As Lisa Dillman writes in today’s Los Angeles Times, the meme that the Clippers would improve once all the starters were healthy and on the court has been debunked.
Baron Davis has suggested that the problem is an offense weighted down by a heavy playbook. Chris Kaman says, “Coach is throwing a lot of different lineups in there. Some guys are trying to adjust to that a little bit.” Mike Dunleavy hasn’t pointed fingers, though he tells Dillman that guys who slough off defensively will find their minutes reduced.
What’s frustrating is that each of these diagnoses belies a larger truth. The Running Team v. Set Offense debate? The Clippers rank 12th in pace. That means they’re pushing the ball more than Utah, more than Phoenix, and more than Washington. Against Golden State on Saturday, the Clips had 22 transition opportunities. The Warriors had only 15. Pace is not the problem — and if it is the problem, it’s not because the Clippers are too slow to shoot.
When the Clippers struggled offensively in the past, the sets had that rigor mortis quality. But that isn’t happening here. They got 20 unguarded looks on Saturday. The problem is that the Clippers are settling for low-percentage shots.
Clippers
Long Shots: 26
Medium Shots: 9
Short Shots: 10
Warriors
Long Shots: 19
Medium Shots: 17
Short Shots: 10
And last Wednesday against Sacramento?
Clippers
Long Shots: 20
Medium Shots: 14
Short Shots: 9
Kings
Long Shots: 15
Medium Shots: 18
Short Shots:8
The data don’t require too much explication: The Clippers are settling for shots way out on the perimeter, while they’re allowing their opponents easy mid-range stuff.
On a more specific note, Baron has gotten shredded defensively. He was the primary defender on 10 possessions Saturday; the Warriors came away with points in seven of those 10 possessions. The sad truth was that he wasn’t even that good. He failed to rotate on Turiaf at [2nd, 4:25], but Turiaf missed the wide open 14-footer. On another occasion, Stephen Jackson missed a layup after beating Baron off the dribble. Against Sacramento, the Kings scored on 4 of 8 possessions in which Baron was the primary defender.
I don’t want to lay this strictly on Davis, because virtually everyone has been terrible. Mobley got beat all afternoon on Saturday. Thornton has played soft defensively, and he’s yet to pick up the nuances of NBA defense — knowing how to cut a slasher off from the rest of court, knowing when to give up, knowing how to antipate a screen. Ironically, Camby has looked a little better the last couple of games, but the other Clipper big men are being drawn away from the interior when they’re most needed inside. Part of this is employing the likes of Tim Thomas at the PF. Part of it is Chris still getting comfortable with his new teammates along the perimeter in defensive S/R situations. The genius of Sam Cassell was that, despite being a really limited defensive player laterally, he and Chris communicated effectively in those situations. They trapped when they were supposed to trap; Chris learned where he was supposed to be vis-a-vis Sam on a switch or on a show. Chris instinctively knew when it was okay to drop back. But he doesn’t share that kind of trust yet with any of the new guys — Cat excepted — and it’s evident.
I don’t know what’s more frustrating — the Clippers 1-8 record, or the fact that we have no idea what’s wrong with the patient. “Everything” is an apt response — because they suck in every respect right now — but it doesn’t begin to prescribe remedies.
Please give me three things you’d do differently tonight against San Antonio.
With Parker and Ginobili out, the Spurs are running primarily a straight S/R offense with either George Hill or Roger Mason as the small in tandem with the Big Fundamental. Michael Finley is picking up a bunch of shots on the perimeter off the collapse on Duncan — but that’s not news.
45 Responses
1. Get things moving quicker in the halfcourt- everyone seems to stand around while someone goes 1 on 1. Most plays in the halfcourt are like this. Can we get a little more movement?
2. Make a few more subs. Baron played almost the whole game Saturday- maybe he would be a bit sharper on the defensive end if he could get some rest here and there. More subs would allow us to be sharper on the defnesive end (hopefully. Skinner also has played decent while in games. Giving him some time might be smart. And Novak- can the guy get a chance? I know he isnt the best defender, but he might be able to spread the floor for us
3. Try a new starting line up. This line up has only won 1 game. I would to give Gordon or Davis a start at the SG position, just to mix it up.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 8:56 am
With this team even Dunleavy can achieve some success if he’s willing to try:
Starting 5(consistant; win or lose)
1. Camby- 30min.
2. Baron- 35min.
3. Kaman- 35 min.
4. Thornton- 38min
5. E.Gordon- 30min.
The Bench:(with approx.min.)
