Off season, free agency, coaching change.

[MartinToVaught]

Unrelated to that, I've heard now folks on two other podcasts this week (Zach Lowe on his show; either Bontemps/McMahon on hoop collective).. think that Collins is not going to start at PF, and still think it'll be DJJ - I mean, to me, that's 99% not happening and just pretty misinformed. Collins will be the starter at PF, and a consistent game finisher, as well.

Like, that is precisely why the team went out and got Collins lol.. not to have him come off the bench. Could it get to that point? Maybe, would not rule it out, but overall with his game and Kawhi/Zubac/Harden with to compliment Collins, its not likely.

IDK, Frank and Lue have never seemed to totally be on the same page outside of them both agreeing that the team needs to be as old and slow as humanly possible every year. It actually wouldn't shock me if Lue ignores the point of bringing Collins in and still insists on forcing his smallball gimmick that hasn't worked in half a decade. I mean, if you think about it, what incentive does he have to not do that? Ballmer and Frank don't have the balls to fire him.

[Clemenza]

Watch on YouTube

Good Clips N Dip

They bring up some good scenarios, points..

Unrelated to that, I've heard now folks on two other podcasts this week (Zach Lowe on his show; either Bontemps/McMahon on hoop collective).. think that Collins is not going to start at PF, and still think it'll be DJJ - I mean, to me, that's 99% not happening and just pretty misinformed. Collins will be the starter at PF, and a consistent game finisher, as well.

Like, that is precisely why the team went out and got Collins lol.. not to have him come off the bench. Could it get to that point? Maybe, would not rule it out, but overall with his game and Kawhi/Zubac/Harden with to compliment Collins, its not likely.

Ty's style is to keep the incumbent and make changes when necessary. First, it helps continuity--the starters are familiar with each other. Second, if you throw Collins out there to start the season, if he fails you have nowhere else to go, and Collins is damaged goods mentally.

Easing him in is the smart move--especially if Beal is signed and made a starter. TWO new starters would be very un-Ty-like. The dramas with Beard and Westbrook [and Mann too] were very disruptive, and I don't expect Collins [or Beale] to handle it as well as Russ did. [I don't think Mann handled demotion all that well either. His game went to hell.]

Well this has to depend on how much is Kawhi playing this upcoming season. 60-70 games maybe? If they're going to ease Collins in then that means Kawhi will still have to bang it out with the opposing team's starting power forward which is wear and tear his body and possibly injury. Plus he'll have to work extra hard in covering for Harden and Beal once their man slips past them and takes it to the basket. Gotta break the worn and ragged method of operation and start Collins. His a legit starting four in the league not a scrub that could flatline after a bad game or two.

We gotta workout a possible contending starting five, not still tinker with failed concepts and lineups that gas and exhaust Harden and Kawhi. Starting DJJ over him is taking ten steps backwards if we're trying to build something that's able to make a deeper playoff run instead of our standard first round exit every season. I'm thinking Lue does what he does because he only trust certain players. If he's not trusting a guy like Collins then the season is lost. Finally getting a Cadillac at power forward and having him on the bench means we should've just kept Norm and run it back one more year. Meanwhile Aaron Gordon on the Nuggets and players of similar build bullied us and imposed their will all year long, playoff included. Better start that man Collins and stop playing around.

[esqtvd]

Watch on YouTube

Good Clips N Dip

They bring up some good scenarios, points..

Unrelated to that, I've heard now folks on two other podcasts this week (Zach Lowe on his show; either Bontemps/McMahon on hoop collective).. think that Collins is not going to start at PF, and still think it'll be DJJ - I mean, to me, that's 99% not happening and just pretty misinformed. Collins will be the starter at PF, and a consistent game finisher, as well.

Like, that is precisely why the team went out and got Collins lol.. not to have him come off the bench. Could it get to that point? Maybe, would not rule it out, but overall with his game and Kawhi/Zubac/Harden with to compliment Collins, its not likely.

Ty's style is to keep the incumbent and make changes when necessary. First, it helps continuity--the starters are familiar with each other. Second, if you throw Collins out there to start the season, if he fails you have nowhere else to go, and Collins is damaged goods mentally.

Easing him in is the smart move--especially if Beal is signed and made a starter. TWO new starters would be very un-Ty-like. The dramas with Beard and Westbrook [and Mann too] were very disruptive, and I don't expect Collins [or Beale] to handle it as well as Russ did. [I don't think Mann handled demotion all that well either. His game went to hell.]

