- Saturday was a busy day in Playa Vista. Sofo Schortsanitis was at the facility in the morning working out, then Mike Miller paid a three-hour visit. Prototypically, Miller is precisely what the Clippers are looking for — a floor-spacing shooter who won’t kill them on the boards. He’s a guy who can assume the starting slot at the 3 while Al-Farouq Aminu develops, then move to bench as the Clips’ gunslinger at 32.
Here’s the problem: The market has gone insane. In a world where Rudy Gay is a max player, where Amir Johnson can score a 5-year/$34 million deal and Darko Milicic is valued at 4 years and $20 million, a guy like Miller can command a big number — larger than the Clippers are comfortable committing to a middle-age SF whose skills are likely to fall off during the back end of his deal. - Will Sofo play for the Clippers this season? That all depends on what kind of cash the Clippers have left after the free agency season. They could slot him into the frontcourt rotation if the price is right, but probably aren’t prepared to allocate significant resources before they take care of more pressing needs on the wing.
- Kyle Korver also fits the description of what the Clippers want on the wing, and sources say that the team will be reaching out to Korver’s camps in the coming days. Anthony Morrow is a less likely target because the maximum he can be offered under the Gilbert Arenas rule is a no greater than the mid-level exception. Morrow also falls into the “2 disguised as a 3″ pattern the Clippers are looking to end. A quick glimpse at the Warriors’ unit grid from 2009-10 shows that the Warriors were effective with Morrow at the 2, but abysmal when he played the 3.
- What about Josh Childress? Unfortunately, he’s not a proficient shooter (low-30s from the shorter, international 3-point line). The Clippers are tired of teams sagging defensively on them. Baron Davis is statistically the worst high-volume, long-distance shooter in the game. Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman aren’t stretchy beyond 17-feet. That leaves Eric Gordon as the only threat from long range on the floor with that lineup. Childress is a smart, dogged defender and a nice energy guy, but he’s also a hot commodity right now who’s probably going to be overcompensated. The Clips don’t want to spend that kind of money on a player who doesn’t address their top need on the wing.
- The Clippers won’t land LeBron James. They’ve received a steady stream of ridicule about being “honored” by the invitation to meet with James and the brevity of the one-hour meeting. But the Clippers’ confab with James wasn’t about 2010 — it was about 2013. Few on earth have an inkling what James will decide over the next few days, but there’s a reasonable possibility that he opts for a 3-year deal with Cleveland. If that scenario prevails, this public spectacle will play out again in 2013.
What if three years from now Blake Griffin is a rebounding, defending Amare Stoudemire, Eric Gordon boasts a true shooting percentage of 60 percent and the Clippers have progressed from a punch line to a viable young squad? With Baron Davis and Chris Kaman off the books, what if the Clippers are one of a select group of teams with room for two max players? If Friday’s meeting did nothing more than plant that seed, then it was worth a day’s commute by the brass from Los Angeles to Cleveland.
Fourth of July Thoughts
on July 4, 2010 at 7:11 am
99 Responses
Are the Clips front office not interested about Childress? Haven’t really seen them being linked to him.
Clipped Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Why not Cuttino Mobley?
Five O Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
He cant shoot. We need a guy that can stretch the defense to help kaman and griffin do their thing.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 7:21 am
Dul:
Problem with Childress: He’s not a proficient shooter (low-30s from the International 3-point line).
The Clippers are tired of teams sagging defensively on them. Baron is statistically the worst high-volume long-distance shooter in the game. Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman aren’t stretchy beyond 17-feet, so that leaves Gordon as the only threat from long range.
Childress is a smart, dogged defender and a nice energy guy, but he’s also a hot commodity right now who’s probably going to be overcompensated. And the Clips don’t want to spend that kind of money on a guy who doesn’t address their top need on the wing.
JaySee Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:49 am
I thought Childress would’ve developed his range out in Europe. Guess not, he’s still a good 3rd option after Korver and Miller.
dulciusEXasperis Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:58 am
Oh wow didn’t realize he wasn’t hitting his 3′s with consistency over there. Wasn’t doing too bad for the Hawks in 07-08 but i’ll take the current stats over the ones from 2-3 years ago.
