Last night’s showcase of Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon at the Thomas & Mack Center should have been the halcyon moment in the Clippers’ rebirth as a franchise. With the Clippers’ brass beaming on the sideline, the team’s featured 20-year-old offensive stars ran a clinic, establishing themselves as one of the league’s most potent big-small duos.
After the game, the G-Force’s mutual admiration society spoke glowingly. “It’s easy to work with [Gordon],” Griffin said. “All I have to do is set a pick and just wait. He’s so strong, he either gets to the hole, gets fouled, or passes it to me.”
Gordon was similarly ecstatic after the game, smiling widely as he talked about how the Griffin-Gordon pick-and-roll should be featured weapon of the Clippers’ offensive attack this season.
“That should be the bread and butter this coming year,” Gordon said. “We’re both young guys and we should have a great chemistry.”
Yet the morning after the Clippers’ auspicious performance, which included a solid showing from 21-year-old DeAndre Jordan, the Allen Iverson rumors are gaining traction here in Las Vegas.
By any measure, the Clippers have had an incredible offseason. They lucked their way into the Griffin pick, then somehow got Memphis to accept Zach Randolph, overnight transforming the team’s halfcourt look, spreadsheet, culture, and future.
Jordan appears ready to step in as a rotation contributor. Gordon, once shy to the point of standoffish, brims with confidence in public. He speaks aspirationally, of what he wants to build in Los Angeles. The team still has a bevy of question marks. Al Thornton could be a productive bench scorer, but doesn’t offer the Clippers a longterm solution at the 3. If the Clippers want to run the ball, they’re going to need more defensive stops and rebounding from their wings. They’ll also need a motivated Baron Davis to marshal his competitive instincts. Still, these are all manageable challenges for a team a couple of years away from being a serious factor in spring. For the first time in three years, the needle is moving in the right direction, which is what matters.
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With a couple possible exceptions, Allen Iverson might be the most examined NBA personality of the past 15 years. I’m not really interested in surveying his public persona. It’s dull work. What should be appraised is how Iverson’s strengths and weaknesses as a player conform to the Clippers’ needs — even on a one-year deal.
Let’s start with the Clippers. Their foremost need is a starter at the small forward spot who can rebound, defend, and provide an offensive fulcrum for the Clippers’ inside/out attack — but that’s not something they can acquire between now and October, so let’s look at the more pliable stuff they can accomplish over the next ten weeks:
- Backup point guard
- Wing who can defend multiple positions and help the team’s abysmal rebounding rate.
It’s safe to say that in no non-NERF basketball universe does Iverson address the latter need, so let’s focus on the first.
In Iverson’s defense, he puts up far better pure point numbers than you might think. Even at a career-low 23.1, his assist rate was still quite good in 2008-09. And given the amount of time he spends with the ball in his hand, his turnover rate is also respectable at 12.9. The Clippers could conceivably plug him in as their backup point guard, run him out there with the second unit for 25 minutes a night, and have a potent starter when Baron Davis is afflicted with whatever it is that afflicts Baron Davis.
In that scenario, a couple of questions:
- Who is Iverson defending? Most often, nobody. Iverson is small, older, and perpetually disinterested on the defensive end of the court. Where he excels — better than any player in my lifetime I can remember — is looking like he’s applying himself on defense. On screen-roll plays, Iverson functions as a crash test dummy, slamming full speed into the screen man with no intention of recovering. Ever. When he’s playing the ball, he’s a selfish gambler, routinely overplaying (again, it’s the patina of tenacity, not actual defense that counts for Iverson) for the steal. Once Iverson overcommits, it’s 5-on-4 halfcourt basketball. Want to know how a traditionally stalwart Pistons team drops from 102.9 in to 108.0 in defensive efficiency over one season? That’s how.
- How does Iverson effect Gordon, Griffin, Jordan, and, to a lesser extent, Chris Kaman? This really should be up top as the primary question, for the simple reason that the Clippers aren’t going to host a home playoff series in April 2010. The only thing that matters next season is the development and maturation of this core group, and the extent to which Iverson — or anyone else — helps or hinders that process. I suppose you could stretch and say there’s value in DeAndre Jordan learning how to lay out screens for a perimeter speedster like Iverson, or use him as a Gordon proxy in various offensive schemes. But do you really buy that? And if that’s what you’re after, why not bring in Bobby Jackson for a year?
