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3-on-3: Clippers’ offseason moves

Dec 12, 2011
by Jovan Buha




In a very eventful Monday afternoon, the Clippers picked up Chauncey Billups and matched DeAndre Jordan’s offer sheet with the Golden State Warriors. Three ClipperBlog writers examine the two moves, along with the outcome of the Chris Paul saga in L.A.

1. Did the Clippers pay too much for DeAndre Jordan?

 

Jovan Buha, ClipperBlog: Yes. At his current skill level and production, Jordan is not worth almost $11 million per season. However, just because they overpaid for him, doesn’t mean it wasn’t the right move. He’s Blake Griffin’s best friend, a perfect fit for this team, and the only center the Clippers will have left after Chris Kaman departs.

Jordan Heimer, ClipperBlog: No. Remember, it’s not $43 million in a void. It’s $43 million on this Clippers team. This team is being built around Blake Griffin’s game – and Jordan’s is a perfect complement. How many frontcourts have the speed, size, and athleticism to keep both Blake and DeAndre away from the rim and off the boards? And — almost as essentially — where else could the Clippers find someone who knows Blake perfectly?

Mark Shore, ClipperBlog: Tough call, but I think in the long run you’d have to say no, the Clippers paid the right amount for DJ. At this point the team’s biggest concern is getting Blake Griffin to sign an extension and stay in Los Angeles. Not only are Jordan and Griffin close friends, but there’s something to be said about having continuity down low as Griffin continues to develop.

2. Was the Billups acquisition a smart one?

 

Jovan Buha, ClipperBlog: Yes. Despite the fact that Clippers currently have three above-average point guards, Billups is the best of the bunch — if only by a hair. If he doesn’t show up to training camp trying to take out Griffin’s knees or light the training facility on fire, he’ll be a great addition to the Clippers and a positive influence on Eric Gordon and Eric Bledsoe.

Jordan Heimer, ClipperBlog: Absolutely. If you’ve watched enough Mo Williams it won’t come as a complete surprise that his basketball-reference page is sponsored by, quote: “An Extrodinarily Irate Cavs Season Ticket Holder” (who, perhaps hyperbolically, dubs Mo “The Godfather of the All-NBA Non Defense Team”). For a quarter of what Mo is owed, the Clips get a veteran point guard who can body bigger guards on defense and space the offense with a more accurate deep shot.

Mark Shore, ClipperBlog: It was a bit puzzling at the time, but one of the things that the Clippers sorely lacked last year was veteran leadership which is important for a team looking to make their first postseason appearance in over 5 years. Billups has a total of 140 playoff games played, 110 more than Mo Williams. The one big question I have is how will this impact the development of sophomore point guard Eric Bledsoe?

3. When it’s all over, will the Clippers land Chris Paul?

 

Jovan Buha, ClipperBlog: Yes. Realistically, where else can he go? Boston and Golden State can’t offer better trade packages. The Lakers and Knicks lack the proper assets to trade for him and can’t sign him outright in the offseason. Whether it’s via trade or free agency, I expect him to end up in the red, white and blue.

Jordan Heimer, ClipperBlog: No. David Stern and the NBA owners want to sell the Hornets. Might a prospective owner be an NBA junkie with a nuanced appreciation of second-tier talent? Maybe. Will he (or she) be a really rich dude (or dudette) who recognizes Chris Paul as a bona fide (read: marketable) star? Almost definitely. Elite stars are the most undervalued asset in the NBA — a GM might have said yes today … but a seller will continue to say no.

Mark Shore, ClipperBlog: I don’t think so. The Hornets are looking for a package that includes Eric Gordon, Minnesota’s 1st-rounder and a number of other key building blocks from the Clippers. If Paul were to commit to signing a long-term extension then the Clippers would probably be willing to part ways with their entire team minus Blake Griffin, but as it stands they’d be giving up too much for a one- or two-year rental.

Twitter: @JovanBuha, @markshore12

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Jovan Buha

Senior Contributor at ClipperBlog
Jovan Buha is a staff writer and Digital Content Programmer at FOX Sports. He also contributes to ESPN Los Angeles’ Clippers and Lakers coverage. Jovan graduated from USC with a degree in Print & Digital Journalism and a minor in Sports Media Studies in 2014.
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  • Metal Matty

    Clips got “beaten down” on the Jordan match. Let’s not fool ourselves. But there is at least a 1 out of 5 chance it pays off.

