The season is quickly approaching and predictions are starting to pour in from all corners of the internet. Let’s take a look at what the other basketball minds out there see for the Clippers this year.
Mike Moreau at HoopsWorld.com:
“I really think the Clippers have a unique combination of talent, youth, experience, and enough character to keep the characters from screwing things up. This team isn’t about the inmates running the asylum anymore. They won’t rise and fall on the emotions or mood swings of Davis and Davis (Baron and Ricky), or be devastated by an injury or two. They also have a coach in Mike Dunleavy who is hungry to get back to the playoffs, as well. He’s been deep into the playoffs before, and he wants some vindication. The Clips aren’t the Lakers, but they aren’t the old Clippers either. They could be that 7th or 8th seed and be a tough first-round matchup for any team looking past them to the next round, or toward another championship.”
Mr. Moreau hits on same great points here, particularly when he references the team no longer being devastated by an injury or two. The growth of DeAndre Jordan and addition of quality banger Craig Smith give the Clippers the depth in the front court that just wasn’t there last season. Depth for a team where worst case scenario usually becomes reality is an absolute must.
Bethlehem Shoals at The Baseline:
“At some point in the second half, things will click, not only click but click when games actually matter. The Clippers will find themselves playing meaningful games, trying to squeeze into the playoffs—if only for a week or so. It will be downright haunting, and with this roster, it won’t be seen as a fluke or a stepping stone. It’ll be a sign that, with the pieces to get it right, this franchise is still occasionally capable of doing so.”
Shoals isn’t as bullish on the Clippers playoff chances as others, but he does admit that the Clippers will be “worth following” this year and should be in the hunt. He also warns of a Blake Griffin letdown, explaining that expectations may be just a tad on the high side.
John Hollinger at ESPN.com:
“As a result, the Clippers may find themselves back in familiar territory — albeit one year later than they expected — as one of several contenders in the West for the conference’s final playoff spot…Ultimately, however, too many question marks remain to comfortably place the Clippers in the conference’s top eight…The Clips may not be a playoff team yet, but with a rising star in the frontcourt and a wad of cap space to build around him, they’re finally headed in the right direction.”
34-48, 4th place in Pacific Division, 12th in Western Conference
Hollinger has the thankless job of going on the record for predicting win totals for all NBA teams, and concludes here that the Clippers aren’t quite there yet. He believes the big weakness is the starting small forward position, where he’s wary of Al Thornton and not sold on Butler as a starter. Both rank pretty poorly using his patented PER system, so it’s easy to see why he feels that way. Butler’s experience shouldn’t be slept on though – he’s been part of many winning teams and has reached the playoffs as both a marginal role player and a starter in the past. Butler may not be the “ideal” starting small forward, but the past indicates that at the very least, he’s serviceable.
Experts panel at ESPN.com:
“Giddy Clippers fans might not appreciate this forecast, but keep in mind: A 33-49 record would be a 14-game leap, and L.A. has been such a disheveled franchise it’s going to have to prove itself to our panel. That said, some see the Clips winning as many as 50 games, thanks in large part to the arrival of Blake Griffin.”
33-49, 10th in Western Conference
The experts differ pretty heavily here, but 15 losses and 50 wins seem like a nice floor and ceiling for this year’s team.
What does everyone predict for the Clippers win total this year? Playoffs, or no playoffs? Speak now, or forever hold your peace.
27 Responses
I was hoping for better predictions from the ‘numbers guys’, but the numbers from last year was so depressed (actual and from the team stand point of emotional and physical devastation) that projections have to be skewed.
In spite of it all, I remain optimistic for the coming year. I think we are closer to .500, if not above it, than most experts project.
Curtis Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Agreed with TheHighPosts, .500 season is what I’m thinking.
