August 25th, 2005. It’s a day that produces no real memory when mentioned. In fact, it’s so completely forgettable that I had to look it up to confirm it was the actual date. But on this rather pedestrian day in the offseason some five years ago, the fate of two franchises became seemingly permanently intertwined with one another.
August 25th, 2005: That was the day the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Sam Cassell and a lottery protected first round pick to the Clippers for Marko Jaric.
It didn’t take long for the trade to make its impact. Every Clippers fan keeps the memory of the 2005-2006 playoff run on standby, using those images as a makeshift “happy place” in times of need. While those memories won’t go away, it’s easy to forget what happened to poor Minnesota. Maybe that’s because the Wolves immediately slipped into obscurity by posting a 33-49 record while trotting out Marko Jaric and Troy Hudson in what may have been one of the most defensively challenged point guard rotations of all time.
While it initially appeared that the trade would send the franchises in opposite directions after the 2005-2006 season, they remained uncomfortably close. The Timberwolves were rewarded with Brandon Roy in the draft for their troubles, but perhaps still reeling from the Jaric/Hudson expiriment, they moved Roy for Randy Foye in a draft day swap. In the second round of the same draft, Minnesota took Craig Smith to pair with the Villanova guard to lead their youth infusion.
Meanwhile, the Clippers came into the 2006-2007 season with reasonably high expectations after defeating Denver in the playoffs and giving Phoenix all they had in a seven game series. The Clips would never live up to the standard they set for themselves in the previous season however, as new addition Tim Thomas treated defense as an optional exercise while revered hero Sam Cassell had injuries and old age finally take their toll. No one knew it at the time, but Sam had exhausted himself carrying the Clippers in the playoff run. It was Sam’s last hoorah, and while it may not mean much in the big scheme of things to people outside of the Nación, Cassell’s brief stint landed him a first class seat in Clippers’ lore.
While the Clippers came crashing down to earth, the Timberwolves started to find their path to redemption. Halfway into the 2006-2007 season the Wolves were in playoff contention with a .500 record, despite a talent deficient roster that saw Ricky Davis play 38 minutes a game, Mark Blount 31 minutes, Trenton Hassell 30 minutes, and Mike James 25 minutes. Just how bad were they? Other than Kevin Garnett, Foye, and Smith, no player from that roster remains in the league today. Despite all of that, they were on the up and up behind Garnett’s always inspirational and borderline insane play and head coach Dwane Casey’s brilliant game-planning…until the front office dismissed Casey (a primary candidate this year for the Clippers job) after playing even ball for forty games. The ensuing results were about as predictable as they were ugly– the Wolves went just 12-30 after they let Casey go, and they returned to the lottery again with a hold on their protected pick.
The ensuing years can best be described as “forgettable” for both Minnesota and Los Angeles. The Clippers would give former Wolves players Ricky Davis a try, keeping the connection alive, but as a team the Clippers continued to struggle through injury plagued seasons. Back in Minnesota, the Wolves failed to adjust to losing Kevin Garnett, and remained in the slums of the lottery. The draft pick, coveted by the Clippers for years, continued to roll over after every rough Wolves campaign.
The front offices reconnected in 2009 when the Clippers sent out Quentin Richardson for Sebastian Telfair and Craig Smith. Telfair did what Telfair always does –he showed flashes, but not enough to warrant significant playing time. The less heralded Smith mostly shined in his time on the floor, rounding up one of the best PER ratings a Clipper had put up in years.
Randy Foye would get dealt the same offseason as Smith in a package with Mike Miller to Washington for pick No. 5 in the 2009 draft. That pick would eventually turn out to be Ricky Rubio, a selection that has hamstrung Minnesota’s future even further. That point guard exclusive draft by David Kahn has been criticized plenty, but the influence it has had on the Clippers hasn’t been properly explored. Ricky Rubio is definitely not coming over this season, and the chances he does next year seem rather unlikely as well. With Rubio out of the picture for the immediate future and Kahn continuing to make baffling roster decisions, the Clippers owed first round pick will likely continue to roll.
But the delayed satisfaction will eventually come to an end, as this season is the last time Minnesota will have the luxury of that lottery protection. In 2012 the pick becomes completely unprotected, meaning that it’s not unreasonable that the Clippers could own the first overall pick in the draft all because the Timberwolves wanted Marko Jaric.
