Los Angeles Clippers at Houston Rockets - Game Preview
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2011 8:00 AM PST
in Game Previews
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| 2010/2011 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
vs. |  |
| 17-27 | 21-25 |
|
| Toyota Center |
||
| January 26th, 2011, 5:30 PM | ||
| FSN Prime Ticket, KFWB 980 AM |
||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Baron Davis |
PG | Kyle Lowry |
| Randy Foye |
SG | Kevin Martin |
| Ryan Gomes |
SF | Shane Battier |
| Blake Griffin |
PF | Luis Scola |
| DeAndre Jordan |
C | Chuck Hayes |
The Back Story:
The Big Picture:
As if the looming 11 game road trip (I've dubbed it the Odyssey) wasn't going to be challenging enough, the Clippers found out yesterday that they'll be without Eric Gordon for three to four weeks. The reality of that estimate is that three weeks from today is the last game before the All Star break, and four weeks from yesterday is the first game after the All Star break. So this one's pretty easy - he's supposed to be back after the All Star break. Of course, Chris Kaman was supposed to be back in November, and it's now late January, so you can never really take anything for granted where Clipper injuries are concerned. The truth of the matter is that the Clippers weren't particularly hurt by Gordon's absence in Dallas. After all, he's their leading scorer, but the team managed to score 105 points while shooting 56% against the Mavericks. Still, Baron Davis did seem to be pressing a bit knowing that he had to carry a bigger scoring load; he scored a season-high 21, but also committed a season-high 7 turnovers, contributing to a very bad total of 23 turnovers for the Clippers. Randy Foye had a respectable 15 points on 5 of 9 shooting and 4 assists in Dallas; if he can continue to do anything close to that in Gordon's absence the Clippers will be very pleased. But they won't win on the road (where they are 3-14 on the season) unless they take care of the ball and make their free throws. Blake Griffin banged his elbow on a hard fall after a flagrant foul in Dallas - he's not planning to miss any games because of it, but he was in a lot of pain at the time, and we'll see how it feels today. Fortunately, it's not his shooting elbow, so he'll probably be good to go.
The Antagonist:
Houston is one of those teams. One of those teams like Portland and Utah that execute their offense precisely, and seem to overachieve and get the most out of their talent. Those teams kill the Clippers. Utah and Portland have both concluded three game sweeps of the LAC already this season, and Houston is 1-0 so far. For whatever reason, if it's a matter of going toe to toe against All Star level talent (whether it's the Lakers or the Heat or the Thunder), the Clippers hold their own very well. But when it comes time to play 48 minutes of focused basketball against a team that isn't going to make a lot of mistakes and is going to run good sets every time down the floor, the Clippers just can't do it. It's like the entire team has attention deficit disorder. If there isn't a mega super star in the other uniform, their minds start to wonder. Oh, by the way, the Rockets have a player who should be on the All Star team, though he probably won't. Kevin Martin is the most efficient high scoring player in the league, with a true shooting percentage of .617. But with all the high profile guards in the Western Conference, there's just no room on the team for Martin. Martin is joined by Luis Scola on the Rockets, himself having an outstanding season.
The Subplots
- Standings. When Eric Gordon went crashing to the floor of Staples Center on Saturday night, the Clippers' hopes of making a playoff push, however dim, probably crashed as well. BUT, if they want to still consider it, they MUST win this game. The Rockets are one of the teams they need to catch in the standings - a mere two games away in the loss column. The difference between a win and a loss head to head is a two game swing in the standings, and possibly three games if tie-breakers come into play.
- Clippers without Gordon. The Clippers are now 0-3 without their leading scorer this season. Then again, they faced some pretty good teams in those games, the Spurs, Hornets and Mavericks. They were 6-14 in the 20 games he missed last year. Of course, they're also missing last season's leading scorer still, not to mention Craig Smith, so the injuries are piling up.
- Happy New Year, Sool and Cookie. I'm going to start referring to Rasual Butler and Brian Cook as the Domestics. Get it? Butler and Cook? Anyhoo, the Domestics got their first game action of 2011 in Dallas last night, Cook because he just returned from an injury, and Butler because Gordon's injury freed up some minutes. They each hit their first shots after long layoffs, which was good. Butler finished 1 for 4, but Cook had a nice game, making 4 of 6 shots including a three. As hesitant as many Clippers seem to be about shooting the ball, it's nice to know that Cook is at least going to fire away with confidence.
