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Deconstructing the Fridge Magnet

Posted by Kevin Arnovitz on Wed, 08/06/08, 03:13pm:

Category: General

As we mentioned, with the exception of the imbalance in games played vs. Western Conference opponents, the season schedule is a fixed entity. But the contour of the schedule can have a huge effect on how a season proceeds. A successful trip back east can energize a team. Getting off to a slow start can ignite turmoil and self-doubt. Too many blocks of four-games-in-five-nights can exhaust a squad.

So what does the 2008-09 schedule have to offer the Clippers?

FIRST TEN

10.29 Lakers

10.30 Denver

11.01 @ Utah

11.02 Utah

11.05 @ Lakers

11.07 Houston

11.09 Dallas

11.12 Sacramento

11.15 Golden State

11.17 San Antonio

The Clippers will play nine of their first ten games at Staples. But they start the season with a brutal stretch and will likely be the underdog in each of their first seven games, Home-Denver being the possible exception.

FOUR GAMES IN FIVE NIGHTS

12.02 @ Dallas

12.03 @ Houston

12.05 @ Memphis

12.06 @ Minnesota

03.14 @ Denver

03.15 New Jersey

03.17 @ Golden State

03.18 Washington

The Clips had only one 4-in-5 block last season, March 25, 26, 28, 29 (@DAL, @SA, @UTA, MEM). They went 1-3 on the trip (W vs. MEM…go figure).

THE RUGGED EAST COAST SWING

01.30 @ Cleveland

01.31 @ Washington

02.02 @ Miami

02.04 @ Orlando

02.06 @ Memphis

02.07 @ Atlanta

02.09 @ Charlotte

The kind of east coast trip the Clips could feasibly rack up a respectable 3-4 record.

THE LONG HOMESTAND

01.11 Phoenix

01.14 Atlanta

01.17 Milwaukee

01.19 Minnesota

01.21 Lakers

01.23 Oklahoma City

Before the 2006-2007 season, we highlighted a “get fat” stretch. Unfortunately, this year’s Clipper model can’t be regarded as a home favorite almost every night. Still, you’d like to think the Clips could go 5-1 on a stretch like this one – beating the likes of ATL, MIL, MIN, OKC, and splitting with PHX and LAL. And for the Clippers to contend, they’re going to have to.

THE PLAYOFF STRETCH

04.07 Minnesota

04.10 Sacramento

04.11 Portland

04.13 @ Utah

04.15 Oklahoma City

You couldn’t ask for a more generous final five games. At Utah is a probably L, unless they’re resting guys, and Portland is vastly improved, but the sequence still offers home games against four non-playoff teams.

Comments

Clipper Derrick wrote:

I think that the first 10 games are extremely important, and KA is right that it's a tough opening.

FYI, Regarding the first ten games of the season, here’s how our 08-09 foes fared last year:

Lakers: 7/10: Lost to HOU, NOR and SAS
Nuggets: 7/10: Lost to NOR, NYK and BOS
Jazz: 8/10: Lost to HOU and LAL
Rockets: 6/10: Lost to DAL, MEM, LAL and SAS
Mavericks: 8/10: Lost to ATL and POR
Kings: 4/10: Lost to NOR, SAS, DAL, CLE, UTH and MIN
Warriors: 3/10: Lost to UTH, LAC, UTH, CLE, DAL, DET and BOS
Spurs: 8/10: Lost to HOU and DAL

You may want to note the trend that all of the playoff teams from last year fared no worse than 6/10 in the opening 10 games. I'm hoping the home stand will help, and have optimistic faith that the Clips can split the Jazz and Laker games, get wins v. the Nuggets, Warriors and Kings and pull at least one "upset" over either Dallas, Spurs or Rockets, that would be 6/10 and a decent forecast of our playoff possibilities.

