Los Angeles Clippers Season Preview

notmuchgame · Oct 2, 2004

[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/clippers/logo_lac_lg.gif[/IMGl] <div align="center">Los Angeles Clippers Season Preview</div>
Win/Loss Record (2003-2004): 28-54
Home Arena: Staples Center
Local T.V. Networks: Fox Sports Net 2; KTLA
Local Radio Broadcasts: 1150 KXTA-AM

Preview done by notMuchgame

The Clippers are once again coming off a last place season where they finished with a record of 28-54, 15 games out of the final playoff spot. With much of the same unit returning, the Clippers will be banking on the maturation of their core of young stars.

Overview of the Clippers Off-Season

NBA Draft

1st Round: (#4) Shaun Livingston, G, Peoria (Ill.) HS
2nd Round: (#33) Lionel Chalmers, G, Xavier

Landing the 2nd pick in the Draft Lottery, the Clippers traded down to the 4th pick and selected heralded high school standout Shaun Livingston. Livingston, a freakishly lanky 6-foot-7 point guard, averaged 18.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists for Peoria Central High School. He was originally committed to Duke before declaring for the draft.

With their 2nd round pick, in which they acquired from Charlotte in the Eddie House/Melvin Ely deal, the Clippers selected Xavier guard Lionel Chalmers. Chalmers, a 6-foot point guard, is known for his scoring ability and made a name for himself with a huge tournament. He led his team to the Elite 8 and averaged nearly 22 points along the way.

Both these picks appear logical. The Clippers already have players set in stone at the frontcourt positions. At the time of the draft, the Clippers were still banking on the signing of Kobe Bryant, while maintaining the option to re-sign Quentin Richardson. Thus, the point guard position was the only one that needed to be addressed via the draft.

Livingston provides the Clippers with the long-term answer at the point. However, one cannot expect a highschooler to come in and contribute right away (although they can hope). This is where doubling up on point guards in the draft makes sense. Chalmers, who will be 24 years old in November, has enough big game college experience where he can step in and contribute right away, as the Clippers wait on Livingston.

Key Players Lost

Predrag Drobnjak via Expansion Draft (Charlotte Bobcats)*
Quentin Richardson via free agency (Phoenix Suns)
Keyon Dooling via free agency (Miami Heat)
Melvin Ely via trade (Charlotte Bobcats)
Eddie House via trade (Charlotte Bobcats)

Key Players Added via Free Agency and Trade

Kerry Kittles via trade (New Jersey Nets)
Zeljko Rebraca via free agency (Detroit Pistons)
Mikki Moore via free agency (Utah Jazz)
Mamadou Ndiaye via free agency
Quentin Ross via free agency

This past Clippers' off-season will not be remembered for who they added, but rather who they were unable to add. This, of course, is in reference to Kobe Bryant. Nevertheless, the Clippers were able to make some solid moves and ultimately improve their roster from a season ago. Allowing Richardson to depart was a risk. However, the acquisition of Kittles, who many feel is a better fit, should offset that lost and perhaps even supersede it.

Opening Day Roster Projection

Projected Starting 5

Center
[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3709.jpg[/IMGl] Chris Kaman
Height: 7-0
Weight: 268 lbs
Experience: 1 year
Age: 22

Outlook: Kaman is coming off a quiet, yet solid rookie campaign where he started 61 games. He has an array of post moves, and is dangerous because he can score effectively with both hands. However, he will need to take better care of the ball if he expects increased playing time this season. Look for him to build upon last season and put together another set of solid, yet unspectacular numbers.
Projected Statistics: 28.5 mpg, 9.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 45% fg, 72% ft

Power Forward
[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3324.jpg[/IMGl] Elton Brand
Height: 6-8
Weight: 265 lbs
Experience: 5 years
Age: 25

Outlook: Brand is the ultimate model of consistency and hard work. Despite his (lack of) height, he is always amongst the league leaders in offensive boards and block shots. He will never be top 5 in scoring, but you can chalk him up for 18-21 points. Look for him to continue to put up the same numbers he has been year-in and year-out. Health will be his only concern this season.
Projected Statistics: 39.6 mpg, 19.5 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 50 fg%, 73% ft

Small Forward
[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3336.jpg[/IMGl] Corey Maggette
Height: 6-6
Weight: 228 lbs
Experience: 5 years
Age: 24

