http://clippers.topbuzz.com/ Clippers Topbuzz Admin en-us http:/clippers.topbuzz.com/images/themes/clippers/images/clippers-topbuzz.jpg http://clippers.topbuzz.com/ http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453374005.html Los Angeles Clippers rookie forward Al Thornton was named to the T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie First Team, the league announced today. Thornton garnered a total of 48 points in the final voting with 20 First Team points. The 6’8” high-flyer from Florida State turned in a break-through rookie season, averaging 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 27.3 minutes in 79 games played (31 starts). He also connected on 374-871 FG (.429), 43-130 3FG (.331) and 214-288 FT (.743) on the year. Thornton finished his first NBA campaign ranked second among rookies in scoring (12.7 ppg), fifth in minutes (27.3 mpg), eighth in rebounds (4.5 rpg), fourth in three-point field goal percentage (.331 3FG) and fourth in double-doubles (7). Thornton also poured in a 2007-08 NBA Rookie and Clippers’ season high 39 points vs. Memphis on March 29, 2008. The 39-point outburst also tied the Clipper rookie mark for points scored in a game (Terry Cummings – 3/9/83 and Tom Chambers – 4/15/82). In addition, Thornton tallied 15.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in his 31 starts while scoring 20+ points on 20 occasions and 30+ points three times on the year. He led the Clippers in scoring 16 times, rebounding eight times, blocks 12 times and steals 10 times. Rounding out the T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie First Team are Atlanta’s Al Horford (58 points), Seattle’s Kevin Durant (57 points), Houston’s Luis Scola (53 points) and Seattle’s Jeff Green (43 points). The voting panel consisted of the NBA’s 30 head coaches, who were asked to select five players for the first team and five players for the second team, regardless of position. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players on their own team. Two points were awarded for first team votes and one for second team votes. Building upon its already strong appeal to the nation's youth and as the Official Wireless Services Partner of the NBA, T-Mobile is showcasing the NBA's youngest players -- the Rookies -- through the NBA's Rookie program. Highlights include rookie awards presentations including the T-Mobile Rookie of the Year, T-Mobile Rookie of the Month Awards, and the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, an All-Star competition between NBA rookies and second-year players. During NBA All-Star 2008, T-Mobile Huddle Up and NBA Cares hosted more than 5,000 local students in the lower bowl of the arena to watch this year’s Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam. This is a part of T-Mobile's continued efforts to connect kids to positive people, places and programs. Below are the results of the balloting for the 2007-08 T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie teams: 2007-08 T-MOBILE NBA ALL-ROOKIE FIRST TEAM Player Team First (2 pt) Second (1 Pt) Total Al Horford Atlanta 29 - 58 Kevin Durant Seattle 28 1 57 Luis Scola Houston 26 1 53 Al Thornton LA Clippers 20 8 48 Jeff Green Seattle 15 13 43 2007-08 T-MOBILE NBA ALL-ROOKIE SECOND TEAM Player Team First (2 pt) Second (1 Pt) Total Jamario Moon Toronto 12 14 38 Juan Carlos Navarro Memphis 5 14 24 Thaddeus Young Philadelphia 4 15 23 Rodney Stuckey Detroit 5 12 22 Carl Landry Houston 1 16 18 Other players receiving votes, with point totals (first place votes): Joakim Noah, Chicago, 17 (1); Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee, 13; Nick Young, Washington, 10 (2); Mike Conley, Memphis, 8 (1); Corey Brewer, Minnesota, 3 (1); Sean Williams, New Jersey, 3; Glen Davis, Boston, 3; Julian Right, New Orleans, 2; Jared Dudley, Charlotte, 2; Acie Law, Atlanta, 1; Javaris Crittenton, Memphis, 1; Aaron Brooks, Houston, 1; Wilson Chandler, New York, 1; Daequan Cook, Miami, 1. http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453374004.html Smush was signed for the rest of the season but with only about 20 games to go it amounts to two 10 day contracts. The other players that the Clippers have signed to 10 day contracts really haven't played very much. Barrett was not offered a second contract to make room for Smush. Nick Fazekas was offered a second opportunity but hasn't played very much. So, will it be different with Smush? After Smush passed his physical, it was reported that he was headed to Atlanta to join the team for a couple of days of practice before Friday nights game against Atlanta. Before his nightmare in Miami, he was coming off his best two years as the starting PG with the Lakers where he averaged 11 PPG while shooting 44% from the field and 36% from the 3. He was 9th in the NBA in steals and 8th in the NBA in the steals to turnover ratio. He brings size and quickness to the Clippers. He is also a lot more athletic that our current crop of PG's and will bring a little show to an offense that currently is stagnant and boring while the team plays out the string this season. So, what is the rap against Smush. He is actually a nice guy but has been a head case at times. But I watched him play over 100 games with the Lakers and his reputation is his lack of defense because he can not stay in front of the fastest PG's when they explode with the first step. Smush is quick and quick enough to always be a steals leader, so what is the problem. My thought has always been that he shouldn't crowd the fast PG's out high and back up a half a step giving himself more room to move side to side. It is a containment stategy. If he can solve this one aspect of his game he can actually help any team. He can run the break, shoot from the outside, make athletic plays, and be fun to watch. He came out of the school yards playing the "show" game. After this road trip Smush will return to Staples Arena and it will be Deja Vu all over again, just in a different uniform. Smush is not likely to be our starting PG next season. But if it works out he could be a valuable back up as a combo guard available to play the 1 and the 2. Go Smush.....this is your last chance Buddy. Don't mess it up! JamFan http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453374003.html The Orange County Register is reporting that Corey