6. Mobley- 20min.
7. T.Thomas- 15min.
8. Mike Taylor- 18min.
9. B.Skinner-12min.
10. R.Davis- 20min.
11.P.Davis- 12min.
We have a Coach who belives in ‘hierarchy’. He wants highly paid players to play more minutes win or lose. Other than that… he doesn’t know a bit about sports.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Now what = Baron spends more time acting in movies and going out to Hollywood clubs. Dunleavy limits his minutes and they talk to each other via the news papers. Clippers make a desperation trade for someone else who doesn’t want to be here. Dunleavy will be fired mid next season.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I really don’t think the offense has been the problem. They’ve been scoring enough to win. If they keep opponents to around a hundred points, they’re going to win at least half their games. I recall numerous layups by opponents underneath the basket because someone wasn’t picked up. Also, Morrow was just on fire on Saturday.
I’m sure others here don’t like to think about it, but I think Dunleavy would love to have QRoss on his bench.
Here’s three things I’d like to see:
1) more playing time for Paul Davis; he’s smart, a good shooter, and actually complements Kaman well.
2) more accountability on defense; Dunleavy’s got to start punishing guys for missing rotations and I’d like to see him get into them a little bit.
3) better defense.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Shawn Marion is available. He can fill the void.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Watching Gordon tells me that he would help on defense like crazy.
Kaman for Marion straight up.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 10:48 am
1. play brian skinner over tim thomas off the bench.
2. play ej over ricky davis.
3. tell the players to stop being so damn lazy and actually give some effort. one huge problem i see is that we don’t have an “energy player” save thornton and maybe mike taylor. we need people that will be willing to step in and take a charge, go grab a rebound, and just be active in general. say what you want about thornton’s cerebral shortcomings, but the man brings the effort on every possession. we need guys who play hard.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:12 am
1. Trade Baron Davis. He CLEARLY doesn’t want to be here. Might not be feasible before tonight’s game though. So screw it and start Hart.
2. Go big. Start Thomas at the 3 since he is the only Clipper whose name doesn’t start with a hard “k” sound who appears remotely interested in rebounding. Thornton can play the 2.
3. No help defense at all. Everyone man. If someone is going to get exposed, let them be exposed.
Put all the cards on the table and name names.
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ddm112 Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
ur dumb
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Looks like everyone is making statement against DONALD STERLING. Lack of respect runs rampant against & within Clippers from 4 CORNERS.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Why does everyone call Eric Gordon “E.J.”????? Arent his initials EG?
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Kaman isn’t going anywhere:
“And it also includes a “trade kicker” that would give the center a 15 percent raise — a maximum value of $7.5 million — if he were dealt to another team. For Kaman, that’s insurance he’ll be staying in L.A., or at worst, compensated nicely if he’s ever dealt. “
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:21 am
John R – none of the players want to be here. Wonder why. Reality check – you can’t trade the players. This is a players’ league. But you can try to figure out why the players aren’t meshing and whether the players work well with the offensive schemes and general tenor of the coaching.
This is the team MDSr wanted. He owns it. Let him fix it.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:24 am
You can’t trade the players? That’s one of the more bizarre things you have ever written.
You can trade the players. And you only need to trade one. Everyone else’s stats check out vs Career but BD. He took the money, but clearly has regrets. So give him what he wants and send him off. Looking at his career, he’s always been about the money. It is what it is.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:33 am
How about Darius Miles? He’s available.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Eric Gordon JUNIOR = EJ. Clips need to show some heart. They need to believe in themselves and take pride in their performance. They are a lackadaisical bunch. There really is no reason they should be getting torched by second rate players, dominated on the boards, and fall apart at the end of games. These aren’t things that can be cured with technical adjustments or even a changing of offensive or defensive strategies. Fact is, the Clippers are just a very uninspired, uncohesive team right now. They get beat because the other teams bring more energy, passion, and confidence. If the Clips can solve their mental issues, they’ll be okay. Sadly, I’m not sure if they can.
