Casey graduated from the University of Southern California in 2005. He is currently a writer at BuyAthletes.com, Pac10Pros.com, TheHoopDoctors.com, and contributes to several travel sites. He is a huge fan of the NBA, College & International basketball, and Gary Payton.
Due to history and its likelihood of repeating itself, my confidence isn’t extremely high, but the Los Angeles Clippers have a chance to make a huge splash in the NBA this year. A splash that could affect not just the current state of their franchise, but the landscape of the entire NBA for the unforeseeable future. This is why I might get all statistical on yo’ ass from time to time right now! The Clippers might (might!) actually be able to crawl out from the dark and shed the “red headed step-child” label the Lakers have smacked down on them!
For all intents & purposes, I am going to “forget” the following three things: 1) the Clippers historically blow almost to a point that it seems they want to, 2) Mike Dunleavy is still part of their organization (not just Coach, but GM as well), and 3) the Clippers historically blow…a lot!
Here are Six Reasons Why Everybody Should Keep an Eye on the Clippers:
1. Blake Griffin
Speaking of red headed step-children…sorry, not cool? Anyways, in a draft that boasted only one clear-cut stud, the Clippers couldn’t have lucked out more when the balls fell in their lap. I mean when they were awarded the #1 Pick. After being projected as a Top-5 Pick in a very talented & deep 2008 NBA Draft Class, he was smart & mature enough to go back to the University of Oklahoma to refine his game for another year. This resulted in him winning every Player of the Year honor possible as he was a double-double machine. He even figured out how to throw down monstrous dunks while getting fouled by the backboard. Watch out NBA! He might have injured himself a little while being named the Las Vegas Summer League MVP, but this 20-year old is the future big man for the Clips.
2. Eric Gordon
The Clippers top pick from last year can score from all over the court. He averaged 16.1 points per game (third among rookies) and that number will only rise. He shot an impressive 45.6% from the field, 38.9% behind the arc, and 85.4% from the charity stripe. That is an all-around scoring game. In his last 49 games, he averaged 19.9 points. By the way, he is also only 20.
3. Zach Randolph
They somehow rid themselves of Zach Randolph, his horrible contract, his playing time, and everything else that he brings to the table. Yes, he might put up 20/10 every night, but he shoots less than 50% in the paint, jacks-up two 3-pointers per game, and can’t block a shot. Did I mention that he is a power forward?
4. The Three-Headed Monster
This consists of Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman, and DeAndre Jordan. Camby & Kaman missed a combined 71 games last year for a team that couldn’t afford to lose any talent, much less their two best big men. Camby might be getting old for NBA standards and is a huge question mark due to injuries, but he always finds a way to finish in the Top-10 in blocks & rebounds per game. Kaman looks to be healthy and will always scare opposing players if he grows out his hair. Jordan, the 7-foot 21-year old center, was a steal for the Clips last year. Coming into the draft with loads of potential, many people second guessed his work ethic. The Clippers made a smart gamble. He has proven himself since arriving in Los Angeles and was effective when given time last year. Against the cross-town foes, he put up 23 & 12. Not bad for a rookie.
5. Baron Davis
After averaging 21.1 points per game from 2006-08 for the Golden State Warriors, Davis was lured to Los Angeles by Elton Brand (and all of the hot chicks frolicking around the city). Everybody was stoked that he was going to help throw the Clippers back into the mix…then Brand bounced for Philly. After two months of solid basketball & 23 losses, Davis went down and phoned it in for the rest of the season. When he came back, he was just not the same player that had been electrifying crowds since he first laced up his high-tops. This year, we can expect Baron to be Baron. He’s got that bounce in his step, has young talent all around him, and…
6. LeBron James
This is easily the most important thing to watch. The Clippers have a chance to lure the greatest athlete I have ever seen play any sport in 2010. It might sound far fetched, but why not? They are located in Los Angeles, arguably the top media market in the world; he will get paid huge by Nike; he will be able to party in H-Wood every night of the week instead the few games he plays out there; he can watch his Billionaire Dream come true even quicker; they will have the money to pay him; and they will have a great foundation. Baron, Gordon, LBJ, Griffin, and Kaman with Al Thornton, Sebastian Telfair, and Jordon off the bench? Oh my! That is the kind of Foundation the Sports Guy spoke about. Some young guys to grow old with as he wins Championships!
I was lucky enough to sit in the 2nd row when he played the Lakers two year ago and he straight up dominated! Not just on the court, but he was flaunting his charisma everywhere. Winking at the hot chicks in the row behind me, giving a subtle nod to Jack, high-fiving every teammate…just enjoying the LA Lime Light.
Clip Show 2010? I think it has a nice ring to it. Plus, he will get to battle Kobe for the City of Angels…