- Last meeting. When these teams met in December it was one of the crazier games of the season. The Clippers fell behind big almost immediately, and then went on one of the most entertaining runs of the season, with highlight dunk after highlight dunk. But they could never catch the Rockets. In the final seconds, Blake Griffin had a chance to tie the game but his three pointer came up short with 3 seconds on the clock.
- Since the last meeting. Since the last time these teams meet, the Clippers are 9 and 5, while the Rockets are 7 and 10; Houston is 5 and 9 in January. Of course, all of those Clippers wins came with Eric Gordon in the lineup, and most of them came at home.
- High scoring? The Rockets have given up 100 or more points in 14 of their last 16 games. They are fifth in the league in points allowed and have the sixth worst defensive efficiency rating. Meanwhile, the Clippers have been on a scoring binge, getting 100 or more in 13 of their last 18. So I think we can safely assume that Lawler's Law will be tested tonight.
- Brooks and Lowry. The last time the Clippers and Rockets met, Brooks had just returned from an injury and I assumed it was just a matter of time before he returned to the starting lineup ahead of Kyle Lowry. After all, Brooks was the team's leading scorer for most of last season at 19.6 points per game. Surprisingly, Lowry has remained the starter, and Brooks is filling the instant offense role off the bench. His minutes are down from almost 36 per game last season to 24 this season, in large part because he's just not shooting well. He's making just 37% of his field goals, and only a bit better than 30% of his threes; both are far below his career averages. Lowry for his part has played surprisingly well. He's averaging about as many assists per game as Baron Davis, with a better assist to turnover ratio. He's having easily his most productive pro season in this his fifth year in the league.
- You never know. Lowry of the Rockets and Randy Foye of the Clippers were college teammates at Villanova. Foye was drafted 7th, Lowry 24th. Lowry is averaging career highs across the board, while Foye is averaging career lows. With Eric Gordon out, it would be great if Foye could remind us of why he was once a lottery pick, and possibly outplay his old college buddy tonight.
- Martin versus the Clippers. When Kevin Martin was in Sacramento, he seemed to always play terribly against the Clippers. When he was tearing up the rest of the league, he had games of 1 for 8, 1 for 5, 3 for 9, 5 for 13 and 3 for 11. Of course, those were different Clippers teams and literally a different team for Martin. In his first game against the Clippers as a Rocket last month he scored 28 and made some absolutely incredible shots.
- Martin and the All Star game.
- Three point shooting. The Clippers' defensive statistics have been steadily improving, but they remain in the bottom five in the league in three point percentage allowed. Houston meanwhile is in the top five in three point attempts at 21 per game, and makes 37% of them. Martin, Battier, Brooks, Lowry, Chase Budinger and Courtney Lee will all shoot the three and they can all make it.
- Superstar for one game: Chase Budinger. The kid from Carlsbad always seems to play well against the Clippers.
-
Famous Quotation:
Thomas Paine, Referring to his political adversary Edmund BurkeThe final event to himself has been, that as he rose like a rocket, he fell like the stick.
- Get the Rockets perspective at The Dream Shake.
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I really respect the wisdom and passion of Steve
but I must have watched a different game last night as I felt EJ’s presence was definitely a huge void. I also feel the shooting % was fools gold and we learned Blake is the highlight reel but EJ is the glue for the Clips. I hope I eat every word of this post in 3-4 weeks but I expect disaster with the timing of the injury and the long road trip. I envision some competitive games but predict 3-4 wins at best
We also saw a blueprint of how Blake will be swarmed/manhandled in EJ’s absence. Foye, Gomes, Cook and Butler are all disposable journeymen who are not capable of consistently giving 28-35 minutes each night to cover for EJ and take the pressure of Blake. Couple this with the erratic rookie play of FA and Eric B.(who I still do not think is a PG) and the Good Baron/Bad Baron dilemma and we are mixing a disaster cocktail.
The only thing good about this injury is maybe DTS will realizes he cannot misplace his checkbook when the time comes to re-sign EJ. Sorry for the glass half empty post but I have been on a Clipper high for the first time in years. I so want to get excited about wins rather than settle for only watching Blake dunks on ESPN the next few weeks.
Don't disagree
He will be missed, there’s no question about it. And he was certainly missed at least some last night. But it also happened to be a night where the Clippers made 10 of 20 threes, and Gomes and Foye and Baron all shot better than 50%. How many times in the next dozen games is THAT going to happen? The Clippers will miss Eric Gordon desperately while he is out – last night was a night where they imploded for other reasons, in m opinion.
