Recent trade buzz and a moment to reflect on the Clippers

[DangerCurtis]

I've been reading a lot of analysis about the recent trades between Washington, Orlando, and Phoenix and it has made me reflect strongly upon our Clipper squad and our summer acquisitions. I have to admit I was bummed we weren't able to get Lebron (I know the possibility of him coming to us was really slim) but in hindsight, I'm really glad we didn't rush/overpay anyone to come play for us. As well, I like what VDN and Olshley are doing with the "bring in high character guys".

As it stands our record is utter crap, but with the high character, youth, and hard work our guys put in, it's only a matter of time before this team turns the corner and starts winning consistently. And it maybe wishful thinking, but I still think we can get to .500 before the end of the season.

Aside from everything, the purpose of this thread is to express my gratitude right now that our team doesn't have to worry about bad contracts, problem players and drama that can hinder the development of our rookies. The only thing our guys have to worry about is turning Losses into Wins.

And while many will counter-argue that B.Davis is a problem player/ black hole of a contract / anchor dragging this team down, and I'll agree, but he also has it in him to pull everyone together and turn us into a respectable team. And given the recent win in Chicago combined with Gordon and Griffin's hardwork and optimism, we hope that this is the point where things begin to take off and see a highly motivated Baron Davis.

[donemilio21]

Well written my friend. I agree for the most part, but getting to .500 is wishful thinking IMO. If we win next 4 games, and Baron plays decent, I might change my mind.

[PlinkingPanda]

That's well put. The team has been playing much better compared to the start of the season. We could have ourselves a 3 game winning streak with Minnesota coming up. Stuff like that can get the ball rolling.

I was content with the signings we made during the off-season. I was skeptical about Brian Cook, but he's honestly done a damn fine job when he's gotten minutes.

If Kaman can come back healthy and plays close to what he did last year, we can make a fair amount of noise later on in the season.

[thanumba2clippersfan]

I basically agree with most of what has been said so far. I'm content with the signings and I'm happy that we didn't over pay to get some mediocre player. I wasn't thrilled with the Cook signing, but his play has made me change my mind about that one.

I do think that our team can have success, I'm not sure that we'll get to .500 this season, but we may come pretty close by the end of the season. I saw glimpses of offense on a high level during the pre season. It was then that I said we could be very good as long as we stay healthy and we play together. It took awhile for the team to gel and play together do to injuries.

For the most part I like where the team is now and I like how we're playing. I haven't liked some of our losses and we'll have to work on playing a full 48 minutes. The young players will grow and we should be good in the future.

[mkwest]

I feel like we threw in the towel in the Philadelphia game. I was kind of worried that team morale was in a bad place. At that point, we had lost 6 of 7. We lost close(r) games to some good teams then fell apart against the 76ers, although they have been playing really well lately. Thankfully, things have picked up in the last 2 games and the team's confidence is back up. Things are far from perfect, but there's plenty to be hopeful about. We do have some favorable games coming up and it would be a nice time to string together some wins. Many other teams in the league who are seen as elite, good or even average have been able to go on nice winning streaks. I'd love to see us do it. Everybody wanted playoffs coming into the season, but I feel that playoffs were not totally indicative of what should be considered a successful season our playoffs.

It's funny that Cook has been our best value pick-up of this past summer. Who would have thought that (that isn't named Brian_Cook_Fan)? When Gomes' shot is falling, he's good to have on the floor. Foye hasn't really been on the court long enough to show anything. They were lackluster signings in comparison to the big names that were on everybody's minds, but they are signings that don't financially strap us like others would. Atlanta and Memphis gave deals to Johnson and Gay that noone could top. LeBron to Miami was always the plan for him. We were left with players like Matthews, Childress, Brewer, McGrady, Howard, Kleiza, Outlaw, etc. I like a couple of them, but most of them would not made much of a difference imo.

Having flexibility is going to be important. Griffin and Gordon can be enticing to other players and give reasons why it may not be such a bad idea to play with them. Maybe the next time a big free-agent is available, the Clippers are higher on his list, because of those 2 guys. Having cap space, expirings and movable contracts will give us a better shot.

[RiversideClips]

The 76er's game scared me; I saw traces of a Dunleavy team quitting. The Clips bounced back in Detroit and almost let one slip in Chi Town, I think they may be learning to win. B Diddy may be a Black Hole but, if the team plays well so does he and more teams maybe interested in a VET to help a playoff run.
On to Cook.When we signed Cook, I had to go to the hospital b/c I was laughing so hard I hurt my insides. The Game against NOLA, Cooks intensity,defense and hitting 2 -3 Bombs kept the Clips in the game. I think that Cook fits into this team so well, a hard worker that is so UNDER APPRECIATED!
As an 8 year Season Tix Holder, I see hope (much like Maggette,Odom,Brand, Q Rich,D. Miles) can we keep them together and help them grow? I hope so.
I also like the addition of Collins, I think he has helped calm down DeAndre; watch the warmups & T/O those 2 talk alot.

[Forte IV]

Plus people don't realize that we have beaten the Spurs, Hornets, Thunder, and Bulls(in Chicago) and nearly beat the Jazz and Lakers.

[DangerCurtis]

With our 2 game win streak on the road and coming back to Staples against the Wolves, I think these guys will be playing with an extra bounce in their step tonight.

I'd be more surprised if tonight didn't look like one giant highlight reel with dunks, alleyoops, and pure aggression on both ends of the floor tonight.