The Other Blog

It is not easy for a GM to come to terms with having to deal the team’s only superstar. That is what Dell Demps of the New Orleans Hornets is faced with. Worse is that most GM’s put in this scenario have the help of an owner to guide them in a direction, and Demps didn’t have that support. That is where things went wrong.

So Demps set out to trade his superstar Chris Paul and came away with what he felt was the best deal, a package of veterans centered around Kevin Martin, Lamar Odom, and Luis Scola. Only, that is a terrible deal for the Hornets franchise, and David Stern acting as CEO of the Hornets rightfully nixed it.

The trade stunk of a GM thinking short term and hurting the long term success of the franchise. For the Hornets to trade Chris Paul, that clearly puts them in rebuild mode, but a bunch of vets past their prime are worthless on a rebuilding team. The trade would put the Hornets in a situation where they were not good enough to compete with the top teams, but not bad enough to land a top draft pick. Stuck in the middle of the pack without a superstar or young players on the roster is the worst place to be in the NBA.

Denver and Utah had the right idea. When the Nuggets and Jazz set out to deal their superstars they had a clear plan. They asked for high draft picks, young players on rookie contracts, and cap flexibility. The Hornets got none of that. But that is not Demps’ fault, that is on Stern for not making it clear to Demps what the team needed in return for Paul.

“The miserable have no other medicine but only hope” – William Shakespeare

As a Clipper fan I know all about hope. I’m reminded of the young Clipper team featuring Odom, Elton Brand, and Darius Miles. That team didn’t win many games, but it was an exciting team to follow. That hope turned out to be fools gold, but at the time we didn’t care and it kept us going with the team until now we finally have something to truly be excited about in Blake Griffin. It seems to me the Hornets fanbase could use a sip of what we were drinking back then.

So tonight comes word the Lakers have dropped out of the Paul trade and the Clippers have emerged as “early frontrunner” to now land him. Perfect. Yes I’m biased, but I’ve always felt the Clippers had the best to offer for CP3.

1. Young players. (Bledsoe and Aminu)
2. High Draft pick. (T-pups unprotected 2012 draft pick)
3. Cap friendly contracts. (Kaman and Mo Williams expiring)

The Clippers could even take on one of the Hornets bad contracts (Ariza or Okafor). Plus I could argue Kaman and Mo will bring back better young assets than Odom and Scola could in trade. Is this not a better trade for the Hornets? The Hornets would be bad for a season, but they would have their own high draft pick and the Minny pick in a great draft. That would be two potentially star players to build around.

It is easy to dismiss the Clippers. They have been the subject of bad late night jokes for decades. They get no respect even in their own town. They always think big and crash hard. Kobe flirted with them for a while, and King James granted them an audience. Nothing came out of those two pursuits. The biggest free-agent signing in franchise history is Baron Davis, and that ended in disaster.

So when Chris Broussard reports Chris Paul would like to sign with Knicks, but would be open to signing an extension with the Clippers, it can be easy to dismiss that second part. After all, who would want to play for the Clippers over the Knicks, right? Right!? But the thing is, the choice is not entirely up to Paul.

Here are five things Knicks fans aren’t going to like hearing.

1. The Hornets will not let Paul become a free-agent.
One thing has been made clear the last two summers, it is better to be Denver and Utah who traded their stars for young pieces, than it is to be Cleveland and Toronto who got nothing back for their stars. So once New Orleans comes to grips with Paul leaving they will be looking to deal.

2. Knicks Don’t have enough cap space.
Even if by chance the Hornets refused to trade Paul and he because a free-agent, the Knicks still won’t have enough cap space to make a max offer. Playing in the big city with some buddies in one thing, but Paul is not going to leave millions on the table. So there is a mutual interest for Paul to agree with an extend and trade scenario.

3. Knicks lack trade assets.
Last season the Knicks got their man. Melo gave them them a nice one-two punch alongside Amare, but in doing so they traded away every major young asset they had that a team like the Hornets would ask for. No draft picks, not young stars. The Knicks certainly can’t compete with the assets the Clippers can offer for Paul.

The Minny pick looks like a sure top 3 pick in a strong draft class. Aminu and Bledsoe are a couple of young players that could be used as sweeteners to a deal. Plus the Clippers have cap space + expiring contracts to absorb a bad contract NO might want to dump.

4. Los Angeles is pretty nice too.
For those thinking Paul would be willing to take less to play in NY because he could make up the money by playing in the big city, keep in mind LA offers the same off-court opportunities. We may not have Madison Avenue, but we do have Hollywood. This is the city that made Elton Brand and Baron Davis into movie producers. Blake Griffin is now quickly becoming the most marketable NBA star, and he plays for the Clippers.

