Chauncey Billups: out for the season

07 Feb 2012

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An MRI exam Tuesday revealed that Clippers guard Chauncey Billups has a torn left Achilles’ tendon. Billups, who was injured in Monday’s overtime victory over the Magic in Orlando, Fla., will be out at least eight months, ending his season.

Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro revealed Billups’ status to Times columnist T.J. Simers during a lunch interview. Del Negro had gotten the news from Clippers trainer Jasen Powell by phone.

Billups, 35, was a key figure in the Clippers’ rise to second place in the NBA’s Western Conference this season. He teamed with point guard Chris Paul to form an extremely talented backcourt for the Clippers, who are enjoying one of their most successful starts in franchise history.

They lead the Pacific Division at 15-7 and have won the first two games of their six-game road trip.

Billups fell to the court midway through the fourth quarter of Monday’s game and had to be helped from the arena. He was unable to put weight on his left leg.

Billups was averaging 15 points and four assists this season and playing about 30 minutes a game. It is not yet clear what the guard rotation will be without Billups, though the roles of Randy Foye and Mo Williams will probably be expanded.

Of all the starters, this is the injury that the Clippers can sustain the best. Chauncey was big in the Orlando road victory, as well as in Denver. His three point shooting and clutch play will be missed. However, the Clippers have a glut of guards that can fill Chauncey’s place that include the streaking Mo Williams, Randy Foye, and Eric Bledsoe. Of course, Chauncey’s injury might ratchet up the desperation to sign J.R. Smith upon his return from China, but that’s a story for the future.

I think that Bledsoe could be the biggest to gain here, considering that he’s played shooting guard before (alongside John Wall). He’s also the strongest, the longest, and potentially the best defender at the shooting guard spot.

We all wish Chauncey a speedy recovery, as well as a big thanks for his contributions so far in the season.

sreppilcal

Injuries happen.

Time for others to step up!!
- http://fullyloadedclips.com FullyLoadedClips
  
  Well…Gomes. I’m not going to heckle you or your wife, but you want an opportunity, now you have it. No one’s trolling or hating or whatever, but seriously, it’s time for Gomes to play better.
Alex Ross

This is a huge blow, not so much for the basketball skills Billups brings, but for the playoff/championship experience that we will really miss. What do we do from here? Foye is not a long term solution at the 2 and Mo needs to keep with his 6th MOY campaign (by far the best role for him on a contending team). Do we try to find a defensive specialist that shoots over 33% from 3? I hope this is what they do, but there aren’t ton’s of options that fill this spot. Too bad we didn’t trade Kaman for Igoudala last year when we had the chance.
- DeMote DeAndre
  
  Yea, really is too bad the Clippers aren’t stuck with Igoudala’s 3 year $45 million contract. In his last 10 games he’s shooting 42% and averaging 10 points a game. Sure, paying $45 million for that kind of player would be super.
  
  . . . to say nothing of how it would kill any shot at signing Howard in the off season.
  
  Igoudala or Howard, tough choice.
  - avonhun
    
    Have you even watched the 76ers play? He is a leader on a team that is winning their division. He is leading the team in assists, steals and usually takes the most difficult wing matchup on defense. It is shocking to me how little you understand about basketball considering you put so much time and effort into posting here.
  - Clips4
    
    We could have made noise in the playoffs if we had traded for Iguodala. Our starting 5 would have been Mo Williams, Eric Gordon, Andre Iguodala, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan. That would have been a scary starting 5 because you have two go-to perimeter stoppers who can create their own shots. DeMote, step your game up before you make more negative comments like this
    - Tim
      
      Except Eric Gordon is always hurt, so the starting 5 would really be an Mo-Will, Foye, AI, and the rest. Without Gordons 24 per night, this team probably would not even make the playoffs, because, no closer.
clipporvida

