Clips Nation - Clippers Training Camp 2014What it do babyyyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47967/clipsnation_fave.png2014-10-04T15:15:17-07:00http://www.clipsnation.com/rss/stream/66409282014-10-04T15:15:17-07:002014-10-04T15:15:17-07:00Clippers Training Camp — A Quiet Final Day
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<p>The Clippers finish their 2014 training camp with one last day in the desert.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>It was a momentous final day in Las Vegas for your <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a>. The club wrapped up this year's training camp with a flourish as <span>Blake Griffin</span> dunked over a white tiger and <span>Spencer Hawes</span> woke up with a baby and without a tooth.</b></i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Well, that's what I would like to have started with. Unsurprisingly and unfortunately for yours truly, there were few happenings during this fifth and final day.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Blake tried even more corner 3-pointers, providing grateful Clippers' media with consistent food for tweet.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/518496346253574144">October 4, 2014</a>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">From the look of that picture, Blake has a release like lightning. Or Dan Woike has an older phone.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Dan Woike followed up with Blake and confirmed that the forward won't actively search out opportunities from the corner. Considering that most of the Clippers' important offensive possessions will be built around Blake's high post passing or pick and roll diving prowess, the only reason Blake should find himself in the corner of the court is when diving for a loose ball.</p>
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<p>Blake Griffin said the corner 3 isn't something he'll be looking for in games. Said it's not an offensive priority for him.</p>
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/518502306522734594">October 4, 2014</a>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Jovan Buha also nommed on Blake's shooting, complimenting his improving step-back jumper.</p>
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<p>The range on Blake's step-back is impressive. Can consistently hit it from 20-22 feet now.</p>
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) <a href="https://twitter.com/jovanbuha/status/518498371233787905">October 4, 2014</a>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">That is a shot that Blake is more likely to use, certainly as a bail-out option in the waning seconds of offensive possessions that have been repelled elsewhere.</p>
<p>Hopefully, though, he won't be relying on <i>this</i> particular shot:</p>
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<p>Blake ends his shooting practice by nailing a hook shot from half court.</p>
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) <a href="https://twitter.com/jovanbuha/status/518498836516311040">October 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Maybe he's practicing for a shoe commercial.</p>
<p>Jovan Buha also took this picture of a lonely <span>Jordan Farmar</span>.</p>
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<p>The 3-point shooting practice continues for Blake Griffin <a href="http://t.co/cxFA6ojOXp">pic.twitter.com/cxFA6ojOXp</a></p>
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) <a href="https://twitter.com/jovanbuha/status/518496837225828352">October 4, 2014</a>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Blake's form looks pretty good, too.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On Clippers.com, Dennis Rogers wrote about <a href="http://www.nba.com/clippers/clippers-hope-new-additions-make-big-impact" target="_blank">all the new additions</a>, both to the coaching staff and the roster.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The website posted this <a href="http://www.nba.com/clippers/one-one-jamal-crawford-10/4/14" target="_blank">video</a> of <span>Jamal Crawford</span> sitting down with Clippers radio man Brian Sieman and Brian Sieman's sideburns. Jamal talks about continuity, chemistry, and staying in shape. Watch the video if you want to see DeAndre dancing shirtless, Blake backing up a van, and Spencer Hawes looking like John Rambo in a red headband.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The website also posted this <a href="http://www.nba.com/clippers/season-preview-ralph-lawler" target="_blank">video</a> of Ralph Lawler previewing the forthcoming season while sitting in front of former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian, who appears to be frozen in carbonite. Poor Tark. You should already be acquainted with Ralph and Jerry from <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/2014/10/3/6903783/clippers-training-camp-day-four" target="_blank">yesterday's Training Camp recap</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">All in all a quiet camp, and for this iteration of the Clippers, a quiet camp is a healthy camp is a good camp.</p>
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<p>Clippers wrapped camp in Vegas this afternoon. Minus some bumps and bruises, no one is injured.</p>
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/518505876949172224">October 4, 2014</a>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Here's to Tuesday, when the Clippers play preseason ball against the Hated Ones from the North. And here's to next fall, when the World Champion Los Angeles Clippers will return to Las Vegas.</p>
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<p>LAC likely will hold camp in Vegas next year,with their preseason opener on the Strip. Team plays DEN at Mandalay Bay on 10/18 this yr</p>
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/518509744021979136">October 4, 2014</a>
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https://www.clipsnation.com/2014/10/4/6908375/clippers-training-camp-final-day-blake-griffin-jamal-crawford-ralph-lawlerThomas Wood2014-10-03T15:50:09-07:002014-10-03T15:50:09-07:00Clippers Training Camp — Day Four