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 Jan 26, 2011 9:33 AM PST up reply actions
IMO
he’s a gamechanger for the Clips, a go – to scorer. I think that his presence motivates the entire team.
"[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.
+1
I would expect EJ to have made a difference on the defensive end of the floor in last night’s game. The Clips lost the game with bad defense and turnovers. Their turnover ratio was 25%, very high in a game of only 92 possessions. Their defensive (in)efficincy rating was over 121. They allowed Dallas to play small ball with Berea and Terry. The Clips will never win on the road consistently without stronger team and individual defense.
Not sure EJ helps a lot with turnovers
But yes, certainly EJ’s defense was missed last night and every night he’s gone. Still, did you see the shots Barea was making? When a guy shooting 40% on the season is making those shots, I’m not sure it matters who is guarding 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 Jan 26, 2011 12:07 PM PST up reply actions
I agree with you SP
EJ’s lack of presence wasn’t a huge deal last night. The team shot very well, and scored a ton of points.
It was the same problems that has been occurring all season; turnovers and poor execution.
Houston has turned into a run and gun team, if the Clips don’t defend the 3pt line this game could end up like the one in Oracle
Blake Griffin is coming, hide your MBengas
We didn’t need EJ in the first eighteen minutes, but we surely missed him (on both sides of the ball) for the remainder of the game (which by the way, is when he scores a disproportionate number of his points).
When we needed to stop the Mavs run, Gordon would have likely gotten us a bucket. When Jason Terry was bombing from deep, Gordon would have drawn the assignment and slowed that right down. The numbers may have said 105 and 56%, but Gordon’s absence was clearly a huge void.
Butler and Cook – The Domestics. Classic. Made me laugh out loud this morning.
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted" – Albert Einstein
by Another son of Mike Smith on Jan 26, 2011 9:17 AM PST reply actions
Right
EJ would have come in handy when the game was lost in the 3rd quarter as LAC was on their way to scoring 16 points in the period.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 9:22 AM PST up reply actions
Absolutely
The defense was terrible yesterday. When your best defender is out, that tends to happen. The Mavs constantly got open looks and lay-ups. The Clippers could not stop high pick and rolls. Without EJ, both on offense and defense, its going to be a rough road trip
Gordon will be missed
Gordon’s presence has help make Griffin a better ball player. Griffin when double teamed had the confidence to pass the ball to Gordon.Gordon is the glue and consistency on defense and does things that are not on the stat sheet like swing passes and spacing.The Clippers and VDG will miss him.
Get help to make the playoffs
If the clippers are serious about making the playoffs this year they have the opportunity to trade for Hamilton and Prince from Detroit.
Not going in with high hopes against Houston.
But I always think we can get the win. EJ was desperately missed yesterday, especially in the last quarter. Blake had no help at the end of the game. The guy was being doubled and triple teamed and no one could hit a jump shot. Having Foye in the starting line-up looked awkward. It’s something to get used to because Foye’s play is very different to Gordon’s. The bone headed turnovers were so aggravating more than the missed free throws. I would have benched Bledsoe after his quick 4 turnovers off the bench. Let’s go Clippers!
Granger. Granger. Granger.
We have even more impetus to do a damn deal with out leading scorer out. The Lakers got Pau because Bynum went down, can’t we do the same??
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 10:29 AM PST reply actions
Probably not
We don’t want to mess with that precious “chemistry”
Screw the idea of getting good basketball players to try to win!
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 10:51 AM PST up reply actions
I have spoken about the benefits of chemistry on prior posts, but that was specifically as it related to Carmelo. For the right price, I’d trade for Granger. He is a different player than Carmelo. And when it comes to chemistry, a much better player, in my view.
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted" – Albert Einstein
by Another son of Mike Smith on Jan 26, 2011 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
I wouldn't overrate the concerns of messing with chemistry, but I would take the gamble on an All-World Jerk like Melo.
But really, Granger is the better fit on every level. He’s locked into his deal, no ext. BS to worry about. Character speaking, he’s night and day different from Melo. He’s a TEAM USA team mate of EJ’s, and not an Alpha Dog who would come here and assume it’s his team like Melo would.
The price is also less. Aminu, Minny Pick, Rasual, Rhino should be enough. IND can then rebuild around Hibbert, Collison, Aminu, and the Pick.
If rumors are true Pritchard is going to be hired there, I could see him doing this deal and building from the ground up as he did in POR by dumping nearly every heavy contract.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 11:05 AM PST up reply actions
Is Granger really available, and is he worth all that?