Looks like a job for Agent 0 if he is ready and healthy…. Move Mo to the starting 2 and bring zero off the bench with Kenyon and hopefully J.R. to run the second unit.. I don’t believe that E.B is ready or under control yet… he still need seasoning…. Good Luck Chauncey!
- Nick_C
  
  Wait, you just proposed bringing in JR Smith and Gilbert Arenas, while suggesting that Eric Bledsoe isn’t under control? I mean, just wow. Isn’t that the opposite of putting “in control” basketball players on the floor? Not even to mention their off-court antics…
  - mic
    
    i would start bledsoe when he is 100%. he would be the best defender at the 2. missing billups means more shots for caron and cp3. bledsoe can be the slasher and defender. keeping mo and foye in second unit will be as is. mo will end up getting more minutes than bledsoe like jason terry on the mavs.
    
    another option is through trade. clippers still have a couple trade exceptions that they can use to add someone.
  - clipporvida
    
    CP3 brings stability and leadership to the franchise… players respect his leadership and the antics that were allowed in their other places of employment wouldn’t be tolerated.. One of those players will be in a Clipper Uniform.. this teams needs points off the bench to remain a viable contender.. CP3 is akin to Magic Johnson in the respect category he was able to make Bob Mcadoo a player with talent who was a malcontent into an effective ball player in that system.. I would like to know of any better options available?
    - Clips4
      
      NO to Agent Zero!
http://www.barmapla.com FD

Clippers have to get JR Smith now. I think there’s a reason no one has signed Arenas.
Tim

All championship teams go through adversity at certain times in the season. Last year Dallas lost Caron to a season ending injury, and they still came home with the title. Nice challenge for Vinny, I think he’s up to it. Keep Mo as the 6th man off the bench for now, start Foye, and move forward. Even if we sign Smith, I still say start Foye, and bring Smith and Williams off the bench, with Martin, I like how that shapes up.
- Clips4
  
  Tim, you forgot that the Mavs had Stevenson to defend Kobe, Wade, and Lebron, and Westbrook in the playoffs last year. That is why having a wing defender will help and I would want Rudy Fernandez. I would rather have Wilson Chandler, but Denver will retain him and Fernandez will not get minutes so it would be fruitful to bring him over in a trade. Stevenson brought a gritty attitude to the Mavs last year they never had before and was their best defender. He was also a deadly knockdown shooter in spots that mattered the most.
  - Tim
    
    Clips4, you forgot that Stevenson averaged 15 minutes per game on the floor last year in the playoffs, and Barea, Kidd, and Terry all spent more time on the floor than Stevenson, so you see? Even teams with a lockdown defender did really find much value in that type of player. Barea, Kidd and Terry made Kobe and D-Wade actually play defense on the other end. Chasing these smaller guys around the floor took away from their offense on the other end of the floor. Barea and Terry were on the floor at crunch time, not the lockdown guy you claim could make a difference on our team. Lockdown defenders are over rated, because, Kobe and D-Wade can get their points vs the Raja Bells, and Tony Allens of the world, no prob. D-Wade expended a lot of energy chasing Barea around the court. Knock down shooters tend to stand around at the 3 pt line, making them easier for Kobe to defend, and even help off of. Dallas figured it out, thats the model for exposing the scoring wing. Make the scoring wing play defense, embarrass them with smaller quicker players, and force them to expend energy, because the scoring wing usually has much pride in his game. Don’t make it easy by having your lockdown defender camp out at the 3 point line.
ClipsFan4Life

Wish Chauncey all the best… i think the clippers have to rally around this and win it all for big brother! This is the kinds of thing that can bring a team together and strengthen their resolve.

We have to get cracking on some shirts and towels for staples that says….

CHAMPIONSHIP FOR CHAUNCEY!
Metal Matty

Zero can’t help this ball club. The key is patience. We can easily get away with Mo, Foye, EB at the 2 during the regular season.

Bledsoe was drawing raves from credible sources right before he got hit with the injury so I wouldn’t mind getting him rolling and see what we’ve got.