After all these years, the Clippers future still remains tied to the Timberwolves, both directly and indirectly. Yes, the Clippers stand to benefit from Minnesota’s poor play, but they’re banking on a couple of former Wolves for their immediate future as well. Ryan Gomes will likely get the starting nod at small forward, Randy Foye will serve as the first guard off the bench, and Craig Smith will be an integral part of the big man rotation.
Roster turnover and the acclimation process for free agents takes some time, and the Clippers, who sport seven new additions, will be no exception. But for what it’s worth, Foye, Gomes and Smith have played two full seasons together already. With a few more years under their belts and a few more frequent flyer miles racked up, the band will get back together in Los Angeles. Even though five years have passed and both teams have changed dramatically, the ties between Minnesota and Los Angeles remain very much so intact.
44 Responses
Good write up DJ. Aahh the much coveted Minny pick. I hope it turns out to be the top 3 pick we all hope it will be. It’d be somewhat disappointing if all we ended up with was like a 7th or 8th pick after all these years (not that I’d turn that down of course).
Having said that, you’ve got to cringe at the idea that the Clips now employ 3 players who were traded away from a team as bad as the TWolves.
D.J. Foster Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Who knows, maybe this guy will stay in school for 2012 (probably not):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pCL5c9zl-U
Respect Griffin Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
The draft is set up so we’re probably looking at the 4th, 5th, or 6th pick tops
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Damn Straight!!! >> “It was Sam’s last hoorah, and while it may not mean much in the big scheme of things to people outside of the Nación, Cassell’s brief stint landed him a first class seat in Clippers’ lore.”
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Yeap! we miss Sam’s energy, courage to take the roll of the leader by example and the determination to make us the clippernation better, I hope Mr. big head (BD) read this BJ as always you are on target. Hope just Hope that the new guys with the talent that we already have and the rookies make a click. We really need a good season.
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Fascinating read. It’s hard to imagine a team being unable to get themselves out of the lottery for 7 years, and I’m sure they were thinking the same thing. Hopefully, if we do get that as a top pick, they treat it as one and not waste it on some “potential” guy because it was gifted.
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Enjoy the fantastic trio of Smith, Foy and Gomes, as a Minnesota fan I think I’m fine waiting for Rubio. By the way, do you have any evidence that Rubio is unlikely to come over next year or is it just uniformed speculation on your part?
D.J. Foster Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
From the NY Times:http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/28/for-rubio-and-n-b-a-nothing-is-certain/
Particularly the line below:
“In the N.B.A. in 2011, he would earn about $2 million, his slotted salary for his draft spot. If Rubio waited until 2012 or was forced to wait because of a lockout, he could earn considerably more.”
As cool as a Kevin Love/Ricky Rubio fast break would be, I don’t see Rubio taking a significant paycut to play in Minnesota when he’s a national idol in Spain. Just doesn’t make sense.
Raining Buckets Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Watching Rubio play in the FIBA tournament, I’m not convinced that he’s ready for the NBA. Even if he is ready, a PG who can’t shoot and whose best skill is setting up his teammates probably isn’t a good fit for Rambis’ triangle offense. Triangle or not, the guy looks like a turnover machine and a Baron-esque source of bricks.
In other words… “KAAAAAAAAAN!”
Raining Buckets Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
However, I do think that Rubio has a lot of potential, and that staying in Spain to gain experience was the right call.
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I miss Sam. I still remember his “balls” dance when he knocked down game clinchers. We need that kind of swagger back.
NRM Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Its a dance I still imitate when I show dominance in any sector of my life.
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I’m another tie. Former Wolves season ticket holder, current Clippers partial season ticket holder. One point, Gomes never played with KG. He was traded with Jefferson and Telfair for KG. And yeah, Sam was a great player and leader wherever he played. Those of us that followed him in Minnesota know it.
D.J. Foster Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Bah, meant Smith instead of Gomes there. Thanks for the catch.
KG is still probably my favorite player ever, so I feel connected to Minnesota in a weird way also.
Josh Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 9:49 am
All love toward KG, possibly my favorite athlete ever. If everyone approached life the way KG approached basketball, the world would be a massively bettter place.
