- The Minnesota deal does not preclude a Sessions acquisition. Those conversations will continue, according to sources on both sides of the discussions. The Clippers still hold a trade exception, which is a nice chip to have and gives them another way to structure any potential deal.
- Craig Smith is a considerable upgrade over Quentin Richardson, though they don’t have the same positional profile. If he comes into the season in shape, he gives the Clippers even more flexibility in the frontcourt. Since there’s a possibility that, at the outset of his career, Griffin will defend 3s better than he defends 4s, you could conceive of a scenario where Griffin and Smith could be on the floor simultaneously either with a center, or as a 4 and 5 against smaller squads. Smith won’t stretch the floor for you (he attempted a single 3-pointer last season), but he’s a very capable face-up jump shooter.
- Sebastian Telfair is a serviceable backup and a far better option than the Brunson/Dickau prototypes Clippers fans have been accustomed to over the years. Although we may be loath to admit it, Telfair represents an upgrade over Mike Taylor. Bassy is a lousy shooter (so is Taylor), but a terrific passer, particularly on the break. You want up-tempo? Telfair can initate those opportunities far more effectively than Taylor.
- My one beef with the deal is Telfair’s 2010-11 $2.7M player option. Barring unforeseen circumstances — like a Baron Davis injury whereby Bassy steps in and actualizes all that potential — it’s unlikely he’d opt out. This means the Clippers’ 2010-11 cap number just grew by nearly $3 million. It’s not a tragedy, given that they picked up an efficient backup forward and a guy who can run the break and whip passes to the right guys, but it cost them a teeny bit of flexibility.
Smith, Telfair and Sessions
on July 20, 2009 at 2:04 pm
26 Responses
After watching the Summer league in person it is obvious Mike Taylor will not be a distributor, he has zero court vision, he is nothing more then a scorer off the bench, Telfair is much better and will be able to throw alley-oops to Thornton, Jordan, Griffin. I love Craig Smith as well, I was loathing the potential of Q-Rich getting minutes. I say we cut Mark Madsen and sign Nik Caneer Medley to be our 15th man, he was pretty decent in the summer.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
They now have the freedom to waive Taylor in 2010, so instead of costing them 2.7 mill in cap space (Telfair’s option), it may only cost them 1.8 mill (subtracting out Taylor’s salary).
Q.D. Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
They can also trade Telfair contract since expiring contracts seem to be a premium in the NBA. I don’t think they’ll have trouble finding takers for Telfair.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Taylor was a project to begin with but was a terrific surprise last year in the pinch. I saw the same Summer League as you and was disappointed but I think it’s too early to bail based on the upside we’ve seen. Other then the freaks (Kobe, LeBron, Blake Griffen etc)most NBA players take a minimum of three seasons to develop appropriately. Your carping on Al Thornton’s sophomore year in the midst of team havoc and the coach’s loss of control is unfair and lacking in NBA multi-season(more then three) perspective.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Hey KA, you are a busy man tonight!
Great stuff though. I’m really high on Sessions and would love the team to pursue although am worried the Telfair thing opens up the chance more for them to sign AI (they have a lack of scoring off the bench other than Craig Smith).
Would much rather have Sessions now for a good price and lose some flexibility next year. That way, even when Baron enters his declining years (some might argue he already has), Ramon would be there to lead the core of DJ, BG, EG for many years.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Mixed feelings about this trade. On the one hand, Smith will contribute and Bassy is an improvement over Taylor who has been dreadful this summer. On the other hand, we lose cap space and take another chance on a bad seed.
Is anyone keeping track of the number of trades the clippers have made in the last year? We gotta be coming close to a record here soon.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
say what you want about telfair he is a pass first pg which is something missing on the clips. he can push the ball and run with de andre in the 2nd unit. if his jumper was consistent do you think the clippers could have picked him up for q rich and his broken back? there were games, especially towards the end of last year when bassy put it all together. he can also be intimidating when driving to the hole as defenses have to wonder if he’s packing.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
So many trade…such little talent. It’s sad.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
maybe we’ll get lucky with telfair and he works out real nice. worth a shot.
smith i know nothing about but i guess i’ll find out.
i like all the changes so far.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I have a feeling Kaman will be the next player traded. He’s the only player left on the roster that made the playoffs a couple of years ago, but he’s just been a huge disappointment ever since. It’s time to move on without Kaman and hopefully the Clippers feel the same way. This guy has the work ethic of a mule. We’re starting to build this team with guys with great work ethic and drive and it’ll be a shame to see Kaman on the roster come opening night. Trade Kaman!!!
Gordon for President Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Dump Kaman for Tayshaun, and call it an offseason!