Even before the C-Bill injury we were in the marked for a big guard so that hasn’t changed.
Nick_C

I don’t think now is the time to panic and bring in JR Smith, even if he could be signed for the veteran’s minimum, which seems really unlikely. The last thing the Clippers need is an on-ball scorer with no conscience on the offensive end and no desire to play defense.

To me this screams out as an opportunity for Eric Bledsoe to earn minutes and a larger role. I don’t think it’s out of the question that he could turn into the defensive stopper at the guard spots that the Clippers need. Yes, his height is a minus, but he has really long arms. His standing reach is higher than Randy Foye’s, who everyone nominates as the only guy left with the requisite size to play the 2. He doesn’t really lack strength, either.

Hopefully Billups can continue to bring a steadying voice to the team from the sidelines.
http://www.barmapla.com FD

JR Smith is listed at 6ft6, that’s why they need him. You’re gonna have Bledsoe or Mo Williams guard Kobe Bryant?
- http://clipperblog.com CAKid
  
  Dude – Nobody can guard Kobe. Didn’t you notice he now #5 all time. CP3 drove him crazy in the playoffs. That the best anyone can hope for against Kobe.
  - Clips4
    
    You are right in that nobody can guard Kobe, although you can only hope to slow him down.
    - Tim
      
      Slow him down by making him play defense on the other end.
  - avonhun
    
    I agree. There are a few tough matchups at SG like Kobe, Paul George, Joe Johnson, but it is becoming more and more common for teams to play two small guards consistently. It isn’t like Chauncy was a lock down defender. Those guys were burning him too.
    - Clips4
      
      2 small guards isn’t good enough to slow those guys. When the playoffs come and we go up against those elite 2′s, we’ll get destroyed. The Mavs had Stevenson last year defend Kobe, Lebron, Wade, and Westbrook. Having a player of that type will enable the Clips to be better and not have to keep funneling everything to DJ. DJ is supposed to be there to erase the mistakes the perimeter guys make when they get burned.
      - Tim
        
        Even Peja averaged more minutes on the floor per game than Stevenson, and let me guess, Peja is a lockdown defender? No. Lockdown defenders who shoot 3′s, are easy to defend, stand around at the 3 point line, and can not stop Kobe or D-Wade anyway. Make the scoring wing expend energy playing defense. The model worked for Dallas last vs while sweeping the Lakers out of the playoffs, and in defeating the Heat with wings galore.
      - Clips4
        
        The Mavs had better chemistry as a team than the Lakers and Heat and played impeccable defense. It also helps that Dirk was playing completely out of his mind. For guards with post games like Kobe, having a small guard against him wll allow Kobe to take you into the post and shoot over you. Having a long-armed defender (I was hoping for the Clips trading for Tayshaun Prince) will prevent posting guards from lighting up the team. Stevenson’s offensive game left a lot to be desired, but it was his defensive grit that was the difference maker. Of course the piece that comes in has to have a decent offensive game to take pressure off of CP and Blake. But having a perimeter defender will keep opponents honest. The Clippers this year are allowing opponents to shoot 38% from the 3 point line while allowing opponents overall to shoot 44.7% from the field. The Clippers are 24th in the league in defensive rating so having a wing defender will help shore up some of that. If the Clippers moved up in defensive rating to the top half of the league, then the Clippers have the potential to win a championship this year. Otherwise, it’ll be like the Phoenix Suns under D’Antoni. Outscore opponents but can’t make the crucial stops when necessary.
      - Tim
        
        Last year, Dallas surrendered 96.9 points a game, and currently the Clippers are giving up 97.2. Last year Dallas averaged 99.4 points per game, and the Clippers are averaging 99.4 as well, so offensively and defensively we are equalling Dallas. Why didn’t Kobe and D-Wade take Dallas’ small guards and post them up. The reason is, the double team would quickly come, forcing passes out of the post, and the Lakers and Heat had brickers on the perimeter, just like they do now. Blake is completely capable of playing out of his mind as well come playoff time. Stevenson was still over there on the bench, while Dallas was busy winning a championship without him on the floor. We are not the Suns, we can get stops, and most teams will not be able to match us basket for basket in the clutch, because we have the best closer. The Clippers have plenty of time to develop the kind of chemistry that Dallas had at the end of last season as well.
- Old Skool Clip Fan
  