  • Metal Matty

    Plus, it beats the hell out of signing Olowakandi to a max deal.

    • griffin

      Damn straight

  • Alan Lemmerman

    its simple. now we have Billups. we throw in MO KAMAN AMINU BLEDSOE and the 1st rounder take em all. give us cp3.

    • Clipped

      Or Dwight Howard?

      • Renato S.

        D12 is not the best complement for Griffin, we need a guy like DJ, Chandler, Perkins, someone that does the little things, rebounds, dirty work…

        Howard is a Center that demands the ball, he play in the paint, same place Griffin is more effective.

        A great PG is much more suited for the Clippers than a Center like Dwight.

  • Metal Matty

    Why do I get the feeling out GM’s model of a “sustainable” model of success is code for “gambling away just about every asset we have” on one guy that is short and has knee issues? No wonder the Clippers always fail. Is it not clear enough by now that the Hornets are not interested in anything but a rape?

    • Bongstradamus

      They walked away from the deal. +150 for the GM.

  • Clipped

    No Paul? No Problem. Billups can do what CASSEL did a century ago to help this team.

  • NihilistZerO

    I will admit I’m not a Clipper fan per-say, Because I’ve never been loyal to one team in my sports watching history. If a team makes bad decisions and sucks they don’t get my dollars :-) But going back to the Cassell playoff year and some other near misses I’ve enjoyed Clipper basketball here in LA. Though I always root for them against the Celtics Kobe’s Lakers disgust me. The arrogant Phil Jackson and his Rapist star stole a championship from the Kings.

    Anyway…

    I think the Clippers were smart in picking up Billups. It called Stern’s bluff and now they can presumably keep Gordon and add Paul. I am ALWAYS a fan of athletics played to their finest and I think the talent on the Clippers has a chance to blend in a way that’s the antithesis to the Heat. The Clippers have great athletes that compliment each other in a TEAM environment. This year should be fun. Can’t wait to see Kobe crying when they get season swept by the Clippers!

  • Cody

    Clippers dont do anything else this roster is great Dont trade for CP3 Dont trade for CP3Dont trade for CP3Dont trade for CP3Dont trade for CP3Dont trade for CP3

    • HowdoyoulikethemCLIPSnow

      Don’t trade for CP3 if you have to give up Eric Gordon!!!! Can’t wait to watch the Clips beat the Lakers woohoo!

      • Bryant

        I don’t care if we lose all season games, I want that 2-7 playoff match up with the clippers vs. lakers, then it’s on…WHEN IT COUNTS. 4-1 Clips moving on!! WOOO!

  • Jim

    Mo williams should be moved to shooting guard if they land paul

    • Kyle

      Mo Williams cannot play sg. As a Cavs fan who watched him for many years and loved his game (and really loved this cold shoulder http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j0QWQByazM) realistically, at 6’1″ and with a questionable defensive game, he cannot play sg. Period. That is why the Clippers should NOT trade Eric Gordon no matter what. They have two players now they cannot get rid of who already play pg (assuming billups reports) so if you can get cp3 without giving up Gordon, great, if not, so be it. If you do get him, I would put Billups at the two (at least defensively) before MO.

  • Metal Matty

    Just to clarify. I have no doubt DeAndre can be an AVERAGE starting C if he puts his mind to it. But the idea that Blake will magically rub off on him is questionable. In fact, I hope stardom has not gone to Blake’s head. He’s a great kid, but commercials, late nite appearances and such seem to always take a toll.

    • Renato S.

      I don’t think so, he seems very humble and mature, he was well raised.

      You will never see him, goofing around on court like D12 and LBJ used to do until 2009/10 season. When he is basketball mode, he is very focused. He has one of the finest work ethics, I don’t think he will be easy seduced by Hollywood like that.

  • JaySee

    I cooked up an idea for a 3-team trade with the Magic and Nets to get D.Will.

    Clippers get:
    D.Will
    Turk

    Magic get:
    Lopez
    Kaman
    Foye
    Aminu

    Nets get:
    Gordon
    Bledsoe
    D12

    Clippers keep the Minny pick.

