Living in the Shadows: An LA Clippers Story.

[kibaxx7]

Start Steph right now!!!

[chosenone58]

Baby faced assassin is ready to get started

[RMJH4]

ESPN OFFSEASON RECAP: BLOCKBUSTER MOVES SHAKE THE NBA.

The NBA Reloads After LeBron’s First Championship

After LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Kobe Bryant’s Lakers in a thrilling seven-game NBA Finals, teams around the league spent the summer retooling, reloading, and recalibrating in hopes of dethroning the newly crowned champions.

The 2009 offseason saw major player movement, as contenders bolstered their rosters while rebuilding teams positioned themselves for the future. With the coveted 2010 free agency class looming, some teams made short-term win-now moves, while others cleared cap space for the upcoming superstar sweepstakes.

BLOCKBUSTER TRADES SHAKE UP THE LEAGUE

Shaq Joins LeBron in Cleveland
Cavaliers trade Ben Wallace & Sasha Pavlović to Suns for Shaquille O’Neal

The defending champion Cavaliers didn’t stand pat after their first title. They added Shaquille O’Neal, hoping his size and experience would help them go back-to-back. Shaq, 37, is past his prime, but he provides an inside presence to match up with Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, and Tim Duncan.

“My only goal is to help LeBron get another ring,” O’Neal said in his introductory press conference.

Vince Carter Heads to Orlando

Magic trade Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie to Nets for Vince Carter & Ryan Anderson

The Magic, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, weren’t satisfied. Losing to the Cavs in the East Finals, they added an elite scoring wing in Vince Carter, giving Dwight Howard another offensive weapon.

Orlando also acquired Ryan Anderson, a stretch-four who fits perfectly in their three-point-heavy system. The move cost them young guard Courtney Lee, but they bet on Carter to push them over the top.

Richard Jefferson Joins the Spurs

Spurs trade Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto to Bucks for Richard Jefferson

San Antonio, still chasing another championship, added a dynamic scorer in Richard Jefferson to play alongside Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili. Jefferson brings athleticism and perimeter scoring, something the Spurs lacked in their 2009 playoff loss to the Lakers.

Pistons Break Up Their Core

Detroit signs Ben Gordon (5 years, $55M) & Charlie Villanueva (5 years, $35M)
Allen Iverson leaves for Memphis (1-year, $3M deal)

The Pistons moved on from their championship identity, letting Rasheed Wallace walk and replacing him with Villanueva and Ben Gordon in a surprising spending spree. Gordon provides instant offense, while Villanueva is a versatile scoring forward—but neither is known for defense, leaving Detroit’s long-term direction in question.

Meanwhile, Allen Iverson left Detroit and signed with Memphis, joining a young Grizzlies squad featuring O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay.

MAJOR FREE AGENCY SIGNINGS

Ron Artest Signs with the Lakers

Lakers sign Ron Artest (3 years, $18M)

After falling short in the Finals, the Lakers opted for toughness, signing Ron Artest to replace Trevor Ariza. Artest gives them defensive intensity and a fiery personality, fitting perfectly in Phil Jackson’s system.

“I’m here to win a ring,” Artest said.

Trevor Ariza Heads to Houston

Rockets sign Trevor Ariza (5 years, $33M)

With Yao Ming’s foot injury casting doubt on the Rockets’ future, Houston signed Trevor Ariza, hoping his youth and defense could help them remain competitive. Ariza played a crucial role in the Lakers’ Finals run, but now he’ll have to prove he can do more than just be a role player.

Rasheed Wallace Joins the Celtics

Celtics sign Rasheed Wallace (2 years, $12M)

The Celtics, still hungry for another title, added veteran big man Rasheed Wallace. The move bolsters their frontcourt alongside Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins, giving Boston another versatile defender and three-point shooter.

“We’re coming for another championship,” Wallace said at his signing.

WHO WON THE OFFSEASON?

