The debate already has begun: Just how important is it that the Clippers bring back veteran point guard and inveterate chatterbox Sam Cassell? Those arguing "not very" got a load of evidence in the Clips' 94-91 loss Friday night at the Staples Center. The Suns now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Backup point guard Shaun Livingston, meanwhile, gained ground on supplanting Cassell as the team's floor leader. With Livingston at the controls and Cassell on the bench to start the fourth quarter, the Clippers erased a nine-point deficit to take a three-point lead midway through the period. The formula was simple: Load up Vladimir Radmanovic for 3s (14 fourth-quarter points, 4-of-5 from the arc) and clamp down on the Suns, who missed 9 of 11 shots. Livingston was instrumental in it all, with three assists and three points and tenacious defense that short-circuited the Suns' vaunted pick-and-roll. Cassell returned with 77 seconds left and promptly bricked a 3. Coach Mike Dunleavy went the rest of the way trying to keep Cassell on the floor for offense and slipping in Quinton Ross when he could for his D. Now, the Clippers wouldn't be where they are without Cassell. He infused them with a confidence and resilience that has never been associated with LA's blue and red "other" team before, or not since Mark Jackson ran the point for them. Similarly, Livingston isn't entirely ready to take over. His jump shot is still iffy enough that defenders can lay back on him, and he has a coltish exuberance that clouds his decision-making at times. But with talk that the 36-year-old Cassell wants a two-year deal and would never settle for coming off the bench behind Livingston, which might be best by next fall, the Clippers may be forced to let Cassell walk. One school of thought is that the team should give him a fat one-year offer ($8 million, say) and see if he goes for it. That keeps him around as a security blanket and mentor who could be moved to a team looking for cap relief if the relationship soured. For his part, Cassell has made it clear he won't let sentiment or an affinity for SoCal's sunny clime get in the way. "I got to get mines," says Cassell. Just as the Clippers and Livingston have to get theirs. It hasn't happened yet, but it's looking as if Sam I Am has infused one more NBA franchise with his special brand of heady hoops and crafty clutch shooting, only to move on looking for his reward elsewhere. It happens. It just seems to happen to Sam a lot. -- Ric Bucher from Staples Center in Los Angeles http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?pa...ailydime-060513I am beginning to think this as well. It might not be a bad idea to let Cassell walk and let Livingston take over next year. I think he's on the right track and could easily be the starter next season. Daniel Ewing in my opinion is a very serviceble backup point guard. I would try to get a good low money vetern point gaurd to mentor and just for insurance purposes, but i really dont think bringing Cassell back for the Clips should be a top priority during the offseason.
If the plan of the Clippers is to develop Livingston then let Cassell go and bring in a solid backup for him, if they want to go back to the playoffs I say bring Cassell back. He is a vocal leader and has a prowise that can help this team get into the playoffs.
Yeah Cassell is getting old and a liability on defense. The Clippers don't seem to have problems scoring so they should let Cassell go.
I think they should let Cassell go because they need to develop Shaun Livingston. It would be better for the future and Shaun might become a pretty good player, although I don't think he'll be a star in the NBA. Sam might be expensive to bring back also
Well guys its like this....If the Clippers want to win then they will bring back Sam Cassel. This guy is a proven winner. If they let him go then he will end up going somewhere else like he does every 1-2 years in FA and then he will help that team to the playoffs....!! Its a proven Fact!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (boykinsforpresident @ May 13 2006, 04:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well guys its like this....If the Clippers want to win then they will bring back Sam Cassel. This guy is a proven winner. If they let him go then he will end up going somewhere else like he does every 1-2 years in FA and then he will help that team to the playoffs....!! Its a proven Fact!</div>I think that the Clips will be back in the playoffs next season. Thier team is good enough for that. Livingston isnt going to be a dropoff from Cassell. He WILL be the better player next season. The Clippers are that good as a team. Cassell isnt going to make or break this team. I dont buy the whole Clippers dropping off next season.
Some think that Livingston is a bust, I think that having Cassell around to insure the playoffs is smart incase of a potential bust. I don't honestly think that Cassell would ask fo too much money and he is good insurance.
He brings experience, leadership, court awarenass, good shooting. Yes, they need to do what he says and sign him to a 2 year contract, or else they would definately not be seeded 6th next season. They would have no backup for WHEN Shaun Livingston gets injured and come on lets get serious. Shaun Livingston isnt ready to start full time on a playoff team.
Id say yes, Livingston isnt ready to start yet, and Cassell really helped them out this year. If they look to make another playoff run they should but if they want to rebuild they should just give Shaun the chance to start. One bad thing about Cassell is that his face might scare away fans.
I think that they should trade him for a higher pick in the draft, they should pick up some good young talent coming into the league. As you all have said let Livingston develop, he's got talent and Cassel has become a liability, so trade him for the higher pick, they could grab a Gaurd, see if they can get a trade with the Jazz and see if the can grab reddick