FYI: Even though line-ups for the most part of changed everything, here's how we fared against the same teams last year. Take them with a grain of salt:

vs. Lakers: 0/4
vs. Nuggets: 1/3
vs. Jazz: 1/4
vs. Rockets: 0/3
vs. Mavericks: 0/4
vs Kings: 3/4
vs. Warriors: 1/4
vs. Spurs: 0/3

08/06/08 17:46:12

Throw it down, big man! Throw it down! wrote:

Got another shooter...This is a pretty good deal...took Fazekas spot...

http://www.nba.com/clippers...

08/06/08 17:55:54

Closstastic wrote:

How disappointing is it that opening night is against the Lakers? I haven't missed an opening night in YEARS, but.. to have to sit next to Laker fan? Not worth it.

David Stern can eat a dick.

08/07/08 09:25:40

FireDunleavy.com wrote:

Yeah, that's gotta be the worst opening game ever. Those opening games could end the season after 3 weeks.

08/07/08 09:46:18

Atarikid wrote:

C'mon were going to go win 7 out of 10!

FIRST TEN

10.29 Lakers W

10.30 Denver W

11.01 @ Utah L

11.02 Utah W

11.05 @ Lakers L

11.07 Houston W

11.09 Dallas W

11.12 Sacramento W

11.15 Golden State W

11.17 San Antonio L

08/07/08 10:45:33

ACD wrote:

you guys are never satisfied... opening night against the lakers is your shot to dump the western conference champions.

would you rather play memphis and get an easy win?

geez, you cant satisfy anyone

08/07/08 10:54:34

neiljphx wrote:

agreed. no sense trying to run and hide.
let's get ready to rumble!

08/07/08 11:34:42

Number2 wrote:

Man, as a season ticket holder.. this game is a tough one...

1) I can go to a great season opening game.
2) Or, sell the tickets and RIP off a Laker fan, and make some money..

Hell, I'm going to see if I can double up my money, if not a double up, I'm going to the game.. I've made up my mind !!! Either way, it's a WIN WIN for me !!

08/07/08 11:41:38

Petey Pablo wrote:

The Laker bench killed the Clippers last season. This years bench should be more than capable of playing with them, and our starters should be able to keep us in the game.

Kaman kinda got owned by bynum last year, although Chris still ended up with like 18 and 12.

Camby is long enough to bother Gasol all night.

If Thornton can score 20+ on Chris Bosch, then I think he can score atleast 15 against Odom.

Mobley might not be able to go off against Kobe, but Kobe hopefully might be harrassed by cat and not go off either.

Baron should have his way against Fish.

08/07/08 12:12:37

ACD wrote:

Petey... i think you're underestimating how good the lakers are... but you do bring up a good point.

The Clippers match up well against this team. The only real substantial advantage for the lakers is Kobe v Mobley...

Of course you have to factor team chemistry, etc... and the Kobe factor...

but this clippers team is miles ahead of the curve compared to last year's rag tag bunch...

08/07/08 12:17:37

The Chosen one wrote:

If Novak performs well enough in preseason and in practice this could really be a game we could use his shooting hand over TT.

I have no problem with TT but Novak off the bench seems a better fit to nullify (offense wise) Sasha if he starts draining threes.

TT is useful more so against the power based bench teams.
I really hope Mobley can pull through he is the X factor. On paper we match up EXTRMELY well against but Kobe and Mobley are the odd couple.

Chemisrty may lean toward the Lakers but only slighty as they will still be testing the waters with Gasol and Bynum. I hope Oden destories Bynum enough for us to finish him off:)

I would say MD should call the team in now to get a head start on their chem but Kaman won't be able to make it.

08/07/08 12:41:04

Petey Pablo wrote:

ACD, would playing a lot of zone be beneficial as far as keeping kobe out of the lane as well as preventing that lob to gasol that they run often?

Then again the Lakers are capable of shooting from the floor.

It will be a good test for the Clips.

08/07/08 12:47:46

Bongstradamus wrote:

Actually, I think i would prefer to see Conley, Gay and Mayo over Kobe, Lamar and Pau. But thats just me.