Maggette will indeed opt out this summer and test free agency. Why not? He is one of the most underpaid players in the NBA. He will likely sign for close to a max contract with an NBA team somewhere. They only thing that keeps him from a max contract certainly is not his level of play this year, but a lot of injuries in the past. They reported it like is common knowledge. If so, the Clippers must be aware of it. So why didn't they go ahead and trade a player who is having a career season and at least get something for him? He makes so little he certainly doesn't clear a lot of cap space next summer. So where will he sign? Will it be the Clippers? I think the Clippers can either offer him a bigger deal or a longer deal than other teams. But will they? That same article said that EB is not going to opt out. Why not? He is paid a lot better than Corey. But will the Clippers be willing to have over 40 Mil devoted to just 3 players? That is what it is going to take to keep EB, Maggette, and Kaman on the same roster for the next few years. Q ross is also an unrestricted free agent. He certainly will sign somewhere for more than the paltry $800,000 that he is making now. So if the Clippers want tot keep him, they will have to pony up some more bucks for him as well. Meanwhile they are taking this "injury" opportunity to give Thorton as many minutes as possible to get him up to speed as quickly as they can. Is he the heir apparent for our small forward position? He certainly will not need a raise for a couple of years. If he ends up starting at small forward next season, the 13+ Mil they would have to give Corey could be spent on a top flight shooting guard or point guard. They may feel that Livinston's knee is just to risky to depend on next season to allow him to once again play at they same level he was at last year. Or they could use the 6 Mil exception to get a top veteran PG, and spend Corey's money on an all star level shooting guard. The possibilites are endless. The reality for the Clippers is never all that certain. If Corey opts out and is gone, just because you now have the money to spend, doesn't mean top players will want to come to a team that seems to be in such a disfunctional state of disarray. JamFan http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453374002.html Elton Brand back on the court at a Clippers practice, what a site to behold. Elton Brand dunking the basketball once again........running a 5 on 0 non contact drill with his team mates. One can only imagine what it will feel like for him and for Clipper fans when he take finally takes the floor once more. The reports are so positive that it's easy to imagine that all of this is going to happen sooner rather than later. Elton reports that he is jumping as high as he ever has, especially off two feet. And if he can dunk.....well then it seems he is on his way to a full recovery. Now that we are past the trading deadline with the same roster we had yesterday, when Elton returns we know that it is possible for this team to at least return to the same effectiveness that it had before he got injured. Will he get so excited that he begs to return in time for the Laker game on Saturday night? Or will they wait a week or two to make sure that his legs are solid as a rock? The clock is ticking. We are waiting! JamFan http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453374001.html It wasn't suppose to end this way. When Sam came to the Clippers they were a team on the rise. He helped them rise even further and for the first time in awhile they made the playoffs. The future looked bright. Last season many pundits picked the Clippers to make an even stronger run in the playoffs than they had the previous year. Then things started to unravel. First, after Chris Kaman signed a contract extension he decided to go into hybernation. Sam struggled often with injuries. Then Shaun Livingston ripped his knee apart. The team struggled to a dismal finish. Last summer was again full of promise. We made a crafty draft pick in Al Thorton and things were looking up. But the Clippers failed to sign one of the top free agent point guards to replace Shaun. Then the sky fell through the roof. Elton Brand sustains an injury that would keep him out for quite some time. The end result has not been all that pretty as the Clippers have sank to the bottom of their division and sport the 5th worst record in the NBA. Sam fought the good fight and has been a good warrior. Now, with his contract expiring at the end of this season, he sees no purpose in his being here any longer. The Clippers need to rebuild for next year. For Sam, the clock is ticking. He only has only so many more games left in those legs. Meanwhile, Danny Ainge parlayed one of the worst rosters in the NBA into a powerhouse by trading for two super stars. A roster that is likely headed the NBA finals. Sam, has the opportunity to become a part of that party. So, he is asking for a buyout. If not traded or given a buyout, he will finish his time with the Clippers with a bad taste in his mouth. It is time for him to move on. It is time for the Clippers to move on. We either get players, draft picks, or cap space. Either way, do the deal. Get it done and let Sam go. He is a good guy and deserves no less. JamFan http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453374000.html First off, I would like all of you to read the blog about Clipper Darrell. Then we have to notice that Clippers are not the same as they were, say, two years ago. EB or no, we are playing poorly. There is feud between Sterling and Dunleavy, great! EB is gone, great! Shaun is still out, perfect! As Budda would say "Live for the present, the past cannot be changed and we have not reached the future yet". This translates to: Clipper fans go to every game and CHEER YOUR TEAM. The season goes by GAME BY GAME, as Budda did - WAKE UP. I blame the fans before the organization and our circumstance. What fans have to realize is that we still have a team. Whether or not we like it, we are missing key elements of our team; BUT THERE IS STILL A TEAM. Personal experience: my two favorite Clippers were Dooling and Wilcox (people who have been here a while know). Now they are gone (for good), BUT BEFORE ALL COMES THE CLUB I (AND WE ALL) HAVE ***CHOOSEN*** TO SUPPORT. We made a choice to