ESPN: 2013-14 outlook: Los Angeles Clippers
Posted: Tue Oct 8, 2013 5:42 pm
'13-14 outlook: Los Angeles Clippers1. What grade would you give the Clippers' offseason?
Kevin Arnovitz, ESPN.com: A-minus. The organization nailed the big tasks. The Clippers acquired a coach who commands the highest respect of NBA players, and found two wings who understand how to function in the offense and can shoot the ball from distance -- one of them at a real bargain. They're a little thin up front behind Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, and they don't really have a shutdown on-ball defender in the backcourt, but overall it was a very productive offseason.2. What's the biggest question facing the Clippers in 2013-14?
Buha: Can they defend at an elite level in the postseason? Don't let last season's ninth-ranked defense fool you. The Clippers had the 21st-ranked defense after Feb. 1, which ultimately cost them their season. Rivers' strongside defensive system should coax initial improvement, but it'll have to hold up for the Clips to have a deep playoff run.3. Who's the Clippers' most intriguing player?
Han: Blake Griffin. Griffin's taken a good deal of unwarranted criticism the past two seasons. While his raw numbers may have dipped, Griffin's per-36-minutes production has remained consistent. With a new motion offense installed by Alvin Gentry, Griffin could be poised to take flight again.
ESPN