Clippers Draft Recap
by Steve Perrin on Jun 24, 2010 9:32 PM PDT
in News
Email
Print
Draft grades are silly on draft night. The simple fact is, these guys haven't suited up yet, so there's no point to trying to evaluate the picks at this point.
Having said that, I give the Clippers an A+++++++ for this draft.
OK, that was meant to be ironic. See what I did there, where I contradicted myself? Sometimes I crack me up.
Two weeks ago, no one thought that Al-Farouq Aminu would be on the board at eight, and it looked like the Clippers would have a very difficult decision between best player available and their glaring need at small forward. Instead, need and talent aligned and the Clippers pounced on Aminu.
Then, to address their need at point guard, they traded a future draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Eric Bledsoe of Kentucky. Bledsoe was generally considered the second best point guard in this draft, strangely behind his Kentucky teammate John Wall. Of course, this was widely considered a very poor draft for point guards after Wall. The thing you have to know about John Calipari is that the guy can recruit. If Eric Bledsoe was in his first recruiting class, then he can play. I've heard Bledsoe compared to Russell Westbrook, but before you get too excited, it's a somewhat superficial comparison. He's a natural point guard playing shooting guard in college next to a more natural point guard (Westbrook next to Darren Collison, Bledsoe next to Wall) and he's crazy athletic. It's hard to know how good he can be based on his college career, where he was the fourth option on his team. The Bledsoe trade became official about 9 PM LA time, midnight eastern, and although Roeser and Olshey wouldn't comment on the protections on it, they assured us that it is well protected. (I assume Lisa D will have the scoop soon.)
At 54, the Clippers had to be surprised to see Willie Warren still available. Warren was a freshman at Oklahoma when Blake Griffin was a sophomore, and if he'd declared for the draft last year, he might have been a lottery pick. Warren found college ball a little tougher without the best player in the nation attracting triple teams, and his draft stock fell. Even so, he was still projected as a late first round / early second round pick in this draft. With literally no backup to Eric Gordon on the roster, to have Warren available at 54 was a gift. Will he make the roster? 54 picks rarely do - but he's in a very good situation to contribute, and he'll have his chance for sure. His talent level had him in the lottery last year, so that tells you something. The link to Griffin at Oklahoma may turn out to be crucial. Olshey said the first person he texted after the pick was Blake, and BG texted back, "I got this one coach. He'll be the player he was his freshman year."
The Clippers depth chart, in terms of players under contract and draft picks, suddenly looks surprisingly complete.
- Point Guard - Baron Davis; Eric Bledsoe
- Shooting Guard - Eric Gordon; Willie Warren
- Small Forward - Al-Farouq Aminu
- Power Forward - Blake Griffin
- Center - Chris Kaman; DeAndre Jordan
Considering that they started the day with, that ain't bad. In AFA and WW, they had guys who happened to fill positional needs that they were surprised to see available. And of course they proactively went out and got Bledsoe.
You have to assume/hope that AFA and Bledsoe can at least contribute. Can Warren as well? Can he even make the team? Add to the above list Sofo Schortsianitis, MBFGC, the Greek big to whom the Clippers still hold the rights, and the bench is starting to take shape. Oh, and by the way, they still have about $17M in cap space to add some other players.
235 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Looks like we got some solid picks...
lets hope that we can get an A++++++++ in the free agency market
Best draft in recent memory
They got lucky and were proactive. Can’t ask for more than that.
I’m still in shock and awe over the Bledsoe trade. Simply masterful. They identified a need, saw a player whose real value was much higher than his perceived value, and aggressively acquired him.
Perhaps most importantly, Blake seems to be very happy. He gets a PG who can grow with him and a former teammate who he undoubtedly has a good relationship with.
A+++++++++++++
All we need to do is sign LeBron and Olshey wins executive of the year in his first eligible season.
I loved the draft. We filled some needs with players that are talented and have potential. Warren is going to have a chip after falling so hard. Bledsoe is going to be out to prove that he is a legit pg. Aminu is a guy that fills a lot of voids that we have at the 3 spot. We just need him to keep on working on his jumper. We have a ton of young guys that should be able to push and encourage each other. With Blake and his hard working mentality, these guys are going to step up in ways they may not have stepped up normally.
I’m very happy. There was a lot of uncertainty entering into this draft. Clippers didn’t really tip their hands at all. They came out and surprised us all making wise decisions from top to bottom. A+ baby!
Hey, cap man
By my quick math here at a restaurant, a max contract at this point is an awfully tight squeeze. What do your #s say?
"i know huh........freakin clippers man.....its like a wild ride rooting for this team....gotta love em....(sometimes) lol" In GrIfFin We TrUsT
Ask Tom Penn at ESPN
They probably won’t give you an answer since ESPN took a dump on the clippers all night long
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing
What are the numbers Noe. SP please help. Do we have enough for max FA?
When we win the NBA Championship, it will be that much sweeter!
by danobaseball on Jun 24, 2010 10:01 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Yea, ESPN was totally biased against the Clips
I believe it’s just under $17 million depending on the cap
$473,635 remaining space if cap at $56.1M
We need the cap to come in @ $55,423,380 or higher to keep our guys and sign a max FA.
LeBron/Max FA would have a starting salary of $16,627,014. This is 30% of the cap.
by Lawler 4ever on Jun 24, 2010 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks!
There are too many little rules that I’m still unclear on. What’s this about second rounders not counting against the cap? Do you have to sign 12 or 13 guys? Anyway, you’re the best source I know.
"i know huh........freakin clippers man.....its like a wild ride rooting for this team....gotta love em....(sometimes) lol" In GrIfFin We TrUsT
LOL thanks.
1st rounders are all guaranteed for at least 2 seasons I think. They count (cap hold) towards the cap immediately.
2nd rounders hardly make most teams’ rosters, so they are not guaranteed. There is no cap hold for them. This is why picks 31-39 are so highly sought after. They are practically 1st round talent, but their salary does not count until they are officially signed.
The minimum amount of players that need to be on a roster at all times is 12. If you have less than 12, then the difference must be filled by a roster charge. Each roster charge is for the amount of $473,604.
We have guaranteed salary for the following players:
1. Baron Davis – $13M
2. Chris Kaman – $11.3M
3. Blake Griffin – $5,357,280
4. Eric Gordon – $3,016,680
5. Al-Farouq Aminu – $2,136,100 (cap hold for 8th pick)
6. Eric Bledsoe – $1,237,500 (cap hold for 18th pick)
7. DeAndre Jordan – $854,389
8. Roster Charge – $473,604
9. Roster Charge – $473,604
10. Roster Charge – $473,604
11. Roster Charge – $473,604
12. Max Player (30% of salary cap) / Cap Space (whatever is remaining of cap – team salary)
There is no roster charge for the 12th spot, because it would be filled by a max contract/free agent.
I hope that makes sense.
by Lawler 4ever on Jun 24, 2010 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Not necessarily. We would have $473,635 in remaining space.
See above.
"i know huh........freakin clippers man.....its like a wild ride rooting for this team....gotta love em....(sometimes) lol" In GrIfFin We TrUsT
$473,604 is the rookie minimum salary.