- The peripherals I try really hard to posture myself a textualist on these matters, but it’s hard to look at what transpired in Detroit last season and reason that it’s a good idea to bring Iverson to a place where the inertia of the franchise is the foremost priority. Does he sell tickets? I suppose, which probably means we have to assign him some added value if it means ownership will be more likely to spend next summer if receipts are higher this season. In that line of thinking, Iverson is an agent of the future, and you tolerate him as a necessary evil to bolster your franchise in a recession. Okay. But I’d counter that you’re screwing with your brand. By sheer good fortune, the most personable, freakish power forward in a decade just landed in your lap. You have an increasingly confident young shooting guard who happens to function similarly to Iverson in your offense. You’ve got a couple of borderline personalities who can have the potential to swing either way in mood and resolve. Does Iverson do anything to defuse that dynamic, or does he inflame it? Richard Hamilton has a track record as a champion, and a generally unselfish teammate who’s really hard to piss off. Yet even he was gnawing at his limbs last winter when Iverson came over from Denver and complicated the rotation and the distribution of shots.
The usual counterargument that Iverson would be on a one-year deal doesn’t hold any water because Iverson landed in Detroit in his contract year, yet still managed to fall so far out of favor that …well…at 34, he’s being discussed as a one-year, mid-level option for teams like Memphis, Miami, and the Clippers. In the Clippers case, they should abide by some Groucho Marx wisdom: They shouldn’t sign a veteran malcontent — even one as talented as Iverson — who would want to sign with them.
It’s time to grow up as a franchise — for the sake of the kids.
Turn the page, sign a Bobby Jackson to fill the backup PG slot, and move on.
78 Responses
Dear Lord I hope this doesn’t happen. And for multiple reasons.
I’m a Michigan raised guy whose primary team is the Pistons. I started following the Clips in 2000 out of a simple disdain for the Lakers and the eventual appeal of Q-Rich and D-Miles. Eventually I just ended up really liking the team and have been following them ever since.
I just don’t know how the brass is going to play this. At least with a GM and coach who share the same skin I have to believe there’s some sort of plan but I can’t really see a universe in which Dunleavy and Iverson coexist peacefully for any extended period of time. AI got too much of the blame for the Piston’s season and I’ll admit that outright. The city identified itself with Billups and there was no way someone with Iverson’s perceived bucolic history was going to end up well received. AI has said he’d rather retire then come off the bench (at least he said that while backing up Rip) so I can’t see why he’d want to sign unless he was told he’d start over Gordon.
And with all the emphasis on the Clips’ “Youth Movement” is he really a piece we want, especially after Gordon and Griffin just debuted so well together, albeit in one preseason game?
I really can’t emphasize enough how badly I want this idea to go away.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:29 am
please clips lets not sign ai. he’s a selfish player who’d take away minutes from EJ. I don’t see how he’d add anything positive to the locker room. I’d like to see bobby jackson or ramon sessions fillin in that backup pg role and for less money. maybe sign jackson/sessions and von wafer for close to the same amount?
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I saw on ESPN that the Clippers were also targeting Ramon Sessions, who I think would be a much better fit than Iverson. I believe he’s a restricted FA, but he’d be worth throwing some serious dough at. I watched him a ton on League Pass since he was on my fantasy squad this past year, and he’s the real deal. Definitely a pass-first point guard, he also rebounds well and given playing time was a triple-double threat nightly. He’d be the perfect compliment to Baron and EJ in the backcourt.
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ClipsUK Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I agree 100%. With AI, you are getting a 1 year rental with baggage. With Ramon Sessions, if you throw some of your trade exception money at him, he could complete a really nice (but small) rotation at the guard positions for the next 3/4 years.
He is a good distributor and can also put up some nice scoring numbers.
I seriously think this is the future rather than AI. Jordan, Griffin, Gordon, Sessions would be awesome in 2/3 years.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Agree completely. Please don’t sign AI.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:41 am
great man
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:43 am
I don’t think AI can handle Dunleavy’s system. He’d be great as a 6th man for the right team. I wouldn’t worry about him taking minutes away from anyone. He’d play the first 10 games, get frustrated with the Dunce’s system, fake an injury and come back for the last month to show other teams he can still play.
