RealGM

Los Angeles Clippers forward Caron Butler suffered a fractured fifth metacarpal in his left hand with 2:38 remaining in the third quarter of last night’s 99-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in game one of their first round playoff series. Butler underwent an x-ray at the arena during the game which confirmed the injury.

Butler, who scored 12 points in 23 minutes played in game one, is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks.

Clippers.com

4-6 weeks That would put him out until anywhere from the beginning of the Western Conference Finals to the start of the NBA Finals. For that reason, I'd love to see him play again this season , but maybe his thing is sitting on the bench suited and booted watching his team during the playoffs.

In all seriousness, somebody is going to have step up in his absence. Young, Mo and Bledsoe's minutes all probably see a bump. Gomes and Simmons are available, but are probably better off cheering the team on from the sidelines.

Start Nick Young, at least he is a competent man defender. I really don't want to see Bobby Simmons guarding Rudy Gay.

Damn injury bug is hitting the league big time. I guess it could have been worse, but Butler has playoff experience, so not having him will hurt, even if we have guys on the bench who can pretty much match his production. Foye is going to need to step up and start scoring consistently every game.

As long as there isn't a Ryan Gomes sighting, I'm fine, then again, maybe Ryan Gomes is the hidden X-Factor that will come in, shut down Rudy Gay, and hit key shots. Okay, I woke up from my dream. Well...

I'm not huge on Simmons guarding Gay, but we'll see what happens. Simmons could start, but he should get max like 7-9 minutes a half and Young should play the rest with the 3 guard lineup being on for 2-3 minutes also.

og15 wrote:As long as there isn't a Ryan Gomes sighting, I'm fine, then again, maybe Ryan Gomes is the hidden X-Factor that will come in, shut down Rudy Gay, and hit key shots. Okay, I woke up from my dream. Well...

I'm not huge on Simmons guarding Gay, but we'll see what happens. Simmons could start, but he should get max like 7-9 minutes a half and Young should play the rest with the 3 guard lineup being on for 2-3 minutes also.

I think I'm the only one ok for starting Simmons and just using him to rough up Gay... put a couple of Hard fouls on him and just set the Physical factor on him... Throw him off and just play him tight.

It's rough.... Broke my hand in the same place and it honestly wasn't that bad. It's just the healing process that will keep him out for awhile. Hell, if I were him though I'd say slap something that'll keep my hand straight and I'll play like that.

RondoToKG wrote:It's rough.... Broke my hand in the same place and it honestly wasn't that bad. It's just the healing process that will keep him out for awhile. Hell, if I were him though I'd say slap something that'll keep my hand straight and I'll play like that.

kobe did it =X didn't he?

Terrible news for depth alone we have to start a bench scorer. Does this mean Gomes and Simmons split back up mins

I was hoping that he wouldn't be out this long. What really hurts is that we won't have his playoff experience. Hopefully we have the other guys step up and be ready to go this time.

Damn, it looks like once again the small forward position has become our weakest. Even if Butler wasn't having a great season, he rounded out our starting lineup nicely, and was able to hit the three. Now with him gone, it looks like were going to go real small now with Young getting some minutes at the 3. Hopefully Simmons can provide something too. No Gomes please.

I pray that Vinnie splits the PT between Young & Simmons. Gomes should only make an appearance during garbage time.

Id actually prefer to run 3 guards rather than Gomes/Simmons, but really, can't do that to defend Gay. I wouldn't mind Kmart just staying on Gay at SF actually.

Any chance he could play? anyone heard anything? Its gonna hurt us but I think he's very hot/cold so it shouldn't be a major major issue. I've got confidence in Foye and Young to step it up

Nick Young is going to start at the 3. K-Mart playing SF could be okay defensively, but on offense that's just a terrible lineup to use for more than spot minutes in a game.

Going to miss Caron even when off he was a threat to teams.

What about Bobby Simmons? Has VDN lost confidence in him?
I think Simmons may shine; he's looking for a contract

If this dude pulls a Willis Reed in game 3 ClipperNation will go nuts!

mj_shoefanatic wrote:If this dude pulls a Willis Reed in game 3 ClipperNation will go nuts!

I'm a pessimist.. But MAN.... That would be pretty sweet.

Caron practiced with a brace on his left hand today. He hasn't been ruled out from playing tomorrow. He wants to play.

Love hearing that from Caron. He really wants to be out there.

I'm glad that he practiced. He would definitely be a big help if he plays. I know he wants to play and I'm sure he will at some point this series.