Sure a couple writers think the Pacers should trade him and reboot the team. But if we think the Clippers should be trying to trade for other team’s star small forwards, wouldn’t those teams want to hold onto the Grangers, Iggys and Wallaces while they have realistic opportunities to fill out the last couple playoff positions in the East? All those teams have a much better shot at making the playoffs than the Clippers.
Also, does anyone remember all the debate about trading Gordon for Granger in the off-season. Anyone up for that now? We can be glad that kind of short-sighted “improvement” never happened. We may well be saying the same thing about Aminu and the Minny pick if the FO stays patient.
Is Granger really available?
Probably not.
This all stems from a Pincus article where he suggests that Indiana should trade Granger and start over.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 11:13 AM PST up reply actions
Look at IND's sliding record and Hibbert's decline.
They won’t be making the playoffs, and O’Brien is on the way out. At what point do we stop saying patience? We have what will be the face of the NBA in no time. Granger is a proven All-Star. We need a Third Piece. Aminu will hit his stride in Year 3…when Blake becomes a RFA.
Let’s roll the dice like winning teams do and bring in some immediate talent. Look at BOS, they “mortgaged the future” four years ago by sending out Al Jefferson. Think they made the right choice.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 11:13 AM PST up reply actions
For me the time was when they had $17M in free agency cash
But now isn’t the time to do some panic move.
Wait
Did you just compare Granger to Garnett?
Blake-EJ-Granger is evocative of Ray-Allen-Pierce.
Or at least it would be very soon. And how is this a panic move??
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
Ray-KG-Pierce*
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
Evocative, but far from equivalent
Evocative is very, very dangerous.
How do you mean far?
Seriously, Blake numbers NOW are practically equivalent to KG’s in his prime.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 11:19 AM PST up reply actions
Well we are still on practically
In the NBA where games are decided by just a few points over 200 total possessions, that practically and that evocative are killer.
You want to avoid the trap of making your team a little better, but thereby capping out. You can get another Granger any old time.
What do you suggest we do then?
Blake is an elite level player 42 games into his rookie year. You build around him. We need a second Robin. I believe Granger fits that role, as does Melo.
I would love acquiring Prince or Battier to be sure, but as both are expiring contracts we would have to wait and sign them.
We saw what happened last year, we had the money, no one came.
If we go this route we have to hope the allure of Griffin is stronger than the stench of DTS. Mayve it is, but making a move NOW I feel is the right way to go.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 11:27 AM PST up reply actions
Make a move
Don’t make a move for any of the four names you mentioned.
Did the Clippers really try to get every player that could have helped? I still say no. Don’t accept that failure as inevitable.
Got it.
You want to make a move, but don’t say for who. And then point to the fact the Clippers “probably” didn’t try to get anyone better than Foye/Gomes/Cook.
We tried to get LeBron, we tried to get Mike Miller.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 11:42 AM PST up reply actions
Cool
Well since those were the only two players who were available I guess they tried as hard as they could.
So who would you get?
MDJr the gamechanger?
"[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.
Melo is not interested in playing Robin
Granger is not interested in playing defense.
Pass on both. Get a 3 that will play D on the wings and knock down shots. Think Posey, Ariza, Prince.
The Clippers don’t need another scorer. They scored 105 without their leading scorer. Points are easy to come by. Stops are not.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
For the season
PPG: 99.7 (13th of 30)
Opp PTS/G: 101.9 (19th of 30)
I wouldn’t say points are easy to come by and yes, they need to play better defense.
I would just settle for a organizational strategy to try and better the team as opposed to hoping and praying that good things will just happen in the future.
I know some people like to dump on Carmelo. His teams are always good, the Clippers are always bad, what exactly are we clinging to here?
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 12:04 PM PST up reply actions
Clippers now have a superstar
That is the difference.
Build around Blake. Bring in role players.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
by mikey p on Jan 26, 2011 12:11 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Trevor Ariza
Has a TS% of 47.7%
Posey is at 50.7%
Ryan Gomes is at 50.1%. How would those two guys make the team better?
I guess I understand the enthusiasm of throwing all our eggs in BG’s basket, but how often to teams win with 1 superstar and a bunch of role players? And BG is playing at a superstar level now, why aren’t they winning more?
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 12:17 PM PST up reply actions
I'm following the Spurs model
Duncan was the lone superstar surrounded by very good role players.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
BTW, they have been winning
without good role players.
Get a legit SF that plays D and rebounds, improve the bench.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
For the record, I'll take Melo - thanks
"[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're the one that's content with Gomes
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Why put words in my mouth?
