RealGM

w/ the lock out looking like its going to last, don't you think NOW is the perfect time to get a new trainer? The Clippers loose more players on "Game Day" than most other clubs and I think its b/c Powell is a Walmart Trainer in a Neiman-Marcus league.

It's funny that the players love him and rave about him. Training staffs are typically who the fans (of all teams) blame when injuries occur. A lot of injuries are freak injuries and others could have been prevented through proper preparation. The ticky tack nagging injuries are the ones that could possibly be blamed on the trainer. I've seen some shoddy treatment from him over the years when trying to help a player get back into the game (e.g. that shoulder wrap he gave EJ, misdiagnosis of Maggette's foot injury, etc.). The other downside is the inaccurate prognoses. Other teams' players seem to come back early. Ours always seem to come back a couple of weeks later.

I'd be all for improving the the training staff. Phoenix is legit and by far are head and shoulders above the rest. We need to get whoever they have. They don't just treat the injury, but the surrounding structural areas so that the injury can heal properly and not cause another part of the body to be overcompensated with pressure.

I think the player's like Powell b/c he is a laid back cool guy that doesn't rock the boat. I am not bagging on him as a person, I just think his talents as a Trainer are not up to NBA levels.
I just don't see Powell being innovative (Suns,Rockets & Lakers) as far as player rehab goes. I wouldn't want to be "The Trainer" that shares an arena w/ Gary Vitti.
I am interested to know where Powell is ranked in pay w/ other NBA Trainers. Maybe this is not about Powell's talent as a Trainer,but Sterling's refusal to pay fair market value.
I am saying as a Clipper fan and Season Ticket Holder, this would be the perfect time to get a new trainer.