08/07/08 13:11:26

tw wrote:

The Clips front office cannot be happy with opening against the Lakers, and the fact that the Lakers will have two opening nights in LA..one of their own and one where Laker fans crash the Clips opening night party. I know this isn't what you guys want to hear but this is how it is and any Clips apologist can stop your nonsense before you have a chance to spew it here..cause anyone that has attended a Clipper home game against the Lakers (ever) know this to be a fact. It's not a pleasant site, but until the Clips do a better job with their personnel this trend will unfortunately continue

08/07/08 14:03:32

Clipper Speakeasy wrote:

I was just informed by a Clipper insider that we have signed Jason Williams. Not sure I believe it, but thought I'd share.

If true, that certainly means the end of Shaun's time here.

08/07/08 14:55:13

Andy wrote:

WHAT? where did you hear that Clipper Speakeasy?

08/07/08 14:58:05

The Chosen one wrote:

^^^ Man that would be a great move if we found a way to work it in.

That would make four PG's though Davis, Taylor,Hart, and Williams.

I always like Jason Williams aka White Chocolate. This move would piss off Shaq as rumors say Shaq was trying to get him to the Suns.

Think he is the best fit to back up BD. I would trade Hart for a Center to help PF Skinner off the bench or just through the C to the reserve.

The guy was probably just messing with you though.

08/07/08 15:22:53

chris. wrote:

Fuck Stern and the NBA for giving us our first home game against the Lakers. That's the worst home opener experience for any of the new 9 Clippers to have, where the home crowd is for the visiting team.
Talk about an intense first game...maybe Kobe's off-season surgery will take longer to heal.

08/07/08 15:32:06

ACD wrote:

if that's true, mike taylor is a gonner.

tw, you always need something to complain about. I'm sure YOU're upset that the clippers play the lakers as their opener. But dont speak for the rest of us or the front office.

The front office doesnt give a crap because the game is a sellout anyway. The only ones that are happy are ticket holders who want to rape Laker fans for those tickets.

I have no problem seeing laker fans at the game. who cares if they have "two opening nights?". Why are you so concerned with the lakers? they are the western conference champions...let them be.

Do you really think this is a slight against the clippers? that's the way the nba is. that's why the lakers and celtics have 400 nationally televised games and milwaukee has almost none. that's the way life is.

you want to change it? we agree. win. but dont whine everytime something happens...

i'm still waiting for your anti-steve novak post. Something along the lins of.... "He's a good shooter but he's too damn white!" We should have kept Powell or Fazekas because they had more potential! "

give it a rest

08/07/08 15:33:35

Clipper Derrick wrote:

NBA.com wrote an article about the top 10 games to watch this season, and lo and behold, our home game against the Lakers is on the list: http://www.nba.com/features...

"The second game of the night marks Baron Davis' return to his hometown of Los Angeles as he sports the Clippers' red, white and blue for the first time after bolting from the Warriors this summer. Who better for Davis to do it against than the Clips' STAPLES Center co-habitants, the Lakers? In addition to B-Diddy, the game will give a first glimpse at the re-tooled roster that Mike Dunleavy has to work with that now includes Marcus Camby, Ricky Davis and lottery pick Eric Gordon."

08/07/08 15:34:18

The Chosen one wrote:

ACD-

I would have to disagree on that one if there is a chance this story is true do the Clippers really want to pay a player(Jason Hart) that much for being third string. Even though 2mil is close to nothing.

Mike Taylor at least is a low risk prospect that can be molded into the team without a salary lump.

All in all it's all just talk.

08/07/08 15:50:01

The Chosen one wrote:

LOL I say we sign for a ten day deal for....... Dikembe Mutombo.

08/07/08 16:33:21

Jax wrote:

Let's get back to the white chocolate rumor. Any confirmation?

08/07/08 16:37:33

Andy wrote:

ya thats what its about right now. i have a feeling speakeasy was lied to. can't figure out why we would pick white choco up. but it would be really nice for the clips.

