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laclippers
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Post subject: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 07:04 PM
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Dec 05, 2007
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Cassell confirms buyout talks with Clippers
Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times
Point guard Sam Cassell is negotiating a buyout with the Clippers so he can be waived and hopefully sign as a free agent with a contender, he confirmed Monday.
The 38-year-old point guard sounds optimistic that a deal can be reached that would let him join a title contender such as the Celtics, Suns or Mavericks.
Sam Cassell could soon be wearing the green and white of the Boston Celtics. Or the purple and orange of the Phoenix Suns. Even the yellow and blue of the Denver Nuggets.
With the time dwindling to arrange a buyout of his contract, the point guard finally confirmed Monday that a divorce between him and the team is being discussed.
Related Stories
- Clippers routed by Celtics
"They've been discussing it, so what more can I say?" Cassell said.
"Both parties are getting to a number and saying, 'OK, this is what we'll do it for.' I just want to be treated fairly."
The Clippers attempted to deal Cassell, 38, before last Thursday's trade deadline, believing they had a multi-player trade in place to land forward Mike Miller from the Memphis Grizzlies.
When that fizzled late, there was not enough time to revisit other talks to deal Cassell, who sat a third straight game Monday because of a sprained right wrist.
Owner Donald T. Sterling has said he wants his team to remain competitive, making it hard to deal Cassell without landing a serviceable player, rather than a draft pick, in return.
Cassell is in the last of a two-year deal and would have to forfeit some of his remaining $6.1-million contract in order to be waived.
The Celtics, Suns and Nuggets have all shown interest in Cassell. But all three are also targeting free-agent guard Brent Barry, waived after being traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, as a first option.
A buyout would have to be arranged by Saturday, but Cassell would not have to sign with a new team by then.
Elgin Baylor, vice president of basketball operations, said Monday that the Clippers would do whatever helped their team, declining to elaborate, but also adding that Cassell has been a great leader on the team.
Cassell said he talked about the situation with Coach Mike Dunleavy.
"My level of respect for Mike has grown," Cassell said. "He understands the situation and he's been great about it. There's no love lost, but it ain't like I've got five more years of basketball. I've got two at the most, but one definitely.
"I can't knock him at all. If it was his whole decision, it might have happened. But it ain't his decision."
Dunleavy declined to go into the specifics of Cassell's status.
But it would be considered an act of good will by the Clippers to free Cassell.
He was a catalyst in helping the team come within one victory of the Western Conference finals two seasons ago, but little has gone right since.
"I thought I helped this team with respectability, but injuries are a part of professional sports," Cassell said. "Injuries overcame our ballclub."
The Clippers are still looking to bring in players to fill their remaining roster spot. Guard Richie Frahm, signed earlier this season and waived before his contract became guaranteed, remains a viable candidate to return. . . . Center Chris Kaman sat out a second straight game because of a sore lower back. He had an MRI exam Monday and the results were negative.
---------------laclippers------------------------------
I'm officially disappointed in him. How can he think that when times are tough he can just walk out?! That is ridiculous. A team can't be good every, single year. And to happpen so quickly, ridiculous, Sam. I am truly upset. There is no situation. You made a committment to this team and you have to fufill it; not miss every signle game and not play to the best of your ability. Go ahead sign with a contender, and if they are bad next year, you'll do the same thing your doing now.l Unbelievable. |
_________________ "BINGO!!!!!"
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david
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Post subject: Cassell confirms buyout talks with Clippers
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 07:10 PM
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Site Admin

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Well all signs are indicating that we've seen the last of Sam Cassell in a Clipper uniform (at least for this season). Sam's been a great contributor for the Clippers- man did he ever help rejuvenate the team two years ago or what? We'll miss seeing him out there. Good luck Sammy!
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david
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Post subject: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 07:17 PM
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Site Admin

