VDN & Ralph Lawler Season Ticket Conference Call 7/30

[mkwest]

I have yet to find a detailed account of what was said, other than the basic play the right way stuff. Ralph left a few comments on his Facebook page regarding the conference call and the direction that the team is heading toward.

Looking to add a 3rd big

Spent hour on a conf. call Fri. with Clipper Coach VDN & Season Ticket Holders. Says work not done on roster. Hopes to add back-up Big. He & several Clipper players in L.V. next week for Big Man's camp. Close to finalizing coaching staff. Satisfied with the summer FA signings and likes the 4 rookies. Happy with the play of D.J. in SL & believes team can compete for a spot in the Play-offs.

Players practicing together plus EJ's participation with Team USA

Vinny thinks the Team USA experience will help advance the growth of 21 year old Clipper guard Eric Gordon. Many of the players are at the Training Center daily and he expects pretty much the full team to be in town right after Labor Day to begin prep for Training Camp which will open on or about 9/28. He's met with everyone on the roster and is Very up-beat about the season. You can't help but feel that way yourself after talking to him.

Ralph explains summer of 2010 moves and the game plan for the near future

Here's the deal on the Clipper's Summer of 2010. Please understand there were 2 routes to go for all teams this year: 1. Take a Swing for the Fences and try to be an immediate championship contender.
2. Build for a future run at a title.
The ...Clips were one of 6 teams invited to the LBJ Home Run Derby. Dallas wanted in and was rebuffed while teams under the CAP such as Sacramento, Minny and Washington did not get the Invite. You would have All had every right to Boycott the team Forevermore if they had said - "Ah, you aren't Really interested in us." The team went to bat and made a Long-shot run at one of the Game's greatest players. Route 1 didn't work.
That left them facing their 2nd choice. Here's what you All need to understand - This next season is the Last that will be played under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. If Ever there was a time to Swing for the Fences - it was Now. The Lakers are ready to launch what might be their Last Kobe Bryant-led chase after a Ring. All their thoughts are about Next season. Miami obviously went "All-in." Other than that, teams largely are working on positioning themselves for what will truly be a New NBA - whether it starts in 2011 or is delayed until 2012. Result? Short-term deals, young nucleus, protection of CAP Space, possession of draft picks. No teams are doing this more wisely than the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers. Teams Under the Cap when the new CBA is struck will be in a most enviable position. They will likely be able to Add players while the teams Over the Cap will almost certainly have to dispose of players - in some cases- dispose of Very good players for virtually No return. I can't go into much more detail than this, but please understand that what is being done is following a well thought out plan. Don't expect it to result in an NBA Title in 2011, but they do believe they can compete and be entertaining and show Hope for Clipper fans this coming season while keeping their eye on what they foresee as a very bright future.

Ralph Lawler via Facebook

[donemilio21]

interesting. Thanks for posting it.

This makes me think that right before this seasons trade deadline the FO might try to trade Baron to a championship contender to get rid of his salary off the books.

[illastrate]

^ Now that I can get behind!