3-on-3: Timberwolves at Clippers

20 Jan 2012

by Jovan Buha

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Photo credit: Jordan Johnson/NBAE/Getty Images

Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers

7:30 p.m.

ESPN and Fox Sports Prime Ticket

KFWB 980 AM

We asked our good friend Zach Harper, of A Wolf Among Wolves and HoopSpeak, to join ClipperBlog’s Jovan Buha and Michael Shagrin and help preview tonight’s Clippers-Wolves game.

1. True or False: In a few years, Ricky Rubio will be considered the best point guard from the 2009 NBA Draft.

Jovan Buha, ClipperBlog: True. The jury is still on the point guard crop of the 2009 draft class. What’s the ceiling for Ty Lawson and Jrue Holiday? Are Stephen Curry and Tyreke Evans point guards? Are Darren Collison and Eric Maynor starting-caliber players? Nonetheless, Ricky Rubio looks to be far and away the best prospect. He’s already an elite passer and defender, and his shooting is much better than advertised. No one knows if any of these point guards are “true” franchise players, but Rubio already looks like he may be the best.

Zach Harper, A Wolf Among Wolves: True. Tyreke Evans and Stephen Curry might be the better overall players but nobody out of that class is going to be the better point guard. His feel for the game, defensive impact and ability to manipulate the flow and energy of the game are hard to best. He doesn’t seem to get rattled and shows poise in all situations. In terms of leading a team and getting them executing properly, nobody from that class can say they’re better than him at that.

Michael Shagrin, ClipperBlog: True. His shot may never be as accurate as Stephen Curry’s or Tyreke Evans’ and he may never be able to accelerate into the fastbreak with the same speed as Jrue Holiday or Ty Lawson, but Rubio’s already a passing savant (2nd in Assists per 48 Minutes–only behind Steve Nash). After only 14 games in the NBA, the Spaniard has steadily improved his shooting without hampering his ability to control the tempo of the game. It’s only a matter of time before the question becomes: “Is Rubio the best point guard in the league?”

2. Who is the best power forward in the game: Kevin Love, Blake Griffin…or someone else?

Jovan Buha, ClipperBlog: The best power forward in this game tonight? Kevin Love. As it stands, Love is better than Blake. He’s more efficient (sixth in PER), is a better rebounder (second in the NBA), has deeper range (and strokes it more consistently), and is arguably a top-10 player. As far as the best power forward in the game period, it’s between Love and Dirk. It’s a toss-up, but I’d take Love right now.

Zach Harper, A Wolf Among Wolves: IT’S KEVIN LOVE!!!!!!! Okay, it’s not and it’s certainly not Blake Griffin. Dirk is still the best PF in the league and if it’s not him, it’s probably Dirk. I’d also put Z-Bo and Aldridge ahead of them. And now for the toss of the gauntlet! Then I would have Love ahead of Blake. Better shooter, probably equal in passing, better rebounder and he’s been a better defender this season and much of last season. I don’t expect this to last much past the next couple years. But as of right now, that’s my order.

Michael Shagrin, ClipperBlog: If Dirk can return to 2011 Postseason form, then he is undoubtedly the best power forward in the game, but we may or may not ever see that basketball player again. Three outstanding bigs in Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Blake Griffin are knocking on the door. Each of these forwards have a fundamentally different strength. Love is a magnet on the boards and can knock down three’s (when he has time). Aldridge is an incredibly smart big with a devastating midrange game that opens up opportunities for him in the post. Then there’s Blake Griffin who just dominates the paint on offense with his strength and athleticism. I’m a sucker for dunks, so I’m going with Griffin.

3. Fact or Fiction: The Clippers continue their home dominance and take care of the Wolves on Friday night.

Jovan Buha, ClipperBlog: Fact. With or without Chris Paul, the Clippers should defeat the Timberwolves Friday night. There’s no denying the palpable talent disparity between the two teams, though this game becomes more competitive if Paul can’t play (I know, I know, I want to see a Rubio vs. Paul match-up as much as the next person). The T-Wolves are one of the top defensive and rebounding teams, though, so the potential of them causing problems for the Clippers (and thus making it a close game) looms.

Zach Harper, A Wolf Among Wolves: Holy Rubio I’ve sounded like a homer in my first two answers. How about this for a reasonable answer to finish this off? If Chris Paul plays tonight, I think the Wolves can keep it close but ultimately lose by 7. It’s going to be a fun game and there is going to be so much puppy breath and cinnamon spread around by Rubio, there is no reason to not watch this ESPN showcase.

Michael Shagrin, ClipperBlog: Fact. Even with the entertaining duo of Rubio and Love, the Wolves won’t have enough firepower to compete with a mostly healthy Clippers offense. I would look for a big game on the wing from the likes of Caron Butler. After going HAM early against the Nets, he made just one shot against the Mavs. Tuff Juice should try to take advantage of open looks when Minnesota’s inexperience leads them to overdefend Griffin and Jordan in the post.

