The 2011-12 season ended in a second round loss to the San Antonio Spurs. For Clippers fans, that marked a decided improvement from years past. It also marked the beginning of a young team being led by the best floor general. Fast forward one year and the picture is quite different. The L.A. Clippers, fresh off a Pacific Division championship, lost to a hungrier, grittier and more well coached Memphis Grizzlies team. For the Clips, the once bright future is suddenly in a state of disarray. Their franchise player will become a free agent on July 1, 2013. And, it is obvious that Blake Griffin is not a super star. What next?
The first move the Clips must make is re-signing Chris Paul. Chris is the best point guard in the NBA and the only legitimate star on that team. They can pay Chris more money than any other team. But, Chris is likely thinking about his legacy. Thus far, he has been unable to get past the second round of the playoffs. For a player of his stature, the critics are going to start questioning his abilities, much like they did with Lebron if he does not start winning the big games. He has certainly done his part, but Griffin is not the player people thought he would be. Ultimately, because Los Angeles is a great market and they can pay him about $30 million more than any other team, I think they have a good chance of re-signing him.
The supporting cast of the Clippers is not bad. But, they need to make some moves. Blake Griffin is a very athletic post player, but he does not have any offensive moves. When the game slows down, as it always does in the playoffs, he is a fish out of water. He is simply incapable of scoring in a half court set against good defense. He is not a good mid-range shooter and he is a liability at the free throw line. His defensive and rebounding abilities are not what they should be. If he can develop a consistent go-to move in the post and a steady mid-range shot, he will be very effective. Until then, he is only a highlight reel player, who is very ineffective when it really matters.
Deandre Jordan is terrible. This guy cannot make a free-throw and he has not developed a consistent offensive game. He should average 12 rebounds per game because of his sheer athletic ability. The other players on the team are close to being over the hill. Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Lamar Doom, Caron Butler, Chauncey Billups,and Matt Barnes are all in their 30s. Those players are effective in their own right, but none of them are go-to guys and none of them really help a team in a half court set. The Clippers need a player in the mode of Zach Randolph.
Vinny Del Negro has a winning record as the Clippers coach. But, it still seems that he should be released. He does not do a good job of making adjustments. His offensive schemes are predictable and Lionel Hollins out coached him in the series against the Grizzlies. If they hire a new coach and make a few trades, CP3 may re-sign a max deal with them. If they do not make any significant moves, CP3 may decide to try his hand at free agency. Without him on board, the Clippers will lose the momentum they have gained over the past two seasons.
Peace
No comments:
Post a Comment