Also, I’m thankful to him for turning the Clips into an actual franchise, but Dunleavy really needs to start actually being a good coach or be fired.
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bongstradamus Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Elton Brand made us a franchise. Dunleavy blew it up.
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Kaman Homie Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Before Dunleavy the biggest contract the Clips ever signed was Eric Piatkowski for like 3 million a year. I think he was a huge influence on getting Donald to open up his wallet, and he correctly lambasted Elton and Falk after they screwed the clips over in the offseason, so I was happy about that. But yeah, the clips have not been coached this season.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
“There’s no fucking hope… for our kids, for our barrious… ”
American Me (1992)
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
The Bongstradamus 10 Point Plan for Clipper Domination.
1. Start Eric over Cat. No brainer. The future of this club does not lie in Blowme’s jump shot nor his contract.
2. Play Camby at 5. Kaman from the bench. Cat and Kaman run the 2nd unit.
3. Find more minutes for DeAndre Jordan, potentially even start him to accelerate development. I mean, seriously, Tim Thomas? Are we for real?
4. Trade for Al Harrington and Marcus Williams with GS. Marion’s too expensive and Riley isnt stupid enough to take our trash just so we can make the salary reqs. More upside with Harrington/Williams than Marion based on age/contracts. We also wouldnt be able to pay Marion what he wants in an extension and theres a huge possibility he’d tell us to go fuck ourselves next offseason. At least with Harrington/Williams we get guys on the outs who want to play and might actually want to stay.
5. Fire Dunleavy. Now. Don’t wait. Get a time machine and go back before the draft if you can, just get rid of him. He makes Isaiah Thomas look like a neurosurgeon.
6. Hire Jeff Van Gundy. He’s the only coach worth his salt that actually teaches defense and gets along with his players. Avery is too much of a control freak and pissed his players off regardless of his W-L record.
7. Run and gun with Pressure D. The team has the talent and the depth but not the green light. Let’s get oldschool and make it a really simple directive: Contest every possession, full court on-ball pressure directly from the inbounds play. Nothing rattles a guard like having to fight to get to the half-court line every single possession or getting swiped at whenever he blinks. Make it the new mantra, even if we’re ahead 20 instead of just behind. Body up like its the playground and your rep is on the line and be ready to feed a break in transition. Create chaos for your opponent, if they are doubting being able to get across half-court in 8 seconds youve pretty much kicked em in the balls. One of my favorite pasttimes watching games is counting how many fast breaks were thrown away because Dunleavy told the guard to hold up till the defense sets. Layups are high percentage shots that get people hot and in the groove.
8. High percentage. High percentage. High percentage. Need I say it a 4th time? Do NOT take shots from range unless theres only 3 seconds on the clock. The primary offensive shots should be high-percentage and in the paint when you are blessed with two 7 footers in the lineup. Why we keep chucking from downtown when we should be banging it down low and dunking on every other basket is beyond me. One thing thats always pissed me off is we never seem to get aggressive at the basket but settle for “easy” jumpers. Corey seemed to be the only one who ever attacked the basket and he got benched so we could see Cuttino go 1-13 from range far too many nights.
9. Get a little loose. Trust in Baron to make things happen on the court as long as he doesnt get into a 3 point competition with the opposing teams star player. If the guys are bodying up and ready on the break, Baron will find them.
10. Play to the teams strengths. Size mismatches, talent mismatches…use them. Why we keep playing a certain rotation and not exploiting obvious weaknesses of the opposing team is beyond me.
I’m all for consistency, but when you consistently lose something needs to change.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Fun fact:
Going into tonight’s game, Kaman and Baron Davis have made the exact same number of field goals.
Its taken Baron Davis 37 more shots to accomplish this feat. That is two and a half games’ allotments.
Think about that. Baron Davis is taking >50% more shots than Kaman per game and only producing 3.5 more points.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Why oh why did I not give up my season tix before this season… What a waste of $$$
I liked this roster before the season started, but my ragtag recreational team could score more points and play better D. I have to agree that it’s time for a new coach. The players clearly don’t respect him, the fans never have, and I’d be surprised if Sterling had any faith in him at this point.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
What Dunleavy would say if he were Lee Elia
“Fuck those fuckin’ fans who come out here and say they’re Clippers fans that are supposed to be behind you rippin’ every fuckin’ thing you do. I’ll tell you one fuckin’ thing, I hope we get fuckin’ hotter than shit, just to stuff it up them 9,000 fuckin’ people that show up every fuckin’ day, because if they’re the real Clippers fuckin’ fans, they can kiss my fuckin’ ass right downtown and PRINT IT.