We could pay him the minimum or more. 2nd rounders aren’t bound to a scale like 1st rounders are. DeJuan Blair earned $850k last year for the Spurs.
If we signed our 2nd rounder before our 1st rounders but after our free-agent, he could get a deal at $850k or so as well, because we’d have a little cap room and a roster charge would be removed.
1st rounders can receive a contract anywhere from 80-120% of the the cap hold. Pretty sure they’ll be signed after free agency to assure optimal cap flexibility.
by Lawler 4ever on Jun 24, 2010 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions
great work
For what it’s worth, Kevin Arnovitz and Andy Roeser both had it a little closer to the wire when we were talking about it…. they came up with $16.83M and change available if the cap comes in at $56.1M. Looks like you’ve got $17.3M and change on a $56.1M cap. I honestly don’t see anything wrong with your numbers – the first round pick salaries are the same KA was using. So I’m not sure where the discrepancy comes in. Suffice it to say that they were well aware of the cap issues, and targeted teams picking from 18 to 20 as have low enough cap holds, where they hoped Bledsoe might be avail. They did their homework.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jun 24, 2010 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Looks like the difference
is the number of cap holds. Does KA have 13 spots? The schedule above only has 12. That explains the 470k difference.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 24, 2010 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I wondered the same thing
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jun 24, 2010 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions
$17.3M equals the leftover cap that we would have after the guaranteed salaries and roster charges were taken into account.
17.3-16.83 leaves us with approximately $473,635 leftover. It’s really close, but it is a nice little buffer to have just in case the cap comes in at a lower amount.
I think Clipper Chuck may be right about Kevin & Andy having 5 roster charges instead of 4. That would make the difference really slim. $29 slim.
by Lawler 4ever on Jun 24, 2010 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions
That's the difference all right
Kevin’s got a cap space post up now, and indeed he’s accounting for 5 cap holds. We’re sure it’s only 4, right? You have to account for 12 roster spots? Is that including the free agent or excluding him?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jun 25, 2010 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I had this question a while back and asked Larry Coon.
He said that you never count the 12th spot, because that spot is going to be filled by whoever you are signing. Therefore, there is no need to have a roster charge at that spot.
Our main concern is to have max money available after the first 11 spots are filled by players/charges.
by Lawler 4ever on Jun 25, 2010 12:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Cool
Good to get it from Larry – he’s the expert. Of course, the NBA actually requires you to have 13 contracts, not 12, so you could argue that the rule should be 13, in which case Kevin’s math is correct. But if Larry says it’s 12, it’s 12.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jun 25, 2010 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions
I posted this on Clipperblog, don't know if anybody read it.
http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#Q14
"A roster charge if the team has fewer than 12 players (players under contract, free agents included in team salary, players given offer sheets, and first round draft picks). The roster charge is equal to the rookie minimum salary for each player below 12. The roster charge only applies during the offseason."
We have 7 players (5 under contract & 2 first round draft picks). A max player would be 1 additional player. That would give us 8 players. We are now 4 players under the required minimum of 12. 4 roster charges would put us at 12.
by Lawler 4ever on Jun 25, 2010 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
I didn't factor him in.
The organization will not give him a promise until after they determine what will happen in free-agency. If we get a max player, then we won’t have the cap space to give Sofo the amount of money that he wants. He’ll then have to make a decision as to whether he wants to stay in Greece/Europe or accept less and join the Clippers.
by Lawler 4ever on Jun 25, 2010 12:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Correct
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jun 25, 2010 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
we still need a good coach to put all the ingredients together!
talent alone can’t win championships as we all know…we need a leader (on and off court) to bring it all together. I think finding that right coach is just as crucial as getting Lebron over or whoever we sign…
wouldn't go that far
Lebron trumps any other acquisition. But after him (or Wade) a head coach with the right system for the players we had is most important.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 24, 2010 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions
So Far So Good
It’s amazing how much better we feel now that we have what appears to be a competent GM. Hopefully the good news will continue through the coaching search and free agency period.
The fact that the naysayers are nowhere to be found speaks volumes.
"[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.
Liking It
Pretty baffled by the Bledsoe move, which adds a lot more excitement than what everyone expected w/ AFA.
he seemed very comfortable and confident in the role during the video after the pick
the fact that they had Aminu on June 1 for a secret workout the day before all the other guys we’ve been chatting about is pretty awesome.
If I could sum up Jax's commenting history with two comments
It would be the above unbridled stoke after on Wednesday being against Deng because "Plus I don’t think he shoots the three – we need someone to spread the floor followed by a bitter thread fighting with all comers (none of whom is me) and refusing to offer any evidence to support his assertions and pretty frequently resorting to personal attacks.
They drafted a 3 who doesn’t shoot the 3 or spread the floor, a guard who wasn’t even the best guard on his college team that Sam Presti didn’t want, and another guy who wasn’t cutting it against college players.
What I can’t figure out is if you are completely irrational or completely dishonest. Being a lawyer my money is on the latter, but I can’t rule out the former based on your feelings concerning MDSr.
Coaches don't matter. - Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball
Thank you John R for your comments - please allow me to respond
At the outset, I would note that John R appears to have nothing positive to say about yesterday’s developments. That’s disappointing considering that he claims to be a Clipper fan.
Turning to the substance of his post.
First, I personally am not as enamored with AFA as most others seem to be because I think they need a shooter. That is true.
Having said that, AFA is universally seen as the best option at this slot. The fact that our GM decided to pick the universally seen best pick at that spot would seem to bode well for us. Contrast that with MDSr picking, for example, Korolev a few years ago. Also, noted above is the fact that they had the guy in for a secret workout a few weeks ago. So the move appears to be a competent one for the new GM.
Do you have a problem with that move, John R? Let’s hear it.
To that end, the thread in question that you referenced was in actuality a discussion between me and some others on the one hand and madglove and clipperchuck on the other. Eventually clipperchuck basically adopted madglove’s arguments. I believe that I’m right.
Also, this pick is a great one if the Clippers pick up a shooting SF / SG in free agency. Perhaps that’s what they are trying to do.
It appears from your comment that you do not approve of any of the picks of this GM. Unless you state otherwise, I will assume that you do not.
Your position shows your true colors. The Bledsoe pick was genius. Who knows whether that or the AFA pick are going to pan out, but they were great moves by a GM who all of a sudden is making us all feel (except for you John R) that we actually have someone running the team who knows what he’s doing. Which of course was my problem with MDSr all along as proven by his track record with the team.
This is a watershed post for you. Instead of giving Olshey a little credit where credit is due, you stand on the sidelines and then when you are pressed you confirm that you don’t like anything that he did. Which shows either that you don’t know anything about basketball or that you are hoping that Olshey fails because it would bolster your case that MDSr was the best thing that ever happened to the team.
Next they’ll be interviewing coaches and trying for free agents. We don’t know whether Olshey will be successful at either. However, after his performance yesterday, I for one am a bit more comfortable with him running things and will continue to give him the benefit of the doubt until he proves me wrong.