OK so Miller seems like a nice option. Heard some talk from Steve Perrin about Ronnie Brewer. Still doesn’t spread the floor but would be nice to fill in the SG spot and even some SF. Wouldn’t mind adding those two to the team.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 7:28 am
Awesome post, Kevin. The first I’ve read about Childress’ shooting concerns and Lebron’s 3 year alternative plan. Thoughtful and carefully stated as usual.
According to the web, Miller is quite the hot commodity… interesting situation for a guy who appeared to be fading last season. A five-year deal for him makes little sense… but he just might get it.
What a difference a year makes; last year nobody wanted to spend, Lamar Odom could barely get an offer, this year… did the economy improve radically over the last twelve months? Not in my neighborhood.
JaySee Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:51 am
It’s because everyone made cap room. Last year they wanted to save their cap for a chance at Lebron.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 7:55 am
what are we doing meeting with mike miller for 3 hours and lebron for only 1?
C’MON!!!! -__-
bestclipfan Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
There is a lot more to discuss with Miller, with Miller you have to do a sales pitch and work on a contract. With Lebron you just need to do the sales pitch.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 8:39 am
The Clippers have a lot of players who will thrive in transition. But to get out into transition, they’re going to need to come up with stops. I think Childress is the better fit here, as he’s every bit the glue guy Miller is but is also a superior defender and is excellent in transition.
Also, do you really want Miller defending guys like Durant, Lebron, Granger, Pierce, and Carmelo for the next 5 years?
Baron, Gordon, and Childress could arguably be the best trio of perimeter defenders in the league.
cliptacular Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 10:51 am
No one is saying that Miller will get 5 years. You forget about AFA. He got drafted for his defense.
Five O Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Your forgetting we have Aminu in the fold. Take Miller who is a proven shooter and compliment with someone like Aminu who can focus on defense during his rookie year. Take a look at what cleveland and orlando did….They use Lebron for drive and kick to shooters or use Dwight Howard as bait for their shooters. Imagine having miller and gordon on either wing enabling kaman and griffin to scorch their defenders. Thats what I am talking about!!
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Great stuff once again Kevin. Are the Clips considering Tayshaun Prince as well? I can’t imagine he’s not available. Also, is Sofo going to be on the Clips summer league roster?
dulciusEXasperis Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 10:03 am
We’d have to trade for him. Makes over $11 million, already 30, and we’d only get him for a year. Could be interesting but I wouldn’t move say Kaman for Prince.
BD for Prince and Stuckey? It works but Detroit wouldn’t go for it.
Kyle Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 11:00 am
To get Prince we wouldn’t have to part ways with a player. We should be able to take on Prince’s contract for next to nothing. Much like in the way we got Camby from the Nuggets. Pistons are trying to cut salary.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Tremendous post, Kevin. I’ve wondered for several days now when the Clips will initiate talks with Kyle Korver. Based on recent-year performances, isn’t he much more efficient both offensively and defensively than Mike Miller? I wonder if Korver might be a better pickup for the Clips due the his recent production plus his younger age than Miller.
Note: I’m not sure where Korver lives in the offseason, but I know that he grew up in Southern California. Perhaps this will be a recruiting advantage for the Clips??
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 10:11 am
To Chibi—
Since when is Baron known for his perimeter defense? Isn’t that like saying BP is known for being an environmentally-friendly company?
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 10:12 am
It will be very hard to land anyone talked about. Clippers are a long shot to make the playoffs with any of them. There are plenty of teams in the Eastern Conference with money and a better shot to make the playoffs.
JaySee Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
1st we’re talking about 3rd tier FAs. Championships aren’t their concern, money and
location are.
2nd we are not a long shot for the playoffs. Our current team with a few additions can be right up there against Phoenix, Portland, and OKC.
FD Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
to 1, if they get offered equal money (Which they will be in this market), they would rather go to a team that will make the playoffs.
to 2. There isn’t much of a current team. Who knows what Griffin will be like and who knows if he will be the same after that knee injury. Plus it’s his first year in the league. Then you have Kaman and Baron who everyone here wants to get rid of. Gordon who digressed last year. I don’t see how they can be right up there with the playoff teams.