Well this has to depend on how much is Kawhi playing this upcoming season. 60-70 games maybe? If they're going to ease Collins in then that means Kawhi will still have to bang it out with the opposing team's starting power forward which is wear and tear his body and possibly injury. Plus he'll have to work extra hard in covering for Harden and Beal once their man slips past them and takes it to the basket. Gotta break the worn and ragged method of operation and start Collins. His a legit starting four in the league not a scrub that could flatline after a bad game or two.

We gotta workout a possible contending starting five, not still tinker with failed concepts and lineups that gas and exhaust Harden and Kawhi. Starting DJJ over him is taking ten steps backwards if we're trying to build something that's able to make a deeper playoff run instead of our standard first round exit every season. I'm thinking Lue does what he does because he only trust certain players. If he's not trusting a guy like Collins then the season is lost. Finally getting a Cadillac at power forward and having him on the bench means we should've just kept Norm and run it back one more year. Meanwhile Aaron Gordon on the Nuggets and players of similar build bullied us and imposed their will all year long, playoff included. Better start that man Collins and stop playing around.

I was with you until you started douching on Ty. Ty coaches the SEASON, not the game. That's why our know-it-alls are so laughable. ICYMI Kawhi is working out bigtime to be strong for the 2026 playoffs. He knows he was good, but not the playoff MVP Kawhi that we need, and what his max contract requires of him. And what he owes Ballmer for the whole PG megatrade, which was KAWHI's idea.

Ty gave minutes to the scrubs EXACTLY as they were earned. MORE than they were earned. Damned right he only "trusts" certain players. Every coach does. It's not a sliding scale--you can either play NBA ball in some fashion or you can't. There was so much noise about Brandon Boston hooking on with a horrible and injured team [the Pels] and putting up some points, but he could easily be out of the league as soon as October.

[KL2]

Read on Twitter

The report that PBJ was waived was false.

Read on Twitter

[Ballings7]

Watch on YouTube

Good Clips N Dip

They bring up some good scenarios, points..

Unrelated to that, I've heard now folks on two other podcasts this week (Zach Lowe on his show; either Bontemps/McMahon on hoop collective).. think that Collins is not going to start at PF, and still think it'll be DJJ - I mean, to me, that's 99% not happening and just pretty misinformed. Collins will be the starter at PF, and a consistent game finisher, as well.

Like, that is precisely why the team went out and got Collins lol.. not to have him come off the bench. Could it get to that point? Maybe, would not rule it out, but overall with his game and Kawhi/Zubac/Harden with to compliment Collins, its not likely.

Ty's style is to keep the incumbent and make changes when necessary. First, it helps continuity--the starters are familiar with each other. Second, if you throw Collins out there to start the season, if he fails you have nowhere else to go, and Collins is damaged goods mentally.

Easing him in is the smart move--especially if Beal is signed and made a starter. TWO new starters would be very un-Ty-like. The dramas with Beard and Westbrook [and Mann too] were very disruptive, and I don't expect Collins [or Beale] to handle it as well as Russ did. [I don't think Mann handled demotion all that well either. His game went to hell.]

Fair point in general.. I don't see Collins on the bench lasting too long if so, though. After 1-1.5 month Collins should be starting at PF, and typically finishing those games, barring some match up.

Unrelated to that, I've heard now folks on two other podcasts this week (Zach Lowe on his show; either Bontemps/McMahon on hoop collective).. think that Collins is not going to start at PF, and still think it'll be DJJ - I mean, to me, that's 99% not happening and just pretty misinformed. Collins will be the starter at PF, and a consistent game finisher, as well.

Like, that is precisely why the team went out and got Collins lol.. not to have him come off the bench. Could it get to that point? Maybe, would not rule it out, but overall with his game and Kawhi/Zubac/Harden with to compliment Collins, its not likely.

IDK, Frank and Lue have never seemed to totally be on the same page outside of them both agreeing that the team needs to be as old and slow as humanly possible every year. It actually wouldn't shock me if Lue ignores the point of bringing Collins in and still insists on forcing his smallball gimmick that hasn't worked in half a decade. I mean, if you think about it, what incentive does he have to not do that? Ballmer and Frank don't have the balls to fire him.

lol unfortunately maybe..

