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I was just thinking... the clippers are looking pretty dangerous right now. Say what you will about ricky davis, the guy is and can be a potent scorer. With baron, ricky, camby, and kaman, I think this team might just have what it takes to finally get out of the laker's shadow. I don't really know much about thier bench, but the starting lineup looks great.... thoughts?

yeah they have a pretty good team this year, al thornton is gonna have a great year next year. The problems i see them having next year is on the defensive end, we'll see how motivated they are to play defense. Damn i cant wait to play 2k9 and run pick and rolls with Thornton. I dont think Ricky Davis will start but take Corey Maggette's previous role as a 6th man, Mobley should get the start.

They would have a chance to do well if they played in the East, but in the West they won't make the playoffs. They have a nice looking team but I doubt they will play much defense and there are a lot more teams that are better than them in the West.

Am I the only one who updates thier 2k8 rosters as trades are made signings... etc.? i can't wait for 2k9 either.

They got a great steal in Camby he has a big contract but he is a great player. If Baron and Kaman stay healthy they will be pretty good. Portland should be pretty good, the Hornets and Rockets improved so it will be a battle for playoff spots in the West.

They'll do just as good as they do every year....miss the playoffs

Maybe Im missing something but why would anyone consider them "Dangerous" this year? Whos gonna score for that team? Ricky Davis didnt do Miami much good last year. I think Thornton will be very good an I think EG will be pretty solid. But outside of baron there isnt really anyone on that squad that "Scares" you. Im not real worried about Ricky Davis beasting anyone. Kaman and Camby arent really big time scoring threats. I think they will be fun to watch with all the youth and different talents they have but I dont think they will be very good.

Don't see the danger element, unless you consider cracking .500 as "dangerous". Health will be an issue, overall talent is an issue, and of course, depth is an issue. I'm predicting yet another year in the lottery (I know, I'm going out on a limb here).

I am super high on the Clips. Mostly because the combination of Camby and Kaman will absolutely dominate the boards and prevent anyone from getting into the lane. No they aren't great at offense but they aren't bad either, and IMO BD, Thornton, and Davis/Mobley/Gordon will give them enough scoring from the wings. Davis' playmaking will make everybody better too. I pick them to be top 5 in the West.

theyll be better but they will be like last years portland... no playoffs

maybe slide into the 8th seed i see mavericks missing the playoffs next year

THe Clippers will be horrible. 35 wins is a hopeful wish. I would guess 22-28 wins is realistic.

magicfan84 wrote:maybe slide into the 8th seed i see mavericks missing the playoffs next year

If I was you I wouldn't bet money on that. Dirk is still one of the best in the game, and with J. Kidd and Howard they will win 55+ easily. They are not a sexy pick anymore and their window is closing with Kidd, but they still have another 2 years to make some serious noise.

Kidd is too old and slow to play defense anymore. Their problem playing him is similar to our problem playing Redick. Mavs will get owned by any team in the West with a good point guard (Hornets, Suns, Spurs, Jazz, Clippers) and Lakers, Houston, and Portland will be good enough to beat them anyway. Nuggets will miss the playoffs too.

EDIT: Also, Dirk does not know how to close games. Almost every time a game comes down to the final possession they will lose.

Get out of the Lakers shadow. I don't think so. The Lakers should be much better than the Clippers. They won't be horrible. They should have a shot to make the playoffs till the last month of the season. At best they are a first round and out team.

I can see a good fight between Dallas, Denver, LA Clippers and Portland for the 2 remaining spots in the playoofs. Perhaps even Phoenix will have to fight either.

playjredz wrote:EDIT: Also, Dirk does not know how to close games. Almost every time a game comes down to the final possession they will lose.

He singly handily beat the Spurs the year they went to the title. He has no problem closing out games, that is why they have had one of the best records over the past few years and have had so much success in the playoffs. He just doesn't get any love because he has not won it all yet.

It doesn't really matter much what happened in '06. Last year he flat out sucked under pressure. Something happened to him after that Golden State series.

1) LA Lakers (Should be as good, not sure what the deal with Bynum is. Clearly they're a playoff team with or without him.)
2) New Orleans (This is a team that SHOULD be better this season. They have a legit shot at the Finals)
3) San Antonio (Team should be on the down side, but will probably make the playoffs)
4) Utah (Should slightly improve, definitely the playoffs)
5) Houston (Big upgrade with Jackson for Artest. Definite Playoff squad, likely for the Finals. New big 3 in the West of Lakers-Houston-New Orleans)
6) Phoenix (Downside. Nash has to lose a step, maybe get an injury. Shaq is done.)
7) Dallas (Downside. Dirk could slow a bit)
8) Denver (Downside. They're selling people off.)
9) Golden State (Marginally worse)
10) Portland (Much better)
11) Sacramento (MUCH worse)
12) LA Clippers (I think they could sneak in with a weakened West...the East is better than the West as of next season, you can quote me on it)

Don't be so sure that Shaq is done. The dude is working out like a maniac at the min - twice a day. Absolutely killing the gym...trust me, Shaq is motivated...I think he knows it is his last hurrah and other stuff goin' on also...