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laclippers wrote:
I'm officially disappointed in him. How can he think that when times are tough he can just walk out?! That is ridiculous. A team can't be good every, single year. And to happpen so quickly, ridiculous, Sam. I am truly upset. There is no situation. You made a committment to this team and you have to fufill it; not miss every signle game and not play to the best of your ability. Go ahead sign with a contender, and if they are bad next year, you'll do the same thing your doing now.l Unbelievable.
I was disappointed about the rumors too but I think it's best now that he is allowed to go and pursue his goal. He wasn't helping the team much anymore anyways, and this way there won't be a logjam if Shaun is able to come back this season. It's also appreciating what Sam has done for us. So I think overall it's a win-win situation to let it happen. |
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laclippers
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 07:33 PM
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Dec 05, 2007
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| I'm afraid of Shaun. He wasn't too great before the injury, and I don't want to imagine him after. He isn't in a position to be our leader. We still need a PG, in my opinion. |
_________________ "BINGO!!!!!"
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cLiPsMaNic
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 07:35 PM
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Clipper D-League Pickup
Joined: Feb 16, 2008
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| [quote="david"][quote="laclippers"]II completely agree. Sam will always be one of my all time favorite clips and i believe that we are doing the right thing by letting him go play for a contender. He probably only got a year left in him and he wants to go out on top. He did alot for the clips two years ago and i believe we can do him this favor. wish him the best of luck. By the way any news on elton brand? |
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laclippers
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 07:39 PM
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Clipper Starter
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cLiPsMaNic wrote:
[quote="david"][quote="laclippers"]II completely agree. Sam will always be one of my all time favorite clips and i believe that we are doing the right thing by letting him go play for a contender. He probably only got a year left in him and he wants to go out on top. He did alot for the clips two years ago and i believe we can do him this favor. wish him the best of luck. By the way any news on elton brand?
Brand has resumed practice with a 5 on 0 drill. He will begin traveling with the team again in March on a road trip. looking good. EB lost some weight and I think he;ll be better than ever. |
_________________ "BINGO!!!!!"
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clipnasty
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 07:48 PM
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Clipper Starter

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honestly, i think my lasting impression of sam will be getting that 8 second violation versus the suns in the playoffs 2 years ago.
Sure he helped us for a season, but then???? |
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laclippers
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 07:56 PM
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Clipper Starter
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| what game was that in? did we win it or lose it? |
_________________ "BINGO!!!!!"
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jlemmen43
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 08:28 PM
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Clipper All-Star

Joined: Oct 03, 2005
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| I'm fine with him leaving. He hasnt done much on the court the last 2 years. He was immensely important when we almost went to the West Conf. finals, but he did it on the court. After that, probably because of injuries, he hasnt done much of anything but get hot a few games. His leadership was excellent and the Clippers will need to find someone else to take his role. They will miss him, we will miss him, but he's right, its not like he has 5 more years, why not get on a team who has a chance to win it all and have some fun. Maybe we can get some more looks at Diaz or Frahm, or some other guy. |
_________________ Favorite Teams:
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clipnasty
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 09:09 PM
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Clipper Starter

Joined: Jul 18, 2007
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| the game we lost to phoenix, where we were up and he was smiling and laughing as he brought the ball up the floor. He ended up getting the 8 second violation when we cold have gone up by 5, instead suns got the ball and bell eventually hit that 3 that sent the game to OT |
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clipnasty
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 09:12 PM
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Clipper Starter

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clipper*joe
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Post subject: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 09:15 PM
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Clipper Starter