Ty's style is to keep the incumbent and make changes when necessary. First, it helps continuity--the starters are familiar with each other. Second, if you throw Collins out there to start the season, if he fails you have nowhere else to go, and Collins is damaged goods mentally.

Easing him in is the smart move--especially if Beal is signed and made a starter. TWO new starters would be very un-Ty-like. The dramas with Beard and Westbrook [and Mann too] were very disruptive, and I don't expect Collins [or Beale] to handle it as well as Russ did. [I don't think Mann handled demotion all that well either. His game went to hell.]

Well this has to depend on how much is Kawhi playing this upcoming season. 60-70 games maybe? If they're going to ease Collins in then that means Kawhi will still have to bang it out with the opposing team's starting power forward which is wear and tear his body and possibly injury. Plus he'll have to work extra hard in covering for Harden and Beal once their man slips past them and takes it to the basket. Gotta break the worn and ragged method of operation and start Collins. His a legit starting four in the league not a scrub that could flatline after a bad game or two.

We gotta workout a possible contending starting five, not still tinker with failed concepts and lineups that gas and exhaust Harden and Kawhi. Starting DJJ over him is taking ten steps backwards if we're trying to build something that's able to make a deeper playoff run instead of our standard first round exit every season. I'm thinking Lue does what he does because he only trust certain players. If he's not trusting a guy like Collins then the season is lost. Finally getting a Cadillac at power forward and having him on the bench means we should've just kept Norm and run it back one more year. Meanwhile Aaron Gordon on the Nuggets and players of similar build bullied us and imposed their will all year long, playoff included. Better start that man Collins and stop playing around.

I was with you until you started douching on Ty. Ty coaches the SEASON, not the game. That's why our know-it-alls are so laughable. ICYMI Kawhi is working out bigtime to be strong for the 2026 playoffs. He knows he was good, but not the playoff MVP Kawhi that we need, and what his max contract requires of him. And what he owes Ballmer for the whole PG megatrade, which was KAWHI's idea.

Ty gave minutes to the scrubs EXACTLY as they were earned. MORE than they were earned. Damned right he only "trusts" certain players. Every coach does. It's not a sliding scale--you can either play NBA ball in some fashion or you can't. There was so much noise about Brandon Boston hooking on with a horrible and injured team [the Pels] and putting up some points, but he could easily be out of the league as soon as October.

I kind of hope Kawhi doesn't add too much weight, or adds it in the right manner.. I'm no fitness/physiology expert, but him definitely being some lighter when he came back probably helped his lower body out intangibly, and probably also further allowed him to have several "glide" moments after he got the rust off after a few weeks back in games.

I guess that'll be interesting to see.

[esqtvd]

Watch on YouTube

Good Clips N Dip

They bring up some good scenarios, points..

Unrelated to that, I've heard now folks on two other podcasts this week (Zach Lowe on his show; either Bontemps/McMahon on hoop collective).. think that Collins is not going to start at PF, and still think it'll be DJJ - I mean, to me, that's 99% not happening and just pretty misinformed. Collins will be the starter at PF, and a consistent game finisher, as well.

Like, that is precisely why the team went out and got Collins lol.. not to have him come off the bench. Could it get to that point? Maybe, would not rule it out, but overall with his game and Kawhi/Zubac/Harden with to compliment Collins, its not likely.

Ty's style is to keep the incumbent and make changes when necessary. First, it helps continuity--the starters are familiar with each other. Second, if you throw Collins out there to start the season, if he fails you have nowhere else to go, and Collins is damaged goods mentally.

Easing him in is the smart move--especially if Beal is signed and made a starter. TWO new starters would be very un-Ty-like. The dramas with Beard and Westbrook [and Mann too] were very disruptive, and I don't expect Collins [or Beale] to handle it as well as Russ did. [I don't think Mann handled demotion all that well either. His game went to hell.]

Fair point in general.. I don't see Collins on the bench lasting too long if so, though. After 1-1.5 month Collins should be starting at PF, and typically finishing those games, barring some match up.

If Collins doesn't start, he'll be first off the bench. But expect only a role player: EARNING 25-ish minutes a night would be a successful outcome. He's an athlete, not a baller. The difference between Nico Batum and Jeff Green. But that's OK. Jeff Green is also 6'9" and that's why he STILL HAS A JOB at age 39.

https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/jeff-green-signs-one-year-deal-to-remain-in-houston/1641133

That's right. Jeff Effin' Green still has an NBA job. At 6'9", it's like, "Get out there, be tall, and don't suck." The bar is set pretty low.