  You guys seem to forget that Foye played some good “D” last year against both Kobe and Durant. Foye can D-up when he needs to.
Metal Matty

I would def play EB on Kobe before I put Smith on him.
- Metal Matty
  
  Still, I don’t think Smith is the worst option ever if we can snag him for cheap. My only issue is we don’t have a strong coach, so I don’t trust he can be handled properly.
  - http://clipperblog.com CAKid
    
    You know if we are honest VDN deserves some love for our current record. Rotations have been good and 700 winning percentage – strong stats. I cant believe I am going to say this (Lord help me) but he just could be coach of the year. In fact if we keep this momentum after this injury who else could win it?
    
    I am not a VDN fan or hater but flat out VDN will win the award if we maintain the top 2 or 3 position. Can you imagine Clipper fans we could in one year win the Pacific, Exec of the year, Coach of the Year and who know what else?
    - http://fullyloadedclips.com FullyLoadedClips
      
      To quote Pulp Fiction: “let’s not start sucking each other’s dicks quite yet.”
Clip

Why isn’t anyone looking at AK47? Just curiosity…
- Metal Matty
  
  Probably too expensive and not sure he is coming back this year. More of a 3-4. I guess theoretically Caron can play 2 but he is better as a 3.
- http://clipperblog.com CAKid
  
  I just posted and didn’t see your posting about AK47. He plays some nasty D and can pick and pop.
- bongstradamus
  
  He committed to Russia this season and is staying there until the Olympics. He said next season he’s coming back to the NBA. He didnt want to leave his team hanging when the lockout ended.
- Clip
  
  Oh ok… I see, Thanks for the replys!
http://clipperblog.com CAKid

Got an idea here. Do we really need another guard or how about a forward and give Caron some time at the 2. We have first big injury and Caron will need time off now and then. How about Ryan Gomes and 2.5 exemption to Dallas for Lamar? Or how about Gomes and the 2.5 for anyone that plays the 3. I would even look at A. Kiralinko (however you spell that name!)

BTW – I believe with this injury provision we get the ability to add a player with Billups salary. I thought there was some type of provision. Does anyone know?
DeMote DeAndre

According to an ESPN report on January 1:
“Free agent Andrei Kirilenko will remain in Russia and finish the season with CSKA Moscow rather than return to the NBA, the team reported on its website Saturday.

“During this month I considered different options, weighting out all pros and cons, and I came to the conclusion that I should finish this season with CSKA,” Kirilenko said, according to CSKA’s website. “We’ve developed great team chemistry, the real team in the first part of the season. It would be inappropriate to stop halfway. It would be unfair toward my teammates and, more importantly, toward fans. I know how many people count on me.”"
http://fullyloadedclips.com FullyLoadedClips

Now we get to find out what Bledsoe is really made of. He’s likely to see a lot of minutes off the bench and he could become the captain of the 2nd unit if Mo needs to be on the court with the first line. Best case scenario, Bledsoe takes the step that Rajon Rondo did during the Celtics run. Worst case scenario, Bledsoe becomes an inconsistent turnover machine and forces the Clippers’ front office to make a move and sign another veteran. Likely scenario, Bledsoe plays well in stretches, and VDN gets creative with his bench line ups. 1.Bledsoe 2. Foye 3. Butler 4. Martin 5. Evans could work in small stretches. Billups’ injury forces the Clips to split reps amongst the starters.
DeMote DeAndre

The injury to Chauncey Billups is a most unfortunate thing for him personally (pain, surgery, lengthy rehab, career ending), but that’s a separate matter from how it will effect the team advancing in the playoffs. I don’t think it will have a serious negative effect on the team’s chances, especially since his shooting was way down and wasn’t likely to consistently get better.