Twitter: @JovanBuha, @talkhoops, @mshaggy

http://fullyloadedclips.com fullyloadedclips

The line is -6 for the Clips tonight. Clips @ home vs. a young T-wolves team. Love is contained by DJ and Reggie Evans, Clips cover the spread. Go Clippers!
griffin

Clippers winning by 7 or more seems reasonable and if chris paul plays look for a 10-14 pt win for the clips. I want to also see dj put up similar numbers to his fantastic game over the mavs
- AH
  
  On paper I’d say Clippers -7 is sound but we’ve seen Clips blow big leads down the stretch and still win. e.g. Clips up 5 with less than a minute against Mavs.
  
  I could totally see Clips up 15 going into the 4Q and then MIN covering with a Clips win by 5.
myproxy

Screw CP3-Rubio: I’m watching for the DeAndre-Darko battle royale!
Metal Matty

Sag back against everyone but Love. Rebound. Don’t foul non-players.
DeMote DeAndre

Responding to some inaccurate comments . . .

1. The Clippers’ only need is not a back up center. They already have an adequate back up center. The problem is that he’s startiing, also way overpaid. The Clippers’ need is a starting center.

2. Yes, we want to trade Mo Williams but only for Dwight Howard (along with Jordan and the Minnesota pick. What, we threw the Minnesota pick into the Paul trade when we didn’t have to? Well, that was sure foolish.)

3. No, DeAndre Jordan is not like Tyson Chandler. Chandler is an excellent anchor to the defense. Jordan is the worst starting defender at center in the league. True, Chandler is a bad shooter who is almost no offensive threat, but he’s more of an offensive threat than Jordan, especially when he’s playing against the awful defense Jordan attempts.

Last season Jordan started twice against Dallas and Chandler. On January 25, Chandler only played 17 minutes in the Dallas big win, but in those 17 minutes against Jordan he scored 21 points on 5-5 from the field and 11-11 from the line. Jordan responded with 5 points in 26 minutes, mostly after the game was decided.

The second game was April 08 and Chandler scored 15 points against Jordan on 6-6 shooting from the field.

These were two of Chandler’s best offensive games of last season, and that’s typical of what ho-hum offensive centers do against Jordan . . . light him up for one of their best games of the season.
- nick
  
  he is our best defensive big, some have tipped him in the top 10 for defensive player of the year, and you say he has 2nd to none defense. you need to get your priorities straight.
- Metal Matty
  
  1. You’re wasting your breath. Clippers of all teams will not pay DeAndre what they are paying him and have him back up. Especially when he is playing good ball which he is.
  
  2. That trade won’t even elicit as much interest as a chuckle from Orlando. Do you have any idea how much the value in the Minny pick has dropped? You stilll seem to want to value that as a top three pick in a strong draft but Minny is 6-8 and improving. Rubio has panned out. Love is backing up last seasons breakout with even better play. Wake up. It is looking like the Paul trade may have been a steal after all.
  
  3. While I agree Chandler is NOT like DeAndre and vice versa. Pointing out last years matchups for Jordan has already been rendered moot. The kid put in the work despite a big contract and has played NOT GREAT, but good and certainly better than expected. His upside remains high given his age. Big Men generally suck at his age. Even a lot of the ones that become servicable or good later.
- JaySee
  
  Dissecting your idiocy.
  
  1. You’re retarded opinion that every and anyone who knows basketball disagrees with.
  
  2. D12 has 0% chance of coming to the Clippers, so shut up already.
  
  3. Chandler and DJ play almost the exact same way. Chandler has no offense to make him better on that end than DJ. You’re just spouting off a bunch of nonsense with nothing to back it up. GMs would take DJ over Chandler because of DJ’s youth and upside to make at least some sort of offense where Chandler has peaked.
  
  Shut up with your anecdotal evidence of games and stats you probably didn’t even watch and have now knowledge or capability of dissecting properly.
  - JaySee
    
    Wow… my typos are killing me. HAHA!
    - Clips4
      
      Caveat. D12 has no chance of coming to the Clips via trade. In the offseason during free agency though….. different story. Will D12 take less money and make it all up through sponsorships? If D12 is willing to take a pay cut and sign with the Clips, I smell rings.
  - http://www.barmapla.com FD
    
    Why does Howard have 0% chance of going to the Clippers? He said the Clippers are on his trade list.
    - Clips4
      
      The Clips do not have the assets Orlando would want in return for a D12 trade unless that means trading away Blake.
    - JaySee
      
      No he didn’t. The media said he said that. He later clarified that he said no such thing.
- AH
  
  DeAndre Jordan CANNOT be traded without his consent until Dec 12. 2012. This is due to the Clippers matching the Offer Sheet that GSW made.
  