[Captain Ballmer]

I'm not sure that Collins on the bench starts the season. Because I'm not sure Kawhi will be ready to play.

All we have heard about Kawhi is to complete 6 months of basketball healthy. In order to go for a deep playoff run in april&may and hard if but June? Kawhi had joined to team around December last season. We heard from L.Frank last week that Kawhi still working testing himself late June. Obviously those late season drills are not the level of WC Playoff games.

Maybe this cycle will be repeated and he'll join the team mid december - around christmas. I think this is possible if we get Beal to burden wing scorer role. Open the season with Harden-Beal-DJJ-Collins-Zubac. It will played out like first 20 games to see what it is look like before bringing Kawhi, deciding which player will go to bench would be easier after that.

If we don't get Beal though? then hard times coming scoring wise early in the season.

[Roscoe Sheed]

I'm not sure that Collins on the bench starts the season. Because I'm not sure Kawhi will be ready to play.

All we have heard about Kawhi is to complete 6 months of basketball healthy. In order to go for a deep playoff run in april&may and hard if but June? Kawhi had joined to team around December last season. We heard from L.Frank last week that Kawhi still working testing himself late June. Obviously those late season drills are not the level of WC Playoff games.

Maybe this cycle will be repeated and he'll join the team mid december - around christmas. I think this is possible if we get Beal to burden wing scorer role. Open the season with Harden-Beal-DJJ-Collins-Zubac. It will played out like first 20 games to see what it is look like before bringing Kawhi, deciding which player will go to bench would be easier after that.

If we don't get Beal though? then hard times coming scoring wise early in the season.

while that strategy seemed to pay off in terms of Kawhi staying healthy, I doubt that they will just rest him for the first few months of the season if he is healthy. They will definitely load mange him, but not playing him at all seems unlikely

[Clemenza]

Phoenix getting cold feet about paying Beal $100 million just to go away and then watching him join a division rival immediately after. They might drag this out and force us to go in another direction. We'll see

[esqtvd]

I'm not sure that Collins on the bench starts the season. Because I'm not sure Kawhi will be ready to play.

All we have heard about Kawhi is to complete 6 months of basketball healthy. In order to go for a deep playoff run in april&may and hard if but June? Kawhi had joined to team around December last season. We heard from L.Frank last week that Kawhi still working testing himself late June. Obviously those late season drills are not the level of WC Playoff games.

Maybe this cycle will be repeated and he'll join the team mid december - around christmas. I think this is possible if we get Beal to burden wing scorer role. Open the season with Harden-Beal-DJJ-Collins-Zubac. It will played out like first 20 games to see what it is look like before bringing Kawhi, deciding which player will go to bench would be easier after that.

If we don't get Beal though? then hard times coming scoring wise early in the season.

If Kawhi isn't available, that changes everything. Of course Collins would start in his place. No pressure of joining the existing starting 5 and the possible social media spitstorm that KPJ faced while trying to get acclimated here.

Frankly, Collins is known as a bit of a dog and IMO needs to be worked in intelligently. He needs to change, to improve, to acclimate to playing first-class basketball, not just go out there on a crap team and put up numbers on talent alone as he has all his life.

[TrueLAfan]

Unrelated to that, I've heard now folks on two other podcasts this week (Zach Lowe on his show; either Bontemps/McMahon on hoop collective).. think that Collins is not going to start at PF, and still think it'll be DJJ - I mean, to me, that's 99% not happening and just pretty misinformed. Collins will be the starter at PF, and a consistent game finisher, as well.

Like, that is precisely why the team went out and got Collins lol.. not to have him come off the bench. Could it get to that point? Maybe, would not rule it out, but overall with his game and Kawhi/Zubac/Harden with to compliment Collins, its not likely.

I’m totally with you. I think this is … kinda ignorant. A huge part of getting a good PF is to improve our rebounding–offensive–and to let Kawhi play at his natural position at the 3. Collins is a pick and roll guy on a team that has a lot of players that are good to outstanding passers. Starting DJJ over Collins ruins every part of that. I don't think it has as much to do with Ty and everything to do with matchups and Kawhi.

If Collins doesn't start, he'll be first off the bench. But expect only a role player: EARNING 25-ish minutes a night would be a successful outcome. He's an athlete, not a baller.