I merely said that I would see what happens. Gomes isn’t the key issue IMO.
"[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're talking about the SF position
It is possible to upgrade the position without changing the personality of the team, something that would be inevitable with Carmelo Anthony.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
I think you (and a lot of other posters) are getting much too carried away trying to maintain the “personality” of the team. This isn’t the Spurs who has a winning formula and stuck with it. The team has played some good basketball lately, and that’s great. But that doesn’t mean that LAC has found the formula for future success. Heck, I don’t even think the door is closed on the DJ vs. Kaman debate that needs to happen as soon as Chris comes back.
The team has sucked basically forever but have started playing some good ball based around 2 players (who would obviously be kept.) It’s not a foregone conclusion that Carmelo showing up would mess with that. Heck, Carmelo has never had the oppurtunity to play with that kind of talent.
When the oppurtunity presents itself, I like to fill my team with the guys who are the best at playing basketball. From there, the talent can sort itself out (like Miami did.)
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 12:58 PM PST up reply actions
It's not a problem of acquiring too much talent
It’s about roles, and it’s about attitudes. I’m sure Melo would make the Clippers better in some ways, but he would probably detract in others.
The Clippers have an alpha dog, and he has set the right tone for this team. We wouldn’t have to worry about a guy like LeBron or Durant coming in and fitting in (or enhancing it). Melo’s personality doesn’t fit here.
Also, Melo is one of those guys who commands a Max contract, but is NOT a Max player. There will be a lot of money tied up in the guy.
I’m a Carmelo fan, but I don’t think he fits here. If Blake’s ceiling were 20ppg/10rpg, I’d say sure. But Blake has a ceiling much higher. I think Melo would hold him back.
Blake, Gordon, and some solid veterans will be able to compete for titles in a few years.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
I understand your points
But, I think we’ll have agree to disagree. I think you are undervaluing talent and putting too much of a premium on personality traits.
We agree it seems that the team should be proactive and make a move though.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 1:17 PM PST up reply actions
No, he isn't
Its that someone thought he would help the team, and that person is in charge of finding players to help the team.
That would be the key issue.
Aminu
Yes, maybe we’ll get lucky and maybe he’ll get good in year 3. Ditto with the Minny pick, of course that pick will likely take 2-3 years after the pick to be considered good. So that’s 5 years from now.
Doesn’t sound like an efficient strategy.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 11:28 AM PST up reply actions
Year 3 may be a good target
Especially with all the uncertainty surrounding next year. Might be best to maintain flexibility and see if Aminu will be the future at SF. Compare the following rookie SF’s:
…….PTS__FG%_ 3PT%__RB__AST__BLK+STL
A)—-12.0__.462__.323___7.8__1.8___2.5
B)——9.9__.493__.331___6.2__3.3___2.4
C)—-13.6__.422__.383___7.1__1.5___2.2
D)—-11.3__.449__.426___3.7__2.0___2.0
E)—-14.5__.429__.000___7.5__2.3___2.1
In order, the players are Granger, Iguodala, Aminu, Prince and G. Wallace. Aminu fits pretty well with this group. I don’t think it’s much of stretch to believe his basketball career can be of a similar quality.
As John R already mentioned, the time to get a small forward was last round of free agency. Now I’d still be happy to trade Gomes, Foye and cap space for two of Childress, Korver, or Morrow, but giving up any of the rookies or future draft picks for players who may not be much better than the rooks or picks but will cost a lot more will limit the team’s potential.
You are romanticizing potential. You can take guys who are not good and trade them for guys that are good (setting aside whether that is Wallace, Granger or Anthony for the moment.) Considering that you already have Gordon and Griffin, it seems like a no-brainer.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 1:11 PM PST up reply actions
I may be overestimating Aminu, but I consider him to be one of the guys who is good. He lacks experience, but IMO he’s got the talent to be a top 10 SF. He’s much more than just theoretical potential.
With the current makeup of the Clippers, it seemed to me to be a no brainer to spend at least the MLE on a small forward in free agency. In that case, the team could have held onto the rookies and picks and had an upgrade at the 3. With that opportunity gone and uncertainty about the future CBA, IMO the best strategy is to hold course and keep the rookies and draft picks. If the team can trade Gomes and expiring contracts for an upgrade, then that’s probably worthwhile, but otherwise the team is still looking strong and improving. It’s too late for the playoffs this season, and Aminu should be ready to take over as the starter next season.
aminu is definitely intriguing
one second you think he is awkward, not a good ball handler, and just drives to the hoop recklessly with little BBIQ, the next second he pulls off some crazy athletic move, or shows court vision with a great pass. Sadly though, the latter seems pretty few and far between.