  So if you’re talking about trading DeAndre for anything this season, it’s pretty much impossible. End of story.
  - griffin
    
    That’s why d12 might come in the offseason. idk if howard wants to take a huge paycut but having him on a young clipper team with the best pg in the game we would be unstopable. There’s a huge chance we would contend for at least 8 years and out of those 8 maybe 4 championships. Howard would make the clips backcourt thick and we would most likey have around 10 mil for him next season without amensty mo willaims. Foye cook 8 mil comming off plus 2 to 3 mil we didn’t use. And maybe do a trade exception on gomes and we could get howard. And amensty mo willaims for a good sg. And resign reggie. We have to resign reggie
DeMote DeAndre

The LA Times reported in today’s paper that Byrant had an in depth talk with Howard about Howard coming to the Lakers and what Howard’s role would be. The Times said Howard came away from the talk thinking he would not be the focus of the offense. What a surprise. That does clearly show why Howard should not go to the Lakers where he’d have to put up with me-me-me Bryant. It’s good Howard knows that. Clearly, the Clippers are the best team for him.
- griffin
  
  Howard best place would be the clippers becuz cp3 can easliy make howard number one otion and any other clipper out there number one option. So far I have seen nights where any of the clippers starting 5 can go off for 20. I don’t really see a number one option for this team anymore. Sure they run through blake a lot but the opposing team can get beat by any one of our players. I don’t think we have number one option anymore. Its more of the who has the best shot becuz of cp3
JaySee

Michael Shagrin thinks Tyreke Evans has an accurate shot?
Metal Matty

CHANDLER vs JORDAN

While both are great athletes for their size, I see quite a bit of a difference as far as how they are put together. Chandler can run very well and is a very good jumper in isolation. He has a natural thin frame but to his credit he is chisled and has added enough muscle to be a real center. He is not super agile, a bit stiff, a bit mechanical and does not appear to have some of the core agility and footwork to be a post player. As such, he is not a post player. His jumper never develped. This is a bit odd considering his stroke is not bad.

Jordan is even longer armed and much more agile/bouncy. His body, although thin appears much more likely to add power and weight. Though his footwork at times appears decent, positioning himself for dunks, rooting out a player ala Shaq or Stanley Roberts just enough to throw down ferociously, his hand eye coordination and touch is horrendous and does not appear to have much potential.

Chandler was a bit of a free spirit early in his career but has channeled his focus and become the talkative, shot blocking, hard D up player he is today. Limited, but effective.

Jordan was even more free spirited coming into the league and to his credit, along with the credit of the organization (yes, I said, the organization. You don’t here that often about the Clippers), has made major strides, has said the right things, is clearly working hard and thinking on the court and has taken a degree of ownership and responsibility. He still has a lot to learn.
- Clips4
  
  It wasn’t so much the Clipper organization as much as it was the mentoring of Marcus Camby during DJ’s first couple of years in the league.
DeMote DeAndre

True, the Clippers will not pay a back-up center $10,000+ million a year. That’s why they have to trade DeAndre Jordan for Dwight Howard.

Also true, Orlando recently said it has no interest in Jordan (sure can’t blame them). But if Howard decides to come to the Clippers in the off season as a free agent, the Magic will take whatever they can get for him in a sign and trade. Even a mediocre back up center is better than no center. There is a real scarcity of legitimate centers in the NBA today, so that means that even second string quality centers like DeAndre Jordan have trade value to teams that have no center at all.

Howard has four teams he’s considereing. The Nets are too lowly, even with Deron Williams. The Lakers are a problem for Howard because of me-me-me Bryant, which the LA Times made clear today. Theoretically the Mavericks could be OK if they sign Deron Williams, but Dirk is getting older and the city is not a major media market.
- Clips4
  
  Why do you hate DJ so much even when he produces? His role on the team is not to score but to be an energy player and a weak side shot blocker? Any points DJ puts up is usually a plus. The offense will always run through CP3 and Blake Griffin pick and rolls. If D12 came to the Clippers, the offense will not be ran through D12. Blake Griffin is a better post player than Howard. Although, to Howard’s credit, he’s bigger and stronger than Blake. Why do you honestly insist to make comments that make zero sense to anyone who knows basketball? The only way Dwight Howard would be the focal team on the Clippers is if Blake Griffin wasn’t there.
- Steve
  
  Oh my god you are so ******* *******. Where exactly did you read this nugget of info that Orlando says they have no interest in DJ? Just curious… You need to be banned from this board.
Metal Matty

DeMote, my friend. A “mediocre” backup center (as you say), Mo and a mid-first round pick Might get you Hamed Haddadi and Juice but it’ won’t land you arguably the best player in the game. I told you to “wake up” in my last reply and you hit “snooze”. Come on now. I like your grit. Your willingness to go against the grain. To stir up conversation….. but could you please turn your wrath to a place it belongs? Mike Smith. I would like to see “SACK SMITH” pop up very soon on these boards. … don’t let me down.
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3-on-3: Timberwolves at Clippers

1. True or False: In a few years, Ricky Rubio will be considered the best point guard from the 2009 NBA Draft.

2. Who is the best power forward in the game: Kevin Love, Blake Griffin…or someone else?

3. Fact or Fiction: The Clippers continue their home dominance and take care of the Wolves on Friday night.

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