I want to see what Bledsoe can do this year. Does anybody know what’s going on with his injury? I heard on the radio it was a bone bruise in his knee from banging knees in practice. Anybody know anything about that? If Bledsoe can play at the level of when he was at his best last year, he can have a very positive effect on the team.

ESPN lists both Mo Williams and Eric Bledsoe at 6’1″, 195 lbs. But Bledsoe seems bigger and stronger. They list Foye at 6′ 4″ 213 lbs.

I remember Bledsoe being very impressive going up against bigger guards in his better games last season, surprisingly so, probably because of hisn strength and speed.
- http://www.barmapla.com FD
  
  They’re both probably under 6ft. You’re right about his shooting, but they need some defense at the 2.
- http://clipperblog.com CAKid
  
  Clip management finally has me believing in their decision making but I hope you all are right about Bledsoe. They made sure he wasnt included in the trade. He scared the hell out of me last year. He as a TO machine. We need to see if he is this good but I personally believe we need a 3. I am reading the Caron is killing us at the 3 on NBA.com but he is a 100% upgrade the Ryan Gomes. I think Caron does a lot more than what shows up in a point total.
http://clipperblog.com CAKid

Over on NBA.com people are killing us. Apparently were dead without him? Yes its a huge blow but come on! I hope the boys read that and put a chip on their shoulder. No way in hell I would count CP3 out. Dude is awesome down the strech.

I am excited the team back here in the Midwest. Taking my son 3 hours down the road tomorrow to watch us kick Cleveland XXX! Holding the faith back here in Michigan. Go Clipp’s!
brad

I blame tj simers…please stay away
DeMote DeAndre

HoopsHype seems to think JR Smith likely is going to Minnesota.

“Multiple sources say Smith is looking for the opportunity to showcase his talents and while the Knicks certainly need help at guard, J.R. has already had a stint with Carmelo Anthony. That may not be as appealing to Smith as some might think. A more appealing option might be the Minnesota Timberwolves who have their $2.5 million, are suddenly a .500 team and have a true need at the two long-term. Coach Rick Adelman has a tremendous reputation for bringing out the best in players who have had difficulty adjusting to the NBA (Metta World Peace nee Ron Artest). HoopsWorld”
- http://www.barmapla.com FD
  
  Not enough clubs in Minnesota for JR Smith. He needs a big city like LA.
  - bongstradamus
    
    I can see Kevin Love stepping on JR’s face by the end of the season for not passing the ball.
- brad
  
  I can definetly see him playing for the wolves and adelman…..i bet we play this out for a few weeks with foye and mo picking up minutes and if it doesnt work out im sure olshey can swing a trade at the deadline
- Nick_C
  
  In this situation, who’s the bigger black hole, JR Smith or Michael Beasley?
- JaySee
  
  Makes no sense. Why would they want JR Smith when they have Wesley Johnson? Wolves should be starting Johnson at the 2 and Derrick Williams at the 3.
Pingback: #InjuryReport :: L.A. Clippers’ Chauncey Billups Out For Remainder of Season « Magazines « TopicPls
Clipset

Ryan Gomes HAS to step up.Bottom Line. Between him and Bledsoe they can account for the 14 points Chauncy was averaging. If not, they should consider Aaron Brooks or trading for a wing player like Shawn Marion
AshD32

Wow I was really hoping it would be a day to day injury this blowwwwssss.
NRM

We have to dedicate our playoff run to Billups like the Mavs did with Caron last year.
- griffin
  
  Yeah I agree
griffin

clippers should get jr for a one year deal until the season is over and when the offseason is here get an sg and go for wilson chandler if he still on the market which I doubt
http://Clipperblog.com Al

Get well and get back soon Chauncey!!! Thanks for buying in to the program and recruiting K-Mart!!!
Metal Matty

Maybe it’s time to bring Shawn Livingston home. He’s work his way all the way back to being a starter in the NBA. He’s not lighting it up, but he’s smart and he can defend the two.