JaySee Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:37 am
1. Like I said, we can make the playoffs and you forget that we are in LA.
2. Even Clipper bashers like ESPN admit that we have a strong starting 4. We’ve strengthened our bench. We just need to still fill the need at the 3. Do you even know Griffin’s injury? He broke his knee cap. That’s not going to affect his performance. He just couldn’t go running around with a broken bone moving around on his knee. I am one of the ones that want to ditch Kaman and Davis. Getting rid of them will only help our case even more. FAs will have a chance at more minutes or starting and a brighter future.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Here are some cheaper options at the 3 the Clips should consider:
Wesley Matthews (R)
The guy can flat out play. Nice 3 point shot and can really defend. Played well as a starter and as a reserve for the Jazz last season. Sounds like a lot of teams are interested. Call me crazy but I’d give this guy 4-5 yrs 25 mil if that’s what it took to get him. Rather have him at that price then 30 year old Mike Miller.
Anthony Tolliver
Saw him play a few times last year for the Warriors. At 6’9 he can shoot, and rebound. Warriors let him walk, at only 25 can’t see a reason why the Clips don’t take a flier on him.
Ryan Gomes
Doesn’t do anything really well, but solid nonetheless.
What do you guys think?
TNT57 Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Man, how far and fast has the Nation fallin’. A few days ago we were talkin’ bout Lebron, Pierce and Gay. Now it’s tolliver and Mathews, whoever they are. Great job Neil! Man, you guys make Dunleavy look like Phil Jackson.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Kyle, I agree that it’s going to be tough to sign Miller or Korver. But money talks, if DTS is serious about spending it. I’d love to see the Clips sign Wesley Matthews. But isn’t he a RESTRICTED free agent?
As far as Tolliver is concerned, he’s not a pure 3 which is what I think the Clips are looking for. Isn’t Tolliver more of a power forward-center?
Gomes? Gomes? Naaaaaaaahhhhh.
Kyle Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Miller had to “think about” a 5yr 30 million deal with Lakers. I still can’t believe he didn’t jump all over that. Miller is on the decline and he’s still looking for 7-8+ mill a year over the next 5. That’s just crazy. In today’s NBA he’ll probably get it too. At this point though I just hope the Clips aren’t the ones that over pay for him.
Yes, Matthews is restricted but I can’t see them matching a deal that gets him 5yrs 20-30 mill. He’s young and brings a lot to the table. If we have to over pay a bit to get him I seriously think we should consider it.
Yeah there’s nothing pure about Tolliver’s game but that’s why I like him. We could get him on the cheap and he could play multiple positions off the bench.
chris. Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
With Lakers Miller would be behind Artest, with the Clippers he’d be a starter, big difference. I like him, but for 3 years, 4th year a team option.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 10:38 am
The problem with assuming that the Clippers have a “long-term plan” is that they don’t have actually have the commitment (or the realistic possibility) of executing one. Let’s look back at the moves they made in the last year that were allegedly in service of clearing cap room to go after LeBron (a ridiculously unlikely proposition). The Camby trade looked iffy when it happened; how stupid does it look now – losing a glue guy with incredible work ethic and defensive presence? Six months later, we have nothing (except that Sterling has a little more cash). Even the Thornton trade produced absolutely nothing. With all of Thornton ‘s liabilities (most of which were the product of bad coaching), he’s still going to end up being better than anyone the Clips sign for a similar role.
I think Kevin’s plans/thoughts are insightful, and if he were in the Clippers front office making them come to life, I’d feel great about the team’s future. Sadly, he is not.
I’ve held on to hope (and my tix) for 20 years, but see absolutely no reason to continue to hope as long as Sterling is the owner.
ghost_ride Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Getting rid of Thornton was one of the best things we ever did in our efforts to clear cap room. Trading Camby was and always will be a dubious move, but his contract was expiring and he’s also 36 years old. Portland is almost certainly overpaying him to play the next couple years.
There are still quite a few good options at small forward to keep the spot warm for AFA, so let’s just let this play out. Our roster is in great shape, and we have much less needs than most teams right now. Obviously, the thing we need more than anyone is health next year.
FD Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
And Thorton is only making 2.8 and then 3.9 mil. Oshley better pull something off
jgroove Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Thorton is worse than any player mentioned in this post. Any. Glad he’s gone. Out of the league in 3 years.
Miller must be waiting on Chicago, Miami or New York. I’m guessing he wants to try and play with Wade or LeBron. He probably hesitated on the Lakers cause he knew he wouldn’t start although you could argue he made a huge mistake.