I know MSG may be the Mecca of basketball, but during this lockout LA has been the place to be. LA is where basketball players make their off-season home, and it is where the best pickup basketball games can be found. LA offers a great nightlife just like the Big Apple, but with the added benefit of having perfect weather all year round. There is nothing like going to the beach during the middle of winter. The only real advantage NY has over LA is the pizza.

5. The Clippers core compliments CP3 better.
Not to take anything away from Amare and Melo, but just imagine CP3 throwing lobs up to Jordan and Griffin. The best lob passer in the game getting to play with two of the best finishers in the game. Add in Gordon to the mix whose become a great off-ball wing player, it is just the perfect fit. In NY both Melo and Amare are known for their isolation play, not exactly a point guards wet dream.

I’m not saying it is a lock CP3 will be a Clipper and not a Knick, but it is interesting the Clippers are being mentioned as a place CP3 would sign an extension with and other clubs like the Celtics have already been shot down. Time will tell if there is more to this.

With the players rejecting the latest CBA proposal and voting to disclaim the union, NBA stars will be looking for overseas jobs in hope to avoid the nuclear winter predicted back home. Unfortunately these jobs will come at the expense of players who’ve not had the luxury of earning millions in the NBA.

Almost all the best European basketball leagues limit their teams to a maximum of 2-3 foreign born players on the roster. With the Eurobasket season well underway these roster spots have all been filled. So if Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Chauncey Billups, Kevin Durant, and Ray Allen really want to slum it overseas, some American players will have to be cut to make room for them.

These are former college standouts that failed to get drafted, and some ex-NBA’ers that only had a cup of coffee in the league. The majority are players you probably never heard of. In recent seasons the Clippers have saved Quinton Ross (Belgium) and James Singleton (Italy) from the basketball obscurity of playing in Europe.

Currently no Clipper is playing overseas. However DeAndre Jordan has been approached by the Zhehiang Lions of China and Chris Kaman has flirted with the idea of playing in Germany or Luthuania. I admittedly have biased reasons for not wanting these guys to go over there and risk injury.

The worst part is when NBA players go overseas and don’t take it serious. As the case with J.J. Hickson who after playing in only one game was cut from his team and sent home for showing up to practice late, twice. DeJuan Blair lasted a little longer, three games, before his team decided not to renew his contract. His coach had a few choice words on the departure.

It is well documented that athletes are terrible with finances. NBA players are particularly bad as 60% of retired players go broke within 5 years. So it is understandable for some lower paid players to go overseas and earn a paycheck during the lockout. Sometimes you have to do what is best for your family. But the stars thinking of going over need to realize their actions trickle down and some broke dude trying to just stick with a team will pay the price.

I have to say I was not jumping for joy upon hearing Al-Farouq Aminu’s name on draft night. It’s not that I think he will be a complete bust, but rather it’s my opinion that we passed on talent that fits us better. Namely I really liked Paul George and his ability to stretch the floor.

However, this post isn’t about what could have been or to criticize the pick. This post is about analyzing what we do have because the reality is I’m a Clipper fan first and I’ll support whomever we draft. In the end I’m actually pretty happy with this draft, of course it did not hurt I started drinking shortly after the Aminu pick. So my judgment might be slightly impaired.

#8 Al-Farouq Aminu SF/PF 6’9″, 216

A lot has been made of Aminu’s jumper, or lack there of one. It’s a valid concern because when you already have Griffin and Kaman down low you want an SF that can stretch the floor and free up space for your two big man. Aminu’s offensive game has a long way to go to be effective in the half court, but Aminu is the type of player that can contribute positively without having to be a big time scorer. On a team that already features plenty of scorers, Aminu could be the perfect role-player with this group as a defensive stopper.

Two of the biggest weaknesses for last years team was defense and rebounding. These weaknesses became even more apparent once Camby was traded away. Aminu is essentially Camby’s replacement in a SF’s body. He’ll create extra offensive opportunities by getting stops, offensive rebounds, and starting fast-breaks. Aminu has been described as a one-man fast-break because he can grab the rebound and take it all the way himself. This is a skill Griffin also has. With the athletes now on the team I look forward to seeing much more running from these young guns.

NBA Comparison: I’ve heard Aminu being compared to Josh Smith and Gerald Wallace. Personally I don’t see it. Smith is a freak of nature with a 40″ vert. Aminu is a nice athlete, but his 33.5″ vert doesn’t come close to Smith. He also doesn’t have the ballhandling of Wallace to create his own shot. Nope, my NBA comparison for Aminu might surprise you. Aminu’s game reminds me of Dennis Rodman. Not wacky cross-dressing Dennis Rodman, but rather monster-rebounding, defensive first-team Dennis Rodman. There was a time when Rodman was a special player, he did contribute to 5 NBA championships. If Aminu can dedicate himself to being a great rebounder/defensive presence, then it doesn’t matter that his jumper is such a mess.