His shooting is a minus but our other two’s are Mo and Foye so it seems like a fit.
Juan

Billups loss is big on the court, but he will still be able to contribute off the court, especially playoff time in prepping against other team. He’s basically a player-coach. Clips will more than likely get an injury exception for him. They will have that plus trade exceptions plus amnesty provision. Most of that would point to veterans to fill up the bench, which more than likely pushes Mo up to starter and splitting time with Bledsoe. Maybe amnesty Gomes…Possibly pick up a backup center….I hear Kaman is on the trading block….
- Juan
  
  Hamady Ndiaye got let go….nice rim protector.
- JaySee
  
  So many things wrong with this post. Amnesty time has come and gone. Clippers don’t want Kaman, and Kaman doesn’t want the Clippers. Kaman already bashed the Clippers FO on the internet.
MV22

Chauncy had the unique knack of getting fouled and making his free throws, knocking down clutch 3′s and playing winning basketball. His career is probably over. It was great watching him every night. He’s a true winner. I miss him already.
- Jgroove
  
  I agree. Billups career is likely over and if he does return its likely not to the Clippers. I can see him going one more year as a back up in Denver (Andre Miller won’t reup there).
  
  It was great while it lasted. We need a defensive guard to come in and play bigger guards.
- Kurt
  
  He already said to the media last night he is not retiring at the end of this season, but I think we only have him signed for this one, correct?
Tim

I think the experts have totally inflated Chaunceys value on the floor. Lets be honest in evaluating his production. I admit to being the complete pro-Billups guy while he was on the court, casting a blind eye on certain short-comings to his game. Sure, he dragged us out of the fire vs Dallas, but wasn’t it Chauncey who missed point blank shots near the rim, and turned the ball over 3 times in closing moments, just before the bail out 3 pointer to win the game? Chauncey’s production was spotty at best, but valued with drawning fouls, and making free-throws. The pull jumpers tended to clank more often then trend towards bingo, but were appreciated when they fell. His defense was suspect at best. The Clippers need to keep from dwelling on this unfortunate occurrence, and understand, that they did not lose their leading scorer, or leading rebounder, or leading anything in Chauncey. We lost a good player, and we can replace a good player with another good player, and if you give Randy Foye 30 plus minutes a game, he will get you 14 to 20 points a night, guaranteed, and he proved it last year. This works for our guards better, more minutes for Mo, Randy and Chris, and if you have these 3 veteran guards getting 30 minutes per night, the Clippers will be hard to defeat. Stop with the cursed franchise references, I heard one announcer say, CP3 needs to be careful crossing the street now that he’s in a Clipper uniform. These losers really need to stop.
- Clips4
  
  In Chauncey, we lost championship experience that is irreplaceable. Of everyone on the roster, Chauncey is the only one to have won a ring that played in the finals and played a big role to be Finals MVP. When the playoffs come, Chauncey’s value will be magnified. It isn’t so much what his game brings, but what his presence does to calm everyone on the court.
  - Tim
    
    Before last year, the Mavericks didn’t have anyone on their roster with championship rings either. We have Kenyon, Cook, and Caron, all who have been to the Finals. Dallas had no one last year who could provide a calming influence as you had suggested we need, but they overcame this short-coming to win the title, inspite of not having a lockdown defender on the floor, or having an NBA Finals MVP’s calling influence. That influence, although value is not mandatory for winning it all. Look at Chaunceys overall production, and ask yourself, can that be replaced with the players we currently have on the roster, and the answer is yes, lets move on, Chauncey? Thanks for the contributions, but we still have a championship roster currently, right now, with what we got. We’re fine.
    - Clips4
      