08/07/08 16:41:00

dave wrote:

jason williams signing on espn...

http://sports.espn.go.com/n...

08/07/08 16:49:25

The Chosen one wrote:

Damn it's boring right now.

Catch watch T.V. everything is about Brett Favre on sportscenter. ALos NBA TV are playing old classic games that don't intrest (it's hard to watch the games when Time Warners info screen tells you who is going to win and by how much).

So letss get something started.

If there was one Clipper you could trade who would it be and for who?

Try to be realistic no Skinner for Kevin Garnett type stuff.lol

Me personally C.Mobley and a 2nd pick for Leandro Barbosa (think he is a starter caliber player) or Jamal Crawford (seems like he would hustle if motivated better.

08/07/08 16:57:35

Q.D. wrote:

Speakeasy was on point w/ this signing

08/07/08 17:02:31

The Chosen one wrote:

Holy Shit they did get Williams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL we got a white/black player hell yea.

Ha!!! Shaq tell us how our @$$ taste. Free Hershey White Chocolate bars on opening night.

08/07/08 17:04:16

JM wrote:

Good call, Speakeasy.

I like the signing. Good to know in case Davis has to miss time, there are two capable veterans to fill in. Hart being paid $2M seems like reasonably priced insurance, considering Davis' injury history. Does the team keep Shaun now?

08/07/08 17:08:57

Clipper Derrick wrote:

Wow. Another PG. Here's the link from the Clips site:
http://www.nba.com/clippers...

I guess they won't be extending an offer to Shaun after all. Too bad ...

If we're going to talk about a new topic, what about the pros and cons of rehauling an entire roster? Jason makes 9 new players to the roster.

Obviously, chemistry is a major issue here. At least Ricky Davis and Jason played with each other last year, but only Kaman, Mobley, Thornton and Thomas the only holdovers from last year, I think that it probably won't be in the team's best interests to trade any of those four. There's got to be some kind of continuity for there to be success, right?

08/07/08 17:10:49

The Chosen one wrote:

Good Job Speakeasy

I believe Shaun is to say "Gone with the Wind" so to speak.

White Chocolate for president. We are going to see some sick passes this season.

I can see it now:

William's steals the ball the break begin Thorton is right behind him.

Kobe is waiting underneath.

The announcers roar "Oh my God, Jason Williams behind the back-threw the legs-off the backboard to Al Thorton for the monter Slam on Kobe".

CLIPPERS,CLIPPERS,CLIPPERS!!!

08/07/08 17:18:23

Petey Pablo wrote:

Now LA has 13 players right? Do they pick up another big and leave one spot open for anyone that comes up during the season?

I read that Miami talked with Livingston earlier this week. Did Livy want a bigger contract than what the Clippers could or would be willing to give?

08/07/08 17:26:33

Clipper Derrick wrote:

Now that I think about it ... now the Clips have someone on the team who has a championship ring (even if it is only for a year) and was an important part of a championship run. During the Heat/Mavs finals, "Williams averaged 12 points and 5 assists, and posted a game-high seven assists in the decisive game six victory."

08/07/08 17:26:50

WillC wrote:

Nice @ the Williams signing. Let's see what White Chocolate has left in the tank.

08/07/08 17:34:06

Bongstradamus wrote:

ok, signing J-Dubb just made me extremely happy. I've always had an irrational thing for him.

We may have just secured the lowest 3pt% in the league after picking Jason up, but dang this is going to be some fast paced up and down basketball.

08/07/08 17:34:46

ACD wrote:

Talk about upgrading your point guard position.

Last year:

Knight
Dickau
garbage NBDL

now
B Diddy
J Williams
J Hart
Hart gets moved back to 3rd string where he belongs! hahahahha

poor guy though...it's hard enough getting minutes behind davis...now you have to wait till someone gets hurt.

not my favorite player in the world, but better than some crappy rookie.

