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clipps04
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Post subject: Okafor LA's Answer?
 Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 02:20 PM PST
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Clipper All-Star
Joined: Nov 16, 2007 Age: 21
Posts: 1384
  
votes: 8
Status: Offline
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I could be way off but I actually think this guy (reporter) might have a point. Take a read guys and see what you think. Both players seem to be great it's just who will better fit our needs. That may be Okafor...
Okafor Should Be L.A.'s Answer: Clippers fans, losing Elton Brand is not a good thing. In fact, it's a very bad thing. Brand is an All-Star, a dominant player, a 20-10 guy, and now the Clips have committed a ton of money to Baron Davis but actually look worse off.
But, there is a bright side. L.A. is now the only team in the league with cap space to burn and they want a forward. Lucky for them there are two restricted ones who will be visiting very soon: Atlanta's Josh Smith and Charlotte's Emeka Okafor. Would one of these guys be worth giving the $81 million they offered Brand?
Josh Smith is a fantastic player. He can rebound, defend, block shots, get to the rim, and he is continually becoming a better shooter. Thing is, the Clippers have good wings, assuming Al Thornton continues to develop and Eric Gordon becomes a scorer at the NBA level like many expect. Smith played some four in Atlanta, but he's simply not built to handle power forwards on an every night basis. Would anyone expect him to guard Tim Duncan or Carlos Boozer? LaMarcus Aldridge or Pau Gasol? Amare Stoudemire or Kenyon Martin? Yes, he can handle any given player on any given night, but playing power forwards of that caliber every night, undersized, on a team that does not run a Mike D'Antoni offense (that helped Shawn Marion play the four) would be asking a lot.
Smith would be a nice addition, but he wouldn't end up being the right solution.
Emeka Okafor, on the other hand, is almost perfect. He is a better defender than Brand, an equal rebounder, and with the additions of Gordon and Davis wouldn't necessarily have to be the offensive player Brand was, though he continues to develop. Okafor would be able to defend all of the quality power forwards the West has to offer and his size in the paint would give the Clippers almost as much hope as Brand would. Okafor gets criticized a lot - mostly for not being Dwight Howard, which is hardly his fault – but the reality is most people don't get a chance to see him play because of his being a Bobcat. If they saw him play, their opinion would undoubtedly change for the better.
Okafor is not Elton Brand, but he's the next-best option and he's a perfect fit for the Clippers. The only sticking point would be if the Bobcats wanted to match the offer sheet, which considering they offered him a deal starting at $12 million they might be likely to do. Thing is, Okafor does not want to be in Charlotte – otherwise he would have signed by now – and he could make more money in L.A. (endorsements). A future first round pick and a trade exception may be enticing for the Cats, because the Clips definitely wouldn't want to lose Thornton or Gordon. Given the future contract commitments already made to Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson, the Cats might be better off cutting their losses than paying big money to a player who doesn't want to be there. And yes, that effectively ends the Cats in the playoffs in 2009 talk.
Keep an eye on this one, because it's the next big story. |
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JamFan
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Post subject: RE: Okafor LA's Answer?
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 02:24 PM PST
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Clipper All-Star
Joined: Jul 26, 2005
Posts: 1103
votes: 13
Status: Offline
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| Okafor does not have the offensive skills that Josh has, he is not as athletic as Josh, does not have as much upside as Josh, and has been very injury prone. Other than that he is a good prospect for us. But he will be our #2 target. |
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clipps04
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Post subject: RE: Okafor LA's Answer?
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 02:33 PM PST
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Clipper All-Star
Joined: Nov 16, 2007 Age: 21
Posts: 1384
votes: 8
Status: Offline
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Yeah he doesn't have the upside as Smith and I didn't know he was injury prone, but as offense goes. He wouldn't be needed to score 20 points a night with Gordon, Al, and Kaman scoring for us. he brings the defensive presence we need and may be able to develop a better offensive game. And as the article states, MD doesn't use a run and gun which would would most likely need with Smith. But I guess if we can get the better player might as well.
But I've always agreed with you JamFan and your more knowledgeable on this stuff than I am, so I'll stick but your approach over mine 
Just giving my 2 cents |
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Miquel
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Post subject: RE: Okafor LA's Answer?
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 03:00 PM PST
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Jan 28, 2002
Posts: 880
Location: Barcelona
votes: 11
Status: Offline
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IMO none of these players deserve the money we were giving to EB.
Okafor is a good defender. No doubt. But offensively I see him poor. We don't need more inside scoring with Kaman? Maybe, but Kaman isn't a top scorer either. I don't like this option if we have to spend on him more than those 12 mil$ he already turned down from the Bobcats:
Year Team G GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG
04-05 CHA 73 73 35,6 0,447 0,000 0,609 3,8 7,1 10,9 0,9 0,9 1,7 1,71 2,90 15,1
05-06 CHA 26 25 33,6 0,415 0,000 0,656 3,6 6,4 10,0 1,2 0,9 1,9 2,04 3,40 13,2
06-07 CHA 67 65 34,8 0,532 0,000 0,593 3,9 7,4 11,3 1,2 0,9 2,6 1,66 3,10 14,4
07-08 CHA 82 82 33,1 0,535 0,000 0,570 3,1 7,6 10,7 0,9 0,8 1,7 2,00 2,90 13,8
About Josh Smith: I don't see him as a PF in the West so the talk is over. I like his dunks and he has played better year after year but IMO he's not what we need. He can't defend bigger and heavier guys because he's a SF. Furthermore I have many doubts about him playing a slow game.