support the Los Angeles Clippers and like a marriage we need to be there for each other - FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE, IN SICKNESS OR HEALTH. Without us there is no Clippers team. I am sick of looking at power rankings and seeing us in the bottom slump - we should always have hope. Especially when we have players like CM50, SamIAm, Cat, TT, and (yes) the Caveman. We are strong, but morally we are weak - THAT WHERE WE, as fans, MUST STEP UP. I RESIDE IN THE CLIPPER NATION, how about YOU? http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373999.html In explosive comments by Coach Dunleavy yesterday, he dared Owner Donald Sterling to fire him. Mike Dunleavy came out swinging, telling Donald Sterling, you want to make a change in coaches, "Be my guest. It would be the biggest mistake you ever made." He then went on to proclaim that it was Sterling who nixed two trades last summer that would have improved the team. One trade was Corey Maggette, whose contract is expiring this summer anyway with no guarantee you can sign him, for Jason Terry. Sterling is in love with Maggette so, No Deal. Dunleavy also wanted to sign former San Antonio free-agent guard Beno Udrih, but the Clippers' bean counter, Andy Roeser, decided Udrih wasn't worth the money it would take to sign him. Beno is one of the most improved players this season, so that was a poor judgement. The problem seems to be that I have always felt that the reason the Clippers have drafted so poorly in past years has been because Sterling was meddling in player personnel matters. That is a problem because Sterling isn't a basketball man. And when you have bean counters instead of basketball people making player decisions, you have a big problem. I wonder if that same bean counter has noticed how badly ticket sales are and TV ratings. The loss of revenue this year must be astounding. It seems evident to me that is the reason that everybody's tempers are so short. Elgin Baylor and Coach Dunleavy are always going to be a better judge of horse flesh that a real estate investor. Now that Sterling has meddled in the job that he supposedly gave to Coach Dunleavy, and that is to make player and drafting decisions, he wants to cry about how things are not working out. Two days ago in an interview he complained about the job Dunleavy and Baylor were doing and Baylor was apparently on the other end of the room. He went on to say if things didn't get better and they didn't make the playoffs this season, changes would be made, suggesting that Dunleavy or Baylor could be gone. Dunleavy implied again yesterday that Sterling just doesn't know what he is talking about and doesn't know basketball by saying that the Clippers would have to go 34 -10 the rest of way to make the playoffs which is not a practical thought under the current circumstances. "Where we are today as far as making the playoffs, nobody in their right mind would bet on that." As far as future decisions on player personnel matters, "You give me the budget," Dunleavy said, "and I'm going to be OK with it. I'm not asking anyone to go to the luxury tax." "But if we gather information and put deals in place that I think benefit the team and somebody who is not in basketball operations disagrees with it, sorry, you've just taken it out of my hands." So, the the family fued begins. The battle lines have been drawn. The only way this can be fixed is by Sterling getting out of the way. I have not always been sure about Coach Dunleavy's decisions on drafting, trades and free agent signings, but now I am not so sure those decisions were Dunleavy's to make on his own. But one thing is for sure, Dunleavy knows more about players than Sterling and the bean counter. Putting a good team together is hard enough without having to get the approval of the owner and FO people who have no clue. Jam Fan http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373998.html Wang Zhi Zhi was the first Chinese player to be drafted into the NBA, but his career never took off like Yao Mings did. He played for 4 different teams including the Clippers, and last played for Miami during the 05 season. He shot 48% from the field and 66% from the 3, but they didn't play him very much. So he returned to China where he seemingly is suddenly hitting his stride. At 7'1" tall, and at age 30, he still seems to have game. Or rather is it that he is finally finding his game He was honored as the MVP of the All Star Game where he scored 26 points on 7 of 8 from the 3. This was after he had just placed second in the 3 Pt shooting contest during All Star weekend. One scout said, if he shoots the 3 and hits the 3, there just isn't much you can do about it. http://www.interbasket.net/players/zhizhi.jpg JamFan http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373997.html Jason Hart will likely be on the bench when the Utah Jazz plays against the LA Clippers tonight in Utah. Jason was the Clips starting PG at the end of last season and signed with the Jazz last summer while the Clippers pursued other options like Steve Francis. After all the good PG's were signed by other teams, the Clippers ended up signing two PG's that no other teams wanted in Brevin Knight and Dan Dickau. Jason is an LA boy who still longs to be a Clipper for life. Currently he mostly sits on the end of the Utah bench, but he might get to see a little action against the Clippers in their Friday night matchup. LA fans can watch the game on Fox Sports. http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_8007265 JamFan http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373996.html They call him the Puerto Rican Superman. I think this photo was from a slam dunk contest a couple years ago. The player standing next to him is a 7 footer. Guillermo Diaz has some serious elevation skills going on. http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373995.html Power Rankings are based on success during the coarse of the season so far, with emphasis on success in the last 10 games, and strength of schedule. 1- Boston Celtics 29-3 - Danny Ainge traded the leagues worst roster in the NBA for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett while managing to hold on to his franchise player Paul Pierce. Will they lose 10 games? Maybe not. Won the last 9 in a row. 2- Detroit Pistons 26-8 - Won 9 straight before running into the Boston Celtics Saturday night. How sizzling hot can you be. The Pistons are running on all cylinders. 