“They’re really, really behind you around here… my fuckin’ ass. What the fuck am I supposed to do, go out there and let my fuckin’ players get destroyed every day and be quiet about it? For the fuckin’ nickel-dime people who turn up? The motherfuckers don’t even work. That’s why they’re out at the fuckin’ game. They oughta go out and get a fuckin’ job and find out what it’s like to go out and earn a fuckin’ living. Eighty-five percent of the fuckin’ world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A fuckin’ playground for the cocksuckers. Rip them motherfuckers. Rip them fuckin’ cocksuckers like the fuckin’ players. we got guys bustin’ their fuckin’ ass, and them fuckin’ people boo. And that’s the Clippers? My players get around here. I haven’t seen it this fuckin’ year. Everybody associated with this organization have been losers their whole fuckin’ life. Everybody. And the credit is not given in that respect.
“Alright, they don’t show because we’re 1 and 8… and unfortunately, that’s the criteria of them dumb 15 motherfuckin’ percent that come out to Staples Center. The other 85 percent are earning a living. I tell you, it’ll take more than a 1 and 8 or 1 and 29 to destroy the makeup of this club. I guarantee you that. There’s some fuckin’ pros out there that wanna win. But you’re stuck in a fuckin’ stigma of the fuckin’ Lakers and the Cavaliers and the Hornets and all that cheap shit. It’s unbelievable. It really is. It’s a disheartening fuckin’ situation that we’re in right now. Anybody who was associated with the Clipper organization four or five years ago that came back and sees the multitude of progress that’s been made will understand that if they’re basketball people, that 1 and 8 doesn’t negate all that work. We got 71 fuckin’ games left.
“What I’m tryin’ to say is don’t rip them fuckin’ guys out there. Rip me. If you wanna rip somebody, rip my fuckin’ ass. But don’t rip them fuckin’ guys ’cause they’re givin’ everything they can give. And right now they’re tryin’ to do more than God gave ‘em, and that’s why we make the simple mistakes. That’s exactly why.”
*****************
Lee Elias, Chicago Cubs Manager
April 29, 1983
*****************
Ok Dunleavy, I blame you.
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Kevin Arnovitz Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
acd:
I’m afraid the transcription doesn’t do it justice. Click here: http://www.speakeasy.org/~bucky/lee_elia_br.mp3
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Can we talk about the only real issue? will this team win less than 30 games this season? and if they do win 20 something, will that be sufficient to get the Dunce fired? that is the only way this team is going to turn around. This roster is flawed…no doubt about it . But with Dunce, the team underachieves. Last year’s team was better than 23 wins. And the year before that was better than 41 wins.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
1) Hire Hubie Brown to figure this out and get the players to play harder. He’s a turn-around specialist. Wait to hire Hubie after we have played poorly long enough to help ensure another decent lotto spot. Forget worrying about X’s, O’s, and rotations if the players aren’t willing to play hard, fundamental basketball.
2) Keep MD in the GM slot. Work out a possible mid-season trade to consolidate talent (trade 2 or 3 good players for 1 or 2 really good players).
3) Get Avery Johnson to coach im 2009 and beyond in replace of the aging but respected Hubie Brown. Play much better in 2009 and take our best shot at 2010 free agents. In 2010, trade away the Clipper’s 1st round pick from the Wolves for current trading value at that time. Move the franchise to the Pond in Anaheim.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
what other coaches in the league can underacheive and still have a job? What other coaches start 1-8 and still have a job? Sure, the team has faced quite a bit of adversity with injuries and such, but underacheiving coaches should not have a place in this league. I do not understand why the clippers are the exception. They need to act like a franchise that wants to win and get rid of the coach who isnt doing a very good job.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Should have made a play for Adelman two years ago.
One Caveat: please no Jeff Van Gundy.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I think it’s ridiculous to say that MDSr should trade BD 8 games into the season in which MDSr the GM brought him here as the savior. Even John R understands that. Certainly not as bizarre a statement as John R’s claim that the Donaghy rogue referee scandal permeated all through the NBA.