Although expectations are pretty high this year, it seems like everything is resting on a very fragile line right now. Despite it all, if we get 34, 35 wins I’d be happy.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 1:24 am
I think 38 wins would be a huge accomplishment. I’ve said before that Thorton is the weakest link so I pretty much agree with Hollinger on this one. Unfortunately his noted bias against the team is evident in a 34 win prediction. I will be curious what Heisler goes on record with after the preseason.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 1:51 am
I don’t blame the ‘experts’ for their skepticism – they’ve all been fooled one time too many by the Clippers.
Having said that, I think we’re a 45-win team if we can stay healthy. My biggest worry is not the 3 – it’s Baron and Telfair going down at the same time at which point we are SCREWED!
I hope we do not come to regret nickel and diming and ultimately passing on Sessions – he’d have been PERFECT for this team and put our last worries to bed.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 2:04 am
I sure hope they make it into the postseason, but I can live with them missing the playoffs if they go over .500 in the regular season. With this roster, I think anything less than .500 would be a bit of a disappointment.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 2:34 am
40/42…one game off of .500 b/c old habits die hard
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 8:59 am
I’m absolutely bullish on the team and I think we nail 42 – 47 wins. I don’t see the Kings, Warriors, Grizzlies or the Timberwolves having quite the depth or defensive prowess to make much of this season. That leaves the Jazz the Mavericks and the Blazers fighting for 5-6-7 with the Lakers, Spurs, Nuggets in 1-2-3. Possibly it will be a dogfight to the last with the Thunder and Phoenix for the eighth position where the Clipps just might have what it takes.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 9:05 am
I just realized I left out two teams … need some coffee. Imho the Rockets don’t have enough offensively so they’re out. Blazers are 4th, Hornets are in their somewhere possibly 7th.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 9:10 am
41 wins, if there aren’t any major injuries. On paper they are as good or better than any team in the east except the big three, and in the west they are superior to Minnesota, Memphis, Sacramento, GS, and OK. The win total will be determined by whether they can dominate the teams that are inferior (“win the games they should win”) and how many wins they can steal from the west’s upper echelon.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 9:11 am
i’m guzzling the Blake Superior kool-aid and say 49-50 wins!
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 10:40 am
If we can stay healthy and keep building on what’s going on, what teams are we really scared of? It’s looking like we’ll have the ability to compete with the better teams in the West. It sounds crazy, but i’ll say 49-33 overall. Two weeks ago I would have said 40.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 10:50 am
46 wins. fighting for the 8 till the end. if healthy. and if Blake really is the most significant rookie since Lebron. and if Baron and MDsr can meet half way for the whole year.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
The Clippers come into the 2009/2010 season with a chip on their shoulders. Coach Dunleavy doesn’t have any more time and the team as a whole is pretty much fed up with being the “2nd LA Team.” With that said, I am predicting 50+ wins this season. Here’s why:
1) Baron “the comeback kid” Davis: He has a lot to prove. A LOT. Around the league, he is known for his personality more than his game. He does let his emotions get to him, but I believe all of that was fixed during the off season. He looks great and from what I read, he does seem like a veteran ready to take on that leadership role to become a floor leader and movtivator for the young players. Baron doesn’t need to be the scorer he was when he was in Golden State. If he manages his shot selection, and punish those smaller PGs in the post, he is capable to average 18 ppg and 10 asst. And really, that’s all we need from him. Run the team, rather than running his mouth.
2) GM/Coach Dunleavy: For the past couple seasons, all I hear was that “the Clippers will run more” but really, they didn’t. This year, I think he will keep his word due in large part of the roster. Baron, Telfair, Blake, R. Davis, Gordon, Al, etc…we ARE a running team…let me rephrase: we ARE EXPLOSIVE. When I look at this roster, I see scorers, playmakers, defensive stoppers, runners, and more importantly, leaders. From the coaches to the players, heck..even management…everyone has grown to become leaders on and off the court. For all of this to be effectively working, it starts with Dunleavy. He needs to let his ego and personal agenda go out the door and focus on the skills of his players. And I think he has realized that.