Outlook: Maggette has increased his scoring output each year he's been in the league. The Clippers will look for Maggette to continue this trend, especially with the departure of fellow wing player Quentin Richardson. In addition, look for Maggette to pick up the slack on the boards to compensate for Kittles soft rebounding.
Projected Statistics: 38.2 mpg, 22.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.0 spg, 43% fg, 34% 3pt, 82% ft

Shooting Guard
[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3095.jpg[/IMGl] Kerry Kittles
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195 lbs
Experience: 7 years
Age: 30

Outlook: Kittles will be replacing fan favorite Quentin Richardson at the two spot. What the Clippers lose in rebounding and explosiveness, they gain in consistency and defense with Kittles. Look for him to fit right into the Clippers offense without any hitches.
Projected Statistics: 32.3 mpg, 12.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.5 spg, 43% fg, 36% 3pt, 77% ft

Point Guard
[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3429.jpg[/IMGl] Marko Jaric
Height: 6-7
Weight: 217 lbs
Experience: 2 years
Age: 25

Outlook:Marko Jaric made marked improvements last season, increasing his scoring, assists, and rebounding totals. However, that didn't stop the criticism from heading his way. Jaric's season was once again marked by inconsistency and defensive lapses. With two young point guards behind him, Jaric will have to step it up to save his job.
Projected Statistics: 27.6 mpg, 8.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.5 spg, 41% fg, 35% 3pt, 76% ft

Projected Bench

[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3606.jpg[/IMGl] Chris Wilcox
Height: 6-10
Weight: 229 lbs
Experience: 2 years
Age: 22

Outlook: Perhaps the most sought after 6th man in the league, Chris Wilcox is looking this season to improve on a very successful sophomore campaign. Once again, Wilcox will be platooning with Kaman at center, and backing up Brand at powerfoward.
Projected Statistics: 25.3 mpg, 11.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 0.4 bpg, 48% fg, 64% ft

[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3551.jpg[/IMGl] Bobby Simmons
Height: 6-6
Weight: 235 lbs
Experience: 3 years
Age: 24

Outlook: Last season, Simmons was arguably the Clippers' biggest surprise. He came to the Clippers just looking to make the roster, and by season's end had put together a solid year. Simmons provides the Clippers with much needed defense and toughness on the perimeter. He will be backing up Maggette and Kittles.
Projected Statistics: 21.4 mpg, 7.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 40% fg, 82% ft

[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/2677.jpg[/IMGl] Zeljko Rebraca 
Height: 7-0
Weight: 257 lbs
Experience: 3 years
Age: 32

Outlook: Rebraca was signed primarily to give the Clippers depth at the center position after trading Ely and Drobnjak away. He gives them another low post scorer, who can step out and hit the mid-range jumpers. With Wilcox rotating between powerfoward and center, do not expect big minutes from Rebraca.
Projected Statistics: 12.9 mpg, 4.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.3 bpg, 48% fg, 77% ft **

[IMGl]http://www.nba.com/media/mediacentralns/2004Draft_Chalmers_Lionel.jpg[/IMGl] Lionel Chalmers
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180 lbs
Experience: R year
Age: 23

Outlook: Chalmers is a small guard who can provide instant scoring. He possesses good quickness, which will be useful on the defensive end considering the other two point guards on the Clipper roster are 6-7. While he is expected to be a distributor, look for him to fill Eddie House's perimeter scoring roll as well. Don't be shocked if he gets most of the backup point guard minutes over Livingston early on.
Projected Statistics: 16.6 mpg, 6.7 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 0.5 spg, 39% fg, 34% 3pt, 73% ft

[IMGl]http://the-end-zone.com/files/livingston_signed_040909.jpg[/IMGl] Shaun Livingston
Height: 6-7
Weight: 175 lbs
Experience: R year
Age: 19

Outlook: Livingston will come into his rookie campaign with high expectations. He is the Clippers' future floor general, and many believe he will be a perennial all-star before his career is over. However, considering he is coming straight out of high school and his name isn't LeBron, don't expect too much from him right off the bat. Defense and injuries will be a concern for Livingston because of his slight build. Expect a modest rookie campaign.
Projected Statistics: 17.1 mpg, 5.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.2 apg, 38% fg, 26% 3pt, 72% ft

On the Bubble

[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3797.jpg[/IMGl] Josh Moore
Height: 7-0
Weight: 328 lbs
Experience: 1 year
Age: 23