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<p>It's Friday night in Las Vegas. Do you know where your Clippers are?</p> <p>Ah, Vegas, the American capital of team-building.</p>
<p>Much of the news out of <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Clippers</a> training camp has been the same — <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/2014/9/30/6875627/clippers-training-camp-day-one/in/6640928">everybody feels good</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/2014/10/1/6882881/clippers-training-camp-day-2/in/6640928">the chemistry is there</a>, they might make Las Vegas their permanent training camp home, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/2014/10/2/6896123/clippers-training-camp-day-three">dinner and a show together</a> is all the nightlife they need. It looks like this is a case of no news being good news, since a tumultuous camp often leads to a tumultuous preseason, which leads to thinking that the world "tumultuous" is a really weird word. It also means that everyone has remained completely injury-free. So, let's recap the day!</p>
<p><span>The Clippers posted </span>this video<span> of <span>Blake Griffin</span> and <span>Hedo Turkoglu</span> working on their soccer skills by kicking a basketball around and bouncing it off their heads, like a couple of mature adults getting ready for a long NBA season. Look, guys, we were all excited by the World Cup, but basketballs are heavy and you're freaking me out (but still, the athleticism!).</span></p>
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<p>Big Baby's weight loss is no matter to <span>Doc Rivers</span>.</p>
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<p>Doc Rivers on <span>Glen Davis</span> losing weight: "it's like throwing a deck chair off the Queen Mary."</p>
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) <a href="https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/518138542782816257">October 3, 2014</a>
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<p>Finally, those of us who were waiting with bated breath to see if Diplo approves of training camp can breathe easy now.</p>
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<p>Biggup <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers">@LAClippers</a> showing out at preseason scrimmage in LV</p>
— BABY DADDY (@diplo) <a href="https://twitter.com/diplo/status/518136469362200576">October 3, 2014</a>
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<p>And here, we see Doc and Dip just talkin' pick and rolls and bass drops, I guess.</p>
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<p>I must say, I'm not as familiar with Diplo as some are, but I can tell for sure that this guy is mad cool. I mean, look at those sunglasses! And indoors! Such ease.</p>
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<p>Shout out to <a href="https://twitter.com/diplo">@diplo</a> for coming by practice today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClippersTrainingCamp?src=hash">#ClippersTrainingCamp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diplo?src=hash">#Diplo</a> <a href="http://t.co/LEPOVFRq7F">pic.twitter.com/LEPOVFRq7F</a></p>
— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/518148602196025345">October 3, 2014</a>
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<p>But back to basketball. Would you look at that form?!</p>
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<p>Blake Griffin's spot-up shot looks A LOT better. Nailed about 10 3-pointers in a row at one point. <a href="http://t.co/fJRDeTsWcs">pic.twitter.com/fJRDeTsWcs</a></p>
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) <a href="https://twitter.com/jovanbuha/status/518140203119439873">October 3, 2014</a>
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<p>The great Ralph Lawler posted this sweet photo, from the UNLV facility where the Clippers are holding camp:</p>
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<p>sitting in shadow of legendary H of F coach Jerry Tarkanian on campus of UNLV as Clips enter day 4 of training camp. <a href="http://t.co/H2zp2EgXTZ">pic.twitter.com/H2zp2EgXTZ</a></p>
— Ralph Lawler (@Ohmeomy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ohmeomy/status/518101024918478848">October 3, 2014</a>
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<p>Also worth sharing is yet another sweet photo of the great Ralph Lawler, killin' it in those jeans:</p>
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<p>Voice of the Clippers, <a href="https://twitter.com/Ohmeomy">@Ohmeomy</a> , doing a interview in front of legendary Coach Tark's statue <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClippersTrainingCamp?src=hash">#ClippersTrainingCamp</a> <a href="http://t.co/hKnR93hhzi">pic.twitter.com/hKnR93hhzi</a></p>
— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/518106405555798016">October 3, 2014</a>
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<p>Lastly, in case you missed it, the Clippers announced today that they'll be holding a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/2014/10/3/6905119/clippers-to-host-open-scrimmage-at-the-galen-center">free, open to the public scrimmage</a> at the Galen Center on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Only one more day of training camp remains — what might Saturday hold? Probably less Diplo.</p>
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https://www.clipsnation.com/2014/10/3/6903783/clippers-training-camp-day-fourJul Jessup2014-10-02T17:22:09-07:002014-10-02T17:22:09-07:00Clippers Training Camp — Day Three
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Updates from the third day of Clippers training camp in Las Vegas. </p> <p>As was the case with the past two days, news coming out of training camp today (Day 3) has been fairly light. This drought may be due to the fact that there is so much continuity between last year's team and this year's team. Everything in 2013-2014 was new and fresh, and journalists were eager to get the first reaction from the players on <span>Doc Rivers</span>' system and the roster shakeup due to the <span>Eric Bledsoe</span> trade. Aside from the basic questions, there do not seem to be that many pressing issues during this year's camp that the media is clamoring to address. Nevertheless, here is an overview of some of the day's updates:</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> started off the day by tweeting this photo from practice:</p>