    Clippers get the less injured PG (I think he’s better than CP3)
    Nets get D12.
    Magic get 2 big men and cap relief with Aminu as a prospect. They can let Kaman expire or trade him, and extend Lopez.

    • JaySee

      Nets probably get the best of this deal, so let’s add in that they send a 1st round pick to Orlando.

  • griffin

    Basically clippers are stacked and with the add of billups. It just makes us deeper (assuming he shows up) which we lack a lot last year. When kaman comes off the books with mo we can still get cp3 or even better d will. But stern isn’t stupid that’s why he wants to engage the clippers in a trade again. But clippers offer as it stands are bledsoe aminu and kaman and minnies pick. And the clips have all the leverage. Being the only team that has all the assets and not necessarily needing paul this season hornets messed up cuz now clippers are in control of that trade. I’m sure if paul isn’t traded now he will before the season is over. And we would still offer the same deal.

  • griffin

    Clippers have just became the hottest team in the west. If we can’t make it to the playoffs it would be becuz of vdn. Don’t screw up vdn.

  • Chris Wilcox’s Socks

    If the Clippers can pull off this CP3 trade without including Gordon we are going to be insanely good. BUT, I think Stern may not let it happen any other way.

    I am preparing myself for a deal tomorrow where we end up with CP3 and lose Gordon, but I really hope it doesn’t go down that way.

    • griffin

      Clippers have leverage and they will walk away again if they have to include gordon. Olshey dead set against sending gordon to the hornets

  • Blocklife

    Metal Matty n demote deandre need to shut the fuk up(no typo) n delete their accounts, clips dnt need negative fans. Olshey is not gettin nearly the amount of credit he deserves. We r in this position bcuz ofhim. Unless u would like md..sr. To deserve (false) credit. He has been steady improving this club 4rm ej to a serious cOntender. I APPRECIATE a competentent gm, y’all need to take notice

  • http://clipperblog.com CAKid

    This season goal now should be as Al Davis always said is “just win baby”. Regardless of all the moves and non-moves so far our team needs to learn how to how to win, how to close out games (say 40 plus games this shortened seaon), beat the teams we should beat, learn how to win on the road, and maybe some playoff wins. We achieve all of this with season, with this roster coupled with major expiring contracts… skys the limits!

    Just imagine a winning season with some playoff excitment, CP3 free agent (and maybe more … hint D.H.), a top 3 draft pick with retaining all of our assets. I am almost more excited for the 2012-13 season.

    BTW Lakers nation if your reading this, nice job ensuring the Dallas will win the west again. WTF! At least Lamar didn’t go to the Heat? Roll Clips ! ! !

  • Metal Matty

    I’m calling for Donald T. Sterling to step up and put an end to this non-sense. No more talks with the league regarding Chris Paul.

    The Donald is always being bashed for his conservative business practices but at this time his heavy hand is just what the doctor ordered. Some of these packages that are being leaked are absurd. This team is not in a position where we need to put all our eggs in one basket. That is just irresponsible.

  • neiljlax

    aminu, kaman, bledsoe and the pick is more than fair.
    no gordon!

  • rg12

    NO DEAL ! Walk away. LAC needs a good TEAM, not good players. Those are two different concepts.

  • http://www.barmapla.com FD

    Isn’t it better in theory to get a center that can spread the floor a little. Take the other team’s center out of the box to give BG more room to get rebounds and score?

    At least have the option to do it. With Jordon you can’t, so I’d think he’d be a bad fit for the team.

  • Bongstradamus

    Well, called the DJ signing at about $10m per year. Glad we matched that.

    Billups for a year at under $5m? Great move.

    Butler makes me inhale sharply, bite my tongue, wait a few seconds and say “We’ll see how it goes.” A little steep on the price, but could be better than expected without any major injuries.

    So what do we need to do now?

    Move Kaman and Mo Williams at minimum. Try and move Gomes, Foye and Moon. We don’t need to go big, just need some solid potential and/or depth. Sock the rest of the cash away for next offseason or find a way to get Deron Williams from NJ.

    Big Deal potentials:

    Deron Williams
    Chris Paul
    Dwight Howard
    Joe Johnson
    Steve Nash

    Where do other opportunities exist (for PG’s, SF’s and C’s)?