3- San Antonio Spurs 22-9 - I reluctantly still put the Spurs in the 3rd spot despite the fact they have only won 5 of their last 10. They were on the road 7 of those games and mostly against tough opponents. Need a healthy Manu Ginobili 4- Phoenix Suns 23-10 - The Suns have looking human lately winning only 6 of 10 while struggling to be as consistant as in the past. They are winning on the road. They need to keep Grant Hill healthy. Even though they have 6 players in double figures, their bench is just not producing. 5 - Los Angeles Lakers 20-11 - The Lakers are surging of late winning 7 of thier last 10 with two of the losses against Cleveland and Boston while beating the Suns. Half of those games were on the road. With Fish, AB, Farmar and new addition Trevor Ariza making significant contributins, Kobe actually gets to take a breather on occasion. 6- Dallas Mavericks 22-10 - Won 8 of 10 and thier last 3 in a row after stumbling a little bit early on. The team in still loaded with talent and will be right there at the end. 7- New Orleans Hornets 23-11 - Won 8 of their last 10 and 3 in a row, with 6 games on the road. Most of their wins have been against week opponents. Good road record with Chris Paul leading the way. 8 - Denver Nuggets 22-12 - Won their last two in a row but only 6 of the last 10. Lots of talent here but they do not always play team ball. 9- Portland Trailblazer 21-13 - One of the hottest teams in the NBA winning 9 of their last 10 but most of the games were at home and against teams with poor records. 10 - Orlando Magic 22-13 - Started strong but fading a little losing their last two and finding only 5 wins out of the last 10. 11 - Golden State Warrior 19-15 - After starting slow they are starting to find themselves and are looking more like last years team again. They are winning on the road so now if they can only figure out how to win at home. 12 - New Jersey Nets 17 -16 - Starting to surge a little in a weak conference, but they have won 7 of 10 and their last 5 in a row. 13 - Washington Wizards 16-15 - With Caron Butler leading the way they are holding their own with Agent Zero out with injury. 14 - Utah Jazz 18-17 - Only a shell of last year's team so far this year. The teamwork and chemistry has suffered a blow. 15 - Cleveland Cavaliers 16-17 - Only team with a losing record to crack my top 16 and only because they have won their last 2 and 6 of 10. They can not seem to win on the road. King James can't do it alone. 16 - Houston Rockets 17-17 - Falling on hard times and having TMac out with injury is not helping. Hiring a new coach has not worked out so far. On the out side looking in, who are the bubble teams? Toronto Raptors - Indiana Pacers - Atlanta Hawks JamFan http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373994.html well first time doing this thing well i been a clipper fans since i was 11 im 19 and its been a roller coaster ride being a clipper fan in LA were lakers dominate well i just read this article and it got me so mad i cant believe some one would write such nonsense --- Why ... the Clippers should just blow it all up By Kelly Dwyer Friday, Dec 28, 2007 8:19 am EST It's one of the lamer gimmicks in the sportswriting world, but I'm moving ahead with it anyway. Mike? You're just going to have to deal with it. On Thursday night, the Clippers were skunked at home by the Phoenix Suns, down by 36 at one point, and finally losing by 20. 19 months ago, the Los Angeles Clippers played the Phoenix Suns nearly to a hilt in the Western Conference semifinals. The Clippers outscored Phoenix by seven combined points in the seven-game series, one of the most entertaining second-rounders of the last 20 years, and one that gave the Clippers legitimate title hopes entering the 2006-07 season. This was dependent on, of course, Elton Brand replicating his 2005-06 career year, Shaun Livingston showing exponential growth in his third NBA season, Sam Cassell holding serve and staying relatively healthy for the season, and rotation types like Chris Kaman, Cuttino Mobley, Corey Maggette, and Tim Thomas offering consistent production. Throw in wing defenders like Quinton Ross and James Singleton, and you had all the makings of a deep, versatile team that could win in a number of ways, and should have held serve with the Spurs, Mavs, and Suns. Instead, Brand's body fell apart, Livingston's growth stagnated (assuming that he was making great strides to begin with, which is debatable), Cassell turned up lame, and the rotation types couldn't be counted on to keep things competitive (though, for someone like Maggette, as we'll discuss later, this was hardly his fault). 2007-08's outcome was more or less set in stone when Brand tore his Achilles last September; and despite improved play from Kaman on the interior, this is a team out of time. So, on the heels of a 20-point home loss to a team they nearly conquered just over a year and a half ago, it seems more than obvious to suggest that the Clips blow things up and start over. (Of course, we should point out that we're working under the pretense that assumes the Clippers will act like a normal NBA organization. They're not. The team only recently started going after free agents, spending money to make money, and working toward the postseason. How they handle the breakup of the Brand-Cassell-Maggette triptych will say a lot about whether or not the Clips are a typical NBA team looking to win given a competitive price, or another money-making operation for owner Donald Sterling.) The rebuilding process will commence once the Los Angeles braintrust (personnel guys Andy Roeser and Elgin Baylor) figure out how to deal with Elton Brand, who has a player option for about $16.4-million next season. Though that sort of money is an outright bargain for the Elton we saw in 2005-06, and a series of NBA players have returned from Achilles tears to contribute at the same level (or better) than they had before the injury, the Clippers should go out of their way to encourage EB to opt-out, telling him that the organization is about to undergo a rebuilding process that won't come to fruition until Brand is past his prime. At the very least, they should encourage