Ian Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I like Kaman. Plus his contract is perfect for rebuilding in 2010.
pel Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Agreed, kaman doesnt seem interested in basketball, hes to busy playing with guns and risking fingers over fireworks.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I’m pretty convinced this was done to fill out the rooster without having to sign anyone else or trade for a larger contract. Smith is fine, probably more energetic than Skinner last year, but at least Skinner could play the 5 if necc. Telfair is no worse no better than Taylor. It should be noted, he’s steadily gotten better since he went to the Celtics, but he’s probably out of the league in 3-4 years. Maybe Madsen can do color commentary with Brian Sieman? Sieman could really use someone to play off.
I think this also means A.I. is dead. Have mixed feeling about that. I think there is a strong chance it could have worked out (ah, the optimism of a Clipper fan). I do think though, that I’ve heard all this love about Milwaukee point guards before (cough, Mo Williams) and it’s a bit too hyped up. Sessions is not going to make or break this team if he came (or any other team he goes to). He’s a good player, but he’s not a superstar. If he was, Mil would have signed him and not drafted Jennings. They are cheap, but not idiots.
More importantly, with Q gone we REALLY need help at the 3. I’m worried about Dunleavy counting on Thornton. Al is not a real starter in my view.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I’m sorry but Craig Smith is better than B Skinner ever was. A legitimate NBA player and he still youngish. I like this pickup.
From his last 3 NBA games back in April.
18 Pts 4 Rebounds in 18 minutes
24 Pts and 8 Rebounds in 29 minutes
11 Pts 4 Rebounds in 21 Minutes
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Might as well get Rodney Carney for 3 duty so we can have the rest of the twolves bench.
Ian Reply:
July 20th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
lolz
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
With this move, the LA Clippers should now be under the 09/10 salary cap by approx $2M
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
LMAO we are judging the NBA career of Mike Taylor based on SL? That is the one rule you know not to do while going into it. Mike was very productive for the team during the REGULAR SEASON and once MD let Mike run with the team it was fun to watch.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
All I know is the kid DRABOVIC or DRAGIVIC or something like that for the Suns made Taylor look like a total mess. He just dribbles way too much and runs around like he’s daring the other team to swipe the ball…which they did alot. You might not be able to rely solely on the SL, but you can’t completely dismiss it either. Taylor also sucks the energy out of the other players with his style of play. 4 guys run down the court and set up only to see their hyper active leader get the ball taken away again…then they run back and so on and so on… More than a few times I could see Blake’s frustrated look when Taylor would screw up and lose the ball. I don’t like him as a player for this team.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Taylor did well for us at times last year, but not as a PG… He’s a nice 10th man for energy as an undersized 2, but not someone you want running the show, as he proved this summer league… He’s much like Allen Iverson, without the talent.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
im wondering if Rodney Carney is a better pickup than smith, we really need a defensive SF
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
you know what trade would have made more sense, kaman for prince and wilt bynum., we would only take a little less than a million in salary
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Here are a couple of Kaman trade scenarios. Kaman for Prince like you just said. Kaman for Josh Howard. Kaman for Gerald Wallace. Kaman for Shane Battier. Kaman for Josh Smith. Kaman for a signed and traded Marvin Williams. I can go on and on, but you get the point. All of these players play play the SF position and would be clear upgrades over Thornton, where we can plug him in to the bench and let his scoring do the damage for the 2nd unit. The SF is the position we need to be concentrating on in terms of upgrading. Get it done Dunleavy. Take your pick with my trade scenarios.
Posted on July 20th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
I would have jumped at this trade if it was just Q for Smith, the fact that we get Telfair thrown in is just an added bonus. Madsen is clearly just there to make the salaries match, he’s a total stiff and should clearly be cut as soon as possible.
I’ve been big on Smith for a while now. He’s sort of like Leon Powe with good knees, albeit not quite as much of a beast at offensive rebounding. But a very efficient inside scorer. I’m very happy at the thought of him backing up the 4 spot. Q is obviously a fan favourite, and fair enough, he always gives you 100%. But his injury issues and tendancy to shoot from…..anywhere outweighed his above average rebounding and defending and I’d much rather have Smith.
Telfair I don’t think will ever be the guy he was supposed to be coming out of High School, but he’s nice insurance against having to go with Taylor as our 2nd PG should be fail to pick up Sessions or some other serviceable backup to Boom Dizzle. If we do end up signing Sessions, then we simply trade Telfair on (I think it’s fair to keep Taylor around as the 3rd guy, see if he can develop a jump shot or some court vision).
Posted on July 21st, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I found a dating site ” ________________B i l l i o n a i r e R o m a n c e c om_____________” .where you have the opportunity dreaming about dating a millionaire and make it true! u dont have to be a millionaire.but u can meet one. I thought everyone needed to meet some miracle after all the terrible stuff in the news and the economy .
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Posted on July 21st, 2009 at 5:05 pm
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