John R, we and the team are moving forward. I would respectfully suggest that you jump on board before the train leaves the station. Calling me dishonest is beyond the pale but really not surprising given your past history.
"[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 would note that John R appears to have nothing positive to say about yesterday’s developments. That’s disappointing considering that he claims to be a Clipper fan.
Why do you have to be positive about a draft that saw Eric Bledsoe, an extremely average player, get traded to us for a future first round pick? Unless we get someone substantial in free agency, it’s the dumbest thing we could have done.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
Why do you think he's "extremely average"?
He’s a freshman PG who played out of position at Kentucky. He’s a risk just like all first rounders and could be our PG of the future. Do you not agree?
"[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 actually don’t agree. I’ve never liked Bledsoe’s game. He reminds me so much of Jonny Flynn that it makes me cringe to have him on the roster right now. The only difference is that Flynn was actually a better passer coming out of college. Bledsoe isn’t a good passer. He plays point guard because his height dictates that he does. He’s more of a two-guard stuck in a one’s body. The only thing he has going for him, outside of his decent jumper, is the fact that he’s pretty damn athletic. There’s really nothing else there. He’s not a good defender, he’s not a good passer, he doesn’t rebound – although I don’t expect point guards to crash glass – and he turns the ball over .. a lot. As DraftExpress points out, 22.1% of all of his possessions resulted in turnovers. He has no control. When your NBA comparisons are Keyon Dooling, Jonny Flynn, and Marcus Banks, something is wrong.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
In fairness, DX qualified the statement about his turnovers - he's very young
We should probably read the entire article to get the full picture:
The fact that Eric Bledsoe didn’t play much point guard last season doesn’t flatter him in this analysis, and his lack of touches as a lead guard show in many of his situational efficiency measures.
Playing off the ball next to John Wall, Bledsoe posted solid numbers in some areas, but struggled mightily in others. His adjusted field goal percentage of 54% is third best in this group and is second to only Scottie Reynolds amongst college players. However, 22.1% of all of his possessions resulted in turnovers, the highest rate of any prospect at his position.
The most apparent example of Bledsoe’s role for Kentucky last season lies in his spot up percentages. Some 35.3% of his possessions were spot ups, the highest percentage in this group by more than 10%. In the same vein, his 4.9% pick and roll rate is by far the lowest. Whatever team drafts Bledsoe will surely need to play him alongside an additional ball-handler, as he clearly isn’t ready to handle full-time playmaking responsibilities himself, at least initially.
Despite not projecting as a shooting guard on the next level, Bledsoe would have some nice tools to play the two. He ranks as the third most efficient shooter in this group in terms of points per-shot from jumpers at 1.08 per-attempt. Despite hitting just 35.3% of his jump shots off the dribble, Bledsoe shot a ridiculous 66.7% adjust field goal percentage in unguarded catch and shoot situations. Should he land with a team with a shooting guard capable of distributing the ball, Bledsoe could add some nice things off the bench given the athleticism he offers along with his shooting and get a chance to refine his lead guard skills and cut down on mistakes over time.
From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Situational-Statistics-This-Yearas-Point-Guard-Crop-3500/#ixzz0rsvD4lWU
http://www.draftexpress.com
"[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.
Bledsoe's Shot
That’s what really impressed me the most about Bledsoe’s game last year, was the accuracy of his shot. A lot of players have the athleticism, and that’s a great bonus obviously, but a complaint of mine over the last couple of years has been that EJ is the only good shot we’ve had. Having a 2nd shooter in Butler helped out a bit last year, but Bledsoe and EJ out there together could be pretty dangerous, not to mention if we do end up re-signing Rasual.
The Bledsoe acquisition is definitely exciting, but the thing is we don’t know at what cost yet. But if we were going to make a move like this, I have to think that this was the year to do it.
"They drafted a 3 who doesn’t shoot the 3 or spread the floor, a guard who wasn’t even the best guard on his college team that Sam Presti didn’t want, and another guy who wasn’t cutting it against college players."
But otherwise, they nailed it.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Yeah, I was just about to say,
“Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how’d you like the play?”
Except for that iceberg, that initial Titanic voyage was fantastic . . .
"[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.
Well, that's awfully pessimistic...
Why not focus on the positives?
1. While Aminu probably won’t turn us into an immediate playoff contender, he was probably both the best SF and the best overall talent on the board at the time. Your previous comment stating your preference would have been to draft “no one” still confuses me. There weren’t a lot of other options, and while Aminu won’t spread the floor, he’ll rebound and give us the ability to guard the larger SFs in the league. We still have plenty of cap space to get a floor-spreading SF.
2. The whole idea of us trading a future first rounder for Bledsoe is presumably based around the idea that we’ll be a playoff team soon enough, and that pick will be worth very little. Bledsoe has a huge upside that you can’t ignore. Why not take the chance at having a replacement for Baron Davis in a few years?
3. As for Willie Warren, we probably took him (at #54, mind you, which really shouldn’t even deserve a mention in most drafts) because he has the potential to play like his former lottery-bound self. He “wasn’t cutting it against college players” only 1 year after he was doing a very good job against them, in a different situation. That’s not someone you would normally count out.
Again, there’s no reason to focus on the negative—-I can’t imagine who that would benefit.
The Clips have a team
It’s rather amazing how well everybody fits, and they were still best player available, more or less. Good point on remembering how it seemed unlikely that Aminu would still be available for the Clips. The Bledsoe move is obviously extremely proactive.
The fact that they plugged a couple of gaping holes with rookie placeholders might affect the free agent profile and strategy. It’s not especially significant for the main guys, who would fill the holes themselves, but the Clips don’t seem quite so needy, they’re attractive, and they have some flexibility. Aminu seems like a great pick as a young rebounder/defender. I’m hoping he is successful and satisfying in ways similar to Luc Ricard Mbah-Moute.
Mbah-a-Moute was the exact player I was likening AFA, too. Mentioned it a few times. He serves MIL perfectly as a lock-down D, rebounder.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's doing down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jun 25, 2010 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions
then again
LRMAM was a second round pick… and AFA was in the lottery. Just saying.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jun 25, 2010 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
True
But no reason he can’t be a better version of LRMAM with more tools.
LRMAM sure didn’t do the work on the boards that AFA did in college.
To be clear
There’s a reason why he didn’t do that work on the boards. The Bruins had Kevin Love, who was siphoning every single board available. LRMAM doesn’t have AFA’s explosiveness.
"[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.
Really?
I didn’t know that Kevin Love was grabbing all the boards for UCLA in 05-06 and 06-07. Man that’s impressive. He was like 16 then right?
Anyway, my point is that LRMAM was solid in college, but not nearly as good as AFA. He came out as a junior, which historically has been the age where a lot of players don’t improve much when coming into the league, and in his three years at UCLA, he never produced the way AFA did this past year.
In fact, AFA grabbed as many boards per game this year as Kevin Love did at UCLA (obviously Love was a freshman though).
