So, they've added an all-star to their roster AND he's made all his teammates better, but they're still 10 games under 0.500 at the all-star break. Something doesn't compute. BNM
Sounds like coaches did what Nate said they would - go on win-loss record - but took it to an extreme with Duncan ( outstanding record, but mediocre stats). I could easily see Stern picking Kevin Love to replace Yao Ming, rather than Aldridge... but he could pick Aldridge. I don't know, if I were Aldridge, if it would feel a little different, getting to the All-Star game that way. Bottom line for me is that it's ridiculous that Yao is even on the All-Star team. There need to be some common-sense limits put on eligibility.
I'm glad Yao made it. If he didn't, Bynum would be starting, and that's an even bigger travesty than Yao making it but getting replaced.
What does not compute? They were a miserable team before, DeAndre Jordan was crappy, Baron was not interested and Gordon was very nice - but did not have anywhere as nice a season as this one is. Griffin has made this miserable bunch a team that's fun to watch and also one that is getting better - they had a pretty decent recent stretch despite the fact that they have a less than inspiring coach in VfG. Saying that Griffin did not make his teammates better is patently wrong - sure - he is not as good a player as LMA - but he has been a lot more consistent than LMA has been since the start of the season - and he is a rookie. Gordon was a 14.6 PER guy last year, he is over 20 (21.6) this year, Jordan's PER has increased by 2 points - and his transformation on defense has been even more impressive, and they are winning at a higher percentage this year after starting rather bad (all new coaching staff, Davis coming out of shape, learning to play through a rookie) - their last month or so was not much different from Portland, win% wise. I stand by what I said - Blake Griffin has a positive impact on his team-mates - add the fact that he is a good player, astonishingly good for a rookie - and one of the most fun to watch by far - and the dude deserves the all-star game imho.
Simple answer. Last year, after 48 games, the Clippers had a record of 21-27 - with no all-star on their roster. This year, after 48 games, their record is two games WORSE (19-29) with the addition of an all-star and supposedly everyone else getting better. I measure improvement in wins, not Sports Center highlights, and right now the Clippers are winning fewer games than at the same point last season. Sure Griffin is fun to watch and he has the potential to help his team get better over time, but right now, their won-loss record says otherwise. He made the all-star game for one simple reason - buzz. He's on Sports Center throwing down just about every night. Kevin Love has better stats, but the knocks on Love are he doesn't play defense and his team doesn't win games. The exact same arguments could be made about Griffin. I'm not claiming Love should be an all-star, but if he's not, why is Griffin? One reason - more highlight reel dunks, even if they don't lead to more wins. BNM
Duncan's numbers aren't THAT much worse than Aldridge's... his scoring is worse, but his PER is better and he's on a far superior team. I think it's hard to argue that LaMarcus deserves it more than anyone who made it. Love and Randolph? Neither of them made it, but they're both right at Aldridge's level, IMO. Superior numbers on (presently) inferior teams. Aldridge may or may not make it, and he may or may deserve it... the important thing, though, is that he's turning it up a notch and that he's got a LOT more room for improvement... and he's going to be a Blazer for a long time. That's exciting to me. Eff all-star appearances. Ed O.
They also had Camby and Kaman last year. Losing two above-average centers is sort of a downer... Blazers fans know that Ed O.
I like Andre for caring whether LMA made it or not. Myself, though, I don't care whether LMA made it or not. All-star game is a waste of time. barfo
Yes, I looked at their record at the end of the year. They started strong and fizzled. This year seems the opposite, the started bad (understandable given the changes) - and are building momentum. At the end of the day this computes for me. This is an all-"star" game. If the guy everyone wants to watch to see night-in, night-out what he did is not a star - what is? Last year, the starting line-up was Baron, Eric Gordon, Rasual Butler, Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman. Kaman was playing all-star level, Baron came into camp in fantastic shape. This year the Clips started Al Fariq Aminu for 14 games, Eric Beldose for 22. Kaman has played only 10 games semi-injured, no Camby, Baron came to camp in bad shape. Yes, I paid attention to the Clips a lot this year - and what Miller said is utter nonsense. This team was losing at the start of the year despite Blake's efforts - but they have got used to playing with him and they are starting to win now. After the disastrous start - they have gone 18-16 - absolutely fantastic results for this squad and the biggest reason for this was Griffin.
i agree with this. sure i'd like to see him get the respect i feel he deserves, but there are many more years of all-star appearances he can make. he'll be a lock for all star after he wins us a few trophies and himself some mvps
It's Los Angeles, dudes. Chill, dudes. Much of the media lives in that mecca of coolness. Blake Griffin could be half as good as he is, and he'd still be on Sports Center highlights every night. Remember when we said that rookie Kobe was being overhyped, and the media should wait a year or two before crowning him a superstar? Same with this new Angeleno. Any star there is accelerated in all awards, including the All-Star game.