Another option would be to give him a lot of minutes to show other teams he can still play and then trade him. That is if he can still play.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Couldn’t agree more. AI will mess things up. He’s using the Clips as leverage to get other teams to sign him at a higher price.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:54 am
yo,yo,yo man this is bullshet.Iverson maybe not anymore the best player in the legue,and scoring but. I think he still make 20 24. ppg
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:55 am
iverson is the best
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:57 am
I THINK THAT IVERSON IS STILL GREATE. LAST YEAR PISTONS IVERSON SLOVLY DOWN. BEACOSE WITH MELO AND NUGGETS,AND PHILY ALL TIME HE WAS A SCORER, BOUT WITH PISTONS HI IS DOING SOMEWONE ELSE JAB.IF COME TU CLIPPERS CLIPPERS MAKE THE PLAYOFS
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 11:07 am
I think everyone has made some very good points. I definitely can understand why as Clipper fans, you wouldn’t want AI on your team. All the potential drama, coupled with the fact that he may take minutes away from Eric Gordon, are very legit reasons not to want him near your franchise. However, let me present some reasons why I think Iverson would be a good addition to this team. One is that AI is not Bobby Jackson or Jason Terry. I know people think of him as a scorer, but he is somewhat of a playmaker, definitely better than both of those players when given an opportunity at creating shots for others. And though he is not exactly great playing well with stars, he’s played well with roll players. Players like Kleiza, Snow, even Marc Jackson all haved great years playing alongside him. I think he could help Deandre Jordan a lot giving him easy looks around the basket, and help shooters like Q Rich get open looks. Second, its kind of about changing the culture. It’s what Bill Simmons points to everytime he writes about the Clippers. The Clippers have been to the playoffs one time in the past 12 years. No doubt the future looks bright, but I think its important to start getting some W’s and raise the expectation level of the organization now. AI if nothing else is a competitor who will play hard every night. I’m not sure you can say that about the team on the whole the past couple seasons. Third, with the athletes that the Clips have, I’d love to see them get out in the transition more. I think AI helps you become a better transition team. Lastly, I hope y’all realize that he’s going to bring a slew of fans to the organization. I know thats not necessarily appealing for hardcore Clipper fans, but casual fans and stars would love to see him in LA. I think its important to bring an aura and excitement back. Obviously Blake will help, but winning games and Iverson would help even more. Not to make this too long, he allows BD to play less minutes. Think if BD and EG play 35 minutes each, there are 26 left at the guard position. But nonetheless, we will see how it all unfolds.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 11:11 am
We are profitable as a franchise, so adding AI helps get more fans, sure, but Charlotte could use the attendance more than we could at this point. He’s also a better fit for Charlotte because of Larry Brown. He’s just not a good fit for us. He should sign with Charlotte.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Ah, the perils of management believing they are in “win-now” mode.
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ClipsUK Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Yep, the future is 3/4 years down the line. How is this signing helping the development now towards that target. It’s not.
Get Ramon Sessions. He could be part of that core of Jordan, Griffin, Gordon, Sessions and would be a great fit.
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Clipper Speakeasy Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
This is the same belief that caused Dunleavy to trade for Z-Bo.
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Ian Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
exactly
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andrew Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
more like save job mode
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 11:52 am
I remember many years ago, in a living room, far far away.. *aliso viejocough*, I was playing a game called NBA 2K5 and playing the franchise mode…
I simmed it a few years to 2009…
Allen Iverson was the starting PG. His line was around 9.5 ppg, 2.3 apg 7.0 topg…
Don’t do this.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 11:57 am
[...] quote on Baron Davis and AI Kevin Arnovitz of Clipperblog on the idea of Allen Iverson as a Clipper: "The Clippers could conceivably plug him in as [...]
Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 11:58 am
jdote,
To your first point. True, AI isn’t Bobby Jackson or Jason Terry. This is a bad thing in terms of what the Clips need. Both of these guards, but Terry especially, are far better outside shooters than the Answer. Sure, AI can score, but he can’t spot up like Terry, nor does he have the range that Terry has. Jackson is more in the AI mold, but he’s never been a cancer and will come with far fewer question marks.
Second, AI has already publicly stated that he doesn’t want to come off the bench. Usually player complaints come to a head when a player goes public. So where could AI go from here? The only thing left is to resort to sitting out or causing problems in the clubhouse if he remains unhappy with his bench role. Both of which he proved he would do with his stint in Detroit.