#18 Eric Bledsoe PG 6’2″, 192

It was a welcome surprise to see the Clippers maneuver and land Eric Bledsoe. It was what I wanted them to do last year when there were a ton of point guards in the draft. A year later we now have our point guard of the future.

Bledsoe’s story sort of reminds me of Brandon Jennings’ story last year. Jennings spent a year in Rome and his coach didn’t know how to use him properly. He played out of position and struggled because of it. I wouldn’t say Bledsoe struggled last season, but he did play out of position and his numbers suffered because of it. Essentially both Jennings and Bledsoe were drafted as point guards not because of their production, but because of what they did in high school. Like Jennings, Bledsoe put up big numbers in high school. He averaged 20.3 PPG, 9.4 REB, and 11.5 AST his senior year. Anyone worried about Bledsoe’s point guard skills need only to watch some of his high school videos on YouTube.

NBA Comparison: First thing that jumps out of me is Bledsoe is super quick. Second thing is he is a great athlete. Third is his nice jumper. So if I had to compare him to an NBA player I would say he is Russell Westbrook with a jumper. Now that is high praise considering the player Westbrook has become, but I firmly believe had Bledsoe not played second fiddle to Wall that that he would have been a top 10 pick.

#54 Willie Warren SG 6’4″, 208

Normally you don’t expect the 54th pick in a draft to even make the team, but Warren is not 54th pick talent. Dude has game, at least he had game his freshman season. Back then he was a big time prospect playing next to Blake Griffin, this last season was a complete disaster.

The hope is Griffin to be a positive influence on Warren so he can get back on track. Moving back to his original position of SG would also be good for Warren as he flopped trying to run the point.

NBA Comparison: Warren actually reminds me of a poor-man’s Eric Gordon. They have a similar body build, both are known as efficient scorers, and both have deep range on their jumper. Of course Gordon is better on every level, but I could see Warren having a nice long career as a backup combo guard. That is a steal with the 54th pick.

It’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog and the truth is seeing Griffin go down with injury took the wind out of me.  The season was a disaster.  The only good thing I have to say about it is that we lost enough games to finally get rid of Mike Dunleavy.  Now if only DTS would sell the team we might actually become a real NBA team.

The next few weeks will be huge for the franchise.  There will be trades, free-agency, a new coach, but first will be the draft tomorrow.  And I’ll be here to put my thoughts down on all of it.

As far as I know it was not Kimbo Slice playing point guard for the Clippers last night.  That was Baron Davis putting up bricks left and right.  It’s so frustrating watching this go throw up shots with 20 seconds left on the shot clock. Baron, stop shooting from the outside! You have never been a good shooter. *sigh*

Ladies and Gentleman, starting at power forward, from the University of Oklahoma, The Amazin’ Blake Griffin!

That is right folks, Blake Griffin officially has a nickname, “Amazin”!  From Lisa Dillman of the LA Times this is how it went down.

“Sebastian Telfair and his Clippers teammates were almost giddy in the aftermath of rookie Blake Griffin’s spectacular flying dunk over Lakers center DJ Mbenga in the fourth quarter on Sunday. “His nickname is Amazin’,” DeAndre Jordan said of Griffin. “His new nickname is Amazin’.” Jordan shouted over in the locker room to Telfair, saying: “Bassy! Bassy! Amazin’, right?” Telfair: “Amazin’.”

You can see this Amazin’ dunk on Youtube.  Poor Mbenga, nothing like the announcers and your own teammates laughing at you after getting posterized by a rookie.

On the eve of the first pre-season game, the Clippers are a little banged up.  Already out for the pre-season opener was Blake Griffin and Sabastian Telfair.  Now comes news that Marcus Camby hyperextended his left knee during practice on Friday.  Luckily all these injuries seem to be minor and all three should be healed up by the regular season opener.

There are not a lot of question marks with the Clippers roster.  Most players know their role on the team.  But as training camp and the pre-season moves a long we will get a better answer to the few questions there are.  Like…

Who will be the starting center?

The Clippers have the luxury of having two above-average centers on the roster.  Camby was arguably the Clippers best player last season.  Chris Kaman frustrated Mike Dunleavy and fans with his nagging injuries and lackadaisical play.  If the answer to who starts were simply best player, the nod would go to Camby.  But there are other factors to consider.  Camby will turn 36 this season.  At his age it might be better for him to come off the bench.  At the same time you don’t want to hurt Kaman’s trade value by making him come off the bench.

