Clippers (3-6) vs Toronto Raptors (4-4)
Gameday Haiku
Bargnani shooting,
Chris Bosh throwing down monstrous
dunks; oh me on my.
First Look
Raptors are starting its long west coast road trip tonight at Los Angeles.
From what I have seen, the Raptors are the best 2nd tier team behind the East's big 3. Their record does not reflect this, just 4-4, with some tough losses. Without Eric Gordon, the Clippers are really in disarray at the wing positions. Butler/Thornton combo is simply too weak against other NBA starting combos. The Clippers catch a break today with the Raptors starting Demar DeRozan who is not of NBA starter quality yet.
- Clipper bigs will be lost.
Bargnani is taking five 3s a game while making close to half of them. Bosh will also be shooting an array of midrange/outside jumpers. Kaman and Camby simply won't be able to defend them on the perimeter. Hopefully Kaman will be able to muscle up Bargnani inside. - Jose Calderon
He is not having the kind of statistically driven season that we are used to seeing the past two years. He has uncharacteristically missed a few free throws and is shooting far below career norm from the field. His assists numbers are also down due to Hedo Turkoglu's influence. Having Hedo means taking the ball out of Calderon's hand. This has brought his average from nine assists per game to six. He is reduced to spot up duty on many possessions. Jarrett Jack signing the full mid-level exception with the Raptors also mean Calderon's playing time is reduced. - Baron Davis
For the Clippers to have any chance of winning, we need a big game from Bdiddy that we really haven't seen since his addition to the team. Davis has played fine so far and looked to be enjoying his job. Let's hope he can step up to night and be the star he once was.
Clippers (3-5) vs Oklahoma City (3-4)
Gameday Haiku
Hornets buzz by us
Here comes Durant with Thunder
I sense hopelessness
First Look
Oklahoma City is a top defensive so far this season. They even held the Kings to 101 at Sacramento last night. Without Eric Gordon, Clippers really don't have much firepower against the Thunder. Kaman should have a bounce back game against inferior defenders but Butler and Thornton won't get many opportunities against OKC's athletic perimeter players. The Clippers are unlikely to regain their hot shooting start and with Butler at SG, Coach Dunleavy will look to lower the attack pace.
So look for a low scoring game tonight in the 80s.
He hadn't shot well so far this season, but he went for 37 points, 18-18 at the strip last night. He averaged 28points against us last year in four games.
He is still averaging a ton of turnovers after leading the league in this category last year. Currently at 55assist:32turnovers. His field goal percentage is up but he is still not much of a long range gunner, at 31%.
Clippers (3-4) vs New Orleans Hornets (2-5)
Gameday Haiku
Almighty Chris Paul
dropping dimes to David West;
May I plead ’Mercy?"
First Look
I hate to be pessimistic but Clippers will have trouble without Eric Gordon. Baron will have plenty of trouble with CP3, everyone does; Thornton starting and playing 40+ means is very unappealing. David West had two mediocre games in a row so I will watch out for him to make it up tonight. Plus he has the ability to draw Camby away from protecting the rim.
Chris Paul is Godlike
He is averaging 27 points a game this season but he is just not getting the support from his teammates. He is also not getting the amount of steals we are used to seeing. Not sure what is wrong there.- Outstanding Okafor
He's been quietly averaging 12p/11r/2b over 7 games. This is a major upgrade from Tyson Chandler which makes it strange that the Hornets are playing so poorly. He is a premier low post defender with the size to bother Kaman.
Preview: Clipsnation | At The Hive
Heavy Dose on the House 11/07/09
2009-10 NBA - YTD: 14-12, +0.99u ATS: 10-9 Totals: 4-3
11/7
Took a nap and didn't wake up in time to take Atlanta -3. I think that's the best bet today. Hope you got in on that 
Anyway, I have..
Celtics @ New Jersey UNDER179 1.08u W
Grizzlies @ LA Clippers OVER201 1.08u W
Gogogo!
Too Clipping Close for Comfort(11/2 Minnesota @ Clippers)
Game Previews:
Clipsnation | Canis Hoopus
Clippers 93 - Minnesota 90
7′3″ Keith Closs gets a beatdown!
This sums it up for the Clippers. Can't even win off the court.
Gradebook: 22 most influential off-sesason moves(Part 1 of 4)
#22 Chris Andersen re-signs with the Denver Nuggets (5-yrs, $26m)
Birdman is a nice hustle player. He can play some sticky D and dunk to your heart’s content. Sure he averaged 2.5 blocks but do you really want him to play more than 20 mins a game? Do you really want the Birdman to be your starting center? No, you do not. Hence, you do not give him a ridiculously bloated contract. You are saying the former junkie won’t take 10 mil over 3 years?