Third, the Clips already have Baron Davis who has proven he can run a fastbreak extremely well. AI’s assist totals are misleading. He’s somewhat like Lebron James in that way, except Lebron can be a willing passer early in the shot clock. AI rarely, if ever, is. His offense is one-on-one, dribble and look to score and if he can’t, then he’ll kick it out to a shooter towards the end of the shot clock. This is not the type of player the Clips need. In the long term (and really, that’s all that matters with DeAndre) DeAndre won’t benefit from getting these types of looks even if his shooting percentage remains high this season. The Clips want Jordan to develop a post game, and with AI, that will only be delayed another year.
Finally, fans come to see winners. With the squad the Clips have now, they have a chance to be really good even if they aren’t championship caliber. Having a legit shot every night no mater who you play will fill seats far better than the few hundred thousand or so extra tickets Iverson could potentially bring you. True, he might sell some jerseys, but how many Iverson jerseys did Detroit sell last year?
One last thing, Eric Gordon and Mike Taylor will allow BD to play less minutes. The Clips need a back up shooting guard if anything. And Iverson is a scorer, not a shooter. Huge difference.
Two years ago, I badly wanted the Clips to trade for AI. Now, with Griffin and Gordon securely in the fold, I say pass on the Answer.
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Ian Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Watch the games… Eric Gordon is a shooting guard, not a PG
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
You know, why not sign Tyronn Lue to a one year deal and also get Darius Miles?
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
instead of AI, why not sign sign Raymon Sessions and a von wafer kind of player?
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
jordan, great post.. i understand why clipper fans dont want him. Just trying to present the other side. I think potentially AI could do more positive things with the Clippers than any other free agent out there not named Ramon Sessions. Of course there’s the flip side to that so we’ll see what happens.
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Jordan Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Jdote,
Appreciate playing devil’s advocate. Somebody’s got to try to come up for a reason the Clips are even considering doing this. Thanks.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
AI would be the thing that fucks up all the potential we’ve got going.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Cdrumz, I love Sessions too, think he’s a great player and don’t know what the Bucks were thinking trading for Luke Ridnour. But, that being said, the Clips are solid at the point. Baron ain’t going anywhere, Mike Taylor’s got upside, and Gordon is being groomed as a combo guard. So, the weakest link is Al “Never-met-a-shot-I-didn’t-take” Thornton. Why not throw all or part of our midlevel at guys like Linas Kleiza, Jamario Moon, Marquis Daniels and/or Ronald Murray? Seems to me the Clips are looking in the wrong direction with this AI thing.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I have this weird feeling that this acquisition is going to go through. If Iverson can handle coming off the bench and be happy, which I doubt, it wouldn’t be that bad of thing.
Unfortunately, I think Iverson’s ego is still too big to allow himself to come off the bench and actually help a team.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I have to say, I started out thinking Iverson would be a good thing, but after thinking more and reading some of the comments, I don’t think that anymore. I’ve liked Iverson for a few years now, since he started passing more and scoring less. I still think he can be a good player, but not for the Clippers. We need to embrace the youth movement and then look for someone next summer. If Gordon and Griffin play like they played yesterday, there may be a few free agents interested in playing with them.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Clippers need “wing who can defend multiple positions and help the team’s abysmal rebounding rate.” Suns can’t afford Matt Barnes. Barnes can defend 2-3-4 and rebounds a lot better than Thornton (Barnes had 5.5 in 27 minutes per game versus 5.2 in 37 minutes per game for Thornton). Plus, he’s unselfish, smart, hustles, and:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j8Ak1E7sDA
And I still love Shaun Livingston and it bums me out that he’s going to be the backup PG for OKC. But that’s just me.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I agree with Deez Nutz, Barnes would be a fantastic addition to the squad. Why haven’t the Clippers inquired about his services?
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Kevin Arnovitz Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Honestly?
The guy is a wretched defender:
http://www.82games.com/0809/08PHO9.HTM
http://basketballvalue.com/player.php?year=2008-2009&id=241
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/barnema02.html
Now part of that might be that he’s asked to defend 4s, but still…
If anyone can offer evidence to the contrary, I’m all ears.
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Asin Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I understand he’s not the greatest defender, but he hustles and plays hard and he should come cheap. I think we need guys who do the “intangibles” on the squad.
Who else do you think would be a good fit on this squad that would do those type of things?
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Asin Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
He would come cheap, plays hard and hustles.
Is there anyone out there that the Clips could actually land that could help?
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
The whole rebuilding argument is garbage. With the right moves, any team should be able to make the playoffs (So long as your GM is smarter/luckier than other GMs in the league).
And who knows what happens 2-3 years from now. The people you’re counting on could get hurt, lose skill, or who knows. Gordon is only under contract through 2011/12. Clippers could be in an endless cycle of rebuilding.