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Sad deal…being compared so closely to the Clippers…as I am sure you Clip fans feel about about the comparison to the Wolves. The truth is the truth. I can’t see the Clips doing much with the Wolves cast-aways. Craig Smith was a good player for us. Gomes can shoot but little “D” and Foye was worthless…at least for us. Hmmm…if that truly is 3 of your top 6 players…I wouldn’t be too happy. As for the Timberwolves…the transition continues. I think we will be a lot better with the team “D”….lol. We are way more athletic on the wings. We have more size in the paint. We are still hurting at the point…I know…I know. I read the deal on Rubio and it is a concern. I hope we get the kid. I hope the team gels and they really learn to play together. The offense will have to be driven from the transition “D”. I just hope we get better this year. I think we will. Concerns will be half court offense. Good luck to you Clipper fans. Should be a better year. Can’t get much worse.
D.J. Foster Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
I really hope Rubio eventually comes to Minnesota. I’m not sure how the triangle offense will look this season, but there are some real nice potential pieces for an uptempo game up there (Rubio, Flynn, Brewer, Love)
Bongstradamus Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Rambis needs to abandon the triangle with all the youngsters he has. Its not the kind of system you teach to 2nd and 3rd year players.
clip4life Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
How about this deal, We will give you the piont that you need, Baron Davis we will take the rights to Rubio and you can keep your pick. Sound like a deal
Minne Mc Reply:
September 15th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Pretty down on Baron? I haven’t seen him play in a while. He used to be a dominating point guard. But he is getting older. I wouldn’t go for that deal. Baron likes the coast and wouldn’t be happy in Minn. We are looking for younger, mature, team oriented players. That draft pick may yet turn out to be a nice selection. Who knows. I just want to see the new team play. Carmello would look good in a Wolves uniform.
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Several people above said I was wrong on my statements on Golden State not wanting to match the Clippers offer to Davis. On the contrary, I am correct.
Here is an excerpt that proves it. it is from Marc Stein on ESPN.com on July 7. 2008.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3470016
“After Davis’ unexpected decision to opt out of the final year of his contract Monday led to no new contract negotiations with the Golden State Warriors — following WEEKS OF FRUITLESS TALKS in the former UCLA standout’s attempt to secure an extension — Davis’ agent, Todd Ramasar, explained his client’s decision by saying: “I’m sure a lot of people were surprised yesterday when Baron opted out, BUT IT WAS DONE WITH THE IDEA THAT THE WARRIERS WOULD COME BACK WITH SOMETHING ELSE. We still expected a discussion for Baron to remain a Warrior.”
But as I said the Warriors refused to match the Clipper’s offer, because they wanted to get rid of him.
I do have my facts straight.
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/3PointS.jsp?season=22009&league=00&conf=OVERALL&qualified=Y&position=5&splitType=9&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=&pager.offset=50
The above link ranks all the guards (point and shooting) in the NBA last season on *three point* shooting percentage. Out of the 85 guards qualified to be ranked, Davis ranked 84 (next to last) at .277. That stat is probably the single biggest reason the Clippers were so terrible last season.
http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/FieldGS.jsp?league=00&season=22009&conf=OVERALL&position=5&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=
This link above ranks all guards in the NBA on *overall* shooting percentage. Of the 51 who qualified to be ranked, Davis ranked 47 (four from last) at .406.
People yesterday tried to say I had my facts wrong when I said what terrible shooter he was. Clearly. my facts are correct.
If people want to pretend Davis is something other thatn what he is, go ahead and enjoy your delusion. But don’t expect others who know reality to buy into the PR spin.
Bongstradamus Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Hes a terrible shooter. But hes a great distributor. He needs to focus on passing more and shooting less.
Josh Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 9:50 am
He’s a ballhog. He often takes contested shots with 15 seconds on the clock. He’s a horrible distributor because he’s selfish.
Bongstradamus Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Im not saying he doesnt take terrible shots. He clearly does…frequently. When he isnt so concerned about his shot, hes a great distributor. We all saw that at the beginning of last year. Baron gave up on that as the season progressed, but he does have the makeup and skill set to be that pass first guy…he just needs to use it.
pez Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Yep. Everything Bong said. Also a good rebounder & good post player against smaller guards. Really, the only negative to his game is all the bad shots he hoists…and surely EVENTUALLY he’ll understand to stop taking those.