08/07/08 17:40:46

Clipper Speakeasy wrote:

Petey-

I count 14 players on the current roster.

PG - B. Davis/Hart/Williams/Taylor
SG - Mobley/R. Davis/Gordon
SF - Thornton/Thomas
PF - Camby/Novak/Jordan
C - Kaman/Skinner

I think the 15th spot stays open. Shaun is definitely not returning.

08/07/08 17:40:47

ACD wrote:

nice work, speakeasy...

that is a solid, if not slightly intimidating roster.

08/07/08 17:42:22

The Chosen one wrote:

The depth is outrageously good. We have one more spot I say it has to go to a PF or C.
Clipper Derrick- Yor right chemisrty will be a large facor with this many player from all over the league. But with Kaman gone it will make it harder. This is a issue that needs to be pushed now, unlike the Artest deal that in one player on an chemistry built team. This team with four exceptions are built from the ground up.

I know Thorton, Mobley, Kaman, and
(maybe) Thomas are all secured in their spots on the team.

lol the one year Kaman gets a life-time oppurtunity it's when the team needs him back in the states right now.

08/07/08 17:42:42

tw wrote:

ACD, it's nice to know I can get under your skin so easily..but one of these days your gonna have to tell me how the Clipper koolaid tastes cause you sure toss it back like its nobodys business..

On opening night against the Lakers..that's not optimal for the Clips to say the least. Having the arena filled with Laker fans chanting K-O-B-E is not what the Clips would have wished for, and I see that as just another slight by Stern and the NBA. I find this not to be simply a coincidence, much like them burying the EB game on NYE. You don't want such a potentially ugly scene headlining sportscenter if you are the league, and with that game falling on NYE, tens of people will be paying attention to the NBA that night. The NBA is so damn funny sometimes.

As for white-coco, hey why not at this point. And with Novak, I'd rather see this guy play over T2 any day and twice on Sunday.

See ACD, I don't disagree with everything, just the things that make no damn sense. I just wish that these things that make no sense didn't outnumber those that did by such a large margin

08/07/08 17:46:41

chris. wrote:

wow,
this is a motley squad if I ever saw one thrown together. Either way we'll be amazing like an all-star team or a joke like the Harlom Globetrotters...either way it'll be fun to watch (and yes, I'm hoping for the all-star team side of it).

And if this team does do really well, imagine the money Sterling would have to put up next year (or 2 years) when half these players become free agents since they are all short contracts (aside from BD).

GO CLIPPERS!!!

08/07/08 17:48:23

WillC wrote:

I think some players like Ricky and Thomas can play the 3(Ricky) or 4(Thomas) in certain really quick, small line-ups. Plus Novak gets some spin at the 3 too.

PG: Baron Davis/Williams/Hart/Taylor
SG: Mobley/Gordon/Ricky Davis
SF: Thornton/Ricky Davis/Thomas/Novak
PF: Camby/Skinner/Novak/Thomas
C: Kaman/Skinner/Jordan

08/07/08 17:48:42

The Chosen one wrote:

Question: How much money do we have left I thought we were low after the Davis signing. Are the Clippers selling crack on the side? :}

08/07/08 17:52:52

Stian wrote:

Sweet pickup!

Style-wise J-Will should fit in well in case Baron is out with an injury, and Jason Hart (who's probably not too happy right now....) proved how solid he can be.

On a realted note - I'm so RELIEVED this whole Livingston drama is finally OVER and DONE. He was a retarded pick from Day One (6'7", 165 lbs?! - Give me a muthaf'n break, y'all!) and it turned out worse than anyone could've ever imagined.

Good luck, Shaun, in whatever you do with the rest of your life. We're wiping the slate clean and starting fresh and it's gonna be freakin' GLORIOUS!!!