04-05 ATL 74 59 27,7 0,455 0,174 0,688 2,0 4,2 6,2 1,7 0,8 2,0 1,82 2,10 9,7
05-06 ATL 80 73 32,0 0,425 0,309 0,719 2,2 4,4 6,6 2,4 0,8 2,6 2,03 3,30 11,3
06-07 ATL 72 72 36,8 0,439 0,250 0,693 2,3 6,3 8,6 3,3 1,4 2,9 3,15 3,30 16,4
07-08 ATL 81 81 35,5 0,457 0,253 0,710 2,0 6,2 8,2 3,4 1,5 2,8 3,02 3,30 17,2
None of these guys can fill EB's absence but I think Okafor is at least a PF. Smith would be great but we already have Al in his position. |
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noname24
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Post subject: RE: Okafor LA's Answer?
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 03:04 PM PST
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Clipper Rookie
Joined: Jul 02, 2008
Posts: 76
Status: Offline
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Okafor would bring great defense but this guy has no offense. A possible lineup of
Davis
Gordon
Thornton
Okafor
Kaman
looks very deadly. I think they should try to get him.. |
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clipps04
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Post subject: RE: Okafor LA's Answer?
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 03:08 PM PST
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Clipper All-Star
Joined: Nov 16, 2007 Age: 21
Posts: 1384
votes: 8
Status: Offline
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Ok true we could definitely use another inside scorer but that's not to say he can't develop a bit better...He has the ability to score and maybe in a new environment he will perform better. He doesn't even want to be with the Bobcats. He stand tall at 6-10 and can handle the large forwards. I don't want to give either Brand money and seeing that the Bobcats offered him 12 mil it doesn't seem like he will take less unless he really wants out.
Again Smith would b awesome but not a true PF. Damn if only we could get both of them. Al could come off the bench for Smith and we would of Okafor down low....Sign and trade? |
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corgiBear8
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Post subject: RE: Okafor LA's Answer?
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 03:45 PM PST
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Clipper 6th Man
Joined: Jun 17, 2008
Posts: 200
votes: 3
Status: Offline
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| I would rather overpay and sign Josh Smith and still have no true starting PF. Emeka might be a better fit right now, but he is definitely not worth $12 mil a year. |
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Post subject: RE: Okafor LA's Answer?
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 04:28 PM PST
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Apr 09, 2008
Posts: 992
Location: L.A
votes: 10
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| I would go foe josh smith first. Then go after him. I would rather have young talent right now. |
_________________
Finally a real PG. 
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clipps04
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 04:51 PM PST
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Clipper All-Star
Joined: Nov 16, 2007 Age: 21
Posts: 1384
votes: 8
Status: Offline
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| Fair enough I agree with what everyone is saying. makes sence to have the young talent expecially seeing as he improves every year. And I guess if we ever needed to, we could trade for him...if need be. |
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ClipperDe$
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 04:55 PM PST
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Clipper Rookie
Joined: Jul 09, 2008
Posts: 57
votes: 1
Status: Offline
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| we need offense.. Smith brings an explosiveness and the offense that we need... |
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clipper*joe
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 05:18 PM PST
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Clipper All-Star
Joined: Jul 26, 2007
Posts: 1769
Location: los angeles
votes: 32
Status: Offline
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I don't understand this thing about Josh not being a PF. The guy is taller than Brand and averages more Blocks, assists & rebounds. The guy has a better than average outside 15 ft. The guy can brush up on his inside game but that is the extent of it.
Brand had a good inside presence but most of his shots came from the outside ( 10-15 ft turn arounds). Josh can do that too.
Okafor might do the things that an average PF does but he doesn't have as much upside as Josh has. Josh will only get better and Okafor looks like he has peeked. His defense is good but he doesn't have an offense. Josh has that and more.
I rather get a 22 yr old that is almost a shoe in as an ALL-STAR than an older (3yrs older) player that doesn't look as promising and is asking for 12 million...at least.
Look, if we get him we can sign him for years and keep this YOUNG team intact, we will have years of promise to work on a championship.
Smith
Gordon
Kaman
Thornton
Jordon
Leader of the team: Baron Davis
That is promise! |
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clipps04
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 05:26 PM PST
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Clipper All-Star
Joined: Nov 16, 2007 Age: 21
Posts: 1384
votes: 8
Status: Offline
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I agree. I guess the only thing I was worried about is Smith isn't a bulky guy compared to the PF's in the league. He also doens't post up (not that that's a problem). The only thing is MD doens't use the style of play this team is headed toward. He is also controlling so I'm just worried we'll end up with more fueds between the team, couch, and owner.