Joined: Jul 26, 2007
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laclippers wrote:
Cassell confirms buyout talks with Clippers
Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times
Point guard Sam Cassell is negotiating a buyout with the Clippers so he can be waived and hopefully sign as a free agent with a contender, he confirmed Monday.
The 38-year-old point guard sounds optimistic that a deal can be reached that would let him join a title contender such as the Celtics, Suns or Mavericks.
Sam Cassell could soon be wearing the green and white of the Boston Celtics. Or the purple and orange of the Phoenix Suns. Even the yellow and blue of the Denver Nuggets.
With the time dwindling to arrange a buyout of his contract, the point guard finally confirmed Monday that a divorce between him and the team is being discussed.
Related Stories
- Clippers routed by Celtics
"They've been discussing it, so what more can I say?" Cassell said.
"Both parties are getting to a number and saying, 'OK, this is what we'll do it for.' I just want to be treated fairly."
The Clippers attempted to deal Cassell, 38, before last Thursday's trade deadline, believing they had a multi-player trade in place to land forward Mike Miller from the Memphis Grizzlies.
When that fizzled late, there was not enough time to revisit other talks to deal Cassell, who sat a third straight game Monday because of a sprained right wrist.
Owner Donald T. Sterling has said he wants his team to remain competitive, making it hard to deal Cassell without landing a serviceable player, rather than a draft pick, in return.
Cassell is in the last of a two-year deal and would have to forfeit some of his remaining $6.1-million contract in order to be waived.
The Celtics, Suns and Nuggets have all shown interest in Cassell. But all three are also targeting free-agent guard Brent Barry, waived after being traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, as a first option.
A buyout would have to be arranged by Saturday, but Cassell would not have to sign with a new team by then.
Elgin Baylor, vice president of basketball operations, said Monday that the Clippers would do whatever helped their team, declining to elaborate, but also adding that Cassell has been a great leader on the team.
Cassell said he talked about the situation with Coach Mike Dunleavy.
"My level of respect for Mike has grown," Cassell said. "He understands the situation and he's been great about it. There's no love lost, but it ain't like I've got five more years of basketball. I've got two at the most, but one definitely.
"I can't knock him at all. If it was his whole decision, it might have happened. But it ain't his decision."
Dunleavy declined to go into the specifics of Cassell's status.
But it would be considered an act of good will by the Clippers to free Cassell.
He was a catalyst in helping the team come within one victory of the Western Conference finals two seasons ago, but little has gone right since.
"I thought I helped this team with respectability, but injuries are a part of professional sports," Cassell said. "Injuries overcame our ballclub."
The Clippers are still looking to bring in players to fill their remaining roster spot. Guard Richie Frahm, signed earlier this season and waived before his contract became guaranteed, remains a viable candidate to return. . . . Center Chris Kaman sat out a second straight game because of a sore lower back. He had an MRI exam Monday and the results were negative.
---------------laclippers------------------------------
I'm officially disappointed in him. How can he think that when times are tough he can just walk out?! That is ridiculous. A team can't be good every, single year. And to happpen so quickly, ridiculous, Sam. I am truly upset. There is no situation. You made a committment to this team and you have to fufill it; not miss every signle game and not play to the best of your ability. Go ahead sign with a contender, and if they are bad next year, you'll do the same thing your doing now.l Unbelievable.
I'm torn on this issue. I hold him high on my list for making that run in 2005-2006 season and I am entirely grateful for that but when I look at the final 2 seasons after that, I'm not so sure. I am a little mad that he put this franchise in a position to take him for 2 years and as far as I'm concerned , he didn't earn his salary. Look at this season, he is making 6 million + ....and for what? He has earned most of it on the bench. Now if he wants my respect and gratitude, he should walk empty handed...IMHO.
He has most of that salary in his pocket anyway...right? On top of that, he has the audacity to say; "Both parties are getting to a number and saying, 'OK, this is what we'll do it for.' I just want to be treated fairly." ????
Give me a break!
Being thankful for what he has done is one thing but when you don't deserve the salary you negotiated and pocketed most of it and still want to leave us by breaking a commitment and take more on top of that is nothing to be thankful for....IMHO.
Look, he served his purpose and I am grateful for that but when you realize he did his job and he got paid handsomely, I don't see it like he deserves a standing ovation or a rolex after he campaigned in the media about his intentions and then deny it. That is not what this team is about. He was hired help in my eyes and since he was paid for his services...don't expect me to be happy that he is quitting on us for greener pastures when he was the one that wanted 2 years with us and we offered 1. The way I look at it, he cost us 1/2 his salary for those 2 years due to his injuries.
Sorry to rant about this but for someone to walkout on us and break his commitment regardless of how much time he has left is purely selfish on his part and the right thing to do is to leave with respect and let us keep the balance of the salary. If he does that, I will contemplate getting him a casio watch for his services. " I just want to be treated fairly"...my ass! |
_________________ If your sword's too short, add to its length by taking one step forward.
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laclippers
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 10:02 PM
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Dec 05, 2007
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To clipsnasty: Ah. I remember, the day my heart broke open. We would of won 4-2. *sigh
To clipperjoe:
If I could describe my views on this issue, it would follow every single word that clipper joe just said. I COMPLETELy agree with you. I respect Sam Cassell for his contributions in the 2005-2006 season. but some of those quotes are just ridiculous. He shouldn't have to negotiate the money, when he doesn't even play and when he want sto get out. He takes what the Clippers offer or he STAYS. Great POst! |
_________________ "BINGO!!!!!"
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david
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Post subject: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 10:14 PM
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Site Admin