I love the idea of Marvin Williams. He may not be a great 3-point shooter, but he’s athletic, rebounds and could be a good mix with Blake. However, shooting is way more important for us at this point. Miller could help with that.
As for Prince, he would have been great LAST summer. At this point, we’re a freakin’ lottery team again. Not sure this is where he wants to be.
TNT57 Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Not sure this is where anybody wants to be. Blake must be pleased with this potential 25 win team they’ve surrounded him with. If the master plan was to go into the most talented FA class in the history of sports and emerge with nothing I’d give Donald and his two bone headed yes men a big ‘mission accomplished!’
jgroove Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Oh, we won’t get “nothing.” I mean…you have to sign “somebody.” But yes, overall? We’re screwed.
JaySee Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
If we kept Camby we might’ve finished at .500, not made the playoffs, and would have gotten a later pick in the draft. We also would not have found out that the Clippers defense was a facade. Now we know our deficiencies and are working on fixing them. Trading Camby was a good thing. The biggest downside I see is it exposing Davis and Kaman as moody inconsistent players that are not to be depended on. That hurt our chances at trading them away.
Thorton? People actually want this fool back?
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 11:06 am
With all this talk of doing this again in three years, it begs the question of what the cap situation will look like in three in years. Assuming Blake Griffin evolves into the number one option/ max player everyone hopes, the clippers would have to resign him to a max contract that year. They’d also have to sign Eric Gordon the year before to some sort of long term deal. With how much accuracy can we really see that the clippers would have max slots available? Despite Kaman and Davis coming off the books, the money they earned could quite possibly have been spent on keeping our young developing players around.
Furthermore, at this point, there’s uncertainty about what the collective bargaining agreement will even stipulate about the salary cap and salaries three years down the line.
Isn’t the clippers’ best shot to get Lebron really now? When they have a lot of talented players around for a relatively low cap figure? And instead use Davis and Kaman as trade bait when their contracts are expiring to bring in other talented players from teams looking to make salary dumps at that time? Thus, allowing the clippers to keep a higher salary figure going forwards, since they’d be able to go over the cap to extend Griffin and Gordon?
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
What about absorbing the final year of Mike Dunleavy Jr’s contract. The guy has good NBA size at 6-9, he can shoot, and he can play some point forward. The Pacers current salary is slated at around $67 million (not including their first round pick) by Hoopshype. They would love to unload Mike Dunleavy jr.’s contract and get some financial relief. Mike Dunleavy would give the Clippers a starting SF and provide cap flexibility to sign Sofo and make a run at lower tier veteran backup PG like Earl Watson.
Kaman/Jordan/Skinner
Griffin/Sofo/Novak
Dunleavy/Aminu/Blakey
Gordon/Bledsoe/Warren
Baron/Watson/Bledsoe
TNT57 Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Yeah, the owner is trying to rip my father off for millions, fires him through some random email and I’m going to come play my ass off for him. That might be the craziest post I’ve ever read on here. Keep em comin’!
NRM Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:32 am
LOL. Reminds me of when I was 13 and used to rock Phat Farm. Then after they tried suing my pops (miscommunication that solved in a few weeks) he banned me from wearing it.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Given what the 2nd, 3rd and 4th tier FAs are getting paid this offseason, it makes LAbron, Wade, and Bosch look like steals!
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Getting rid of Kamen & Baron would be addition by subtraction. To actually get someone who can play for them at this point would be miraculous. There’s a reason no one is trying to acquire these “stars”.
chris. Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Kaman made the all-star team and is a quality starting C. Not quite sure what other options we could want out of a C not named Dwight Howard. DJ isn’t a starting C, not even close.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
I wouldn’t mind Miller if he’d be signed to a reasonable contract, which would be something paying him a bit more then the MLE over the next 4 years.
Also, what about Marvin Williams?
He’s pretty young, alright on defense, can rebound, runs the floor well and added quite some range to his jumper.