But after thinking about it, Smith is the way to go. Just need the organazation to evolve the way the team is. |
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jarca
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 05:34 PM PST
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Jul 09, 2008
Posts: 475
votes: 2
Status: Offline
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| okafor fits mike dunleavy's type of basketball. iam hoping we get okafor for a lower cost and maybe trade for david lee |
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 05:40 PM PST
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Apr 09, 2008
Posts: 992
Location: L.A
votes: 10
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clipps04 wrote:
I agree. I guess the only thing I was worried about is Smith isn't a bulky guy compared to the PF's in the league. He also doens't post up (not that that's a problem). The only thing is MD doens't use the style of play this team is headed toward. He is also controlling so I'm just worried we'll end up with more fueds between the team, couch, and owner.
But after thinking about it, Smith is the way to go. Just need the organazation to evolve the way the team is.
A good coach should be able to coach whatever he is givin right. MD should adjust because now he has a really talented point guard that likes to run. and when we had livingston he let shaun run on occasion, but did not want him to get out of control. Now he has a guard that he could let run, and without smith a team better suited for that. You have to be able to adjust to your players or get players that fit your style of play. And in getting davis i think he realized that. |
_________________
Finally a real PG.
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clipps04
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 05:44 PM PST
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Clipper All-Star
Joined: Nov 16, 2007 Age: 21
Posts: 1384
votes: 8
Status: Offline
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| ^^ Good point. Completely agree. |
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krapper11
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 09:22 PM PST
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Jun 09, 2008
Posts: 281
votes: 3
Status: Offline
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| i think either option would be a good pickup....if we picked up smith we'd definitely have to become an up tempo team and i'm sure MDsr could coach that way because thats the style of ball we played the first 4 games of the season last year....we'd be a very exciting team and it might take a few years but we'd be playoff bound for sure....if we picked up okafor he'd kinda be like a mini brand....definitely not as offensively talented but younger and bigger....with davis feeding him the ball in his spots i'm sure he'd excel and we could possibly challenge for the playoffs within a year or two....we'd have two rebounding machines and three very talented wings....i'd preferably want smith because he so damm exciting to watch but that would essentially give us 4 wings alongside kaman....what would happen if kaman got into foul trouble?!...we wouldn't have a low post presence and that would hurt us in the powerhouse west(especially with MDsr coaching style).... |
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clippers0918
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 09:39 PM PST
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Jul 01, 2008
Posts: 508
votes: 1
Status: Offline
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| we can get okafor and call sofo to nba. i really want to see sofo but think clipers will just let him stay there |
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clipperfan909
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 09:49 PM PST
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Clipper 6th Man
Joined: Dec 18, 2006
Posts: 229
votes: 9
Status: Offline
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I don't think Sofo knows how to play basketball anymore. DeAndre Jordan is going to be amazing!!! (I hope...)
P.S. After watching the Brand interview, I'm no longer sad, how could've I rooted for such a scumbag. |
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CHUCKZILLA
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 09, 2008 - 09:56 PM PST
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Clipper D-League Pickup
Joined: Oct 20, 2005
Posts: 13
Location: SO CAL
Status: Offline
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| we need instant offense and Josh is our answer. he's young, athletic, and can shoot the outside J which creates match up problems for other teams. Okafor is really tough on D and is another big body to accomodate Kaman down low, but he's not an offensive threat. it's either we take interior tough D or young athletic talent. i say we do what we can to get Josh! i cant wait to see how this all turns out and i also cant wait to see how our rookie Eric Gordons going to fit in at the two guard... GO CLIPS 09' |
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D.Dizzle
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 11, 2008 - 02:23 AM PST
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Clipper D-League Pickup
Joined: Jul 02, 2008
Posts: 35
votes: 1
Status: Offline
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"we need instant offense and Josh is our answer"
I agree Chuck, we lost our go to scorer in Brand, we need Smith's scoring ability.
Not that Baron can't score, but he can't carry the whole offense. |
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Clippersfan86
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 11, 2008 - 02:31 AM PST
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Jul 11, 2008
Posts: 446
votes: 1
Status: Offline
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| I think Okafor is no doubt a better fit for us than Josh Smith. But lets not make same mistake of false hopes fellas. Reality of stealing restricted free agents that are all-star caliber.. is damn near impossible, especially since both teams arent really over the cap. You all think the loss of Elton is an emergency. A top 5 point guard is more valuable to a team than a top 5 Power forward. I think with Thornton and Kaman's explosions lately... we can still be scary good with an average player filling in at PF. |
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Clippersfan86
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 11, 2008 - 02:34 AM PST
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Jul 11, 2008
Posts: 446
votes: 1
Status: Offline
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| How do you guys figure we need scoring? Thornton scored an immense amount in limited time last year (now he will have alot more minutes). Eric Gordon may be a bust but we do know he can score. Cuttino when healthy scores with the best of them. Kaman averaged 16 points last year. and BD averaged 21 points last year. With Baron dishing expect alot of points this year.. much more than last. The one trouble area you guys arent noticing is our bench. If im worried about one thing its not the starting 5.. but our thin bench |
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toohipcliptoslip
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Post subject:
Posted: Jul 11, 2008 - 02:35 AM PST
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