Grade: D+ (Denver Nuggets)
#21 Antonio McDyess signs with the San Antonio Spurs (3-yrs, $16m)
I think McDyess will be able to provide Duncan enough inside help. TD has not played with a capable offensive center since the Admiral. The contract does seem pretty high but maybe the Spurs will be able to parlay the expiring contract into something else come the 3rd year. As long as McDyess avoids major injury the first two years, the Spurs will be very happy with him.
Grade: B+ (San Antonio Spurs)
#20 Marcin Gortat re-signs with the Orlando Magic (5-yrs, $34m)
The polish hammer got a nice pay day as the Dallas Mavericks tried to sign him away from the Magic. Not really sure why the Magic would want to pay a backup center so much money when they already have superman. This is a lot of money for someone that is only going to be playing 15 mins a game. The Magic will have enough can space and money to sign a star player during the next offseason. Without Grotat’s contract, they could make an even bigger splash.
Grade: F (Orlando Magic)
#19 Los Angeles Clippers traded Zach Randolph to the Memphis Grizzlies for Quentin Richardson
On the court, Randolph will be a good inside force in addition to Mayo and Gay. I don’t know where the passing is going to come from but it sure as hell isn’t coming from Mayo or Zbo. Randolph also comes with a hefty price tag that the Grizzles really don’t need. Not really sure how the Clippers convinced the Grizzles to take Zbo off their hand, but it is certainly a major accomplishment. This also allows the Clippers to start rookie Blake Griffin and give him major minutes.
Grade: A (Los Angeles Clippers), C- (Memphis Grizzlies)
#18 Brandon Bass signs with the Orlando Magic (4-yrs, $16m)
This is a great move for the Magic. It seems like Bass is slotted to start at PF with Lewis moving to SF. This allows them to play a more tradition lineup with more rebounding from the 4. Bass came with a very cheap price tag and should serve well under Coach Van Gundy. He is also a stellar mid range shooter who can bang inside. The problem here is that Orlando resigned Grotat and gave him a huge contract.
Grade: A- (Orlando Magic)
Iverson, Please go away
Since I am up early, might as well write something about AI.
"My people just informed me that we are getting close to a deal. I asked them to call me when its done. I am so ready to know!" said a post on Iverson's Twitter account late Wednesday morning."
Everyone remembers AI's infamous practice quote, but do people remember he is fifth all time in points per game. Personally I think he got a bad rep last year just because Billups and the Nuggests performed way above expectation. AI didnt get along with his Pistons teammates but when has animosity distracted him from performing in games? Never. Iverson had a rocky relationship with Larry Brown and he still averaged over 30 points to carry the Sixers into the Finals. He did offered to come off the bench for the Pistons. Iverson's value is extremely low given how badly the Pistons played, but he can still ball. Despite being 34, he still gets into the lane at ease. He is still a solid player, particularly if his team uses him for scoring boost off the bench. You might be surprised at all these praises but I think AI deserves credit for still sticking around and playing hard at a high level.
However, he would be a terrible fit here. The Clippers has NO spot for Iverson. Not with BD already running the point. Can you imagine the horror show with Baron/AI/Thornton in the game?? Maybe Thornton will punch out AI just to touch the ball or Baron will headbutt AI just so AI wont be taking up all the allotment of shooting 30 footers. The defense would just be utterly disatrious. Hey, you can go pick up Camby in fantasy and he might just average 5 blocks a game with those 3 guarding the perimeter. The most important thing is that he would be taking a majority of EJ's playing time. Its not like Iverson is a savvy veteran who is going to take time out to pass down his knowledge/experience.
I realized it is unlikely that the team he is negotiaiting with is the Clippers. I just felt like whining even at the thought of it. I think Iverson deserves to go to somewhere better to finish off his illustrative career. The Knicks would be a nice spot. Coupled with Nate Robinson while running D'Antoni's offense? Get your popcorn ready! I know New Orl
eans is not in the pursuit for AI but I acutally think it would be a perfect match. The Hornets really dont have a serviceable 2 guard. We have already seen how potent the Hornets can be with Paul and Pargo. AI would be Pargo on roids. Tyrone Lue better not sign with whichever team AI goes to or else Lue will be seeing tons of Iverson's fury.
Blake Griffin – Las Vegas Summer League 2009 Highlights
I complied a short clip of Blake Griffin highlights in Las Vegas Summer League.
Blake Griffin vs. Michael Beasley
Being the No.1 pick of this year's NBA draft, Blake Griffin will be drawing unprecedented spotlight for a Clipper. We all wonder just how good he will be. I wont be able to predict the future but I think Griffin compares favorably with Michael Beasley, last year's 2nd pick. Both are born in 1989 with identical height and body type.
