<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>SANTA BARBARA -- Sure, Chris Kaman suited up in Las Vegas this year. Just not in the fashion many in the Clippers' organization anticipated. Although many predicted a Sin City All-Star trip for Kaman on the heels of a breakout 2005-06, he struggled to find his groove last season.</p> Instead, Kaman, going into the first year of his five-year, $52.5-million contract extension, finally made it to Nevada and played in the Vegas Summer League, mixing it up among fringe players, NBA dreamers and professional long shots. "Hopefully it will help me," said Kaman, who has shed about 20 pounds off his 7-foot frame. "I just know I want to get better at basketball and I'm ready to do whatever it takes." Kaman averaged 10.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and shot a career-low 45.1% from the field last season. The tally follows a season in which he set career highs, scoring 11.9 points and grabbing 9.6 rebounds while making 52.3% of his shots. So, the organization knows the type of player Kaman can be, which is what made last season all the more frustrating. "He is our best low-post player now that [Elton] Brand is out," General Manager Elgin Baylor said. "And he's going to get more touches and more opportunities. He has to stay focused this year because we are going to depend a lot on him." Kaman sat out the first two days of training camp because of stiffness in his lower back, but was expected to return soon. After last season, Coach Mike Dunleavy approached Kaman about improving his decision making and confidence. Kaman, who regularly works hard on his game each summer, then returned to California, working out frequently on his hook and bank shots and shooting facing the basket. And don't call him Eric Piatkowski yet, but he also drifted to the outside and worked on launching three-point baskets. Similar to a pitcher who mows down his competition the first go-around but gets battered after hitters solve him, opponents had another year to figure out Kaman last season. They noticed his propensity to dribble the ball in traffic and regularly annoyed him with double teams. It's those kinds of situations when the team wants Kaman to make better choices and stay focused. "When his offensive game goes, he sometimes lets that affect his defense," said assistant coach Kim Hughes, who worked with Kaman in the off-season. "If he misses a shot, he needs to let it go and not focus on it." This season will be Kaman's answer to the league's adjustments. "You always have a chance to improve on your game and improve on any mistake you made," Kaman said. "That's what I love about basketball."</div></p> Source: LA Times</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GM3)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> He looked terrible last year he needs to prove he is worth that big contract he signed.</p> </div></p> He struggled last year with the pressure of signing a mega deal and the spotlight put on him to produce. With Brand injured it puts even more pressure on Kaman. I don't know if this is something you can fix in just one offseason. He might even feel guilty about the fact he was playing one-on-one with Elton, when Elton got injured.</p> </p>
I agree that Kaman felt a ton of pressue, but depending on the system we run hopefully he doesnt feel that much pressure. If we are a more perimeter orientated, fast paced team it will put less pressure on Kaman. I am glad he shed those 20 pounds so he can get up and down the floor, but he just needs to be solid. I dont see him living up to that contract he signed yet, but he needs to show some progress, especially with Brand out.</p>
Can he stay out of foul trouble with Brand out is my question?</p> Kaman struggled getting two quick fouls last season by reaching and rotating too, slow. Without Brand down low as a shotblocking threat, teams are going to go right at Kaman.</p>
No offense but he has played in LA for 4 years now. If he can't get used to the spotlight by now he never will.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shapecity)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Can he stay out of foul trouble with Brand out is my question?</p> Kaman struggled getting two quick fouls last season by reaching and rotating too, slow. Without Brand down low as a shotblocking threat, teams are going to go right at Kaman.</p> </div></p> </p> Good point, I think he is going to have a TON of foul problems this year. He is going to be asked to get up and down in transition and Kaman is much better suited working the block and not trailing the break or even catching a pass at a speed over 3 mph. I just see this season as a disaster, not to mention major chemistry problems with everyone's contract expiring.</p>
how many minutes do you guys think kaman will play? now that brand is out, and what stats? thanks</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Warriorsfan)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> how many minutes do you guys think kaman will play? now that brand is out, and what stats? thanks</p> </div></p> He's going to play the lion's share of minutes at center. He should average over 30MPG easily, but as mentioned above he has issues with staying out of foul trouble. I think Kaman is going to average 12 to 15 PPG and 8 to 10 RPG this upcoming season.</p> </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Warriorsfan)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> how many minutes do you guys think kaman will play? now that brand is out, and what stats? thanks</p> </div></p> </p> I really have no idea. It all depends on the offense we run, but at least this year Dun cant bench Kaman when he is doing well.</p>
