For the Clippers, If It's Not One Thing, It's Another

by Steve Perrin on Mar 16, 2009 5:10 PM PDT in News

We're already 66 games into the season, and the great three big experiment is still awaiting it's first significant real world test. Yes, Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph and Marcus Camby appeared in the same game on November 26th. But that was Randolph's first game in a Clipper uniform, and Kaman only lasted the first quarter before shutting it down for what turned out to be an eternity. And yes, the three appeared in 92 of a possible 96 big man minutes against the Cavs a week ago, but that was Kaman's first game back, and Camby wasn't even supposed to play in that game. So it's fair to say that the Clippers haven't had all three of them healthy in the same game, even if they've technically had them together two whole times.

The last couple of games Randolph has been out of the lineup putting his father to rest. So finally, with Randolph back with the team, Camby relatively healthy and Kaman rounding into shape, the Clippers will have their three bigs (if not their big three) together. So what happens?

They're facing the Warriors, who would like nothing more than to see the Clippers try to defend Stephen Jackson with Zach Randolph. It's the age old question - who adjusts to whom? But with the Warriors playing at home, if they get running and get the crowd going, it's going to be tough to play the big guys those 96 minutes.

Stay tuned.

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Should be interesting...

Was just reading Hollinger’s ROY article, and he makes a good point about the average minutes per game of centers around the league. Other than Dwight Howard & Al Jefferson, the top big men (Centers) typically play closer to 30 minutes per game.

Ming: 33.0
Horford: 33.0
Biedrins: 30.6
O’Neal: 30.4
Bynum: 29.4
Dampier: ~25 since he’s been with Dallas
Duncan: ~ 34 the last five years.

With Camby getting up there in age, he probably shouldn’t be playing more than 30 minutes, and with Kaman being Kaman, 30 is probably a good number for him as well. That would leave Randolph with 36, probably about where he should be. With that, I don’t think minutes will be much of an issue, but who is deemed “the starter” between Camby & Kaman is definitely up for debate. I’d think Camby would give the 2nd unit a bigger lift, whereas the starters coule better compensate for any of Kaman’s mishaps.

Of course, that would only leave DeAndre crumbs for the most part, but that’s probably not such a bad thing. He’ll be available if or when there’s an injury.

by ghost_ride on Mar 16, 2009 6:27 PM PDT reply actions