Clippers 2010-11 Roster Breakdown

I truly, truly believe this Clippers roster is a much, much better team then last years. This year's team has much more depth, scoring punch, and potential then last year. A lot of people on this blog are saying that this year the Clippers are essentially the same team without Marcus Camby. I honestly don't get what the big fuss about Camby is, sure he's a great rebounder and a weakside defender, but that's really all he brings to the table. He can hardly score, attracts no double teams or even defensive pressure for that matter and is a poor on-ball defender. A Clippers team starting Blake is a better team then starting Marcus. However, this is aside from the point it's time to breakdown this roster, player by player. 

Baron Davis: Baron takes a lot of heat on this blog, and I don't agree with most of it. Sure he's on the wrong side of 30 and in his declining years, but the dude has still gotten it done night it and night out. He looked much improved this past season then his first with the Clippers and I'm suspecting he'll only look better this year. He's a fantastic passer of the ball that always looks to set up teammates, and I believe if he goes into this season with the right attitude (looking for others before himself), he will make Blake along with the rest of the team flourish. 

Eric Bledsoe: Bled will be the steal of this draft, mark my words. He shows so much potential with his extreme quickness and swagger, if he can improve his shotmaking ability, the sky is the limit for him. I suspect Bled will get limited minutes during the beginning of the season, but as it progresses, he'll see more time on the floor. IMO definite upgrade from Telfair

Willie Warren: Can knock down shots with the best of them, surprised me with his defense, (shut down Wall) and showed superior passing skills.

Shooting Guards:

Eric Gordon: As everyone knows, especially John R, EJ didn't have too great of a season last year. But anyone who watched the USA scrimmage this week, could tell you that he looks A LOT better. I mean substantially better, he was handling the ball better, running point, and his overall confidence just looked higher. If he can carry this attitude into this season look for a breakout year for EJ. His 3-point shooting will spread the floor and if his ball handling continues to improve he'll be a beast in transition with his strong frame, and will be better dissecting defenses. 

Randy Foye: Randy provides a great option off the bench for instant offense, and if injury does happen he can definitely step in at either the 1 or 2 and do a job. Very happy about this acquisition and as the season wares on I think you will be too. 

Rasual Butler: We all know what Sool is about, he can flat out shoot the ball. I don't think we'll see Sool in an as prominent role as we saw him last year, but I still think he'll get some minutes to prove himself. If AFA and Bled aren't ready to get substantial minutes early in the season, Sool can see some good time as a backup 2 or 3, as Foye will play some point. Sool will spread the floor and knockdown shots, and hopefully since his role won't be as big this year, he'll play more within himself instead of trying to create off the dribble as we all painfully watched last season,

Small Forwards:

Ryan Gomes: Gomes is another signing that the Nation didn't seem to stoked about, which is to my surprise. Gomes is a very productive 3 and is a proven scorer. He is very strong and can shoot, rebound, as well as defend. Gomes is as gluey as they get and definitely a better player then Sool or AT, and IMO better then Battier at this stage of his career. 

Al-Farouq Aminu: I love this guy and I think he has a lot of potential. At first, I wasn't too excited about the draft pick, but after watching him in the SL he really pleased me. I like his natural rebounding skills and his defensive abilities. And when AFA plays with confidence, you can tell he's a much different and better player. If Blake can push this confident attitude into him I think we can see great things, whether he plays the 3 or 4. He also surprised me with his shot making ability, as I thought he couldn't shoot a lick. As the season wears on, think Josh Smith. That's his style.

Marquis Blakely: I liked this guy in SL, probably won't see too much of the floor. However, Blakely is a hustler, extremely athletic, and a good rebounder. I think he shows promise if he continues to develop his offensive talents.

Power Forwards: 

Blake Griffin: We all know about him, he'll make the team better in so many ways. His confidence, swagger, attitude towards the game will rub off on the rest of players, and there will be results. He'll attract doubles and open up the floor for EJ, Gomes, Kaman and Sool. He'll take a lot of pressure off of Kaman to be the only low post scorer. We know the rest....

Craig Smith: I love this guy, the extreme hustle guy. Craig continued to entertain us through a dry season last year, and showed some great hustle, offensive skills, and heart. And a little continuity never hurts, seeing the same face 2 years in a row is rare in Clipperdom. Excited to see him bring some instant offense off the bench this year.

Centers: 

Chris Kaman: Kaman can be great when he doesn't act like he's a mix of Chris Paul and Ray Allen. When Chris keeps his dribbling to a minimum, and mixes in his mid range J with his post up offense, he'll be a force. If he does too much of one thing, it'll be ugly (just like his face). Blake will take a lot of defensive pressure off of him, and hopefully we won't have to witness any more dreadful passes out of the double team. But, if Kaman plays within himself and plays smart, i wouldn't be surprised to see him in another All-Star uniform.

DeAndre Jordan: DJ has shown flashes of brilliance with his outstanding dunks and blocks. But, overall he hasn't shown much improvement this year from last. However, he did show some nice spin post moves, we'll see how he does this season, but I'm not sure if he can be trusted as the sole back-up center.

Brian Cook: Trash, he's trashy trash trash trash. I hate him, but I guess he can shoot so it's alright. He does have beef with Baron I remember, but whatever, he's garbage.

Overall, the Clips are a better team this year, and I'm estimating a 45-55 win season this year, we'll see...