I’m not saying sign Iverson, but as long as you’re not to many games out of the playoffs race, play to win.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I agree with FD you better win now, AI will give a different look to this team. I rather prefer to see AI in the final minutes than BD with his bricks.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
iverson is the “answer” to a question the clippers never asked….
just say no…
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
sessions would be great
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Getting AI is a low-risk, high-reward type of signing. Assuming All the reports are correct, we’re offering him 1 year at the MLE. What’s there to lose? If he stinks it up, then this will no doubt be Dunleavy’s last straw, as if it isn’t as of now. We can thank AI for that (Anti-Dunleavy fans). If he’s comes here with a chip on his shoulder to prove other teams wrong and be that scoring punch off the bench, then this can only make us better. I say sign Iverson for 1 year and get ready for next season.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
LETS GET LAMAR ODOM back! Don’t the clips need a legitimate starting small forward who can play consistent D? If the lakers can’t sign him, the clips should definitely make him an offer to go back to his original team!
PG Baron Davis
SG Eric Gordon
SF Lamar Odom
PF Blake Griffin
C Chris Kaman
Off the bench
Camby, Novak, D Jordan, Mike Taylor, (insert veteran free agent backup pg and wing),
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Chris. Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
don’t forget Al Thorton off the bench. Plus, Lamar wanted to leave the Clippers, don’t think he’d want back, but he could be had by anyone for money cause that’s all he wants now.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Does any one remember seeing Iverson take over the 4th qtr in LA when EG scored 30 something and the Clippers went down to the wire against the Pistons, losing by 1 point?
I would imagine that AI would be a better reserve point guard compared to Mike Taylor. Short term help while Mike develops more control. I am neutral, which no one probably cares for my opinion any way.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Clippers signing AI would be a huge mistake and blow off the development of the terrific Clipper kids. AI is loaded with personal and professional baggage. Plus
Dunleavy is far beyond his prime as a coach. Most fans want him gone. He totally mismanaged Baron Davis last year and was incapable of coaching him. During the season Dunleavy pretty much lost the team and specifically, regularly in the 4th quarter. Who in their right mind thinks Dunleavy could handle both Baron and Iverson and raise the deserving bunch of young players he’s assembled as GM.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
This is a franchise killer. If anything, the Rockets should sign AI because we are operating under a 1-year plan (or a lost year is more like it) and currenly have no skilled slashers on the roster. AI is perfect for us, not for you. What the hell were people thinking when they predicted the Clips were finally “turning the corner” as an organization? You should be seriously worried.
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hans Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 1:37 am
that actually makes the most sense, except would you really want to start him over ariza , or brooks?
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Plain & Simple.
If Clppers are serious about AI, then get dead serious to trade Baron Davis.
And trade Kaman to make room for Griffin & DeAndre.
And additional opportunities will follow. I’ll take AI for Baron without any
hesitation.
AI, Ramon Sessions and Mike Taylor can handle the ball this season.
Not having Baron is crucial for Griffin-Gordon pick-n-roll to blossom.
AI won’t hurt. Let’s not forget Mardy Collins.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Went over to Dream Shake and posted the following trade: Brian Cook and Shane Battier for Chris Kaman and Al Thornton. They thought the Clippers would be stupid to do such a trade. Cook is basically a $3 million expiring deal in time for 2010 and Shane is exactly what this team needs. Your thoughts?
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Clipper Speakeasy Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
I don’t really like the proposed deal for the Clips because of the Thornton loss. Thornton is limited, but not without uses. I think the Clips should see how Thornton does as a 6th man, while he’s on his rookie contract, and then make a decision. Thornton has a team option for $2.8 in 2009-10.
I understand that if the Clips want to deal Kaman now, they may need to sweeten the deal b/c Kaman’s name is currently mud. All the more reason to hold Kaman and hope he plays his way to increased value. Even in trade now mode Thornton, however, is not the right sweetener. I’d do Kaman + Ricky D for Battier + Cook. That works under the cap — Houston gets Kaman to fill in for Yao and Ricky D’s expiring contract to make up for the loss of the Cook expiring contract. Of course, this is a fantasy, as is any trade where the Rockets trade Battier to the Clips.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
So, I was at the T MAC CENTER to see the Clippers first summer game. The first thing that hits you is how loose the enviroment is in the arena. Players hanging out all over the place and security nearly unseen.
