debating whether or not it was the right move. If you don’t, then fine, but why bring it up in a completely unrelated thread?!?!?!?! (I can use lots of punctuation too)
by Michael White on Dec 24, 2009 7:15 AM PST up reply actions
Not at all unrelated
First, of course, you’re right that we should be able to discuss it. I’m not after censorship, and I promise to cut down on my punctuation. But my two cents is that I’m not surprised at all that Zbo’s still scoring in the NBA (is anybody?), and the fact that he is doesn’t affect my outlook on anything. The trade was good because it was the right gamble to take, and that gamble will be playing itself out over this year and the next few after that.
As it turns out, part of the reason it was the right move, besides giving us cap space, is that it sets us on a long-term rising path, which helps to change our image in time for next year’s free agency. Really, to change our image, we don’t NEED to make this year’s playoffs, we just need to demonstrate real strength before the season’s end.
In the meantime, many will continue to say stuff like, “We’re always waiting for next year!”, and while I completely sympathize, it’s nevertheless what I’m determined to do (if we have to). I am convinced that the right seeds have been laid.
and that gamble will be playing itself out over this year and the next few after that.
You hope.
by Michael White on Dec 24, 2009 10:09 AM PST up reply actions
Yes, I hope
The odds are in our favor, too, unless there really is a curse.
Even if it doesn’t pay off, I still say it’s the right move to pick up the dice and roll them.
Plenty of us?
I’m too lazy to dig into the archives but I believe the vast majority were in favor of the move? What constitutes plenty of us? I’m sure there are some people out there that think Paris Hilton is a good role model for teen girls.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Dec 24, 2009 1:30 PM PST up reply actions
I caved
and looked it up. Here is the thread.
http://www.clipsnation.com/2009/7/1/934907/july-fireworks-zach-randolph-traded
In it I believe on Citizen Zhiv and Newtybar expressed any disappointment and even then it was well-balanced with the idea that this was a necessary move to clear the logjam upfront.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Dec 24, 2009 1:45 PM PST up reply actions
What are you talking about?
Is this addressed to me saying plenty of us are interested in discussing Zbo?
I was referring to the plenty of us who talked about it yesterday (including you), because you know, this is a blog about the Clippers, and occasionally people discuss current and former Clippers.
by Michael White on Dec 24, 2009 2:18 PM PST up reply actions
Was referring to ZBo
for most of us this is a non-starter. He was here briefly and now he’s gone. To psuedo-quote Rick Pitino “Zach Randolph is not walking through that door, fans. Elton Brand is not walking through that door and Danny Manning is not walking through that door.”
The BG era was derailed for a few months, hopefully it can now begin.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Dec 24, 2009 7:29 PM PST up reply actions
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
I can’t take any more ZBo talk.
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
We should sign LBJ an then trade him for ZBO.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
for the clips
its always next year…I promise says baron davis
I'd like to mention something here
I am as optimistic as every other Clippers fan but we are a pernnial loser. Its like people jump on board the Clippers band wagon and start bitching and complaining that we are suppose to be a great team/battling for a playoff spot. Newsflash guys, we have had 1 playoff appearance in the last 15 years or something like that? give me a break. And whats with all the moaning and groaning about the trainers being shitty/coaching sux? Again, we are the Clippers and we are suppose to be mediocre. If you haven’t realized this by now, Im not sure what to tell you. This team is what it is. Study the history of the franchise and tell me you expect something different? I wish I was being cynical at the moment but I think people should just accept losing, or root for another team. Nothing has changed.
and history matters why
just look at the New Jersey Nets before Jason Kidd, or the Golden State Warriors before Baron. Teams very often become very good very quickly.
In Gordon we trust
I've always said
That LBJ would be a good fit here. But he’s not coming under the current keystone cops management regime. If DTS would spend $5 million to get rid of MDSr and hire a competent, young, up and coming GM and coach, then we would have a real shot. The resulting publicity could more than make up for the lost $5 M.
It just makes too much sense. Unfortunately, DTS doesn’t really understand just how bad MDSr truly is as a coach because he’s not a basketball guy. Jeez, many on this site continue to give the guy the benefit of the doubt (after 7 years of sub .400 bball) to this day.
Oh well, we can dream, can’t we?
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
Without attempting to quantify it, my gut is you are right. Adding Lebron will pay for itself, even if the direct costs are not just Lebron’s salary (like getting a new GM and Coach.) I really think the Clippers could turn into a true brand name. People love intra-city rivalries; Mets/Yanks, WhiteSox/Cubs, Giants/Jets, etc. And basketball has even more potential, because unlike in the NBA and MLB, the intra-city rivals compete in the same division, directly competing for a playoff spot (whereas in the NFL a NY Giant fan is more interested in defeating the Cowboys, Redskins, Eagles than the Jets.) I think people all over the country would discuss which side they are on, Kobe or Lebron. I really think it would be marketing gold.
by Michael White on Dec 24, 2009 10:14 AM PST up reply actions
It would be a fantastic rivalry
I wonder, however, if the NBA brass would be against it because it could marginalize the East Coast. Having said that, new stars do come into the league – John Wall next year for example. And does it matter what the NBA brass want in this case?
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
I was sure you were going to make this argument, Jax
and now that you have, I too am tempted to agree. I don’t buy into a lot of the “blame Dunleavy” stuff that’s been expressed by many here, but I do think that changing our style and our image could pay some large dividends (esp in free agency).
The other way to go (scoff if you like) is for Dunleavy to loosen the reigns once Griffin returns. I happen to think that this might happen and that indeed it might work. That is, we might improve our offensive flow, our win-loss%, and our image all in one go. I must sound like a super-optimist now, but once we get with Griffin we immediately pump up our bench and improve other obvious aspects (rebounds, stretch-4 defense, game intensity, etc), so why not our league image as well?
As mwhite06 points out above, I’m leaning pretty heavily on our untested rookie here. Before we fire Dunleavy, it’s true that I want to take that gamble. That’s my vote.
Dunleavy vs. Mike Brown
People seem to completely ignore the fact that Lebron is absolutely stifled in Mike Brown’s horrible, half court offense. That’s one of the reasons Walsh hired D’Antoni in NY. Players love D’Antoni’s style and system.
Why would Lebron want to leave Mike Brown’s predictable, uninspired offense for Dunleavy’s predictable, uninspired offense? Even worse, Dun’s offense is focused on dumping the ball off to a big and standing around. Why would Lebron want any part of that?
Simple, signing LBJ is a Win/Win. LBJ = No More MDsr.
I would not be surprised if LBJ brings Mike Brown with him.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
How is it not? We Win=Sign LBJ. We Win=DTS gets rid of MDsr. to sign LBJ(no more MDsr.= Win)
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
Because...
…Mike Brown is somehow worse than MDsr.
Here is a recap of a typical Cavs game as I see them on NBA TV: Mike Brown stands around looking confused when his “LeBron vs 5 opponents” offense doesn’t work. LeBron calls a timeout. Mike Brown quickly grabs his whiteboard and starts drawing up a play, but he gets distracted when he realizes his play looks like a smiley-face. LBJ takes over the huddle, says something inspiring to the team, and chest-bumps Mo Williams. The Cavs go on to win the game. Shaq gives a confusing interview and LeBron gets one day closer to free-agency.
The end.
If LBJ comes to Clipperland, I hope he leaves Mike Brown behind.
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