sign-and-trade options for their All-Star power forward. The Bulls would seem a likely destination: would Los Angeles mind taking on the final two years of Ben Wallace's contract if it meant netting them Tyrus Thomas, a signed-and-traded Ben Gordon (making about eight-million a year), while dumping Brand and Cuttino Mobley (owed nearly 18-million over two years following this season)? If not, the Clippers should look into prying Thomas, Andres Nocioni, a future first-rounder, and free agent to-be Joe Smith from Chicago in exchange for a signed-and-traded Brand. --- this guy is an idiot he has to be the most moronic writer he showed that he has no clue in what he is talking about either he is plain retarted or know nothing about basketball elton for overated thomas, gordon and ben wallace r u kidding me and corey for kwame brown? he needs to stop writting nonsence . prob a bulls fan or laker fan http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373993.html Man oh man- this is crazy. Poor Paul Davis is out for the season with a torn ACL in his knee. Let's all wish Paul a speedy and full recovery. Here's the skinny from the Times: An MRI exam in Los Angeles on Saturday performed by team physician Dr. Tony Daly revealed the extent of the injury. He sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a stabilizing ligament within the center of the knee, and also tore his lateral meniscus, cartilage around the knee. He is scheduled to meet with Daly again Monday and his surgery will probably take place within 10 days, once the swelling in his leg subsides. "He has worked hard and this was the year he was getting an opportunity to play and the last couple of games he was playing well for us," Coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Hopefully, he has a speedy recovery and bounces back." Rehabilitation usually takes six months for a torn ACL, which would put Davis on track to return for summer league. Trainer Jasen Powell said he talked to Davis on Saturday and said his spirits were high. "Once he found out the extent of the injury, he kept his same calmness," Powell said. "He was a hard worker before the injury and I don't expect anything to change." Davis, a second-year forward from Michigan State, averaged 2.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 22 games, but was coming into his own recently, scoring 10 points twice in the last seven games. He said his confidence was growing with more playing time and he even called for the ball in the first quarter of Friday's game before nailing a jump shot. Read the entire story http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373992.html Here's the skinny from the Times: The Clippers today waived forward Ruben Patterson in a move aimed at creating roster flexibility. Guard Richie Frahm, who was cut by the Phoenix Suns before the season, was signed to a non-guaranteed contract to fill the spot on the roster. The organization is concerned over the lingering injury to point guard Sam Cassell, who has missed the last eight games because of a strained left calf, and may seek help at that position. Patterson was the only Clipper whose salary was not guaranteed. His one-year contract of $770,610 would have become guaranteed on Saturday. He is coming off a career year for the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged career highs in points at 14.7 and rebounds with 4.7. Patterson, 6-foot-5 and 223 pounds, is considered an undersized forward but an aggressive defender. He waited deep into the off-season, looking to sign a large free-agent contract, but found the market frigid. Instead, he signed for the veteran's minimum with the Clippers after forward Elton Brand sustained his Achilles' tendon injury. Patterson started five of the Clippers 21 games, including the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, when he was charged with the task of defending Warrior point guard Baron Davis. Entire Article. http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373991.html After the first week of play, Clipper fans have much to cheer about. For starters, our team didn't collapse under the weight of having 3 starters out of the lineup. In fact, it was just the opposite. Going 4-1 with a makeshift lineup is probably better than even the most die hard fans were anticipating. We just need to survive until we get Cat, Shaun, and EB back, probably in that order. So other players are stepping up. The MVP so far seems to be Chris Kaman. He is putting up All Star candidate style numbers. Through 5 games he is hitting 53% from the field, 18 PPG, 15 RPG, 1.6 blocks, and has an NBA efficiency rating of 28 EFF which puts him among the league's elite. Corey Maggette is returning to his leading role with EB out, hitting 42% from the field, and enormous 46% from the 3, 90% form the line, 19PPG, 6 RPG, 3 APG, and has an NBA effieciency rating of 18 EFF. Tim Thomas is another player who has stepped up with his new starting role. So far he has 15 PPG, 6 RPG, and a 15 EFF in 31 minutes.. He is only hitting 44% form the field 47% from the 3, and 90% from the line. These numbers are all better than his career numbers so this could be his best season ever. Maybe the other teams will try to pour a bucket of cold water on him to try and stop him. After Corey, Cat, Tim, and Chris, there have been players who have had their moments but not consistantly every night. Sam went for 35 against Indiana, but is only averaging 13 PPG, 5 APG, and 15 EFF. To be fair, Sam is only averaging 24 minutes per game, which is probably a good thing. We are all on our Al Thorton watch to see if he gets minutes and if he can produce even though he is a rookie. His best game was against Indiana where he went for 13 points and 7 rebounds. But his rookie inconsistancy is showing with 23% shooting from the field. So far he is going for 6 PPG and 4 RPG in 19 minutes. Once the butterflies are gone and he finds his game, he will be unstoppable. It's just a matter of time. The rest of the team is playing well but not shooting a great percentage or scoring very much. We need more than 4 players in double figuers to continue this run. Cat Mobley, who is currently out of the lineup, was our 5th player in double figures with 18 PPG, 4 RPG, in only 27 minutes. And if you want to talk about hot shooting, he is hitting 62%, yes