BLAKE made a few monster dunks during warm up. This kid has the ability to jump out of the building and is everything advertised and more. He scores the first 7 points in three totally different ways and seems to have no trouble getting anywhere he wants in the paint. ERIC GORDON looked really good too. D. JORDON looked good too but missed all 5 free throws. He really needs to fix this. The one problem was MIKE TAYLOR…HE LOOKED TERRIBLE. Out of control and more turnovers than points I think. I don’t like Iverson, but he might be better than Taylor.
I suggest everyone try to get to Vegas to see these kids play. I even have a pic of Griffins first basket as a pro. Maybe it’ll worth something some day and hopefully a few more wins this season. I’m, excited as hell by what I saw.
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Clipper Speakeasy Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 12:09 am
Did Jordan change his FT shooting form at all? Last year it was so jerky and awkward that it painful to watch. I wanted him to start shooting underhand. Really, he couldn’t do any worse shooting underhand.
Taylor and Summer League will never agree. I wish he were playing better, but I don’t think Summer League is a fair evaluation of Taylor. That said, I agree with the Clips assessment that Taylor is not ready to be the primary backup PG and that a veteran presence is needed behind Baron. For $$ approaching the full MLE, I prefer Sessions or Felton over Iverson or Jack, who the Clips apparently pursued but missed out on. The problem is that Felton and Sessions are both restricted.
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bongstradamus Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 8:56 am
It looked to me like DeAndre was trying to think too hard during the game. He’s been going through a lot of work and is trying to fit in and develop more of his skills in the post. The free throw shooting, typically terrible for most big guys, will come once he spends more time on it. What I saw was him working to apply the stuff hes learned over the last season and the summer. He didnt seem as…erratic as he sometimes did last year, he was playing much more controlled and thinking more about what he was doing. Last year he’d be this huge ball of energy and just attack, so far this season hes working on positioning, footwork, post moves and the likes. He’s going to be a great teammate. Hes just trying to put the whole package together. I really like the kid.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Blake Griffin is the real deal. I think it’s safe to say that the Clippers finally have their “franchise” player. For all the terrible seasons us Clippers fans have had to go through, we deserve the chance to draft a potential superstar. I think that guy has finally arrived. Let the Blake Griffin era begin!!!
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Shhhhhh gotta keep it under wraps… BG was just ordinary
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I’m surprised it seems that nobody has mentioned the possible signing of AI could be a part of a bigger picture thing with a trade happening because other teams don’t have the money to sign AI. I don’t know anything other than my theory, but the Clips have no use for him since he won’t come off the bench.
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andrew Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
well then he better call it a career because no one is going to start AI.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
anyone got a link ?
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
My answer to all the Clippers needs breaks down to two names: Sessions and Carney.
Make it happen. These are the guys we want with our young guns.
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hans Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 1:43 am
sessions is a really good point guard and a scoring machine. no way we can get him with the MLE, bucks would match in a second.
I”m sure a lot of other teams know that too, becuase there are probably other situations he’d rather go to for the MLE (like say portland) but no one is going to tie up their MLE for 7 days …
I think moon is probably doable , that said he’s 29 and I wouldn’t want to tie up cap space on him. I wouldn’t really mind just signing a random undrafted free agent scrapper and letting thornton start (like when we did that with q ross). I dont think limiting salary flexibility is worth it.
Also what we probably need at the point is some 34 year old crafty veteran type who can play say 10 min a game. for cheap. HEll we might as well sign jason williams again if he’s interested.
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John Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Damn I figured Moon was 22 or 23… being 29 he isn’t going to get much better, I’d take a pass on him. I haven’t watched Carney but everyone seems to think he’s a good idea…i’ll jump on the bandwagon.
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bongstradamus Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 9:20 am
We could always offer a front loaded contract over the MLE that comes down in successive seasons and give a signing bonus, kinda like the Millsap deal. Force Milwaukee to have to make additional changes in order to get him back on a match. Honestly, besides Portland, we have the most potential to give him solid minutes and a big role on the team as it grows and BD ages. Portland or LA seems like a dream compared to winters in Wisconsin. If we can structure a deal over the MLE that exceeds Portlands cap (remember they are trying to get Roy to sign an extension), then we might be the best suitor for his services.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
…man that griffin to jordan oop was awesome
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
AI would be an absolutely horrible signing unless he had a 180 change in attitude which won’t happen. I doubt he’ll even sell that many tickets.