    Houston (Flynn, Hayes, T. Williams)
    Minnesota (Rubio, Beasley, Webster)
    Philadelphia (Young, Holiday)
    Boston (Green, Rondo)
    Pistons (Prince, Monroe, Daye)

    Off the radar Free Agents and bench fillers:

    Andrei Kirilenko
    Wilson Chandler (This is worth shooting for mid-late season)
    Kenyon Martin
    Sean Williams
    Magnum Rolle (assuming he’s been waived by Atlanta)
    Gerald Green
    Marcus Williams

    The truth is, we really dont need to make any moves. It would be nice to trade Kaman into a new peice, but we could also do well with his contract falling off the books next year.

    I gotta say, I am impressed with Olshey’s willingness to chase big deals. I havent been so excited about trade rumors since the 2001 draft brought us Elton Brand after we picked Tyson Chandler.

    • AH

      I’m with you on DJ, Billups and Butler (although my optimism is more muted that your already measured expectations).

      If CP3 ends up not happening I’d like to see Kaman moved for a 1st round pick. Same with Mo. I’d be reluctant to bring role players back because it seems like the roster is bursting with players right now.

      I’d also be reluctant to take on Joe Johnson’s massive contract. Hayes is getting a deal from SAC I think. Philly resigned Young to a 4-year deal and I think Holiday is one of their “untouchables”. I think Jeff Green can’t be traded or has a no trade because he’s on a one year deal.

      I’m pro trading for Rondo. He’d be way cheaper than CP3 at this point and BOS is also creating an untenable situation where they are constantly shopping him (Kaman, Mo + unprotecting BOS owned LAC 2012 1st round pick?).

      LAC don’t have Moon on the roster (I believe Eric Pincus tweeted that Moon and Smith had their rights renounced a few days ago, so they’re both FA). Foye is in the last year of his deal so he is also an expiring contract this year. The only “bad” guaranteed contract we have after this year is Gomes at $4 milion for next year and then his contract is done.

      As of now (not including trades/waives), the contract rights for LAC is following:

      2011-2012
      Billups
      Williams
      Gordon
      Bledsoe
      Foye
      Butler
      Gomes
      Aminu
      Griffin
      Jordan
      Kaman
      Cook (most likely cut/waived. by waived I do not mean amnesty)
      Thompkins (not guaranteed)
      Leslie (not guaranteed)
      Warren (not guaranteed)

      2012-2013
      Williams
      Bledsoe
      Gordon
      Butler
      Gomes
      Aminu
      Griffin
      Jordan
      Minnesota #1 pick
      Clippers #1 pick (If top-10)
      Thompkins (not guaranteed)
      Leslie (not guaranteed)
      Warren (not guaranteed)

  • Mike_Sneekz

    So let’s say we get cp3, who else is rumored to get thrown in from the hornets???

  • GEM ONE

    Give the Hornets Aminu, Kaman, Mo, for CP3. The plan has been to build around the two G Men, so don’t mess with it now. With CB in the mix now, Mo can go.

  • Me
  • TNT

    Has anyone seen this future? Trade for PAUL goes through. Clips don’t make playoffs and PAUL hauls ass in 2 years…THEN BLAKE sees no future and bolts. 4 years from now WE have nothing.

  • mrcsdms

    I dont get it. Do people really watch basketball or just read articles. I know chauncey is 35 but good grace. This man has been nothing short of a leader and hell of a b-ball player for the last 12 years. How can ppl even mention Mo williams in the same breath as Chauncey or say he is slightly better. Have you all lost your mind. Rose/Paul/D-will are the top point guards, but Chauncey has to be the 4th best PG in league. Steve Nash is cool but NEVER EVER EVER played defense (he has two MVP awards but stockton or Mark price have none?? PLEASE). I love Rondo but he can’t score off a fundamental move to save his life. After those 6, maybe Steph Curry. Out of that Group only one has lead a team to a Championship and named Finals MVP. Out of that group only one has led his team to the conference finals for what 7-8 years in a row. And ppl sniff at that like it’s nothing. Y’all krazy. Chauncey is the truth. Trust me Clips will be better than ’06 Clips

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