that was 62, from the field and 47% from the 3, and with an 18 EFF. It is easy to see why we need to get him back as soon as possible. So we have a big game an home on Sunday against King James. The KTLA feed will be blacked out for many of you but we are working on that. Let's get a big reponse on TopBuzz during the game so those who can not get a feed in some other way won't feel totally left out on how well the game is going. Go Clipper Nation. Go Clippers! JamFan aka Don Allen http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373990.html So I watched the Clippers beat the Lakers today and there were a few things that really caught my eye. I would like to, if ya'll don't mind, tell you guys what I think about the game and the plays that I saw today Clippers Aren't Bad: Today really impressed me. I would think without Brand, that we wouldn't be able to hold our own. But I realized that with the clippers, it has turned into a collective effort. Everyone on the court contributed in some way or other. The new additions are nice I was surprised to see the new additions really work well with the team. Dan Dickau really held his ground playing the point while even knockin down some threes. This was something i thought was missing last year. A player to kick it out to take an open three. Brevin Knight barely played, but he also was efficient. I was particularly impressed with Ruben Patterson. He really showed me that he can contribute to this team by his Hustle. He dove for balls and scrambled around the court and really did well. He defended well as well. I think this kinda hustle and energy will be good for our team. The young guys aren't bad at all Last year when we drafted Paul Davis, I really didn't think he would be able to help our team at all. But watching him play today, he shows a wide range of skills. He has the low post game. He was a big presence down low. He has a nice 15-20 foot jumper(FOR A BIG GUY?!?). he can shoot free throws. Though he is young, he really played well. I didn't really find any mistakes from his play this game. What a sweet touch on his shot. and MAN, Al Thornton? where do I start. People should start taking him seriously, cuz the Lakers didn't, and he can shoot and penetrate. Though he can't really pass(which i hope he does later on his career), he moves well without the ball and can get his shot. He is an explosive player that will be very exciting to watch. Boy, he has mad hops. The veterans can hold the fort Corey Maggette has accepted the challenge, and i see him producing. He was his usual self by attacking the basket and getting his points. Cassell is Cassell. Age is but a number. His defense my fall even more, but his offensive game doesn't require that much speed cuz he uses his smarts instead of his speed or power. Kaman looks like he will do well this year. His footwork really impressed me and he looks skinnier, which is good, cuz he will be quicker. Hopefully he gets a consistent 10 foot jumper and will really like what i see. This was only a pre-season game and we were playing Kobeless Lakers. They weren't playing Kobe Bryant, they were play Coby Karl(who will be cut), so that only says so much, But so far I like what I see, I really do. RANDOM SIDE NOTE: TWIN TOWERS ANYONE? Paul Davis and Chris Kaman hold down the key pretty well I think. We know Kaman can block shots, but if Davis can start intimidating the opposition, it will be fun to watch them guard the basket. http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373989.html Ralph Lawler calls him a scoring machine. In summer league everybody said he was the best, the most athletic. His team mates are at times in awe. The staff are trying hard not to say to much. But the handwriting might just already be on the pervurbial wall. And the story is going to leak out. This kid can play. OK, what you did in college, well that was then and this is now. Granted 20 PPG with 7 RPG in 31 minutes is pretty good for a college game. And hitting 53 % from the field and 44% from the 3, is pretty solid. But is it good enough to make the Clippers forget all about Corey Maggette? The answer to that question would be easier if it were not this season. With Shaun Livingston and Elton Brand out to start the season, the Clippers are now more than ever looking for Corey Maggette to carry the team. Just prior to his last collision with injuries, Corey led the team and averaged over 20 points per game. They now need him to do that and even more. Al Thorton finally got some significant minutes in Sunday nights game on the road against the athletic Warriors, and threw down 24 points, hitting 11 of 15 shots. It would seem that the Clippers could use that kind of play, along with Corey's, to help fill the gap while we are waiting for EB to return. But what if come January the season is lost, and it is starting to look like a rebuilding year? They might feel that by the time EB returns, it might be too late, and EB not strong enough to make a difference, to make the playoffs, or go very far if you got there. What if Corey's agent signals to the Clippers that he is not coming back and will sign elsewhere next summer? What if Al Thorton is scoring in double figures with a high shooting percentage? This is a scenario that could lead to the Clippers dealing Corey away before the trading deadline. They would at least get something for him instead of just letting him depart during the summer and leave the Clippers stuck holding the bag. An expiring contract and a first round draft pick would be nice. Especially if the option is........nothing. Whatever happens, one thing is for sure. Either way, if Al Thorton turns into the scoring monster that some think he just might turn out to be, we are good if Corey stays, and we are good if Corey goes. But if Al is the heir apparent at SF, then getting a stud shooting guard for Corey wouldn't be all that bad. Gilbert Arenas anyone? http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373988.html So is Jerry West out of a job? Does he still have a home in the LA area and is back in town? To our surprise he makes a visit to the Clippers training camp in Santa Barbara. I bet that made a lot of people wonder what might be going on. Jerry is reportedly recovering from a golfing accident where a golf cart tipped over and pinned him underneath for