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Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Assuming that he is fine as a role player, coming off the bench, and he shows a considerable change of attitude (practice, realizing that he’s a part of the show and not the show), AI would be a pretty good fit for the Clippers. As part of the 2nd unit, AI can and should dominate the ball. His tendency to be a volume shooter might actually help the Clippers’ 2nd unit. Let’s be honest, who does the Clippers have in their 2nd unit that can score? And I better not hear anyone say Mardy Collins. So why not have the offense facilitate through AI? He’s indeed a creaky 34 years old, and a shadow of his former self, but no one can deny his ability to score. Furthermore, he’s still a matchup nightmare – especially if the Clippers are able to pit him against the opponent’s 2nd stringers.
Most of us want Thornton to go to a 6th man role, because we feel he can dominate the 2nd unit with his offense,… why not have Iverson fill that void?
Of course, this only works if all three of my assumptions are met… which I HIGHLY doubt.
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RL Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Or the Clippers can just abandon the idea, and use the MLE for a defensively solid SF… like Jamario Moon.
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ghost_ride Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 12:29 am
To get Sessions & Moon would be a dream scenario.
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Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Anybody see that Sheridan’s report on ESPN.com said the Clips were still trying to move Kaman even after moving Zbo? I’m guessing they plan to go with a Griffin/Camby/Jordan frontline if they can make it happen? Maybe sign another back up big? If this is true, I’m hoping it’s to get a legit small forward for Kaman as Thorton should really be coming off the bench. But if you consider an AI/Thorton/Novak/DJordan/Collins as the first four off the bench, it’s not bad. If you keep Kaman, doesn’t Camby/AI/Novak/DJordan/Collins seem intriguing? I’m not saying the Clips would be a legit 10 deep, but a starting 8 of Davis/Griffin/Gordon/Thorton/Kaman (or traded SM)/AI/Camby/Novak isn’t anything to sneeze at. I dunno, the more i think about it, if AI would really come off the bench, if he could get in that mindset he could be an asset. And if it makes Camby not push for a trade by the trading deadline, I think it could help keep the team land in the playoffs. Especially if Davis misses 10-20 games, would you really rather have Mike Taylor starting? And this Sessions stuff ain’t happening. Milwaukee let Charlie V go so they could afford to resign him. And if the Clips can steal a legit Small Forward by trading Kaman? I’d take our chances with Griffin, Camby and DJordan (and hope they could get another veteran big man in there too.) I’m just not sure AI is the anti-christ he’s being made out to be.
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Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:46 am
CANCER ALERT!!! CANCER ALERT!!! CANCER ALERT!!!
No AI in THIS house!
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Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:13 am
Wouldnt lamar be the perfect answer for the clippers. A playmaking 3 or 4 with the ability to play D and rebound? Bring Al, kaman and Deandre off the bench. We would need a backup pg not sure taylor is ready.
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Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:34 am
maybe we already have the 3 that we need on the summer league roster…..
i have a feeling that dionte christmas will turn out to be a decent player…..
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Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:15 am
anyone check out the second summer league game?
deandre had a great line:
21pts/12rebs/3blks/7-10shooting/7-10free throw
he has been impressive so far…..
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John Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 10:23 am
DeAndre looked pixelated to me… he had a tendency to freeze whenever things started moving too fast, and he wasn’t very vocal…didn’t even make a sound when he dribbled or dunked.
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JM Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 10:52 am
+1
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Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Bring on AI why not its just a one year experiment if anything he helps us more than he affects us and this whole young an up and coming team thing is getting annoying dont you guys remember OLOWAKANDI, ODOM, RICHARDSON, MILES, DOOLING these guys were up and coming looked awesome looked magnificent and what did they accomplish with the clips?? A couple of memorable moments and thats it. Nothing else. We cant fully rely on just young guys that are up and coming we need guys that know what its like to be at the top hence AI is a former MVP and has more All-Star appearences than our whole team in the past 15 years we need AI. Ramon Sessions?? Get real hes another Bobby Simmons a guy who puts together a solid year on a bad team in his contract year and will get a deal that will be horrible two months into the season.
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bongstradamus Reply:
July 15th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
The issue is that when AI was an MVP and All Star he demanded the ball an shot like 40 times a game. It was well known that the Sixers kept making trades to bring in other stars to co-exist with Iverson and it never worked. Thats why he got traded to Denver, and that experiment, while marginally successful, was also a failure in producing a championship.