Cleveland Cavaliers (A+)
Added Shaq to support LeBron
Kept core intact for another title run

Los Angeles Lakers (A)
Upgraded from Ariza to Artest
Kept championship team together

Orlando Magic (A-)
Vince Carter replaces Hedo Türkoğlu
Kept Dwight Howard surrounded by shooters

San Antonio Spurs (B+)
Richard Jefferson gives them a needed scorer

Still questions about depth
Detroit Pistons (C+)
Spent big on Gordon & Villanueva
Lost their defensive identity

WHAT’S NEXT?
With several contenders reloading, the 2009-10 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. But with the legendary 2010 free agency class looming, many teams are keeping an eye on the future.

Will LeBron & the Cavs repeat? Can Kobe & the Lakers get revenge? Will Dwight Howard finally break through?

Who made the best moves this offseason? Sound off in the comments below!

[RMJH4]

Start Steph right now!!!

Felton has the chops to start at the minute, Steph or rather Stephen as he was called at this stage needs to pay his dues!

Baby faced assassin is ready to get started

Certainly was baby faced at this stage, barely a facial hair in sight!

[RMJH4]

The Mag's 2009-10 Season Preview

This NBA season hinges on the kind of bonds the contenders concoct in the lab -- or at least on the court. But if chemistry were the only subject that mattered, the Spurs would be working on one for the thumb -- the second thumb. So we're taking a look at how each of the top NBA clubs fares in a variety of subjects: Chemistry, yes, but also Biology, because trainers countrywide will be working overtime to ready hobbled or aging stars; Economics, because salary caps and team finances are as formidable an opponent as Dwight Howard in the paint; History, because what has happened before has happened for a reason; and Math, because, the numbers -- well, ESPN Insider John Hollinger's anyway -- never lie. Our report cards are tough but fair. And before you tell us that the overall mark doesn't add up -- c'mon, haven't you heard of grading on a curve?


CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

BIOLOGY — A
LeBron James is a freak of nature, and now he has the biggest human in basketball protecting the paint.

CHEMISTRY — B
LeBron and Shaq will sell tickets and highlights, but how does Shaq coexist with the team’s spread-the-floor offense?

ECONOMICS — A-minus
No max contracts were added, and Shaq’s deal expires after the season, preserving cap space for the real summer: 2010.

HISTORY — B
They finally broke through last year. Now, the question is: can LeBron do what Duncan, Shaq, and Kobe all did before him—repeat?

MATH — A
Shaq gives them a plus-minus monster in the paint, and Mo Williams & Delonte West will get even more open looks. But if it’s the fourth quarter and Shaq’s at the free-throw line… yikes.

OVERALL GRADE: A-minus
Defending champs. A motivated LeBron. A hungry Shaq. What could go wrong?

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LOS ANGELES LAKERS

BIOLOGY — B-plus
Clutch threes aside, Father Time is rapping on Derek Fisher’s door. Is Jordan Farmar ready?

CHEMISTRY — B-minus
Ron Artest’s antics and Lamar Odom’s reality TV life will be pesky distractions, but Andrew Bynum thinking he’s outgrown Kareem’s counsel will be the real trouble.

ECONOMICS — A
Sure, they have the league’s bulkiest payroll—including Phil Jackson, its priciest coach—but they re-upped Odom and lured Artest at bargain prices.

HISTORY — C
After decades of repeats and three-peats, no NBA champ has successfully defended since the Lakers did it in 2002.

MATH — B-plus
The Artest-for-Ariza swap works out like this: Artest is the superior spot-up shooter, making him a better fit beside Kobe and Pau Gasol. Ariza’s hot streak last spring? A fluke. He’s a career 29.9% from three. Artest shot 39.9% last season and 34.2% for his career.

OVERALL GRADE: A-minus
They’re still the West’s best—but are they better than the Cavs?

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BOSTON CELTICS

BIOLOGY — B
Kevin Garnett is back. But after last year’s knee issues, is he still the same guy?

CHEMISTRY — B-plus
Rasheed Wallace fits in on paper, but he also loves jacking up threes instead of playing in the post. If he buys in, Boston is scary.

ECONOMICS — B
Wallace came cheap, but Ray Allen is on an expiring deal, meaning big changes could be coming next summer.

HISTORY — B
Won it all in ‘08, broke down in ‘09. This is their last, best shot at another ring.

MATH — B-plus
Their "Big Three" plus Rondo formula still works, but only if Garnett is fully healthy. If not, this team isn’t making it past Cleveland or Orlando.