Here are some physical and basketball attributes and on both players:
Beasley(Miami Heat)
| Position | Height w/o Shoes | Weight | Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical | 3/4 Court Sprint |
| SF/PF | 6' 8.25" | 239 | 7' 0.25" | 8'11" | 35 | 3.24 |
Beasley is projected to be Miami's starting SF while seeing some minutes at PF for the upcoming season. Like Derrick Rose, Beasley was asked to play a significant role on a marginal playoff team. He averaged 14pts in 24mins of playing time while coming off the bench for most of the season. Playing time should increase for Beasley but the recently acquired Quentin Richardson might be playing a significant amount of SF if coach Spoelstra wants to spread the floor for Wade.
Griffin(Los Angeles Clippers)
| Position | Height w/o Shoes | Weight | Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical | 3/4 Court Sprint |
| PF | 6' 8.5" | 248 | 6'11.25" | 8.9" | 35.5 | 3.28 |
Griffin is slotted as Clippers' starting PF and is likely to receive heavy minutes right away. His main competitor for playing time will be Craig Smith who is also undersized. I see Griffin easily getting 32+ mins/game.
Who will be better(this season)?
- Inside/Post Offense
Beasley came in to the league as one of the best inside finisher who can uses his athleticism to finish with either hand. However, Beasley has not attacked the rim at all during his rookie season. His abysmal 3 freethrow attempts/game and low inside shot attempts clearly show he is simply settling for contested perimeter shots against taller defenders. Miami's SF position averaged almost 4 less free throw attempts per game than the opposite SF. Some of this may be caused by Miami's offensive sets as only 15% of his shot attempts came from post-up moves. This means he is not getting plays called for him inside and he is always hanging around the perimeter. Now facing taller and better NBA defenders, Beasley's lack of a go-to post move really restricts his offensive potential as an undersized 4. Miami's SFs were outscored by 6points per game by opposition's SF. This is a very significant margin and shows the ineffectiveness of Beasley's offense.
At Oklahoma, Griffin was a dominant finisher around the rim while shooting 65% and grabbing 14.4 boards per game. I strongly believe Griffin's inside game will translate in the NBA much better than Beasley's. As Griffin will playing only power forward, he will be getting more opportunities close to the basket. He also has the benefit not having Wade on his team and Mike Dunleavy's preference to run half court sets. Unlike Beasley, Blake Griffin lacks a true outside shot so he won't be hanging around the perimeter much.
Edge: Blake Griffin
- Perimeter Shooting & Passing
Beasley is a very good midrange shooter and he also shot 40% from 3s last season. He is guaranteed to have more 3pt attempts this season. The Heat should also expect improvement on his 44% shooting from 17 feet and out. Beasley is not much of a passer or ball handler but he wasn't drafted to pass the ball. As he gains more experience, his passing and decision making will improve somewhat closer to NBA average.
Griffin is definitely an inferior shooter to Beasley. Although he is reported working hard on it and also made a few 3s in Las Vegas summer league, his outside shooting will be a weakness for this season. Midrange jumpers should eventually be part of his offensive repertoire but that is years away. Griffin has above average ball handling skills and shows willingness to pass the rock in college. Rookie mistakes are expected but he will fare better and be less turnover-prone than Beasley. It should be noted that Griffin is a terrible ft shooter(59%).
Edge: Michael Beasley
- Defense & Rebounding
Beasley has been a surprising bad rebounder for the Heat. Given his size, atheltism and rebounding prowess in college, he should've been an above rebounder at the 3 spot. Being lazy and constantly being on the perimeter/out of position can explain his low rebounding rate. Beasley is frankly an astrocious defender, and now it will only be worse as he spends more time as the SF this season.
As perviously mentioned, Griffin should be spending most of his time inside 15' which makes it more likely his rebounding dominance from college will carry over. Griffin won't be a good defender this season but he definitely has the potential and work ethic.
Edge: Blake Griffin
All in all, Beasley seems to lack the drive and mentality for success. Certainly it seems like Chicago made the correct choice in picking Rose, esspecially if Beasley continues to settle for perimeter shots this season. Beasley should add to his scoring as he will be getting plent of playing time. 18ppg should be very doable as well as one 3 each game. Blake Griffin will be a far more effective player as a rookie. I see him playing like a David Lee and approaching 15/8 this season with 32 mins of playing time. I believe his work ethic/unselfish attitude and better defensive potential make Griffin a more worthy #1 pick.
Stats used in this article are extracted from draftexpress.com and 82games.com
Popular Posts
- Blake Griffin vs. Michael Beasley
- ABCD - Always Bad Clippers Disorder v. John Lucas
- Clippers (3-6) vs Toronto Raptors (4-4)
- Blake Griffin - Las Vegas Summer League 2009 Highlights
- Gradebook: 22 most influential off-sesason moves(Part 4 of 4)
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