That being said, I was hoping for more progress by the midway point through the season. He’s played what would amount to a full college season, and I haven’t seen as much progress as I was hoping. Maybe it’s the dreaded “rookie wall”, but it’s not like he was on a tear or getting a lot of PT all season long. I think Aminu has shown to work hard on his game, so i have a hard time giving up on him.
true, it is annoying to see him and Bledsoe commit such silly turnovers though...
that’s attention to detail aka fundamentals.
You think Aminu is a guy who is good
now?
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 2:58 PM PST up reply actions
I guess it depends how you are defining good. I think he’s got the talent and athleticism, and he’s only lacking experience. That means he isn’t going to win the teams games right now, but he’s a valuable player. He is being brought along at about the right pace to take on a greater role next season when the team will be ready to compete for the playoffs.
If you will stop saying chemistry
And start saying would take too many shots that should go to Griffin or Gordon, then I agree 100%.
Isn't that chemisty?
How players interact and mesh? Sharing shots seems to be a big part of that.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
Is it?
In your comment above you mention that he is a jerk and character and Alpha Dog and all these things.
Don’t care.
In this one case, the fraction of the overall imaginary force known as chemistry that has to do with who should take shots does go to that Carmelo would make the Clippers less efficient if he were to come by likely taking shots away from the high volume high efficiency Griffin and high volume and efficient enough Gordon (who is more efficient than Carmelo.)
The Clippers needed the utility SF like Childress and still do.
Yes, I agree.
However, by mentioning Melo’s attitude I’m thinking of Blake. This is his team, we don’t need a shot-chucking diva bringing him down.
But Melo is also a Top 5 talent (real or perceived), and acquiring him or Granger is a move that shows this team is for real.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 11:15 AM PST up reply actions
By real I mean committed to winning.
And hell no we aren’t. Weve got two studs on rookie deals. Going out of way to acquire star talent will show we want to win and not just fill sits.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 1:55 PM PST up reply actions
Typos galore... My kingdom for an edit button.
"Buckle your seat belts, folks. This one's going down to the wire." -The inimitable Ralph Lawler.
by Gordon for President on Jan 26, 2011 1:56 PM PST up reply actions
The Clippers need talent, wherever they can find it.
They lose their starting SG (a very good player, sure) and will likely now lose a whole bunch of games.
EJ and Griffin are good. Baron and Jordan are capable and the rest of the team sucks.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 11:15 AM PST up reply actions
I am interested in watching how Gordon's absence plays out
Was there a different expected result last night if Gordon doesn’t play?
Doesn’t Dallas at home feel like 5-7 point favorites even if the Clippers are full strength?
I don’t know. A lot of teams were 5-7+ point favorites in LACs recent strong play. I get that those games were at home but Dallas didn’t look particularly sharp last night and were beatable.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 11:20 AM PST up reply actions
of course you are interested...
…you are looking for validation.
I guess for now, we want the same thing.
For the Clippers to win.
I want the Clippers to win…because I am a Clipper fan.
You want the Clippers to win…because you want to validate your opinion that EJ is a below avg guard.
Proud member of Club FTR.
efficient enough?
Isn’t Gordon a more efficient scorer than Griffin this season? same eFG, better TS%, lower usage, lower turnover %… what am I missing?
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 Jan 26, 2011 12:15 PM PST up reply actions
Think wages of wins, I assume that’s where the analysis is coming from (and this is not meant as a dig on John R)
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 12:19 PM PST up reply actions
Great article - explains many of the legitimate criticisms of the Berri "way" much better than I could
For example:
“What is missing from formulas like Berri’s is an account of what Anthony does to the rest of the Nuggets. Because he is able to score from anywhere in the court, Anthony draws attention and defenders away from his teammates, sometimes leaving them with wide-open shots. He also allows them to be more selective about the shots that they choose to take, since they know that Anthony can usually get a respectable shot off before the 24-second clock expires if needed.
“These effects produce a profound increase in the efficiency of Anthony’s supporting cast when he is on the floor. In the 135 games that he played with the Nuggets, for instance, Allen Iverson’s True Shooting Percentage was 55.9 percent – much better than the 51.2 TS% that Iverson, a notoriously inefficient shooter, posted outside of Denver over the course of his career.
"[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 all know Carmelo and the Nuggets can score.