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<p>Day 3 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClippersTrainingCamp?src=hash">#ClippersTrainingCamp</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LasVegas?src=hash">#LasVegas</a> <a href="http://t.co/smla1pdkm3">pic.twitter.com/smla1pdkm3</a></p>
— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/517742869063299072">October 2, 2014</a>
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<p>It looks like the Clippers might eventually get a little tired of Sin City, as the team suggested today that they could make Las Vegas their home away from home for future training camps:</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Clippers?src=hash">#Clippers</a> may have found a permanent training camp home. READ → <a href="http://t.co/tNwnx7BQHI">http://t.co/tNwnx7BQHI</a> VIDEO → <a href="http://t.co/C27wYFzs57">http://t.co/C27wYFzs57</a> <a href="http://t.co/JvmS5ullOw">pic.twitter.com/JvmS5ullOw</a></p>
— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/517767228360372224">October 2, 2014</a>
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<p>Players seem to appreciate the state-of-the-art facilities of the UNLV campus, and Doc Rivers and <span>Blake Griffin</span> dismissed any concerns that Las Vegas may be simply too distracting for players during such a crucial time. The Clippers, however, do intend to take advantage of the Vegas nightlife — dinner and a show. As Doc Rivers <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/clippers/clippers-las-vegas-natural-fit-training-camp">told</a>
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<p>"They are smart and know it is a business trip, but we will enjoy some of what makes Vegas great. As a team, we are enjoying the great restaurants each night and we are going to take in a show Friday night. It's a great place to grow as a team."</p>
<p>Ben Bolch of the LA Times tweeted details of the starters vs. reserves scrimmages from the day:</p>
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<p>Based on first scrimmage, Doc Rivers said Clippers starters are "light years ahead of where we were from last year as far as ball movement."</p>
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) <a href="https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/517798055815294976">October 2, 2014</a>
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<p>Doc Rivers said the Clippers starters defeated the reserves in every scrimmage game, but every game was a one-point game.</p>
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) <a href="https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/517798908181757952">October 2, 2014</a>
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<p>Clippers.com promises fans an interview with <span>Jamal Crawford</span> from Las Vegas, tweeting this epic photo of Crawford gazing over the Vegas Strip from a balcony of The Mandalay Bay:</p>
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<p>Stay tuned for a 1 on 1 with 6th Man of Year <a href="https://twitter.com/JCrossover">@jcrossover</a> on <a href="http://t.co/iCDyJqNd0M">http://t.co/iCDyJqNd0M</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MandalayBay">@mandalaybay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClippersTrainingCamp?src=hash">#ClippersTrainingCamp</a> <a href="http://t.co/XjhJ3lFuEg">pic.twitter.com/XjhJ3lFuEg</a></p>
— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/517807701271662592">October 2, 2014</a>
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<p>And, temporarily traveling back in time, here is a sweet team photo, featuring some fresh and familiar faces, that <span>DeAndre Jordan</span> tweeted yesterday from the bus:</p>
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<p>As always, it is nice to see the camaraderie!</p>
https://www.clipsnation.com/2014/10/2/6896123/clippers-training-camp-day-threeDanielle Greenberg2014-10-01T15:58:26-07:002014-10-01T15:58:26-07:00Clippers' Training Camp — Day 2
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<p>News and notes from the Clippers' second day in Sin City.</p> <p>Day 2 in Las Vegas saw more of the same for the Clippers. According to Doc, the practices have been focused <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/517431466301861888">more on teaching than scrimmages</a>. Doc also had a <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/517432247738068992">comment</a> on the possibility of a DJ, Blake and Hawes line-up that made me feel like Lloyd Christmas. One thing there isn't a chance of though, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/517430613792419840">Ray Allen in a Clippers uniform.</a></p>
<p>In theory, this should be a link to <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.nba.com/clippers/video/training-camp-day-2">video of Day 2</a>, but last time I checked the clip has yet to be uploaded.</p>
<p>Also, the Clippers' <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.nba.com/clippers/clippers-announce-2014-15-broadcast-schedule">broadcast schedule</a> has been released.</p>
<p>Finally, I leave you with a few twitpics from the close of Day 2. Must admit, both images make me smile.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/JCrossover">@JCrossover</a> vs. Sam Cassell post-practice <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClippersTrainingCamp?src=hash">#ClippersTrainingCamp</a> <a href="http://t.co/WGlAtBnfoi">pic.twitter.com/WGlAtBnfoi</a></p>
— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/517419206216663042">October 1, 2014</a>
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<p>Day 2 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClippersTrainingCamp?src=hash">#ClippersTrainingCamp</a> ... <a href="https://twitter.com/blakegriffin32">@blakegriffin32</a> shooting free throws to close it out <a href="http://t.co/vk23EIoOGe">pic.twitter.com/vk23EIoOGe</a></p>
— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/517420152464240640">October 1, 2014</a>
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https://www.clipsnation.com/2014/10/1/6882881/clippers-training-camp-day-2Johnny Stark2014-09-30T15:53:56-07:002014-09-30T15:53:56-07:00Clippers Training Camp — Day One
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<p>Training Camp is always a time of intrigue. It signals the start of the on-court NBA season and, today, in Las Vegas, the Clippers got underway.</p> <p>It's been six months since the dark cloud of Donald Sterling reared its ugly head and cast an alarming shadow on the future of the Los Angeles Clippers. In those six months, a lot has happened. But for the first time since ownership changed to billionaire Steve Ballmer, the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11611098/los-angeles-clippers-steve-ballmer-richest-sports-owner-225-billion-says-forbes" target="_blank">richest American owner in sports</a> ¹, the Los Angeles Clippers got back on a basketball court. No, it wasn't for an actual game that counted in the standings but, for all intents and purposes, it was just as important. It was the first day of training camp and the Clippers unveiled some new players, as well as the returning core that made up last year's team.</p>
<p>There weren't really any "big developments" today but, as <a href="https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/517070038080057344" target="_blank">Dan Woike noted in his tweet</a>, the Clippers did have everyone available and used today as a "teaching day" so to speak. Woike also tweeted out that the trio of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and Doc Rivers spoke "<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/517070457074237440">about continuity and being further ahead at the start of camp this year</a>" when compared to last year. According to a few other people that were there in attendance watching the first day of Clippers training camp, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/stevecarprj/status/517058281202671616">Blake Griffin appeared to be moving well</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RandyFaehnrich/status/517064037369397248">Doc Rivers praised the acquisition of Spencer Hawes</a> by saying that it helps to have a "starting big as a backup big", and that <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RandyFaehnrich/status/517068860881522688">rebounding was the biggest weakness</a> from last year's squad.</p>
<p>There were plenty of other tidbits out there today that I'll link to in a second but, on the whole, it sounds like this team is in a far better place both mentally and structurally than last season at this point in time. It seems like the first day of training camp went well and the best news of the day, so far, is that the team seems to really be getting along and that no one, knock on wood, has been injured. Although, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/517064130390671360">Chris Douglas-Roberts did bang heads with a teammate</a> and had to sit out for a little bit but he's fine now. Long story short, the 2014-2015 Clippers seem to be in a "business first" mindset and the opening of training camp has further solidified that thought process.</p>
<p>Doc Rivers said <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/517076940474167296">there's no curfew</a> and it's hard to disagree with his rationale, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JCrossover/status/517074349678137344">Jamal Crawford tweeted</a> out his thoughts on the coaching staff, which he called "the best collection of coaches on one team", <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/517067244359012352">Blake Griffin was excited</a> to get back out on the court again and has been <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/517083248430571520">working on his corner threes</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/517067624178393089">J.J. Redick unleashed his beautiful shot form</a> (and beautiful everything) on the masses, Chris Paul said the <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RandyFaehnrich/status/517066895611006976">team went out for a "team dinner" last night</a>, Blake Griffin said the team is "<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RandyFaehnrich/status/517069023251402752">focused on playing</a>" and not on any of the stuff that went on in the past, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RandyFaehnrich/status/517069414156361728">Chris Paul addressed Russell Westbrook's comments</a> about Westbrook being the best point guard in the NBA, and, last but not least, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/517079686438875136">Doc Rivers said he'd take Chris Paul</a> "all day."</p>
<p>All in all, it seemed like a fairly light day for the first day of training camp but that's to be expected. The Clippers concluded the first session of practice around 2 PM and will have another practice that goes from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. So I'm sure there will be more updates then and they'll keep rolling in afterwards. Hope everyone has had a good day. We know the Clippers have.</p>
<p>¹ <font size="1">I did some fact checking to make sure he wasn't just the richest American owner in sports but the richest in the world, period. He's not. Sometime in the last few months, Ballmer was passed by Mukesh Ambani, who owns the Mumbai Indians, a cricket team in India. As of this second, Forbes estimates that <a href="http://www.forbes.com/profile/steve-ballmer/" target="_blank">Steve Ballmer is worth $22.3 billion</a> while <a href="http://www.forbes.com/profile/mukesh-ambani/" target="_blank">Mukesh Ambani is worth $23.6 billion</a>. So, while the Clippers don't have the richest owner in all of sports, he's certainly the richest owner in any of the four major sports and richest in North America. I now apologize for putting forth this useless information.</font></p>
https://www.clipsnation.com/2014/9/30/6875627/clippers-training-camp-day-oneJustin Russo