about 15 minutes. But that didn't keep him from coming on down to visit with Clippers GM Elgin Baylor. Unconfirmed reports say he briefly addressed the players and watched one of the practices on Thursday. Elgin Baylor and Jerry West are old friends going back to the days when they played together for the Los Angeles Lakers. They were one of the best "one-two punch" tandems to ever play the game. Jerry could drill it from the outside and Baylor made a living driving to the hoop. He was unstopable. Baylor had one of the best stretches ever recorded in the history of the NBA where he was going for 50-60 points every night with around 20 rebounds. His career was cut short because of injuries. Jerry went on to become the NBA's logo. Both are legends. Jerry, while the GM of the Lakers made great trades over his career. His first big trade was to bring Kareem Abdul Jabbar to the Lakers. Most notably, he engineered that trade that brought the draft pick used to draft Magic Johnson. Also traded chump change for Kobe Bryant. The biggest trade was for Shaq, who joined Kobe and brought three championships to the Lakers. Reportedly stressed out or burned out, Jerry retired from the Lakers only to resurface as the GM of the Memphis Grizzlies, where he enjoyed only limited success. Recently many have believed that Jerry would come back to the Lakers in some capacity, especially with Kobe asking for his return. So far, it hasn't happened. So one has to wonder why Jerry made the trip to check out what was going on with the Clippers? What was Elgin and Jerry talking about? Old times? Or maybe the future of the Clippers organization? Maybe, what role Jerry West could play in the Clippers scheme of things? Player consultant? Trademeister? Maybe play a role in the Maggette for Pau Gasol trade? Who knows? If he comes to work for the Clippers, are we going to see the Maggette and Thorton traded for Kobe? Just dreaming! JamFan...aka Don Allen http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373987.html Gonzaga has a history of producing moppy-haired basketball players who seem to play over their heads for a small school that always seems to be playing over it's head. Another such product of Gonzaga is Dan Dickau. So far, none of the Gonzaga stars have made a huge impact on the NBA. Now, Dan Dickau hopes he gets his opportunity with Clippers. After being traded to the New York Knicks in a 5 player deal, Dan has accepted a buyout from the Knicks and will be taking a physical today in LA. No announcement has been made, but it is expected that he will be in training camp with the Clips on Thursday. You have to wonder if this scenario had something to do with the Clips trading Jared Jordan to the Knicks at the exact same time they were buying out Dickau and the Clips picking him up. Dan is a pure up tempo point guard who hasn't as yet had a starting role, so his minutes have been limited. If you project his career numbers over 40 minutes, he would score 15 PPG while distributing 8 APG. His 40% from the field and 34% from the 3, is good enough so long as he is getting his assists. Bringing in Dan, makes one wonder how much confidence the Clippers have in Sam, Brevin Knight, and Guillermo Diaz. Sam and Brevin get hurt a lot, so maybe they are thinking that if they do get hurt, they do not want to have to rely on a raw rookie Guillermo Diaz. Also, Sam is in the final year of his contract. And Shaun's Livingston's return to the team is uncertain. The most important thing is that if Dickau's contract is guaranteed, and no trades are made before the beginning of the season, there literally are no roster spots available for Diaz and Korolev. Only time will tell what Dickau's role will be on the team, but he will be fun to watch. He is another young speedster who will fit into Coach Dunleavy's new found committment to an up tempo game. I can't see Sam leading a run and gun game, so are we going to have two offenses? One, when Sam is on the floor, and another when any other PG is running the show? http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373986.html LOS ANGELES (AP) - Clippers forward Elton Brand had the cast removed from his left leg and was fitted for a removable walking boot Tuesday, six weeks after he had surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles' tendon. The Clippers said Brand will begin a rehabilitation program under the supervision of their training and medical staff. The program includes local therapy, cardiovascular work and a flexibility and strengthening program. Brand is expected to wear the walking boot for six weeks before being reevaluated by Dr. Craig Morgan at Christiana Care's Wilmington Hospital in Wilmington, Del. Brand was injured Aug. 3 during his daily workout in nearby El Segundo, and Morgan performed the surgery four days later. Brand was examined and had his cast removed at the hospital in Wilmington. Brand averaged 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds last season. While no timetable has been set for his return to the court, he is expected to miss at least the first several months of the season. http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373985.html [Official Clipper Press Release] The Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agent forward Ruben Patterson. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. A nine-year NBA veteran, Patterson is coming off a successful 2006-07 season in Milwaukee, where he established new career-highs by averaging 14.7 points, 2.9 assists and 31.4 minutes per game. Patterson appeared in 81 games for the Bucks, equaling a career-high while also tying his career-high with 5.4 rebounds per game. Patterson shot 55 percent from the field last season, his highest field goal percentage as a pro. “We are thrilled to add Ruben to our team,” Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor said. “Ruben plays hard every single night. He is an aggressive defensive player and has a real enthusiasm for the game. He gives 100 percent every game.” The Clippers will be Patterson’s fifth NBA team, as he spent the 2006-07 season with the Bucks after appearing in 70 games and splitting time with the Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets in 2005-06. Patterson faced the Clippers in the 2006 NBA Playoffs, appearing in four games and starting one as the Clippers defeated the Nuggets. “I am really excited by our signing of Ruben Patterson,” Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy said. “He is a great competitor. I have always admired the intensity he brings from game to game. His versatility will help improve our team.” In his career, which has also seen stops with the Seattle Supersonics and Los Angeles Lakers, Patterson has averaged 10.