OVERALL GRADE: B-plus
One last ride for the old-school Celtics.

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SAN ANTONIO SPURS

BIOLOGY — B-minus
Tim Duncan still has it, but Manu Ginóbili’s injuries are becoming a trend.

CHEMISTRY — A
Richard Jefferson is an upgrade over Bruce Bowen, and Duncan-Parker-Ginóbili know how to win together.

ECONOMICS — B
Jefferson’s deal isn’t cheap, but the Spurs always find ways to make it work.

HISTORY — A
Four rings in 10 years. If you’re counting them out, you haven’t been paying attention.

MATH — B-plus
Jefferson adds scoring, but losing Bowen hurts their perimeter defense. If Ginóbili stays healthy, they’re contenders. If not, they’re a second-round team at best.

OVERALL GRADE: A-minus
A classic Spurs reload. One more run?

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ORLANDO MAGIC

BIOLOGY — B-plus
Dwight Howard remains the league’s most dominant defensive force, but with Hedo Türkoğlu gone, can Vince Carter fill the playmaking void?

CHEMISTRY — B
Swapping Türkoğlu for Carter means more one-on-one scoring, less ball movement. Rashard Lewis slides to small forward, but will that hurt their spacing?

ECONOMICS — B-minus
They committed big money to Carter and Brandon Bass while letting Türkoğlu walk. If this doesn’t work, they could be stuck with some expensive contracts.

HISTORY — B
Last year was their best season since Shaq & Penny, but losing in the Finals still stings. Are they hungry enough to get back?

MATH — B-plus
Adding Carter ups their scoring, but doesn’t replace Türkoğlu’s playmaking. Jameer Nelson needs to stay healthy, and they need big seasons from Lewis and Bass to keep up with Cleveland and Boston.

OVERALL GRADE: B-plus
They’re still one of the East’s best, but losing Türkoğlu’s versatility could keep them from taking that final step.

---
DENVER NUGGETS

BIOLOGY — B
Carmelo Anthony took the leap last year, and Chauncey Billups is still a rock at PG.

CHEMISTRY — B-plus
The Billups-Melo duo works, but who steps up as the third option?

ECONOMICS — B
They kept their core intact without overpaying in free agency.

HISTORY — C
One West Finals run doesn’t make you elite—yet.

MATH — B
Arron Afflalo is a downgrade from Dahntay Jones defensively, but the offense should still be explosive.

OVERALL GRADE: B-plus
Still dangerous, but are they ready to truly contend?

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FINAL TAKE

It’s a collision course between LeBron and Kobe, but Boston, San Antonio, and Orlando aren’t going anywhere quietly.

And in the West? The Lakers are still the favorites, but the Nuggets, Spurs, and Mavericks are ready to shake things up.

One thing’s for sure— this season will be legendary.

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**Who’s your pick to win it all? Drop your predictions below!**

[RMJH4]

Clips Nation Fan Forum 2009-10 Season Preview

“A New Era Begins… But How Soon Can We Compete?”

Alright, Clipper Nation, let’s be real—this franchise has been a punchline for too long. But for once, there’s an actual plan in place, and it starts with Stephen Curry.

It wasn’t the offseason splash some fans wanted (no Blake Griffin, no superstar signing), but the front office cleared bad contracts, added vets, and set the stage for the future. With Mike Budenholzer now coaching, there’s an emphasis on ball movement, defense, and actually playing smart basketball. When’s the last time we could say that?

What We Like:

Stephen Curry – Finally, a franchise cornerstone. The kid can shoot, pass, and play beyond his years. His development will be the biggest storyline this year.
Ball movement & structure – No more Baron Davis and Zach Randolph pounding the air out of the ball. Expect better team basketball.
Short-term contracts & cap flexibility – The front office isn’t tying us down with bad deals anymore.

What We’re Worried About:

Is Curry ready to lead immediately? – Most rookie PGs struggle. Can he handle being the face of the franchise from Day 1?
Who’s the second scorer? – Curry can’t do it all. Chris Kaman is solid inside, but is that enough?
The “same old Clippers” curse – We’ve seen “promising” seasons fall apart before. Is this actually different?