The Hawks just re-signed Joe Johnson to that huge contract and are said to be shopping Williams.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
My feeling is we’ve GOT TO get someone that would fill the 3 spot and can hit consistently from the outside. GOT TO. If it means taking on a less than ideal contract, so be it. As well reasoned as it is, I think this concept that we should wait for 3 years is bogus. This franchise has to start winning games. For us to win we need a legitimate inside/outside threat. With Miller or Korver we get that. If we can add a glue guy, a vet leader that can shake up our losing attitude (like Sam C did a few years back) the I think we have something real. I say go for it now.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Why Do so Many People Want To Trade Kaman?? I must be missing something.. I thought he was a Top 5 Center in the league!? Lol
JaySee Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Is that way it took 3 people getting injured before he made the All-star team? You’re missing the huge sign, fireworks, laser light show, and blimp.
Richard W. Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
@JaySee Wow!! The First time Elton Brand Made The All Star Team It was because someone got hurt, so I guess that means we should have gotten rid of him too then.?. Riiiiight.. Lol..
Who do you suggest we replace him with??
chris. Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
Kaman is a quality true starting C, we’d be screwed without him. I really don’t get the hate he gets from fans when he’s the only guy putting up quality numbers for the team. With Camby together the two of them kept the team around .500. I understand the Baron hate, not the Kaman stuff. I’d resign him too, DJ is not a starting C and may never be.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Kevin — what’s the logic on signing Sofo? Front court is sort of crowded with Kaman, Jordan, Griffin, Aminu. I don’t see the need for Sofo, unless they are just curious to see if he can make a difference. It’s 2-3 million per for Sofo — doesn’t seem like a very high price, but they should not give more than 2 guaranteed with a team option for a third year. Would a deal like this fly? Thanks.
D.J. Foster Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Three guys and a tweener don’t complete a front court rotation, especially when you consider how injury prone Kaman can be. The rumored asking price for Sofo a few months back was like a 3y/9m type deal.
Either way, I wouldn’t worry about a logjam up front.
The Clipboard Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Good points — Aminu is still a question mark until we see how he’s going to fit in — is he a 3? Is he a 4? And Kaman is a little fragile.
Sofo and Rhino would be VERY intimidating coming off the bench.
Is Sofo a 5 or would he play the 4?
Thanks.
p.s.- clipperblog.com is awesome!!! It’s great to finally have journalists in LA who have fair analysis of the Clips, instead of the same old hacks like Simers and Plaschke, and east coasters like Chad Ford, who don’t really watch games and then write uninformed pieces based on the past history of the franchise.
chris. Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Sofo is a small 5, but what he doesn’t have in size he makes up for in weight. He reminds of of Stanley Roberts who I loved when he was a Clippers. Sofo & Rhino coming off the bench together would be really scary but I don’t see us bringing both in even though we could and should if we have the resources after going after a 3 and back-up 2.
Josh Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Stanley Roberts was a legitimate 7 feet tall.
chris. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:19 am
I was referring more to the weight issues and how Stanley was a banger. I loved watching him get amped when he played against his LSU counterpart Shaq.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
did we just sign C. Frye for full MLE. 5yrs / $34m?
Richard W. Reply:
July 4th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
The Suns Sgned Frye, not Us..
neiljlax Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 12:05 am
i though so but that guys blog says: * Frye received a full mid-level exception (five years and about $34 million) from the Los Angeles Clippers.
so i don’t know what that’s all about. maybe a typo or ?
AlandAl Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 3:23 am
Not a typo, we did offer contract to Frye, but he accepted less money to stay with the Suns:
5 year – 30 million Suns
5 year – 34 million Clips
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PaulCoro/88249
dont know if that’s current and/or for real. (the bit about Frye)
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Did you see Sofo vs the US? If he did that to Howard and we can get him for 2-4 million…this is being questioned?! i would love to watch this guy paired up with Blake, DJ, and Rhino to fuckin pulverize the lakers!!!
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sofoklis+Schortsianitis+vs+usa+&aq=f
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Jake, I’m not even positive that Sofo would make the team much less kick A**.
Let’s say that the Clips don’t sign LeBron. What about trying to sign Amare and then trading Kaman for a top-notch small forward? I’m not one of those guys who’s down on Kaman, but this may be a way to get a star 3 without sacrificing at the center position.
JaySee Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 2:21 am
Amare’s not worth the money. The guy has a surgically repaired eye and knee. He’s a PF, not a C. He doesn’t play defense. We already have Griffin, Jordan and Aminu to play PF.