But can they stop anybody (ah, no).
Denver has not allowed fewer than 100ppg since 2005.
The Clippers can score fine. They need help on D.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Absolutely
That’s exactly what this team needs.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
You raise a good point
Your point is that we already have two scorers in EJ and BG. We need a defensive minded SF who can shoot threes and spread the floor for BG. Is Gomes really that poor a defender? Childress would not be the answer, and Prince should be had on the cheap.
"[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.
But having said that
Wouldn’t Melo prevent many of the double teams that would otherwise go to BG? Also, the Heat certainly don’t need three max players, but doesn’t having them all on the team, assuming that they play as a team, make the team better? Note that I’m somewhat ambivalent about Melo being on the team although given his talent he’d be hard for me to turn down for the right price.
"[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.
The Heat made a mistake with Bosh
He is NOT a Max guy, and it prevented them from going after depth. They’d have been better off with Boozer for $80M, or, better yet, Haslem, Beasley, Miller, Childress, Matt Barnes, etc. Lots of different things Riley could have done. Wade & LeBron plus depth would have been better. But I digress.
No, Carmelo would not spread the floor for Griffin. Melo does most of his work on the block, and is a poor 3 point shooter (actually, his FG% is below average for a SF). His assist #s are also poor (less than Blake). He takes a ton of shots, and doesn’t do enough without the ball, though he is having a career-best rebounding year. He doesn’t play enough D, either.
For the right price, you take him. For Max $$, which he commands, no way.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
The Heat are 31-13.. I'd love to have that 'mistake'
"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 Jan 26, 2011 3:28 PM PST up reply actions
Where do you get the stats that show he does most of his work on the block?
He seems to be a pretty good scorer to me.
"[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.
82 games
Is this what you were looking for?
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 3:39 PM PST up reply actions
Very good scorer
Among the best. Does a lot of work close to the basket, though. Not a great jump shooter. Good, but not great. Much better when he posts up, and even then he doesn’t score at the same frequency as his contemporaries (including Gordon).
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Here are the shot stats - 63% outside
Is that unusual for an SF? Clearly he’s very good from up close.
Shot Att. eFG% Ast’d Blk’d Pts
Jump 63% .410 39% 4% 11.3
Close 31% .560 40% 14% 7.6
Dunk 4% .933 68% 5% 1.6
Tips 1% .429 0% 0% 0.3
Inside 37% .596 44% 13% 9.5
"[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.
But he's not very good from "Jump"
41%? Yeesh. That’s Gerald Wallace territory.
Heck, even Gomes hits higher than that.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Childress doesn't have the shooting range
but he is good on the defensive end.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
We need a defensive minded SF who can shoot threes and spread the floor for BG.
This sounds exactly like what Aminu will be with a little more experience. I’d still love to trade Gomes and expirings for Childress, and then the Clippers would have a very strong tandem. Childress is a solid defender, and he still a useful on offense, too. He just foolishly signed with a team that didn’t need him.
Aminu may be that guy some day
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
the defense thing
is also why I think iggy could be a good fit with this team. He’s kinda used to being the “man” w/ the 76’s but if he’s brought here, he might be more willing to fill a role. He played pretty tough defense on team USA which made him the starter while Granger was at the end of the bench. I think if he is able to focus mostly on defense, he could be one of the better defenders in the league. It’d be nice if he had a better long range game, but I think he can play a good team game and shares the ball pretty well.
I will wait to pass judgement
but I know a Wake Forest Basketball fanatic who told me FA basketball intelligence/decision making is far below his physical skills. He said you take the good and the bad with him. Let’s see if he matures out of this or it is an inherent problem.
Is what you're asking for so far off from what the FO was trying to get in Gomes?
I doubt it
"[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.
The FO had the right idea with Gomes
he’s just not the right guy. Matt Barnes signed for less than Gomes.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Barnes wanted cash, too
We’re back to square one. The Clippers didn’t try. They just grabbed Gomes.
Right idea, wrong player.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
I'm all for upgrading Gomes' position...
But I don’t think Barnes is that guy.
What’s ironic in all this talk is that Gomes had a very solid game last night (14 pts on 6/8 shooting, 2 asts, 2stl, 0 to’s).
But mikey's point is that the focus should be on the defense
Not sure what is so wrong with Gomes under mikey’s view – particularly if his offense comes back to historical numbers. Is he really that poor a defender? Again, Im not advocating for him, I’m just trying to understand what exactly is so bad about him defensively.
"[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 think you are right to point that out
Gomes is a good defender and rebounder at the SF. And he’s a problem.