But I digress. As I said, this is MDSr’s team. He owns it. Let him earn his $6M per year. I can certainly understand why MDSr lovers like John R, seeing how awful MDSr’s hand-assembled team is performing, are quick to blame the players (trade BD!!!), but the notion that BD should be traded eight games in is ridiculous. Almost as ridiculous as is his assertion that Kaman is better than BD.
Lesson to be learned, folks: be careful with stats, people can interpret them in any way they want to.
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John R. Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
“Almost as ridiculous as is his assertion that Kaman is better than BD.”
And so it begins. Jax just can’t have a civil discussion without resorting to staw men and putting words in people’s mouths.
I try KA. I really do.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Isn’t it odd that no matter what team comes out they underachieve? is it BD’s fault that the team was not competitive last year? or that the team came out flat 2 years ago and went 41-41 with basically the same team that went to the semis the year before? here’s a thought…bring back Sammy…as coach.
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Wade Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
actually, that might not be the worst idea ever.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
guy’s we’re talking about the Clippers…the Clippers..the Clippers. Shit you know what? were wasting our time talking about the Clippers, Oh shit this the Clippers blog…Damn you BDL!I though, ahhhh fuc it
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
John R – you threw the first stone: “ridiculous.” Then you suggest that you “try.” I would respectfully suggest that you try a little harder and leave your ad hominem comments out of the equation.
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John R. Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
The word ridiculous doesn’t appear on this page until your comment. I don’t even know what to say about this. My only use of ridiculous is a direct quote of you.
*sigh*
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
the dunce is terrible, and i don’t care if sterling still has to pay out his contract after firing him…we’ve sat through too many seasons of this guy and his atrocious coaching…lets get someone, anyone, who can motivate our players to perform at the level we know they are capable of
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
1. Dunleavy needs to get tougher, yet perhaps more simplistic in schemes, at least to start. Like stop jacking 3’s, and focus on ball movement on offense, and aggresiveness on defense.
2. Play Eric Gordon more, Cuttino Mobley less.
3. Tell Thornton to start passing the ball, and Kaman to start dunking & hire Dennis Rodman as his personal coach.
Bonus:
* Don’t give Ricky Davis any meaningful minutes any time soon.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Dunlevy has to go that’s the first thing. Clippers will be lucky to win 25 games, after the opener I could tell this would be a failure. I went to the Houston game and I have to say this team reminded me of the 98 squad (and that ain’t good). Clippers are in serious trouble and the best thing they can do is start fresh. Bring back Mr. Baylor, fire Dunlevy, give Big De, Taylor and Gordon all the time they can get and focus on the draft.
I’m a die-hard fan but this Clipper squad looks worst than our economy, the near future is horrible but we have to remember we’ve suffered before, things will get better in the future.
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Wade Reply:
November 17th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Yeah, “Bright Future” and “LA Clippers” really go hand in hand.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
“Please give me three things you’d do differently tonight against San Antonio.”
1. Gordon over Ricky off the bench. They’re both prone to defensive lapses. Gordon’s a rookie; what’s Ricky’s excuse?
2. Rebound quotas: Anyone besides Kaman or Camby not out-rebounding their Spurs counterpart will be forced to participate in future “Play Even Louder” ads.
3. Less long shots, more medium and close shots. Run and gun is fun. Sprint and chuck, not so much.
Facile, but I wager effective.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
John R – you’re right. I went back and looked at the posts. My point was, however, that you through out the first insult, as usual.
“sigh”
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Question. Is there an actual message board for the Clips. I’m a big galaxy fan and there are a shit ton of people on their board, I would expect there to be a bunch of people on here.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Even though I like Van Gundy enough in the booth, I’d rather see a new 1st time, young, ex-player coach. Just a gut instinct.
MD Sr. can stay GM. He made what looked like good moves. Baron should still be the best PG this team has ever had if a new coach can work things out. Camby for almost free still looks good. Thornton and Gordon looking like solid picks. Just put him upstairs and get someone more in tune with the players on the floor. ASAP!
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Baron Davis taking ill-advised shots and playing poor defense? This is old news mate, somehow I am not surprised.
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Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
hi
dz313y0i5nyb1f30
good luck
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Posted on January 9th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
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