Posted on July 4th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Hey Kevin,
Long time reader from Greece. According to media reports over here, Chills will either sign with the Wizards or stay with Olympiakos, where he is set to make $7 million next season. As for Sofo there is a lot of buzz about the Clippers offering him a two year deal worth $5 million. Could it be true?
ghost_ride Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Yes, looks like that is what’s being talked about, but nothing will be extended until LeBron makes his decision.
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 12:09 am
Any chance You think for a sign and trade? Kaman is definitely not getting younger and can’t see him producing the same numbers that he did last year…or even trade aminu?
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 9:00 am
what about R. Butler? everyone forget about him? He was great for the Clips last season, can spread the floor and do great things as a 6 man… I want to see him back in a Clips Jersey next year… thought?
Also, what about pulling a trade for Iggy… do what they did with Camby? He would be the best addition behind LeBron and Granger type options… i say pull the trigger on Iggy for sure.
FD Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
At this point they’d be lucky to get Butler.
acd Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
why would we want butler back? he did nothing but shoot lots of 3′s. And that was nice when he made them but he did little else. He didnt play much defense, didnt rebound the ball, and didnt pass very well. Why do you think New Orleans dumped him on us last year?
I’d take him as a 2nd string 3, but we already have one in Aminu… we need a starter who can make things happen and initiate for others.
I think Iggy is a much better all around player, but his contract is bloated although not terribly crazy considering the prices out there for mid-tier players these days.
Basically, a change needs to be made from last year’s brutal team and you have to start at the team’s biggest weakness– which means Butler can not come back for anything more than a 3rd string SG/SF– The Steve Novak Role.
FD Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
I agree, but with the way things are going right now, who’s gonna sign with the Clippers.
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
I would have to say that your biggest asset is Chris Kaman. He is coming off a great season and while he is inconsistent, I think there are a bunch of teams that want the big man for his scoring and rebounding. For instance, the New Orleans Hornets don’t have a real inside presence that is tall and can score. You could work a 3 team trade involving the Dallas Mavericks who need a real good defensive/rebounding center, which the Hornets have in Okafor.
Dallas gets Okafor for $11 – $15 million over the next few years.
Hornets get Kaman for the next two years at about the same $$$
Clippers can get Caron Butler from Dallas for the same $$.
then you can finally unleash Jordan, give Blake free reign of the post, Sofo comes off the bench and is allowed to own the paint, and you allow Aminu to develop behind Butler
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
No idea why we would trade Chris Kaman for Caron Butler.
JaySee Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
It would give us a strong starting SF.
Get rid of the headcase Kaman who’s numbers will decline this year.
Open more cap space.
Have a cheaper contract with 1 less year.
chris. Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
?WTF?
Kaman 2.0 is/was great, why is he going to give us worse numbers now with defenses having to focus a lot more attention on Griffin and hopefully a 3 that will spread the floor?
What good is any 3 if it gives up a gaping hole in the C position because Jordan is the furthest thing from an all-star quality C?
JaySee Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Kaman won’t be the #1 option, so his points, assists, FTA will decline. Griffin and Aminu will hit he boards, so you will see Kaman’s rebounding numbers drop to when we had Camby. His outside shot is streaky. He occasionally plays good defense. He has a decent post game.
chris. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Who would start at center? (please don’t say DJ) Why try to fix one prolbem at SF with an old vet by creating another problem at the C position? It just doesn’t really make any sense whatsoever to me. We have to give Kaman/Griffin a chance to see what they can do together before signing trading an all-star big for a smaller guy.
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Supposedly the Hawks are exploring trading Josh Smith. We should make a move for that guy. With Blake and him it would be a dunkfest on the break. I would watch every game. Much better than Childress.
chris. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Yes it would be fun to watch, but he doesn’t shoot the 3 so it wouldn’t help with the spacing issue at all, it would clog the middle.
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
the Clippers are just wringing it….no plan and not enough quality players for a major market…
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Very good post, Kevin. I’ve read all of the comments and can’t believe all of the negativity. I guess fans are anxious to see who the Clips sign. Signing Miller would definitely free up space for EJ and would be a substantial upgrade over Butler. Let Butler go elsewhere and play at the #2. I was very unimpressed what I saw from Butler, Outlaw and Gooden during garbage time of the Clips’ season, basically the last 20-25 games when they were out to pad their own stats.