Players to Watch & Trade Odds:

Chris Kaman – 50% chance of being traded
If Kaman stays healthy, he’s a solid trade piece for a playoff team needing size. If the Clippers struggle, expect contenders to come calling.

Marcus Camby – 70% chance of being traded
Expiring contract + elite defense = prime trade candidate at the deadline. If a title contender needs rim protection, Camby is as good as gone.

Eric Gordon – 0% chance of being traded
The Clippers love Gordon’s scoring ability and see him as a long-term backcourt mate for Curry. The hope is that he takes a big leap in Year 2 and gives the team a second reliable scorer.

Al Thornton – 30% chance of being traded
He can score, but is he a core piece? If he improves defensively and fits in Budenholzer’s system, he stays. Otherwise, he could be moved in a package for a long-term upgrade at small forward.

Raja Bell – 40% chance of being traded
Veteran 3-and-D wings are valuable. If the Clippers aren’t in playoff contention by February, he could be flipped to a contender.

Boris Diaw – 30% chance of being traded
His versatility fits Budenholzer’s system, but if a good offer comes in, don’t be shocked.

Season Outlook & Prediction

Best-Case Scenario: Curry is a rookie sensation, Kaman stays healthy, and the Clippers hover around .500, showing promise for the future.
Worst-Case Scenario: The team struggles early, Curry hits the rookie wall, and the Clippers become sellers at the deadline.
Prediction: 30-35 wins, a fun but frustrating season with growing pains.

Clipper Nation, what are your predictions? Will Curry turn this franchise around? Sound off below!

[Agent]

Curry for 6th man

[Soapy]

that defense about to be atrocious but should put numbers up offensively

[The JZA]

Good luck in the upcoming season

[RMJH4]

Game 1: LA Clippers 82 - 91 LA Lakers.

October 27th, 2009 by NBA.com

Clippers Starters
R. Felton
E. Gordon
A. Thornton
B. Diaw
C. Kaman

Lakers Starters
D. Fisher
K. Bryant
R. Artest
P. Gasol
A. Bynum

Game Leaders
Pts - 25 - K. Bryant (Lakers), 19 - S. Curry (Clippers)
Rebs - 13 - A. Bynum (Lakers), 9 - M. Camby (Clippers)
Asts - 9 - D. Fisher (Lakers), 5 - S. Curry (Clippers)
Stls - 3 - R. Artest (Lakers), 2 - R. Bell (Clippers)
Blks - 1 - P. Gasol (Lakers), 2 - C. Kaman (Clippers)

K. Bryant (Lakers)
25pts, 5 rebs, 2 asts, 1 stl.

Game Recap by David Aldridge.

The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their title defense with a 91-82 victory over the Clippers, holding off their cross-town rivals behind Kobe Bryant’s 25-point performance at Staples Center. Despite a strong effort from the new-look Clippers, featuring rookie Stephen Curry leading the team with 19 points off the bench, the Lakers' experience and size advantage proved too much down the stretch. Andrew Bynum dominated the glass with 13 rebounds, and Derek Fisher controlled the pace with 9 assists to guide the Lakers to a methodical win.

The Clippers, under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, showed signs of promise defensively, keeping the Lakers under 100 points. However, their offense struggled at times, shooting just 38% from the field and committing costly turnovers in key moments.

With Raymond Felton struggling (4 points, 2-9 FG) and Eric Gordon (13 points) unable to find his shot late, Curry stepped up as the Clippers’ best offensive weapon. The rookie guard displayed his shooting touch, knocking down three three-pointers, while also leading the team with five assists.

Inside, Chris Kaman battled Pau Gasol and Bynum, finishing with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Marcus Camby led the team with 9 boards off the bench. But outside of Curry, the Clippers lacked a consistent scoring punch, something that could be a concern moving forward.

Ron Artest made his official Lakers debut and wasted no time showcasing his defensive impact. The forward recorded 3 steals, helped contain Al Thornton (8 points, 4-11 FG), and provided timely buckets on his way to a 12-point, 6-rebound night.

Meanwhile, Gasol and Bynum combined for 28 points and 19 rebounds, overwhelming the Clippers’ front line in the paint.