He says he wants to be a starter. Which makes most people think he wants to go back to chucking 30+ shots instead of finding ways to distribute the ball. The reason we’re against it is because we want those shots going to Blake and Eric and have the Clippers be a TEAM, and not AI and his four sidekicks.
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Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I told many people about the Shaq to the Cavs deal, If you can give me a player who can get you close to 20-10(17-8) with some blocks and assist while shooting 60% i would take that deal any day. Not to mention an enormous post presence.
Now this goes with Allen Iverson as well, If can can offer or give me a player who averages 27-6 for his career and didn’t tell me that he is ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFIC AND DYNAMIC SCORERS/PLAYMAKERS OF ALL TIME…I still would take the deal. Also not mentioned is something that doesn’t appear in the stat sheet since everybody is all of a sudden is concerned about is HEART, DETERMINATION AND THE NEVER SAY DIE ATTITUDE. I can Guarantee that not one player has the will or is even as close to being strong willed as Iverson.
“Could of easily came in here and saw Shaquille O’Neal and folded…like alot of teams do.” -Allen Iverson 2001 (41 points + the W in LA)
That quote speaks a lot about the player that he is. Regardless of Shaq in his prime and Kobe hitting his peak that year he single handily carried his team to W’s and all the way to the finals. The Lakers pursuit of perfection was put on hold thanks to the “LITTLE TANK THAT COULD.”
Tyrone Hill, Matt Gieger, Eric Snow, George Lynch, Rookie* Raja Bell, Aaoron McKie, Mutoumbo and Big MAC Todd McColough. c’mon now…please name another player @ that time or even this time that can march a team like tht to the finals.
“Kobe got three rings with his best player being the Most Dominant Player in the league, Allen Iverson made it to the finals with his second best player being Aaron Mckie.” -Tim Legler ESPN
People, Don’t judge Iverson by his stint in Detroit he had an AWFUL COACH! WHO WAS FIRED AFTER THE SEASON. For not knowing how to use his personnel esp. One of the most Dynamic scorers of all time.
Last note, Allen Iverson when in the lane creates easy buckets for his bigs or shooters when the D collapses on him. F-Kyler Korver had his best shooting and scoring season while playing with Iverson, some one mentioned F-Marc Jackson scored more playing with Iverson than he did playing with MR. Dime (Jason Kidd), Samuel Dalembert Got his giant contract thatnks to Iverson…his career high in scoring came while playing with Iverson.
Chris Paul is second to Allen Iverson in career 40-10+ games.
This player will show This young team how to play with passion and that never say die attitude no matter what.
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John Reply:
July 16th, 2009 at 9:58 am
A couple of responses:
Iverson does indeed show heart when he plays, putting his body on the line before every play.
He is also, however, notorious for skipping practices & having a bad attitude. This is not the kind of example we need our vets to be setting. Just when things seem to be going well (The quote I read yesterday about how DJ was drinking an egg-white shake with BG, and (was it olshey?) says “I’ve never seen him eat anything but McDonalds before”.) This is the kind of turn around we need to see! Suddenly DJ has a positive influence, and he’s changing things about himself to become a better ball player.
In that long Chauncey article that was on ESPN a few months back (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups if you haven’t read it…terrific article) they were talking about how when Iverson was leading the team, he would go out and party till 4AM with JR and Melo, because the young guys really looked up to him. Then Chauncey shows up, has a positive affect on the young guys (No more partying late, eating bad, acting unprofessionally) and the team gets much better.
I’m not just judging Iverson on his performance with Detroit, but with Denver as well. The Denver teams he was a part of were STACKED with talent, yet always underperformed–especially in the playoffs. Swap Iverson out for Chauncey, and you’ve got a serious contender. Is Chauncey as talented as Iverson? Not even close. Is he a better leader and a better winner? Iverson isn’t even in the conversation.
Obviously Chauncey is a special guy, but we saw the same effect on the team when Cassell joined us. Iverson might be right for a certain team (Charolette?) but he would be a cancer for the Clips.
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Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 3:42 am
[...] -Kevin Arnovitz talks about how impressive Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon look when they burst onto th…: Last night’s showcase of Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon at the Thomas & Mack Center should have been the halcyon moment in the Clippers’ rebirth as a franchise. With the Clippers’ brass beaming on the sideline, the team’s featured 20-year-old offensive stars ran a clinic, establishing themselves as one of the league’s most potent big-small duos. [...]
Posted on July 21st, 2009 at 1:16 pm
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