Yep
The Bucks turned out to get great value in LRMAM. If they did the draft over again he’d be a mid-late first rounder and moving up the board. Like Bruce Bowen or Shane Battier he’s one of those guys that PER just can’t account for.
Aminu was 13th in the country this year in rebounding and had the most impressive rebounding numbers for anyone playing in a big conference.
Way to take a dump on Jax’s analysis.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Dude was your last statement necessary? Just makes you look bad.
"[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.
Your one making up excuses
again you miss the simple fact that maybe LRMAM just isn’t a great rebounder. He’s a PF in the NBA playing 26 minutes a game averaging 5.5 rebounds. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mbahalu01.html) He played the entire series against Atlanta as the starting PF for a team WITHOUT Andrew Bogut and still averaged just 5.5 rebounds in 26 minutes (at least he’s consistent).
Now you post a entire comment below with 3 excuses as to why his rebounding totals were low and Aminu’s were inflated. Just admit you were wrong and move on. Aminu might be LRMAM 2.0 Rebounding Edition.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Um, I'm just discussing the issues
You seem to be a tad obsessed.
"[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.
Wrong
whatever
fail
does not compute
user error
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Feel free
not to make a comment in every single sub thread in every single post made on this site.
"[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 don't
just can’t stand when people pretend they know what they are talking about when its obvious they are pulling it out of their *. I have way fewer comments than you on this thread.
So to summarize your best responses. Whatever.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I think
that you’ve aptly described yourself there my friend
"[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.
Sorry - I was focusing on the K Love period
I don’t know Wake Forest’s team very well. Before K Love the Bruins had some other bigs who got alot of boards. LRAAM was never intended to be the Bruins’ primary rebounder. I suspect if AFA was playing out of position at PF (as I understand he was) that since he got so many boards Wake didn’t have a very dominating center. Could be wrong though.
If the Bruins had needed LRAAM for boards he probably would have gotten more. The Bruins were very solid in those years with alot of talent. I don’t know what talent Wake had to surround AFA. I do know that LRAAM isn’t as explosive as AFA and that his shot didn’t pan out. And he played with a very talented team that prevented him from fully showcasing his talents. There are a number of reasons why wasn’t grabbed earlier. When he was a freshman many Bruin types were thinking he was going to be a lottery pick.
The other problem with comparing the two is that you really have to see what other talent there was in the draft in both years. Was the LRAAM draft deeper than this one?
"[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 hope we don't cut Willie Warren
that would make Blake mad or hurt
Willie's Itinerary
Based on Blake’s text to Olshey, I imagine Willie has landed at LAX where Blake greeted him, gave him a place to crash and invited him to join his workouts. He’ll be in good shape.
With $17M to spend on the FA
Clips look good. Every pieces seem to fall in place. Starting with AFA & then Bledsoe later on WW. With that kind of lineup & money, hiring the coach will be a easier for Oshley and simply attract very good players both would be starter at 3 to give AFA more time to develop and complementary veteran players who would run with these horses!
Time to reserve some dates for my tickets to see games between our neighbors.
With $17M to spend on the FA
Clips look good. Every pieces seem to fall in place. Starting with AFA & then Bledsoe later on WW. With that kind of lineup & money, hiring the coach will be a easier for Oshley and simply attract very good players both would be starter at 3 to give AFA more time to develop and complementary veteran players who would run with these horses!
Time to reserve some dates for my tickets to see games between our neighbors.
Random quantity?
Or is that some obscure reference to Aldrich?
"i know huh........freakin clippers man.....its like a wild ride rooting for this team....gotta love em....(sometimes) lol" In GrIfFin We TrUsT
Too bad Baron has #1. I guess #11, like big0lbad said.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
by FlyByKnight on Jun 24, 2010 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions
can BD change to 5?
he wanted his UCLA 5 but Cat had it at the time he was signed…
so BD5 and AA can keep his 1?
…to bad though if that happens, i bought a BD authentic on that sick sale at the end of the season at staples…..
Wouldn't he have to notify someone?
much like LBJ did earlier in the season. Although usually no one really cares and it doesn’t make it in the news at all.
It can't be 6 because the is LBJ's number.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
can we afford all three guys and max free agent?
I know this is a dumb question, but whats the salary for the 54th pick?
yes
check out above posts. 54th pick isn’t anything now because it’s a 2nd rounder, not guaranteed.
the mminimum salary for a second rounder
is 473,604, the same as a roster charge.
War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.-1984 George Orwell.
Great tidbit there about Griffin's reply to Olshey
I dig the vibe.
"i know huh........freakin clippers man.....its like a wild ride rooting for this team....gotta love em....(sometimes) lol" In GrIfFin We TrUsT
I got this "coach"???
I guess Olshey is running the team. Now we need a real coach. I also hope we can keep Kim Hughes to keep working on Kaman and with Blake.
Yeah I caught the coach thing too...
He is pulling a MDsr (in reverse?) or a Jeff Bower/Kiki V. ?
GM appointing himself as HC to avoid hiring one?
Uh, have you guys ever played organized basketball?
You call almost everyone who works with you “coach.” Head coach, assistants, trainers, anyone who actually…you know, “coaches” the players in the literal sense of the word.
Nothing to read into.
You also call them coach
if you can’t remember their names haha. Like hey buddy, pal…. who is that guy?
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions
I heard the pick was lottery protected for 2011 but then decreases in protection after that. Sounds a lot like the pick Minnesota gave us.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
where did you hear that?
Do you have a link? That seems reasonable. It was 18, I’d like it to be out of the lottery at least next year.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jun 24, 2010 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions
It was something going around at the draft party. I was on the lower level and found out about the deal 15 minutes before ESPN reported it (thanks to Twitter). It was pure speculation that it was the same kind of protection system that Minnesota gave us. I can see it being the same but I think it’s just lottery protected in 2011, top ten in 2012, and then unprotected.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
by FlyByKnight on Jun 24, 2010 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Eric Bledsoe reminds me of Rodney Stuckey...but with a better jump shot
Hopefully, he provides some great scoring/running opportunities off the bench. I can see him, Aminu and DJ getting out on the break with the second unit.
That could be a pretty good comparison
That better jumper is key though. Hopefully he’s at least a little more of a playmaker than Stuckey.
That must be why Jax loves him
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
LOL
I don’t love Bledsoe. I just like the effort on the part of the new GM to try to improve the club in a way I see as reasonable and aggressive.
"[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.
You had to bring that up
I’d take Stuckey today – I think we can all agree he’s better than AT (although by no means a superstar).
"[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.
What if Lebron doesnt come to LA
I like this squad as is. Sual and Rhino and 3 year deals all ending the same time as Baron and Kaman i believe. Throw Sofo, and B Skinz in there and we are legit
Kaman has 2 years left
We have a lot of money if Lebron does come. Even if we resigned Butler and Rhino we would have $10 million left (or we overpaid). I don’t think it makes sense to have both Rhino and Sofo on the team, not at the price they will both cost.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 24, 2010 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions
so can warren effectively play the 2?
having warren’s primary position at the 2 might be tough, he’s still undersized and i figured bledsoe would split time at the 1 and 2 behind baron and ego. if we’re going with a guard rotation of baron/ego/warren/bledsoe we’re going to be very, very very, small.
and do you guys and steve have concerns about aminu playing the 3? sort of the same problem thornton had? i know aminu is a bit better than thornton in terms of versatility, but both players had a serious issue of not having a defined position. we badly needed a shooter at the 3, but i can understand sticking with aminu, too talented too much upside to pass on.
and im glad to here the pick is protected. hopefully it wont matter and this talent filled squad can make a run next year.
even with some of those issues, excellent draft.
i like the idea of smash mouth basketball...