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Originally drafted by the Lakers with the 31st overall selection in the 1998 NBA Draft out of Cincinnati, Patterson played in 10 games for AEK Athens in Greece during the 1998-99 season as well. The Ohio native signed with Seattle before the 1999-2000 season and then moved to Portland prior to the 2001-02 season. Patterson was a star at the University of Cincinnati, averaging 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game during his senior year and earning Second Team All-Conference USA honors. Patterson played his first two years of collegiate basketball at Independence Community College in Kansas before transferring to Cincinnati for the 1996-97 season. http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373984.html The Clippers' pursuit of a point guard ended Friday when the team agreed to terms with free agent Brevin Knight on a two-year, $4-million contract, league sources said. The Clippers turned to the 10-year veteran after finishing second to the Houston Rockets in the quest to sign former All-Star Steve Francis and considering trades to acquire another established point guard to share the position with Sam Cassell. Knight, 31, sidelined often throughout his career, must undergo a physical before signing the contract. He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1997 draft after playing for Stanford. The Clippers will be his eighth NBA team. The 5-foot-10 guard averaged 9.1 points and 6.6 assists last season for Charlotte in 45 games. Knight's career averages are 8.3 points and 6.8 assists. The contract signing was officially announced by the Clippers on August 13th. Read the full story. http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373983.html Elton Brand, the Clipper Captain, the Clipper MVP, the Clipper leading scorer & rebounder, the face of the Clippers & a true gentleman of the game- fell to an awful torn left Achilles tendon injury today during his usual daily workout. The LA Times is reporting that he will be out for at least the first two months of the season. Clippers GM Elgin Baylor had the following to say about Elton's injury: “It's unfortunate that this had to happen. But knowing Elton and how dedicated he is to his profession and how hard he works, I believe he'll be back 100% as good as ever.” The Clippers Topbuzz Clipper fan community would like to wish EB a speedy and full recovery. As we all know he is known for his tremendous work ethic and we can expect him back sooner than later. Get well soon Elton! http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373982.html The new Clippers season schedule has been released. The Clips will open the season with a home game vs. the Warriors on November 2nd. After spending most of January playing at Staples Center, the Clippers will start February with a 7 game road trip. Unfortunately the current national TV broadcast schedule only has one Clipper game on TNT, 4 on ESPN, and one on NBA TV. Here's the complete schedule: --- November Fri 02 vs Golden State 7:30pm Sun 04 vs Seattle 12:30pm Tue 06 @ Chicago 5:30pm Wed 07 @ Indiana 4:00pm Fri 09 @ Detroit 5:00pm Sun 11 vs Cleveland 6:30pm Wed 14 vs New York 7:30pm Fri 16 @ Golden State 7:30pm Sat 17 vs Chicago 7:30pm Wed 21 vs Denver 7:30pm Fri 23 @ Phoenix 6:00pm Sat 24 vs New Orleans 7:30pm Mon 26 vs Houston 7:30pm Fri 30 @ Denver 7:30pm December Sun 02 vs Indiana 12:30pm Tue 04 vs Milwaukee 7:30pm Wed 05 @ Seattle 7:30pm Fri 07 @ Sacramento 7:00pm Sun 09 vs Miami 12:30pm Tue 11 @ New Jersey 4:30pm Wed 12 @ Charlotte 4:00pm Fri 14 @ Memphis 5:00pm Sun 16 @ LA Lakers 6:30pm Tue 18 vs Toronto 7:30pm Fri 21 @ Dallas 6:30pm Sat 22 @ San Antonio 5:30pm Thu 27 vs Phoenix 7:30pm Fri 28 @ Phoenix 6:00pm Mon 31 vs Minnesota 6:30pm January Wed 02 vs New Orleans 7:30pm Sun 06 vs San Antonio 12:30pm Wed 09 vs Orlando 7:30pm Sat 12 vs Dallas 7:30pm Tue 15 vs Phoenix 7:30pm Fri 18 @ Utah 6:00pm Sat 19 vs New Jersey 7:30pm Mon 21 vs Utah 12:30pm Wed 23 vs Sacramento 7:30pm Fri 25 @ New Orleans 5:00pm Sat 26 @ Memphis 5:00pm Mon 28 vs Charlotte 7:30pm Wed 30 vs Atlanta 7:30pm February Fri 01 @ Minnesota 5:00pm Sat 02 @ Cleveland 4:30pm Mon 04 @ New York 4:30pm Wed 06 @ Boston 4:30pm Fri 08 @ Toronto 4:00pm Sat 09 @ Philadelphia 4:30pm Mon 11 @ Milwaukee 5:00pm Wed 13 vs Washington 7:30pm Wed 20 vs Memphis 7:30pm Fri 22 vs Utah 7:30pm Sat 23 vs LA Lakers 7:30pm Mon 25 vs Boston 7:30pm Wed 27 vs Portland 7:30pm Fri 29 @ Denver 6:00pm March Sat 01 vs Detroit 7:30pm Mon 03 vs Philadelphia 7:30pm Wed 05 vs Sacramento 7:30pm Fri 07 @ LA Lakers 7:30pm Sat 08 vs Minnesota 7:30pm Mon 10 @ Miami 4:30pm Wed 12 @ Orlando 4:00pm Fri 14 @ Atlanta 4:30pm Sat 15 @ Washington 4:00pm Mon 17 @ Minnesota 5:00pm Wed 19 vs Golden State 7:30pm Fri 21 @ Portland 7:00pm Sat 22 vs Portland 7:30pm Tue 25 @ Dallas 5:30pm Wed 26 @ San Antonio 6:30pm Fri 28 @ Utah 6:00pm Sat 29 vs Memphis 7:30pm Mon 31 vs Dallas 7:30pm April Wed 02 @ Seattle 7:00pm Thu 03 @ Sacramento 7:00pm Sun 06 vs Houston 6:30pm Tue 08 vs Denver 7:30pm Thu 10 vs LA Lakers 7:30pm Sat 12 @ Golden State 7:30pm Tue 15 @ New Orleans 5:00pm Wed 16 @ Houston 5:30pm http://clippers.topbuzz.com/a-453373981.html ALERT - REPORTS ARE THAT STEVE FRANCIS HAS INDEED PICKED HOUSTON AND WILL SIGN A ONE YEAR DEAL. HOUSTON WAS NOT CONSIDERED THE FRONT RUNNER DUE TO THE POSSIBLE LACK OF PLAYING TIME. Today could be the day. The Clippers long search for a PG, not only to replace the injured Shaun Livingston, but also to support the ageing Sam Cassell, could be over today as Steve Francis, whose contract has been bought out by Portland, will decided between Miami and LA. Playing time seems to the overiding concern for The Franchise. But could his relationship with Cat Mobley, whom he played with in Houston, be that which tips the scales in favor of the Clippers. Will the hugfest between Cat and The Franchise be revived in LA? Stay tuned Jamfan