What do you think the Clippers need to make the playoffs? Do you think they need to make a trade to bring them to the playoffs? Do you think they need to sign a key free agent?(Even though there isn't that much left) Or do you just simply think they need to not have an injury plagued season? I believe they can make the playoffs and maybe make it past the first round with the roster they have right now. The only thing they need is to mesh and play team ball. List what you believe can bring them back to the playoffs.
There's no doubt the Clippers are capable of making the playoffs this year. They have enough talent on their roster, but they have to stay healthy, especially Sam Cassell. He is going to be the key player for this team, because he is their best option to close out games. The Western Conference is going to be highly competitive this year, and there will be a lot of close games played. The difference in those games is going to come down to who, can make the clutch shots and Sam Cassell is one of the best in the business.
Cassell is probably going to be a big reason they are going to be competing for a playoff spot. Like Shape said, health is gonna be a big issue, espeically with Sam. Livingston needs playoff experience, espeically at his age.
Good Chemistry, I think if they can find away to make it work with a nice rotation of Livingston, Cassell, and Mobley between those two backcourt positions...keeping everybody happy and focused on the team goal...then I think it will go along way to helping them compete for a lower seed in the West. I think seeing growth steps in Kaman's game...you know you can pencil Brand in for 20/10 almost every night...but the other bigman spot is a bit of a question mark in my opinion. Kaman has to be healthier then last year, and he has to take a stride in his game maybe to that 12-13pt range and more work on the boards...be that consistent 2nd bigman option. And depending on where the Clippers sit going into the 2nd half of the year Wilcox can be used in a trade to create that last peiece that would probably be needed to get over the playoff hump, which for the Clippers will be depth...find away to move Wilcox, for two inexpensive veterans will expereince being in playoff races to add more of that to the bench. And then I think the Clippers can get in....
Good Health!!! They have one of the most talented rosters in the league as well as a coach that knows how to get a team on a playoff track. I think the Cassell deal put them in there on paper. Now they just gotta go out, win games and stay healthy!! (Easier said than done) -Clutch