Having a team that wants to win by outrebounding you and pushing the ball is pretty exciting.
Id rather have a team that lives in the paint and on the glass than perfectly spaced, behind the three point line…
by banandy on Jun 24, 2010 11:29 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
size in the guard rotatoin
It’s a concern, certainly. But EJ has had good success defending a lot of good sized twos, and Baron can defend twos as well. Bledsoe has long arms, which will allow him to play bigger than his height. Warren has decent NBA two guard size – not great, but not bad. He’s definitely targeted as a two – it didn’t go well for him as a one in Oklahoma this year.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jun 24, 2010 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Warren is a very small 2
Under 6ft 4 in shoes. He also has a small wingspan.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Willie-Warren-5157/
But hey, for a late 2nd rounder we got a interesting prospect that could stick.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 24, 2010 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions
EJ
i think ego is an exceptional defender, not the rule for defenders that small. hes strong and has been real rugged defensively, but usually, guards that small don’t fair well on the defensive end.
regardless, i LOVE the bledsoe trade and i like aminu though it pains me to see johnson go just a few picks earlier. warren was probably the best talent that low, and if he can efficiently play the 2, then all aboard. want to see how he fairs against 2s first, though.
either way, oshley has gotten off to a great start, i hope he snags someone of quality from the free agent pile.
we just need an established
Scoring sg-sf from free agency
"[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.
by Jax on Jun 25, 2010 7:59 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I think Shannon Brown is 6'4
and he didnt shine for the lakers until he stopped playing point guard and started playing SG
If anyone thinks Aminu is not a shooter take a look at this vid....
I know these are not in game shots, but many of the shots are catch and shoot or off the dribble shots from various spots on the court. His form looks pretty good and most of his shots are true. I really like this pick and I think this team is starting to really take form.
Shot looks good
He never really had to take a lot of jumpshots in college since he could just get to the rim with ease. His shot could be very underrated.
by baron_davis needs a fro on Jun 25, 2010 12:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Kenny Smith on NBATV....
He said that Aminu is much like JOHN WALL in that he is an explosive scorer with the ball in his hands off the dribble. If you watch Aminu he is relentless in attacking the hoop. Even if he misses he has a very fast second jump and usually gets his own misses, lol. His shot is decent and it will only get better with more work and more confidence.
I like this guy’s game, he is proven and will be a great addition to the Clippers.
wasn't the best convincing evidence
his lift is low and he had a strech where he missed every other shot and these are uncontested.
i thought the clips got a lot of talent
but was it enough to make them more appealing to lebron than chicago?
if not, then giving up a future first rounder to Thunder was a waste. they could have taken Daequan Cook and that #1 from the Heat and had enough cap room leftover to make a play for Rudy Gay.
"I've hacked into your brain. You're throwing a party and no one's showing up."
no they couldnt...
There would have been a revolt here if they took on salary (cook) and their pick…killing absolutely everything they’ve done to get into this position in the first place
by banandy on Jun 24, 2010 11:41 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
as long as the pick is protected, then giving it up for bledsoe was not a waste. in fact, it was a steal.
every college scout in the league will tell you that bledsoe had to sacrifice tremendously to play alongside wall, and that he is better than his stats indicate. he’s a natural one, had he stayed in kentucky for another year, he would’ve easily been a top 10 draftee next year at his natural one. (we all know what calipari does with his point guards) and, as long as this pick is protected for a few years, and especially if griffin is the stud we think he is, then we can crack the postseason and give back a pick in the late teens.
this deal is most efficient if the team decides its time to start winning, a philosophy i hope oshley and the new coach along with blake will help spread to the team.
Even if LeBron doesn't sign
this draft makes us look like were are going the Thunder-home grown-youth movement route to the playoffs sooner rather than later
with this team now, plus LeBron….out of the park homerun with the bases loaded
with this team now, without LeBron….3triple play or single homerun
either way…we can’t strike out now
the future looks bright any what we go. GMNO has instantly looks promising in the post-GMMDsr era
Still wish we would have taken Paul George but overall nice draft
I just don’t see Aminu being enough as a starter there was a reason Butler fit better than Thornton because he could SHOOT and defend. We still need that a FA
Thornton=black hole, stalled offense, not a great rebounder, didn’t focus on defense
Aminu=Great rebounder, defensive minded, explosive
The only similarity they have is their names and the fact that their not good shooters.
Oh and it doesn’t hurt that Aminu is 7 years younger
by baron_davis needs a fro on Jun 25, 2010 12:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Thornton wasn't explosive? lol
Thornton wasn’t a bad weakside defender and his rebounding wasn’t all that bad either. Aminu is suppose to be a bett man defender and BBIQ is still up in the air.
AFA looks and plays like a player I drafted in NBA 2K9 called Ryan Valentine
Dude was raw could attack, block shots, and rebound but his jump shooting was weak. Long story short with some hard development training 2 years later had a sick mid-range game, fluid post move J, and a here and there 3pt shooter. If AFA can pan out 2 or 3 years to become that he’ll be my favorite Clipper player.
No
But I liked how every time he touched the ball it would go like this
jabstep, jabstep, (waiting 5 seconds) shot
or like this
(gets ball in post) waiting waiting waiting turnaround fadeaway with a man in his face
He was a good finisher in the open like Aminu, but his offensive game is totally different. But Thornton did have some nice blocks.
In all, Thornton was just not a team player while Aminu does all the things a team needs (hustle, rebound, defend).
by baron_davis needs a fro on Jun 25, 2010 12:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Thornton also started off with a decent mid-range jumper Aminu has none what so ever
To add we ere an iso team under the Dunleavy system those same moves you mentioned by Thornton were done by Kaman all last season.
None what so ever?
Scouting reports (and videos) have shown he has a nice 15-18 foot jumper. He won’t shoot you any threes, but he has Camby-esque range. Plus, he has much, much better form than Thornton had, and he’s only 19 (going on 20).
With Thornton, we knew what we were getting for years to come. With Aminu, we can mold him how we choose, potentially turning him into a true talented SF.
I'm fine if he is Sixth man type even though George has the skill-set and fit factor to start right away
Now molding you talking about the Clippers and the word Development. The two haven’t went well in the past but we do have a new coach coming in so hopefully that changes. Wouldn’t mind cleaning house on the assiants to.
Thornton is an explosive player
but not like Aminu
if you remember, Thornton COULD explode anytime he wanted…but he always settled for the jab-step x100 then contested jumpshot move (he at least he’s got the "if it doesn’t fake him out the first time, try try again….way to never give up!)