How Will Rasual Butler be used?

Butler started at SG for the Hornets last season.  I believe Dunleavy likes Butler’s size for the position and sees him as the main backup SG.  However, most see Butler as a natural SF, and even some believe he should start over Al Thornton at SF.  Thornton is penciled in as a starter, but expect to see Butler get a chance with the first unit.

Is there anything left in Ricky Davis’ tank?

“Buckets” did not make many buckets last season.  His first year as a Clipper was a complete disaster.  But Ricky is having a solid training camp.  He is not that old, there could be a lot more buckets in his future.

Do any of the four free-agents in camp have a chance to make the team?

Kareem Rush is the most well known and experienced of the free-agents.  With him you know you are going to get a great shooter, but he will have to beat out Ricky Davis for a roster spot as their games are very similar.

Anthony Roberson has had his coffee in the league for four different teams.  He’ll battle Mardy Collins for the third string PG position.  With Telfair not expected to play against Golden State I could see Roberson getting a long look.

Jerel McNeal is a long shot to make the team.  The rookie had a nice career at Marquette and is known as a great defender, but he is a bit short for an SG.  He will have to prove he has PG skills for him to make the team.  Either that or he has to prove to be a better shooter than Rush and Ricky Davis.

Taj Gray has missed most of training camp with an injury.  With so many big man already on the roster Gray’s days are numbered.

With the re-signings of Steve Novak and Brian Skinner the Clippers stand at 14 players under contract, one under the league maximum.  Ramon Sessions is not one of those 14 having signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.  It turns out that after months of speculation Sessions was never actually offered a contract by the Clippers.  The reason for that has a lot to do with the two men pictured above.

LeBron James of course is the top free-agent prize next summer and the Clippers internally believe they can make a convincing case to bring him to LA.  Even if they fail to land James, there are other big name free-agents they can make a run at like Chris Bosh or Joe Johnson.  Signing Sessions would have cut into the their available cap space next summer.  Bottom line the Clippers decided that signing a backup PG is not worth losing a chance to land one of the top players in the world next year.

The backup PG duties will rest on Sebastian Telfair’s shoulders.  Telfair was acquired a couple months ago from Minnesota, having him already on the roster made it easy to pass on Sessions.  After all, Telfair was actually a starter last season and instrumental in Minnesota’s big winning streak in January.  The Clippers should be just fine with him backing up Baron Davis.  But don’t take my word for it, check out a Mavs scout praising and calling Telfair An Underrated Gem.

Telfair does have his critics, and for good reasons.  He is short, gets pushed around on defense, and his jumper has always been shaky.  It is safe to say he has yet to live up to the huge expectations for him coming out of high school already a New York street-ball legend with a movie Through the Fire about him.  He was supposed to be everything Chris Paul is today, it just didn’t work out that way.  However, just because he was supposed to be a stud but turned out to be merely decent, that doesn’t make him worthless, it makes him a decent.  Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, and the lesson afterwards.  Telfair is still only 24 and finally showing that he has learned enough lessons to run an NBA team.  Chauncey Billups was 26 and on his fifth team before finally sticking with Detroit.  Some point guards just take longer to develop.

In 1996 Brent Barry proved to the world that white men could in fact jump.  That year he won the NBA Slam Dunk contest with a Julius Erving-esque jump from the free-throw line.  Sure, other men have made that same dunk, but how many of them have been white?

Unfortunately for Barry his body can’t do the same things it did in 1996.  Hell, he can’t do the things he did in 2006-07 the last time he played significant minutes in the NBA.  Not that I’m bagging on him, I know I’ve packed on a few pounds over the years as well.  But Barry will turn 38 this year and his mid-range game has abandoned him.  So why are the Clippers interested in bringing him back?  Technically, they are not.

The Houston Chronicle reported yesterday the Rockets are looking to dump Barry’s contract.  They listed the Clippers as a team they have talked to about a trade, along with the Grizzlies and Thunder.  This is not the same as the Rasual Butler trade situation.  The Clippers picked up Butler and his contract from the Hornets because they believe he will be a solid rotation player for them.  Barry is not a rotation player anymore, his situation is closer to Steven Hunter’s trade from the Nuggets to Grizzlies last month.  It is a pure salary dump of a non-rotation player and the cost of that has been established as a lottery protected first round pick.

The Clippers have a 3.3 million trade exception left over from the Zach Randolph trade.  They could conceivably take on another small contract like James White’s or Joey Dorsey’s and save the Rockets about 6 million and put them under the luxury tax limit.  Teams under the luxury tax also get a nice check from the league.  So there is a lot of money at stake here for the Rockets, but it will cost them a first round draft pick.