[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3308.jpg[/IMGl] Mikki Moore
Height: 7-0
Weight: 230 lbs
Experience: 6 years
Age: 28

[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3767.jpg[/IMGl] Quinton Ross 
Height: 6-6
Weight: 195 lbs
Experience: 1 year
Age: 23

[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/3425.jpg[/IMGl] Mamadou N'diaye
Height: 7-0
Weight: 255 lbs
Experience: 4 years
Age: 29

Head Coach

[IMGl]http://espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/coaches/30011.jpg[/IMGl] Mike Dunleavy
Regular Season Record: 426-444
Postseason Record: 31-28
Head Coaching Experience: 11 years
Age: 50

Outlook: This will be Coach Dunleavy's second season with the club. He brings forth experience and knowledge that was absent from his predecessors. Although many believe his system is overly structured, it seems fit for a young squad such as the Clippers. It will be interesting to see how his team progresses after one year under his tutelage.

Keys to a Successful Clipper Season
<ul>
[*] Stay Healthy: Last season, the Clippers were bombarded with injuries. Chris Kaman was the only Clipper to participate in all 82 games. Maggette was second on the team in games played with only 73. No other player on the roster was above the 70 game mark. With a young lineup and a marginal bench, the Clippers will need to stay healthy this season if they wish to make any kind of run for a playoff spot.
[*] Get Solid Play at the Point: Last season's biggest hole was at the point guard position. Neither incumbent Jaric nor now departed Dooling showed they can run the Clippers' offense effectively. One of the Clippers' biggest off-season goals was to have this addressed, and they attempted to do so via the NBA Draft. However, the Clippers were unable to land a quality veteran point guard through free agency who could step in right away and provide stability. Thus, the Clippers will have to rely once again on Jaric and hope that their young draft picks can step in and contribute.
[*] Continue to Mature: At the beginning of every season, we hear about the Clippers' potential. And at the end of every season, they finished at or near the bottom of the conference. Despite this, the Clippers' core of young players have made noticeable strides in their games. Maggette continues to improve as a scorer. Brand is becoming more of a leader. Wilcox has made huge strides since coming out of Maryland. Kaman showed signs of being a legit low post scorer. Yet, none of this has translated into wins thus far. The Clippers are hoping this is the year it all comes together.
[/list]

Outlook

Expectations: The Clippers come into this season with low-to-mild expectations. With the West even stronger than last season, it is unlikely that they will find themselves in any sort of playoff position. However, that doesn't mean Clippers fans have nothing to look forward to. Once again, the team is young, dynamic, and becoming increasingly experienced. Watching them grow together will be rewarding and entertaining in itself.

Prediction of Record: 34-48

Notes:
*Drobnjak was subsequently traded to the Hawks
**Stat projection for this player is based on an assumption that he will participate in a low number of games either due to coach's decision and/or injury

Courtking · Oct 2, 2004

Alsome preview, notMuchgame, I live on the east coast and don't know a lot about the Clippers. This gave me a lot of info :thumbsup:

purpleb0n9 · Oct 4, 2004

This preview is da bomb... straight to the point and easy to follow... keep up good work man.

og15 · Oct 4, 2004

The preview is very good, but I think Maggette and Brand will average more points than you predicted because Q-Rich took a lot of shots last year, and Kittles isn't going to take near as many as him.

I think Maggette will average about 23 PPG, and Brand 21 PPG. I agree with just about everything, I don't see the team making the playoffs, but with no injuries they won't be a team other teams can expect to just walk all over.

If they can also have a good record, Brand has a chance at making the All-Star game, he's definately worhty, but the team just hasn't been fair to him.

notmuchgame · Oct 7, 2004

opinions?

nkwu · Oct 24, 2004

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CourtKing:</div><div class="quote_post">Alsome preview, notMuchgame, I live on the east coast and don't know a lot about the Clippers. This gave me a lot of info :thumbsup:</div>
Agreed, Top notch report. I have no opinions cuz i hardly follow the clips still.. *two thumbs up*

og15 · Oct 24, 2004

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting nkwu:</div><div class="quote_post">Agreed, Top notch report. I have no opinions cuz i hardly follow the clips still.. *two thumbs up*</div>
Just like everyone else

ak5cga5c2 · Oct 5, 2005

mikki moore was traded to seattle
so were jaric and simmons (leagues most improved player)

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