AFA on the other hand…looks like he goes balls-out explosive every time…which is why he has a poor outside game
Thats the thing Thornton had the ability some nights to kill a team from mid-range
Aminu doesn’t have that ability and at the next level you won’t be able to get to the basket every game you need a shot to fall back on (Gordon found that out the hard way in his sophmore year).
AFA
Figures to be a much better defender and rebounder than AT, and we don’t lose anything on the transition game w/ AFA. So you mean we gain where Thornton lacked, and only miss AT’s average mid-range game? Sounds good to me.
EJ
Then we let Eric do his thing. If they are gonna crowd the paint and make griffen and Kaman work harder, its a good thing we have BD and EJ to make plays from the outside.
AFA vs. AT.....
Aminu can put the ball on the floor and get to the hoop with an in and out dribble, a cross-over, or a power dribble with either hand.
Thornton could get to the basket, but not at the rate that Aminu does. Thornton also only had a power dribble and nothing else as far as moves to get to the hoop off the dribble.
Bledsoe and Warren will be a lot cheaper, but hopefully they can hold down the backup spots!
"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.
by CLiPPz WeRD 12 on Jun 25, 2010 2:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Neil Olshey where have you been all my life
I got to bed after the 10th pick quite happy with our AFA and then wake up to find we’ve managed to grab Bledsoe. Fantastic move. So basically we have the 2nd best PG and the 2nd best SF in the draft – two key need areas.
I don’t know much about Warren but from the sounds of it, if he can recapture the form of the year before last, we could have a steal from the 2nd round.
Now then, the FA plan is key but even without LJB, we have got a great young core of players now. Looking something like what the Thunder did.
Bingo! Oh me oh my!
Compares To: STEPHON MARBURY — Some teams look at Warren as a possible point guard. There has to be doubt as to whether he has the patience, experience or ability to control the tempo of the game at that position. Like Marbury, he can become too enamored in his own scoring, especially taking ill-advised, off-balance shots from the perimeter. He clearly got caught up in his own press clippings. Warren was hurt down the stretch, but he was also taken to task by his coaches early in the season for erratic play. Use him like Atlanta used Jamal Crawford, as the first scoring option off the bench, and Warren could surprise.
9:21 LAC - Offensive foul on C. Smith
by LancasterGordon4Eva on Jun 25, 2010 3:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Blimey
A Jamal Crawford type scoring option for a 54th pick – surely he can’t be that good!
Definately worth a gamble at that point though.
Our draft has put me in a great mood today.
Bingo! Oh me oh my!
Marbury isn't bad with Blake hopefully being able to calm him down
Warren is going to start off as a third string so he has to earn his way.
I'm impressed.
A very, very, very nice draft for the Clips – dare I say it – we might be on our way back to respectability!
Clippers // Chargers // Rays // Panthers // Gators // Boise State
LA is the Clippers' city, the Lakers just play in it!
Dear Silverclip
I would like to take this oppurtunity to remind you of your pledge which you made back when it seemed like a lock that Aminu would not be available for the Clps.
Still, I want Aminu. I’d name my first born Aminu Eight. Yes sir, that’s my boy.
http://www.clipsnation.com/2010/5/20/1480781/8th-picks-of-the-last-decade#38003867
I hope you’ve informed Mrs. Silverclip.
Damn... She's not gonna like this
I suppose a girl we’d call Anima. Meanwhile, you can call me Bigmouth.
"i know huh........freakin clippers man.....its like a wild ride rooting for this team....gotta love em....(sometimes) lol" In GrIfFin We TrUsT
I am pretty sure that Warren doesn't even make the team
having him and Bledsoe is redundant, I don’t think Warren will be able to defend well enough to stick in the NBA.
well let me take that back
I think he has a chance to make the team if he plays as a 2 instead of a PG
I really doubt he is a PG
just my opinion but if he is going to stay in the league I think it will be as a bench 2.
Of course I could be completely wrong, which in that case it would just be good news for us Clips fans
so does Eric Gordon
and we know if it meant his career, EJ would choose shooting guard.
I think it means Warren’s career. He doesn’t have a guaranteed contract, so he has to get in where he fits in. Right now I think his best NBA role is a 2 off the bench.
Not saying he won’t be able to develop into a PG. But 2nd round draft picks don’t have much time to develop. Not when a team is trying to win now (at least it seems management is trying to do so, thank god)
That is quite a conversation
You just had with yourself there citizen
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jun 25, 2010 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Seems like Warren will get a fair chance to make the team
The Clippers will need some cheap players, and Warren has at least the potential to become an offensive minded combo guard off the bench. He’ll have to earn any playing time he gets, but he seems like just the kind of prospect the team would want as the 5th guard on the roster. IMO they still need to sign a veteran PG who could fill in for Baron in case of an injury, but they seem to have filled most of the backcourt openings nicely last night.
Solid draft night
I like the boldness of identifying needs and making the moves. I’m not completely over the moon just yet. Getting the guy you want at #8 doesn’t really take a lot of savvy, but at least he didn’t whiff.
The Bledsoe move was aggressive, but trading future #1’s takes risk. And the fact that the deal was with OKC worries me, since they are usually right. Why didn’t they like Bledsoe?
Taking a future #1 from the Clippers is a good risk since we are perennial lottery.
Now let’s get a coach and a free agent.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Wonder what OKC was thinking?
There are some teams that you should never make deals with. OKC may be one.
Hopefully this “Baron for Arenas” thing is a silly rumor. That would be a colossal FAIL.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
They already have alot of young players
"[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.
and they recieved a potential lottery pick if we continue to fail
I’m guessing they’ll take that gamble everytime.
by dulciusXasperis on Jun 25, 2010 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
It’s a smart move for OKC. They had no need for Bledsoe and pick up a future first round pick that will, most likely, be better than the 18th overall pick this year. They’re clearing $18.49 million next year, a figure that could jump up to $20.66 million if they choose not to offer Cook a qualifying offer. That’s a dangerous team man. Ton of cap space for next year, don’t have to extend their guys (yet), and are building through the draft with smart picks and smart trades. That’s just scary shit. Since it’s likely lottery protected, I hope we make the playoffs next year just to give it to them right away so we still (likely) get two first round picks in 2012, thanks to Minnesota.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
Don't they have to resign Durant?
Sometimes you have to take risks. Our GM obviously believes that Bledsoe’s value is better than where he was slotted. We need another PG and he could prove to be the one.
Thus, I think it’s a smart move for us as well.
"[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.