3) The Youngins’: Thornton, Gordon, Jordan, and Griffin should all contribute and post up great numbers this season. I don’t know why there are so much criticism of Thornton’s game because his Clippers career has not been highlighted by injuries. He’s athletic, plays hard and a great scorer. Like Baron, his shot selections needs to improve and I don’t see Coach Dunleavy giving Thornton any hard defense assignments. Gordon will continue to improve this season and since he will be the starter on day 1, everyone will witness greatness in the making. If given the minutes in the regular season, DeAndre is capable of putting up numbers like he is doing during the preseason. And now lets talk about Blake Griffin….
4) Blake Griffin aka The Beast: He has the size, mental capacity, skills, and athleticism to change a game. He is so versatile that he can guard every position and play the 3, 4 or 5. However, Dunleavy should not use him as a “utility”. Make him play the 4 consistently, he can make the opposing PF work harder than usual. Take them off the dribble and blow right pass them. He should start. I don’t see why he shouldn’t. He can put up 20-10 every night. I haven’t seen a young player coming into a NBA team with so much maturity and skills. He will be Rookie of the Year.
5) The Veterans: Along with Baron, Camby, Kaman, Skinner and Ricky Davis can help assist the young players with their growing process and learning the game. Rotating Camby and Kaman is a great tool to have if you’re an NBA coach. Both big men are athletic, runners, and great post-up nightmares for the opposing team. If used correctly, matching up with our bigs will be tough for opponents.
The reason I believe we are a 50-win team is because we could have won 50 games back in 2006, but Dunleavy “rested” our starters because we already clinched a playoff berth. And the 2006 team is not as talented as our 2009-2010 team. I don’t see Dunleavy pulling any antics like that anymore because the whole organization as a lot to prove. After reading everything from this off-season, and seeing how our players were utlizing their extra time in the gym, I am confident this team will make some noise. Baron and Co. will shock the world. Get Ready Clipper Nation.
Sorry for my rant, bored at work.
Cappy Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Thanks for the rant. Hope you’re right.
I’d add that the chip on Kamen’s shoulder is at least as big as Baron’s. in interviews he’s seemed very dissatisfied with his “goofballs” image. He’s been trying to rebrand himself but has been slow do do it due to injuries. If he and Baron stay healthy and on the court, I thik this team will have heart.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Put me down for a 22-win improvement.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I expect the Clippers getting the 8 seed, if not it will be disappointing year.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
38 wins is the low and 50 is the high so far for the Clipperblog fan predictions. Interesting.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
37 wins. 9th spot. I know it sounds low, but its almost double last year’s win total.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
By the way, everyone is over what the Vegas line makers are predicting for this year.
ghost_ride Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Thanks for mentioning that, was wondering what Vegas had. Wonder if it’s moved it all from the beginning of camp up until now.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Gotta put my prediction down again. 34 agreeing with the vegas odds makers.
D.J. Foster Reply:
October 15th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Always a good decision. It’s scary how often Vegas is right, or at least damn close.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I believe this team is going to shock a lot so called experts, and shatter most people’s predictions. Get the bandwagon ready boys, clips not only make the playoffs they do it as the 7th seed.
Posted on October 15th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Im saying 33 tops. Anything past that is gravy. Gotta temper the excitement a little.
Posted on October 16th, 2009 at 2:14 am
Rosen is predicting 30. He is cranky, but usually pretty damn close to right most of the time.
Posted on October 16th, 2009 at 6:03 am
simple, whatever it takes to get into the playoffs. I’ll keep it pretty wide 45-50 wins. I realistically can’t go over 50 because that would be an insane turn around. But 50 might be needed just to make the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if we can sneak into 5th place though…out.
Posted on October 16th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Just looked around a little and (though this shouldn’t be surprising) the biggest turnaround in NBA history is 42 games by the 2007-08 Boston Celtics. The 2006-07 Celtics went 24-58. The 2007-08 Celtics went 66-16.
Looking at the moves they made vs. the moves we made, winning another 20 games seems well within reason….even 30 seems possible, although griffin obviously isn’t garnett…yet
Posted on October 17th, 2009 at 9:24 am
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