CLIPPERS SUCCESS
With all the Players, Coaching Staff and Management working together the Clippers could end up being the 2 possibly even the 1 seed in the Western Conference this year
That is saying a lot with the heavily reinforced Spurs and the defending champions Warriors. Also, do not count out the deadly duo of a healthy Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The west is between those 4 teams, but what makes the Clippers stand out?
I want thank 3 REAL, LONG TIME, DIE HARD Clipper fans, Pedro Barroso (P.B), Scott Eichler (S.E.) and Jonathan Varela (J.V.) for taking the time to participate in this article by giving me their opinions and insights on the Clippers.
When I asked Jonathan Varela, for his clipper stand out reason, he touched on an important note "The early exits from the playoffs the last two years will provide more motivation for Griffin, Paul, and Jordan. I believe with the coaching and players on this team a Championship is the reasonable expectation."
Pedro Barroso believes the new reinforced bench will be the defining difference between sink or swim. Being deeper, with solid reserves, the bench would be able to step up to replace any of the starting 5 in case of injury and still be able to win
"Improved Basketball IQ and versatility" is Scott's stand out reason. "By replacing Barnes with Pierce and matching Hedo Turkoglu with Josh smith" they can turn this team to a huge success
BLAKE GRIFFIN (Video Commentary)
Pedro, Scott and myself agree, Blake will be the big factor and impact player for the Clippers this upcoming season.
P.B. said "Blake Griffin is set to have his best season yet. Ever since Blake came on the scene he's improved his game in increments. Last year had a respectable jump shot so I see his outside game being expanded"
S.E. said "By far, Blake, statistically, will have the biggest impact. I'm betting Blake will post a 23 pt, 8 reb, 5 assist line this year. He'll finally eclipse Chris Paul as the de facto star"
CHRIS PAUL (Video Commentary)
Will Chris paul remain healthy throughout the season or will his injured hamstring cause problems and a possible trade
Chris Paul can still bring valuable assets in a trade if the season is a bust. A long shot, but never count out injuries and bad luck
DEANDRE JORDAN (Video Commentary)
Jonathan Varela believes DeAndre will be the big impact player "I expect Jordan will have another stellar year. I think his presence and defensive mindset sets the tone for the team"
JAMAL CRAWFORD
The killer crossover, ex 6th Man of the year is highly skilled and talented has the tenacity, fire, energy and abilty off the bench to run the show and carry the team, but needs to show it and bring it in the the palyoffs. His 17 PPG average, while with the Clippers, is gravely needed
PAUL PIERCE
Coming of age doesn't mean anything when you're a proven champion veteran. You tend to get more respect from your teammates and your time is valued. With the wizards at age 37 Paul Pierce showed he still had the abilty to close out games in the playoffs. His infamous "I called game" fade away buzzer beater shot, is something the Clippers desperately need. Along with his reunion with doc, perseverance and determination, Pierce looks to take the Clippers to a new level of success
S.E. - "Paul Pierce will add a much needed component that Matt Barnes never could give. Pierce can play D, not as good as Matt, can rebound, can pass, and, most importantly, can get his own shot when needed"
About Paul's fade away and mid range game:
S.E. - "That's also another important piece about Pierce. He may not have the speed that Barnes did, but he is more crafty and can play against larger opponents. This allows the Clippers to play more effective small ball"
ACQUIRING LANCE STEPHENSON AND JOSH SMITH IS A FLIP OF A COIN
And J.V. agrees with me on these 2 acquisitions
J.V. - "I think Stephenson and Smith are the wild cards... If they click with the team we will be very dangerous. But, if it's like Hawes and Dudley, and they bring the stink, we probably won't make it past the WC finals."
P.B. sees this acquisition as a positive
"The Lance Stephenson from Indiana was a triple double waiting to happen and if he can bring that game to LA then I like their chances. He could be an important player and have the most impact off the bench."
LANCE STEPHENSON AND JOSH SMITH (Video Commentary)
WESLEY JOHNSON
I pick this guy as the sleeper, nobody is going to see coming. Playing 29 minutes with the Lakers and only averaging 9 PPG when there was literally no one else available, due to injuries, for some strange reason didn't get the ball enough. When he did receive the ball, Wesley showed his 3 point range, mid range and his dunking abilty. This guy is hungry and ready to contribute, watch out for him.
Looking forward to clipper matchups:
Jay: Cavs, Houston, Oklahoma, Warriors and Lakers
I want to see how the Laker rookies perform against a power house championship contender.
Pedro Barroso:
Warriors, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston and Memphis
Always difficult to watch Zack and Marc from Memphis put up a fight against the clippers
Scott Eichler:
Warriors, Spurs, Oklahoma, most importantly wants a Houston rematch in the playoffs
Jonathan Varela:
Lakers, Memphis, Oklahoma, Spurs and Warriors
Can't wait for the rivalry between the Warriors and clippers to start again
Key matchups:
Oklahoma. A healthy Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook
Without a deep enough roster for OKC the Clippers have a chance at sweeping the series (Advantage - Clippers)
Houston. Dwight Howard and James Harden
Seeking retribution after the catastrophic collapse and series loss, both teams added to their roster. But the Clippers have a chip on their shoulder that might give them the advantage to a game series win by 1
(Advantage - Clippers)
Spurs. The old big 3 return Duncan, Manu and Parker with Leonard and Aldridge
Huge changes to the roster and the return of both Duncan and Pop set up for a possible road block and WCF match up.
(Series tie)
Warriors. The defending champs and the splash Bros
Luck and avoidance, but this time around the Clippers are better.
(Advantage - Clippers)
Cleveland. kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and Lebron James with a stronger bench
How will they handle the top ranked heavily favored Cavs after going 0-2 last season?
I see them splitting the regular season series, but still pretty hazy on who can win in the finals if they meet. Until the season is at least 2 month in, we won't know how this new ramped up roster performs together and if they mesh. They sure have the capability to take the Cavs to a game 7 in the finals. We are definitely going to see something new and exciting in L.A.
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