08/07/08 17:55:57

Kevin Arnovitz wrote:

NPUT

08/07/08 17:57:12

Bongstradamus wrote:

I'd be running:

PG - Williams/Hart/Taylor/Gordon
SG - Baron Davis/Eric Gordon/Mobely
SF - Ricky Davis/Thornton/Thomas/Mobely
PF - Thornton/Novak/Thomas/Skinner
C - Camby/Kaman/Skinner

Theres no way you can defend all 5 of those starters at once. With the focus on Williams bringing the ball up, Davis can be free to do what he does best, either score, or pound the ball inside from the wing. I like the idea of having 2 scoring point guards on the floor rather than risk wondering if Cuttino Blowme's shot is on or not. If Baron was only 6'1" i wouldnt suggest it, but at 6'3" and with his skills from range and handle on the ball...i mean, would you rather have Cuttino chucking that PUJIT?

08/07/08 18:01:39

Jerdog wrote:

Hey Bongstradamus. You most definitely are hitting on that bong again. You are playing J Williams (no scoring, no D, no rebounding) over Mobley? After you are done satisfying your munchies and the red clears from your eyes, let's talk more basketball when you become coherent again. Sure, Williams is entertaining to watch and can spark a team, but he is just a spot player, not a regular.

08/07/08 19:08:14

jgroove wrote:

I don't get this signing whatsoever. Nothing against J-Will, but why not pick up another scorer like Flip Murray or Juan Dixon. And the point about Hart is right on target -- his salary is way to much for a back up point guard. Are the Clips collecting players and salaries for some reason? Could some deal be occurring before training camp? Or is that just wishful thinking?

I will say this, I prefer the veteran pick ups over the NBDLers and not ready for the NBA Euro players any day.

08/07/08 20:36:26

The Chosen one wrote:

If they are trying to build for a trade I see TT,Hart and maybe Taylor (hope not the guy at least needs a shot) with picks as the key figures.

With TT, Novak is his biggest threat and I think the Clippers might try to make Novak a serious role player in the new Davis era. The one thing about TT is he still has good trade value. I wouln't mind TT staying though and just splitting his time with Novak.

With Hart, He is now getting paid two much for a 3rd string. The Clipps may be thinking now they jumped the gun with the trade. Package him in a deal and get a lost cost quailty PG.

With Taylor, He may just be used to make a deal a inch better also with a pick. Hope not though.

08/07/08 21:21:42

Bongstradamus wrote:

J-Dubb's best game is in getting the ball to his teammates. A true point guard. He can score if he needs to, but i'd much rather he do what he does best and thats pass the ball in all those wonderful ways he can. I dont like that most of his shots are from the 3pt line. But if he can get the other guys involved, then yea I would start him over Mobely. You need a catalyst, and thats Jason. I'd easily trade in Cuttinos 4 extra points and 3 extra boards for jasons a/to rating, better free throwing, higher steal percentage and better 3pt% in less minutes played.

08/08/08 00:08:41

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Deconstructing the Fridge Magnet

Posted by Kevin Arnovitz on Wed, 08/06/08, 03:13pm:

Comments

Clipper Derrick wrote:

Throw it down, big man! Throw it down! wrote:

Closstastic wrote:

FireDunleavy.com wrote:

Atarikid wrote:

ACD wrote:

neiljphx wrote:

Number2 wrote:

Petey Pablo wrote:

ACD wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

Petey Pablo wrote:

Bongstradamus wrote:

tw wrote:

Clipper Speakeasy wrote:

Andy wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

chris. wrote:

ACD wrote:

Clipper Derrick wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

Jax wrote:

Andy wrote:

dave wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

Q.D. wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

JM wrote:

Clipper Derrick wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

Petey Pablo wrote:

Clipper Derrick wrote:

WillC wrote:

Bongstradamus wrote:

ACD wrote:

Clipper Speakeasy wrote:

ACD wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

tw wrote:

chris. wrote:

WillC wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

Stian wrote:

Kevin Arnovitz wrote:

Bongstradamus wrote:

Jerdog wrote:

jgroove wrote:

The Chosen one wrote:

Bongstradamus wrote:

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