I suppose I don’t have my fingers crossed though.
MannyA Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Nobody claims he is a good shooter, but you can’t pick one single statistic while ignoring everything else and claim that is who he is. I would just drop it if I was you, like someone posted earlier, it’s pretty sad!
Josh Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 9:52 am
They don’t keep stats for terrible, selfish decisions. He would be close to the league lead. I would love to see a teammate scream at him after he launches another footer off the dribble with 16 seconds on the 24. I intend to boo and taunt him relentlessly if he continues to play this way.
The Clipboard Reply:
September 9th, 2010 at 1:44 am
Hey DD, what’s Baron’s ranking for turnovers per game in the league? I’m sure it’s horrible. Shooting percentage of .40 is bad. Very bad people. I think a decent shooting percentage should be around .46. 3 point percentage of .27 is really bad. The best guys in the league are hovering around .40.
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
If you look closely at the ranking of guards on three point percentage shooting, you’ll see that Devin Harris of the Nets barely beat out Davis for the worst shooting percentage. It was close, .277 to .276. But I’m correct in saying Davis was the worst three point shooter in the NBA among point guards (also all guards) because Davis took far more three point shots last season than Harris, 296 for Davis and only 217 for Harris. Davis was definitely the worst brick thrower among all the guards in the NBA.
So again to all of those who said I had my facts on Davis wrong yesterday, my facts are solid and correct.
. . . always glad to answer questions about what I say and what others say to me.
Chris McD Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
This blog post has nothing to do with Baron Davis so I don’t know why you’re posting those comments here. Why not post it in a relevant thread?
Bongstradamus Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
We know Baron has issues with the three point line. He takes bad shots all the time. But when it comes to playmaking, Baron is one of the top guards in the league in assists per 48 minutes. In the end, the A/TO is what matters for a PG. If we can just convince Baron to make the extra pass instead of chucking from downtown, we’d be fine. He wouldnt be the cancer you seem to think he is if he focused on the passing.
Josh Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 9:53 am
A contested long jumper from Baron early in the shot clock is as good as .6 turnovers. He takes a good 4-5 of them a game. It also demoralizes his teammates.
FD Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
This will be his first year without the Dunce. VDN is supposed to be a good coach for him. I’m giving him 1 more year before I pile on him.
RL Reply:
September 9th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Well let’s trade him to Charlotte for a bag of chips, and let Foye (who you say is a bad signing) and Bledsoe (who is too young to run starting PG duties) run the floor. We get it that BD is a bad signing, but we can’t just dump him. Baron has lost a step (or two), is a bad shooter, and is easily discouraged, but he is still the best PG option we have at this point.
And can you please stop it with the dump davis comment in every blog post. It’s getting a little tiresome.
Josh Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 9:54 am
No. He is awful, selfish, and doesn’t care about winning. I’ll stop ripping him when he stops making selfish, losing, terrible decisions and teaching the kids what not to do.
Minne Mc Reply:
September 15th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Foye run the point? Not even for the Timberwolves! Please…rethink that thought.
Thanks!
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
I’ve said it before and I’m gonna say it again…
BARON DAVIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM, HE IS THE SOLUTION
Lawler's Law Reply:
September 8th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
IF he plays “the right way”
Chris McD Reply:
September 9th, 2010 at 7:29 am
Hahaha. This season is going to be a lot more fun, if only because we get to use a lot of “VDNisms.”
Posted on September 8th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
I agree Davis is a good distributor. I agree that if he’d stop throwing up bricks at the first impulse and concentrate on distributing the ball to Griffin, Kaman and Gordon, then the Clippers probably could function fine with him at point guard (though he’s still going to be a defensive liability). But I really don’t think he will do that. I really do think he will continue to be a terrible shooter and a turnover machine and a corrosive disruption to the team.
I think the Clippers would be better off to dump him and get a journey-man point guard who at least would not create all the negatives Davis so often does.
Gordon for President Reply:
September 9th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Too bad Rick Brunson just got hired as a coach in Chicago then….
Is this guy for real??
RL Reply:
September 9th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
So you’d rather have Foye run the team over Davis?
Respect Griffin Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 12:03 am
Your an idiot dump davis. Refer back to comment 12 above
Posted on September 9th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
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