Getting somebody who is a marginally better defender and rebounder at the SF would do little.
The correct answer is that they need somebody who has a better offensive game.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 3:41 PM PST up reply actions
I would also phrase it similar to how Demopulos thinks
Having better offense will help defense (i.e. the lines between offense/defense are so intertwined that we should ideally not talk about them in isolation).
Case in point, I recently heard an argument that Lakers defense is fine except when they take early/bad shots which allow for good transition opportunities for their opponent. This was pretty evident during the OKC/Lakers series last season…
Actually he's not a good defender and rebounder for a SF
What are you using to support this claim? He has a negative 8.1 PER for a reason.
http://www.82games.com/1011/10LAC8.HTM
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
by ClipperChuck on Jan 26, 2011 5:16 PM PST up reply actions
Ok, so you agree with the FO
It shouldn’t be too difficult to find someone that fits your mold.
"[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 agreed with the FO that the team needed a SF
I still think they do. I’m not sure if they agree with me.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
And yet
Here they sit. $17M wasted. Supposedly easy mission not accomplished.
Who would you have signed that realistically would have come here
We keep asking you – I guess you’ve got nothing
"[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.
Hey
If you are comfortable with the team, don’t worry about it.
Before the season started, your expert analysis told us Gomes and Foye would really turn it around now that they were in a new situation and would become completely different players. Then a few weeks ago you said, hey maybe the Clippers need more help.
Which is it?
Except that I never said that
I just said I thought they were adequate and that I would trust the FO. The FO seems to be doing ok so far. Would I upgrade the SF? Yes, and I’d trade BD. But again, I defer to the FO.
You, on the other hand, are on a mission to show how the FO sucks and Berri is the greatest.
Duly noted, but what’s your point?
"[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.
No?
Hmm, let’s see if we can find Jax making excuses for the prior play of Gomes and/or Foye and defending the signings…
You do that
Enjoy
"[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.
Trust the FO?
That’s one thing but you go out of your way to praise them despite the fact that they really haven’t done anything. If their key actions are the signings of Randy Foye, Ryan Gomes and Brian Cook to multi-year contracts then they should be criticized at this point as we’ve had plenty of time to evaluate these signings.
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
by ClipperChuck on Jan 26, 2011 6:00 PM PST up reply actions
I'm happy with what they've done so far
All I’ve said is that they should be given a chance. You are obviously free to criticize whatever you want.
"[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.
Do you have a purpose other than rabble rousing?
"[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.
Only when the question isn't worth answering
"[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.
Meaning you have no answer that doesn't result in you looking foolish.
Mr. Gomes and Foye are the answer.
No offense, but I'm not interested in arguing with you
Don’t you have something better to do? Maybe you want to get out of the basement and take a walk, smell the roses?
Enjoy the game. Seriously.
"[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.
Battier is going to be 33 next year.
I like Prince, I wouldn’t go crazy over-spending for him though (not that you guys would.)
I think both of their defense is a bit overrated and I doubt it’s much better than Gomes, but they are much more capable on the offensive end. I particularly think the hype of Battier (he’s the gluiest glue guy evah!) is overblown.
by Michael White on Jan 26, 2011 1:10 PM PST up reply actions
I like Battier because of his great one-on-one defense on Kobe...
but yeah, I don’t know how much gas he’s got left.
Even the great Scottie Pippen got owned by younger cats (Kobe) in his later years…
Clippers face scoring droughts far to often
I would flip this the Clippers can defend but they can’t score enough in a 48min game. We have seen the Clippers scoring go down by the quarter.
Clips avg 99 ppg (13th best)
They give up 102 ppg (19th).
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
Silly article
This strikes me as highly implausible: the Nuggets, with a supporting cast that isn’t obviously any better than the one that Anthony would be joining in New York, have won an average of 48 games per season since Anthony’s rookie year, despite playing in the deep Western Conference.
This is the crux isn’t it?
Poor evaluators of talent are poor evaluators.
WoW blog responded directly though. No point in repeating them.
Part of evaluation is understanding what matters.
It was interesting
I saw how high his 3p% was but his TS% is surprisingly low for a guy with his 3p% and wondered who else was like that.
Again Clipper Nation don't worry we have Gomes & Foye!
These guys are like super heroes. Vinny is a genius with his rotation changes. We
should of won last night but the Clipper D let a couple of midgets beat them. The
good news is Houston only has one midget in Aaron Brooks. If they contain Martin
this is the easiest win of the season.
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