They need to re-sign Durant, but his rookie contract runs through 2011-2012. They’ll extend him that year, most likely, and have it start hitting the books in 2012-2013. They can still use a ton of money.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
from what I've read, OKC looks like its never going to spend big $$$ like say the Lakers or Dallas
they know they’ve got to retain their players and their owner/small market may not be able to allow them to delve into luxury cap-land…
You have to take into account that the Thunder are, likely, going to attempt to move Jeff Green. That’s some money saved since he was going to want something around $12 million per year, which is retarded for a player as bumtastic as that guy is. That’s money saved, even though it doesn’t seem like it. Westbrook and Durant are gonna be the only two commanding hefty sums. And they won’t see theirs for about another two years.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
When they extend Durant and Russell, it’ll be hard to NEVER go over the cap. They’ll do it in a smart way.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
I don't think
that you can say OKC punked us here. We filled some needs and so did they. However, if you hate Bledsoe, as you apparently do, then I could see that you don’t like the move. Given that, alot of people think the move was brilliant, including people in the business, so it doesn’t seem like the move was unreasonable by Olshey.
"[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.
Hyperbole abound
the move was neither brilliant nor terrible.
It was bold yet risky on the Clippers part and shrewed on OKCs part.
It all depends on Bledsoe.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
It all depends on Bledsoe . . .
I guess the question is: when do we judge Olshey? Do we judge the move now, knowing that it is a risk and could fail, or do we wait until we see if the guy pans out.
"[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.
Results count
I think we have to wait on this one. If Bledsoe stinks and the Clips end up without a pick next year, that it is a bad move.
If he is the PG of the future, than it was an excellent move.
Otherwise I give him credit for being active.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
I agree - ultimately results do count
"[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.
Agreed
But I think you can give short term grades and long term grades. Short term this move is great. Like you said, he deserves credit for being active, and also for identifying needs and making aggressive moves to fill those needs.
It also shows that they’ve had a plan in place since they brought in guys like Avery Bradley and Bledsoe for workouts when they clearly weren’t going to take either at the 8th spot and they wouldn’t be available at 54.
That’s what I like the best. Have a plan and execute it. And they did.
Now of course if Bledsoe is a bust, then it’s too bad and it was the wrong move. In the end that’s what matters more than anything. But as of right now, I think it’s reasonable to applaud his work.
That's what I was thinking
When OKC drafted Bledsoe, I thought he would have trouble getting onto the court for the Thunder. They are already set at PG with Westbrook and Maynor, and Bledsoe didn’t fill a need for them.
didn't OKC have a ton of picks already in this draft?
i think they wanted to pare things down in terms of new blood coming in this year
yes
I think they have 13 players under contract for next year, and had like 4 draft picks, 3 in the first round. So they kinda had to get rid of almost all of them. Even having 2 give you no roster flexibility without paying out guaranteed money.
They were smart to trade 2 to move up and get “their man” in aldrich, even if I don’t buy into him. And smart to just delay the other until they have less guaranteed money on the books, or have it as a trade asset down the road.
Aldrich
is perfect for that team though. They have plenty of scorers (Durant, Westbrook, Green and Harden) and simply needed a guy to do the dirty work (set screens, rebound, defend). He can be their Kendrick Perkins.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Yep, skilled big man among athletes
He’s gonna do well, and OKC is gonna be scary. Great target for them.
"i know huh........freakin clippers man.....its like a wild ride rooting for this team....gotta love em....(sometimes) lol" In GrIfFin We TrUsT
Rumor has it that the Clippers are looking at:
Dwayne Casey (so so)
Mike Woodson (not bad)
Vinny Del Negro (no thanks)
I do hope the search is more broad than that.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
McHale too
"[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.
What happened to Elson Turner
The genius assistant for the Rockets. He’s my choice
My vote
goes to Dwayne Casey.
Heard a lot of good things about him while he was back in Seattle as an assistant under Nate McMillan and he got a raw deal in Minny.
Dwanye Casey
Woodson likes to play ISO ball with his star player and we just came that and it didn’t fit our team.
without doing much research I would agree here. He has a pretty good track record, and took a young group from being a bad team into almost a title contender.
I have heard he runs a lot of isos, and almost all the offense was through his guards, but when you have joe johnson and mike bibby, and jamal crawford. There’s probably a reason most of the offense came from the back court.
Try running a motion offense with a bunch of guys that can’t pass doesn’t sound like a path towards success either. So i think we need someone that can judge our talent, and run the best system for the team.
Per Wojo at Yahoo!:
Bulls believe they will sign both LBJ and Bosh. Link here
Now that they moved Hinrich, I tend to agree. As the Lakers proved, SIZE matters. Gotta get rebounds.
The Bulls with just Noah would not have been enough for LeBron, but a front line of Noah and Bosh is probably the best he is going to get. Add to that a top shelf PG in Rose, and that would be a scary team.
I think they Bulls may be at the top of the list now. (Perhaps they end up with Wade instead).
However, I still think Miami is going to be a huge player. They will most likely re-sign Wade (and possibly LeBron) plus add Boozer or Amare and perhaps Joe Johnson. They have a lot to work with.
New York may end up the big loser (just like they did in 1996).
The article also indicates that New Jersey is working hard to get Chris Paul to town in an effort to lure LeBron, but I’m not sure the numbers would work. NO will only get rid of Paul if they can unload another bad contract with it (Okafor or Peja).
But as of now it looks like the Bulls and Heat will be big winners, and the Knicks and Cavs will be big losers.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Bulls can still trade Deng too
if they offer us a future 1st round pick (which would be very late) and Deng for some conditional 2nd rounder, the Clippers would probably take it right? The Bulls need a SG still so they need to clear out some space to sign a John Salmons or Ray Allen right?
I like what the Bulls did here, Fortune favors the bold, but abandons the timid.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Suddenly the Bulls do look like the best option for LBJ
I wouldn’t have said that yesterday.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
I think they just removed the Knicks from the race
from a basketball perspective. Money talks and NY still has the biggest endorsement opportunities.
At least the Clippers can offer a talented young core. The Knicks don’t even have the “pick your wingman” exclusively anymore.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
The Knicks are the prestige choice
The Bulls and Heat are the WIN choices.
The Cavs are the loyalty choice.
The Clippers are the “save a franchise” and be competitive choice.
The Nets are the “save a franchise with a Russian billionaire” choice.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Having never lived in New York
are the Knicks really that big of a deal in NYC? They had some success but they aren’t the Celtics or Lakers. And even that success was done before the NBA experienced their surge in popularity. They are more known for being the team unable to overcome MJ and the Bulls for years and years.
Also I would think the Yankees are the big deal there… followed by the Giants.
Not saying they aren’t more prestigious than most (or all) of the other teams but are the Knicks that loved in NY?
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I have lived there
the Yankees are by far #1. Football is popular, but the Giants are not overwhelmingly more popular than the Jets.
The Knicks are big and would it be a HUGE deal if LeBron signed there. The NY media types are dying for a Knicks team to root for. They just haven’t had one in a long time.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
I'd still go with Miami
Assuming they can free up the space for 2, I’d have to go with the team that has Wade.
Rose, Noah, Deng and co. were a .500 team last year. Wade with a bunch of YMCA all-stars were the 5th seed. Of course Rose and Noah are improving a lot as they’re really young, but I just think Wade is so great that he makes up the difference and gives Miami a slight edge.
With Wade, Lebron and Bosh, you can get vets to sign for cheap and fill out the roster for defense and rebounding.
What's wrong with the YMCA?