Joined: Apr 13, 2001
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| Yup you're right CJ- the Clippers have been more than fair to him. But I think his words may have been taken out of context. I'm pretty sure that he's very appreciative of the Clippers for doing this. It may somehow help with free agent signings if the Clipper front office get a reputation as being "player-friendly". It's time to turn the page and give other guys an opportunity to play. |
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laclippers
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Post subject: Re: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 10:22 PM
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Clipper Starter
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david wrote:
Yup you're right CJ- the Clippers have been more than fair to him. But I think his words may have been taken out of context. I'm pretty sure that he's very appreciative of the Clippers for doing this. It may somehow help with free agent signings if the Clipper front office get a reputation as being "player-friendly". It's time to turn the page and give other guys an opportunity to play.
What is our depth chart after Cassell's gone as far as PG go?
Is it Knight-Dickau? or would it be Livingston-Knight-Dickau?
but doesn't knight have a problem with his arm, restricting his minutes |
_________________ "BINGO!!!!!"
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clipper*joe
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Post subject: Re: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 10:24 PM
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Clipper Starter

Joined: Jul 26, 2007
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david wrote:
Yup you're right CJ- the Clippers have been more than fair to him. But I think his words may have been taken out of context. I'm pretty sure that he's very appreciative of the Clippers for doing this. It may somehow help with free agent signings if the Clipper front office get a reputation as being "player-friendly". It's time to turn the page and give other guys an opportunity to play.
Don't mind me David, I love the guy but I guess I am just a little disappointed
in him. Although I understand his thought process, it doesn't take away my feelings about this. I think the fact that I liked the guy makes me more angry. |
_________________ If your sword's too short, add to its length by taking one step forward.
Last edited by clipper*joe on Feb 26, 2008 - 10:28 PM; edited 1 time in total
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david
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Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 10:28 PM
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Site Admin

Joined: Apr 13, 2001
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Yeah it's kind of a bummer to see him go- man I still remember that very day when I heard about his signing I KNEW right away that the Clippers were going to be vastly improved. I'll be rooting for him to do well.
As far as the depth chart- that's a good question. Shaun is not going to be back for probably another month. Maybe they'll bring in a combo guard from the D-League- we'll see. |
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clipps04
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Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 11:17 PM
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Clipper Starter

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It's the right thing to do. He hasnt played the last couple of games and we really look the same as when he was on the court. He did have the ability to calm things down and get people going but Knight has the ability...sorta, at least on the court. Sam was definitely a motivator off the court. I really wish we could of gotten a first round pick for him and why that didn't happen and buying him out did is beyond me.
We needed a new PG anyways so we'll see how Livingston does and see what happens during the off season. I'm happy with Dan and Brevin for now. |
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laclippers
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Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: No Longer a Rumor--Buyout Underway
Posted: Feb 26, 2008 - 11:26 PM
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Clipper Starter
Joined: Dec 05, 2007
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| You know, my expectations are somewhat high for the Clippers next year. I'm not sure why, but they are. If Maggette, Brand, and other free agents leave we will have 25 million dollars in our salary cap. Keeping EB, or not opting will give us about 12 milllion, which we would give probably 9 or 10 to Maggette if he opts out. This leaves absolutely nobody to sign as point guard. Actually we will have about 8 million, assuming Cassell opts out to keep Ross, etc. and possibly sign a good PG. Knight/ Dickau / Livingston just doesn't cut it for me. But we'll have to see. |
_________________ "BINGO!!!!!"
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dwb
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Post subject:
Posted: Feb 27, 2008 - 01:13 AM
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Clipper 6th Man
Joined: Jun 30, 2007
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| As an FSU alum I have enjoyed Sam's action for a long time, college and pro. The guy's at the end of an excellent career as a player and if the current circumstances of his leaving aren't quite ideal... well, it just underlines the "its a business" aspects of things. He did some good for the Clippers but as far as his leaving we're not losing that much really. In truth his game now is ALL offensive. The quick guards in the league are pretty much all humming that Linda Ronstadt song as they go by him now... that would be "Blue Bayou". As the Celtics (or whoever) will soon see, Sam cannot cover ANYBODY. He can still run a team, and shoot, and he's still got those "smarts" that he's always praised for, but he's a stone liability defensively. But hey, if he gets a shot a one last hurrah, more power to him. He's always been an entertaining player and a good interview and you can't say that about everyone. I'd like to see him eventually coach, and you can't say that about everyone either. |
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toohipcliptoslip
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Post subject:
Posted: Feb 27, 2008 - 02:30 AM
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