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
I cant believe the knicks are going to give stoudemire 100m…
NRM Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:00 am
I know. FAIL
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
I’d like to have Miller or Korver, even if it’s at $7 million per if it’s only a 3 year deal. any 5 year deal would have to be less money because they wouldn’t be our starter after hopefully after a year or two (whenever Aminu can take over the role.) I’m really gad we didn’t get Frye, really glad.
If we can bring Sofo over that’d be great too. I’d also like to keep Rhino as a back-up PF and add Morrow if possible to complete my wish list. Our line-up would be better, we’d be in the hunt for a playoff spot if Blake pants out as expected/hoped. Hopefully Boozer goes east and nobody comes out West and the playoffs look more and more like a good possibility. It would make the 3 year plan a perfect option if Lebron does indeed stay in Cleveland for 3 years.
PG – Baron/Bledsoe
SG – Gordon/Morrow/Warren
SF – Miller/Aminu
PF – Griffin/Rhino
C -Kaman/Jordon/Sofo
Juicebox Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 12:55 am
PG – Baron/Bledsoe
SG – Gordon/Morrow/Warren
SF – Miller/Aminu
PF – Griffin/Rhino/BENSON
C -Kaman/Jordon
chris. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Who’s Benson?
I’m glad Sofo is in LA and working out at the training facility. Hopefully we’ll get to see him in summer league.
Juicebox Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:57 am
http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/index.jsp?player=rod_benson
aka Boom Tho. Had an amazing NBDL season, is on the Clippers summer league roster. Very skilled, I’d take him over Sofo, though both would be awesome. Imagine: Rhino/Sofo (its like having two defensive linemen in the paint) and benson/jordan (quick, tall). We’d be able to defend the paint against ANYONE. Through in our starting PF/C in BG, CK….drool
Juicebox Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:57 am
throw*
chris. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Thanks.
Looks intriguing, I’ll be watching him come Friday. Is Sofo playing on the summer league? It would be nice to be able to compare states and the like.
Posted on July 5th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
@Chris @Dan S Thank You Guys For Making Sense!! I was getting worried.. Lol.. That Projected Lineup Can Make The Playoffs Barring Injury..
PG – Baron/Bledsoe
SG – Gordon/Morrow/Warren
SF – Miller/Aminu
PF – Griffin/Rhino/BENSON
C -Kaman/Jordon <–This Projected Lineup Can Make The Playoffs Barring Injury..
chris. Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:34 am
It should make the playoffs, but barring injury has never really been the Clippers strong suit.
Posted on July 6th, 2010 at 1:52 am
It’s true Josh Smith doesn’t shoot well outside but between him and Childress (who also isn’t a great outside shooter) I would rather have Smith. I could live with Miller or Korver.
Posted on July 6th, 2010 at 10:15 am
Things regarding R. Butler have been awfully quiet…
Juicebox Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:54 am
too quiet… im hoping for the best
Posted on July 6th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Why is everyone putting Rhino in their lineup? Is there some news that says he’s coming back or leaning towards the Clippers?
The Clipboard Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
I thought Rhino was a restricted FA.
Can someone summarize the Clipper’s contract obligations for 2010-2011 as well any restricted FA’s from last season?
Thanks Clipper Nation!
Posted on July 6th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
We need a plan more than some random stat to fill up our fantasy starting lineup. Give me a someone who can at least defend a pierce, artest, lebron, wade because our squad has no one and korver and miller can’t do that. At this point we need a miracle with free agents being gobbled up and journalists still chuckling at our misfourtunes.
Posted on July 6th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Let them take the Amaries, Without Nash he will look like a typical New York pick up. All we are going to need is a couple of decent players and a solid bench and we will be fine. First round playoffs is all we can hope for..
Posted on July 6th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Mike Miller is too old to give a 4-5 year contract. Keep with a youth movement. Sign Morrow, Childress, and Sofo to short contracts.
Posted on July 6th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
just saw some some of sofo’s highlights and i wasn’t too impressed…. the man has a 10-12″ vertical for starters doesn’t really have an above the rim game, he was also a little slow with his feet and stayed in lane well over 5 sec (might be legal overseas i’m not sure)
Posted on July 6th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Word on the street is that LA will hire Del Negro. Can any one comfirm?
Posted on July 6th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
done
Posted on July 7th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
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