      The lockout has caused scoring to go down across the board for every team
http://www.800loanmart.com/ ClipsFan

This loss will give the Clippers an opportunity to show their true colors as a team. I think they still be able to develop and grow as a team throughout the season and work well together. They have depth in the guard/shooting guard position and I have seen before where teams lose a star player and are able to pick up the “slack” for lack of a better word.
http://Lou Dallas

Good post by Tim. I was not expected him the whole season, maybe VDN did not have more choice to play him for so many minutes because Bledsoe’s injury or because he wants im as a starter. The Clippers does not need to show any panic. Keep playing hard like they did in Orlando.
http://clipperblog.com Clipper Optik

Early in the season Ray Allen was being made available why not explore that avenue again and maybe offer Foye, Gomes and the exception for Allen?
- JaySee
  
  Celtics want youth, not cap relief. Allen is also an expiring contract.
clipperbull

There’s no way around the fact that loosing Chauncey is a big big blow. He’s the perfect compliment to CP and the kind of leadership he brings to the table will be irreplaceable come playoff time. K-Mart is a nice pickup. But the Clips need to find backcourt help as well. The time is now. They have a real chance to do something this year. Foye and Bledsoe are ok but they can never provide the intangibles of Senior Big Shot. Make something happen!
- Tim
  
  Lets think about this rationally. Excluding Blake and Deandre, what points are getting from the other bigs? Jones, nothing, cut! Cook, ziltch, Gomes, not-ta, Thomkins, rookie, nothing! Evans? Rebounds, but no points. So by suddenly adding K-Mart, you get 10pts and 7 rebounds a night. Increased minutes for Foye, Paul, and Mo Will only increase production. By adding Kmart, plus the added minutes to the other backcourt players, you more than make up for what Chauncey was providing. We will miss Chaunceys intangibles, but his missing on court production will not have much of an impact on wins and losses as long as everyone else produces at their normal rate. So have to disagree with it being a big big blow. Championship teams adjust through adversity, the same way the Mavericks adjusted when they lost Caron for the season early last year.
- brad
  
  I think that Olshey will eventually make something happen. Right now because of our record we can afford to be a little patient when it comes to signing a guard or making a trade for one. I really think we need to find a backup small forward though. No need to rush or panic because the answer might just be extended minutes for Foye and Williams plus the addition of Bledsoe at the guard position.
  - clipperbull
    
    No need to panic. But if the team is going to make a championship run, they better make a move. The problem won’t be during the regular season. Point production will be fine. There will be plenty of wins. But the playoffs are another story. Foye and Bledsoe will become irrelevant. The Mavs may not of had any rings but Dirk, J Kidd, Terry, etc had plenty of big game experience. These opportunities don’t come around often. The Clips need another veteran player.
    - Tim
      
      Foye irrelevant? You’ll eat those words Clipperbull. The Mavs didn’t have a player the caliber of Chris Paul, a superworld talent like Blake, and the Mo-Terry comparison is a fair description. No one ever heard of Barea before last year, and I’m sure by the end of this season, there will be some people who discover Bledsoe, but we already know about him. All the Clippers need is good health the rest of the way. We have everything else that we need right now.
      - clipperbull
        
        Hopefully they’ll make a deal. Otherwise just watch.
        By the way, as much as I love CP and Blake, Dirk (last year) was better than either. And Bledsoe has some nice promise but at best he’s a work in progress. You don’t make your way through the playoffs with a bench like the Clippers.
JoeLuis323

Agreed, Dirk was out of this world last year and there’s no doubt they relied on him and he delivered but you’d be a fool to say that this Clippers team doesnt have a shot, especially now that they are starting to click together. Great leadership + Great teamates = championships!. The pieces are there, and the coaching has proven to be more than sub-par. Anyways, i dont think olshey is done. He will get us a wing, or more bench depth, something, he’lll deliver!.

PS. Good Bye MR. Salomon Jones. won’t b missed but it is what it is and whish him the best.

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		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29