Lisa Dillman at the LA Times reports that Chris Kaman could see action….soon:
Kaman has missed the last 42 games this season with the Clippers because of plantar fasciitis of his left foot.
His projected return almost has been a moving target, pushed back so long, so often that Kaman almost became the forgotten man…
“At the beginning, it was really frustrating for me,” said Kaman, who was averaging 13.9 points and 9.4 rebounds before the injury. “Because I was uncertain when I was going to play. Knowing now what I know, I wish I could have known back then how long it was going to be.
“I have to be patient. I can’t really complain or do anything about it. Just wait and let it heal and take my time, not overdo it.
“Obviously it [stinks] but there’s nothing I can do about it, got to try to get back into shape now and get ready to play. I’m looking down the road and not looking behind me.”
Kaman was just getting over a four-day bout with flu, which set him back. He had traveled with his teammates to Phoenix last week before getting sick.
On Tuesday, he was doing some spot-shooting at the Clippers’ training facility, a bit of running and some half-court activity. He thinks he could be back in the lineup, ready for game action, in about two weeks.
That possibly would have him returning against Cleveland on March 10 and the chance to get in the final 19 games of the season.
This would allow Coach Mike Dunleavy to unleash his three-big man experiment, trying to split time among the likes of Kaman, Marcus Camby and Zach Randolph.
At this point, Kaman’s return is more important as a showcase for his talents than for anything he might offer the Clippers on the court by way of production. In a league bereft of big men, the Clippers have three legitimate frontcourt starters. This luxury — along with Eric Gordon — represents one of their biggest assets as they retool in the offseason. The more Kaman can demonstrate as an NBA center over those last 19 games, the more leverage the Clippers will have to swing a good deal, whether Kaman or Camby is the trading chip.
I still believe a Camby-Randolph-Kaman frontcourt would be a disaster against all but the slowest of teams, no matter how tirelessly Camby tries to defend the perimeter. But with the season lost and the Clippers already playing hellacious defense, the “Big Three Experiment” is far too alluring to be dismissed. If the Clippers can’t be a winner this season, then they should at least try to be a curiosity. Whatever else the “Big Three Experiment” might be, it’s a compelling entertainment product for a certain kind of basketball fan.
16 Responses
If Baron Davis can find a cure to his ‘Compulsive Dribbling Syndrome’..this team can survive.
But can he? His AUTO RUN offensive moves have been downright pathetic. Leaving 4 players on the court clueless. This doesn’t happen with Collins & Jones(and Taylor)
His problem: psychological & physiological in nature. His muscle reflexes are making him do things which aren’t pretty. He doesn’t have an instinct to be a PG in NBA. No wonder leading NBA clubs never tried to acquire him. They knew something about his real worth.
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 8:42 am
I’m interest in seeing how the 3 big men work in a game
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Kevin,
I’m getting genuinely angry with these ESPN Rook ratings. I mean can they really be serious? Does Gordon have to finish the seasons with triple doubles every game just to be recognized as a competitor for the top spot.
I honestly could care less about the rankings seeing as the NBA will choose the deserving canidate. But the kid is an awesome player, sound-minded, and focused. And for that he should get some friggin recognition.
That’s my rant for the day.
Oh and as for Chris Kaman, let him play 20 games a season somewhere else. Let’s have Camby build Deandre into a great big. I like Kaman, and he’s a pretty solid player, but I vaguely remember cringing at some of the low IQ mistakes he would make on the court. not fun.
ACD Reply:
February 25th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I think Kevin should write a column for ESPN detailing Eric Gordon’s talent and worthiness of ROY consideration.
amize Reply:
February 25th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
agreed
Lawler's Law Reply:
February 25th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I bet KA is seen as the newest step-child in the ESPN family…being a Clippers fan won’t help the issue…but a solid Gordon column from KA on the front page is well deserved.
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 10:26 am
“At this point, Kaman’s return is more important as a showcase for his talents than for anything he might offer the Clippers on the court by way of production.”
I agree. The Kaman area is – or should be – coming to an end. Time to get rid of the guy since he just can’t stay on the court long enough. Draft Griffin if you can, and develop the hell out of DeAndre with Camby as his mentor after another year.
“I still believe a Camby-Randolph-Kaman frontcourt would be a disaster against all but the slowest of teams, no matter how tirelessly Camby tries to defend the perimeter.”
Well, all 3 of them on the court at the same time would not be smart but starting Camby and Zach and bringing Kaman off the bench – mostly to sub for Camby – could definitely work.
Craig Reply:
February 25th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Bringing Kaman off the bench would be the only option as far as I can see. The team would have a good second unit with Kaman, R. Davis and company. The way this team gets injured, I can’t imagine why they’d want to get rid of any of these big men, unless they seriously think that Jordan will be a viable player someday. Kaman hasn’t proven he can be consistent performer, and team has looked actually quite competitive at times with healthy players such as Zack, Marcus, Eric, and Al. I’m not convinced that Kaman can be consistent starter in the Association.
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 11:35 am
boston is scared of the clippers!!! i love it
http://celticshub.com/2009/02/25/proceed-with-caution-celtics-vs-clippers-preview/
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 11:57 am
The team needs all three of these guys to be healthy, but not playing at the same time. Kaman should in fact come off the bench.
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
If the Clippers don’t play any kind of defense tonight against the Celtics the Clippers are going to be manhandled. I won’t be surprised if the Clippers lose by 40 points tonight and let Rondo have 20 assists in the first quarter.
pete mack Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 11:09 am
good call
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
The only thing I could ask from the Clippers play hard and keep the game close and at least Clipper players and we the fans won’t feel humiliated tonight.
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Judgement day for Clippers.
If we lose big & show no heart & muscle…most of these players won’t return next season.
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
“Two weeks.” Anyone else remember that bad Tom Hanks movie – The Money Pit? It was about a couple who were renovating a house that became a money pit and almost ruined their marriage (maybe Shelley Long was in it too).
Everytime they asked the contractor how long it would be until he was finished, the response, in all seriousness, would be: “Two weeks.” That went on for months and months and months.
Sound familiar? I think that contractor doubles as Kaman’s doctor!
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Remember how good Kaman was for the 1st half of last year?
Just wanted to refresh everyone’s memory. He was a BEAST down low on offense and was really an intimidating force on defense. Although his talent is duplicated for low post scoring for ZBO and defense with Camby, I dont see the point in shipping him away.
Kaman is still relatively young and could eventually end up being quite a bargain. Unless someone gives a bona=fide starting 3 (take thornton, please!), i dont see the point in losing depth at a very critical position.
Posted on February 25th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
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