LBJ is Hollywood bound and the East Coast is Fighting for there life.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
Miami is certainly in play
If LeBron learned anything, it’s that rebounding is key. Which group will provide him with the most rebounds?
I would say Chicago with Bosh and Noah or the Clippers with Griffin and Kaman.
Miami would provide him with another unstopabble wing player, plus a top shelf post guy. That may indeed trump big rebounding.
NY, NJ and Cleveland can’t offer him any of that.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
I think it does trump it
Talent above all else in this league. You can get guys like Udonis Haslem to rebound. Even guys less talented than Haslem can grab boards if they put in the effort. Especially when 5 guys are scrambling to stop Lebron and Wade.
Rebounding is key when the talent is similar, as it was in the NBA Finals. But what Lebron has really learned in the last few years is that him and a bunch of role players doesn’t get it done. You need stars.
Bottom line
he needs teammates who can match up with Bynum and Gasol. Perkins and Garnett were unable to do it, and those are some bigs (granted Garnett is still hobbled, but so is Bynum).
Bosh and Noah are both active bigs, and Griffin and Kaman would provide the size LeBron needs.
If I were LeBron I would try to figure out a way to get myself to Orlando in a sign and trade. Tall order though. It would mean Cleveland would have to take back either Vince Carter or Rashard Lewis.
That said, Miami is still attractive because he could join Wade and a marquee big, which would prevent a serious mismatch for the Lakers.
Right now I have it:
1. Chicago
2. Miami
3. New York
4. Cleveland
5. Clippers
6. Nets
That does not include realistic sign and trade destinations like Dallas, which would be a great fit for LBJ.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Wade & LBJ - Hard to picture it
Usually, when two big time players get together and win championships, isn’t it usually a guard/wing and a big?
I can’t help but think that putting two elite wing players together will cancel out some of their qualities. They absolutely need Bosh there for it to work, and he’s not going to be able to do it all on the front line, he needs some help. Would be a scary team for the Lakers if they could make it work though, no doubt.
Well, there were these two guys named Jordan and Pippen
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Wade v. Pippen
2 totally different skillsets, and maybe the toughest part about Wade & LeBron is who is the first option?
My guess is that they remain apart and that Bosh will try to join one of them
by ghost_ride on Jun 25, 2010 6:43 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
As I told a friend, LeBron and Dirk should go to Chicago. They’d fit there better than any other duo.
Or, if you wanna keep Deng at SF then you go Wade and Dirk. Ooo wee.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
Yeah Dirk would make sense
however you have to wonder how much longer Dirk has before he stops being as effective.
LeBron or Bust !!!!
Who said Wade would be Pippen?
Wade has done the best Jordan impersonation in recent memory. LeBron is more like a Pippen. Great passer.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
WTF happen to everyone being mad when I though we should but a pick
That S*** is racist lol I say do it’s dumb the Clippers do it we had a great draft.
I'm getting glasses like AFA
Sporting the Nike ad Mars Blackman look, yeah!
Can someone update me?
I’m traveling and have had only sporadic wi-fi and little Clipper news since early June… I’ve scanned the draft stuff but I’m still confused… when did the Clips workout Aminu- June 1? Alone? Did he ever workout with others for the Clips? What about Bledsoe? Same question?
What about a coach? Is there any recent news? Who is on or off the market? Fill me in please!
- Don’t know the details on Aminu’s workout aside from it being a “private” workout on June 1. No other workouts with the Clips beyond that.
- Bledsoe came in and worked out with a bunch of other PG types like Jerome Randle, Avery Bradley and Scottie Reynolds. They definitely got to see him compete against others in his class in that setting.
- No news on coach. Lisa Dillman said they’re reportedly looking at Casey, Mike Woodson, Kevin McHale and Marc Jackson. Others reported that the Clips expect to have a coach by early on in the FA process.
They promoted their assistant
Larry Drew
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Jun 25, 2010 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
The Clips never even heard of these guys
but they like Aminu’s name and they heard Bledsoe was from Kentucky and may have mistaked him for John Wall.
As far as coaches, I think they are talking to Isaiah, but Dunleavy is open to returning along with Kim Hughes.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Looks like LAC will have 3 1st. rounders this season.
Bgriff
AFA
EBledsoe
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
does Blake Griffin have to go through the rookie treatment this year with the team?
you know, get the donuts and stuff…
Sure Why Not?
Fair is Fair, Right? a Rookie is a Rookie if it is 1st pick, 8th or 18th.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
he did do that stuff
dora the explorer backpack, donuts, morning papers…
I asked DJ this very question on Twitter. No response.
Maybe he’ll be subject to the rookie treatment on the road only. He didn’t really travel with the team last season, so there’s 39 games of rookie treatment that he needs to make up.
If he did end up getting the rookie treatment again, at least he would have 2-4 other guys to go through it with this time.
by Lawler 4ever on Jun 25, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I finally got to watch the draft via DVR. What the **** was Barry talking about Aminu and Griffin being the same type of player?
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
ESPN is convinced that either Griffin is a SF
or that Aminu is a PF.
Stupid.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
ESPN is convinced that every Clipper pick must suck (or will suck). As evidenced by Stu Scott’s snarky jackass remarks.
ESPN should be ashamed of their production last night. Bilas was fine. Everyone else was trash.
They need to have Gottlieb, Bilas, and Rose up there with someone like Katz. I doubt Katz can host but who cares?
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
If Griffin were a shooting guard
ESPN would have made Aminu suddenly 6’5"
"i know huh........freakin clippers man.....its like a wild ride rooting for this team....gotta love em....(sometimes) lol" In GrIfFin We TrUsT
It takes three years to build a team as a contender.
James will never be a Clipper 1)He does not want any part of the Western conference 2)He does not want to play with Davis 3) He does not want any part of Sterling
The Clippers have major backcourt problems.1) Davis will be 32 when this next season is over.2) Gordon wants out,he has had enough of Davis. He wants to go to Chicago and play with Rose. Every one will see this in the next two months when they will be playing together for the United States.Gordon does not want to sign an extention of his contract with the Clippers. Last year Gordon made 2.8 million 20% of what Davis received.Kaman is not a team ballplayer for a center he adverages 1.5 assists per game. He does not pass the ball.If the Clippers were smart they lock down Gordon, Trade Davis and Kaman and make an offer for Farmer from the Lakers as a point guard and Get Johnson as a free agent for small foward.
Trade Kaman for Jefferson of Minnesota. SAM KASSELL FOR COACH.
What’s the point of trading Kaman for Jefferson? We’d lose the defense of Kaman for the black hole that is Jefferson. No thanks.
People don’t realize how average Jefferson is. He’s a black hole of offense and plays zero defense. No team should want him.
Twitter: @FlyByKnite
by FlyByKnight on Jun 26, 2010 12:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- David West hilariously denies each and every one of his young fans a high-five (VIDEO)
- Behind the Box Score, where the Miami Heat are moving on to the conference finals
- Kevin Durant is tired of hearing about the Spurs
- The 10-man rotation, starring your Indiana Pacers
- Blake Griffin highlights, ‘NBA Jam’-style (VIDEO)