Collins isn't a role player. He's a 30 mpg starter and a good one. I'm not convinced he's worth his salary this year, but he's a better than a mid-level player and he fills a need. Here's a couple of links related to his time in Utah. I'm glad someone posted the second article, which says everything I suspected about last season. The Jazz were 12-28 with Collins. They went into full tank mode and went 5-37 without him. Collins only played in 4 games after the break. He could've played more but the Jazz didn't want to “rush him back.”

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2024/05/14/utah-jazz-john-collins-found-his-footing-in-utah-eventually/

https://www.si.com/nba/jazz-trade-john-collins-clippers-espn-insider-hilarious-reason

[esqtvd]

Unrelated to that, I've heard now folks on two other podcasts this week (Zach Lowe on his show; either Bontemps/McMahon on hoop collective).. think that Collins is not going to start at PF, and still think it'll be DJJ - I mean, to me, that's 99% not happening and just pretty misinformed. Collins will be the starter at PF, and a consistent game finisher, as well.

Like, that is precisely why the team went out and got Collins lol.. not to have him come off the bench. Could it get to that point? Maybe, would not rule it out, but overall with his game and Kawhi/Zubac/Harden with to compliment Collins, its not likely.

I’m totally with you. I think this is … kinda ignorant. A huge part of getting a good PF is to improve our rebounding–offensive–and to let Kawhi play at his natural position at the 3. Collins is a pick and roll guy on a team that has a lot of players that are good to outstanding passers. Starting DJJ over Collins ruins every part of that. I don't think it has as much to do with Ty and everything to do with matchups and Kawhi.

If Collins doesn't start, he'll be first off the bench. But expect only a role player: EARNING 25-ish minutes a night would be a successful outcome. He's an athlete, not a baller.

Collins isn't a role player. He's a 30 mpg starter and a good one. I'm not convinced he's worth his salary this year, but he's a better than a mid-level player and he fills a need. Here's a couple of links related to his time in Utah. I'm glad someone posted the second article, which says everything I suspected about last season. The Jazz were 12-28 with Collins. They went into full tank mode and went 5-37 without him. Collins only played in 4 games after the break. He could've played more but the Jazz didn't want to “rush him back.”

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2024/05/14/utah-jazz-john-collins-found-his-footing-in-utah-eventually/

https://www.si.com/nba/jazz-trade-john-collins-clippers-espn-insider-hilarious-reason

To be clear, I expect Collins to start, but perhaps not right away, for reasons given. And to settle into somewhere around his career numbers of 16/8 in 29 mpg, but he'll only get those minutes if his D is up to snuff.

Jazz fans were split on him, nobody hated him, nobody loved him. I still see a Jeff Green, for reasons given. Just don't expect TOO much.

https://jazzfanz.com/threads/how-are-you-feeling-about-john-collins.205815/

[TrueLAfan]

I gotta say—that Jazz thread was made/created in January of 2024, when Collins was still fitting in and figuring out how to fit in. He was much better for the rest of that season and, of course last year. Except he couldn’t show it last year.

Like I said, what the Jazz did with Collins in 2025 was funny and a little sad. So he was playing really well. The Jazz weren’t—they were 10-18, but that’s pretty respectable. That was pretty clearly the point where Ainge and Co. decided that, to be in Cooper Flagg Tank Race, they had to bench Collins. So they did. Collins had “sprains” and “spasms.” The mysterious thing was, when they played him (to avoid league penalties—I mean, c’mon!), then Collins was really, really good. He played on January 3, and got 24 and 9 in a solid win against Miami. Then—back to DNP for eight games. Came back with 22 and 12. Then, out for 3 more games. He played 9 games in February and, was again verry good (21 and 8). Pretty great for an “injured" guy. Unfortunately for him, the Jazz won 4 of the nine games he played and were 15-44. That was bad, but not bad enough. Full tank mode. Collins made two appearances (was great in both), as the Jazz went 2-21 in their final 23 games where Collins was "not rushed back."

[KL2]

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[Ballings7]

Still think CP3 and Suns are just a better match..

-- Starting spot wide open

-- Booker relationship (over Harden)

-- Will have a larger role opportunity than on LAC, offensively.

Clips get Beal. Suns get Paul.

[Captain Ballmer]

Bucks got Cole Anthony, so starting pg role for cp3 just vanished.

[wakelaunch1]

Bucks got Cole Anthony, so starting pg role for cp3 just vanished.

We should have gotten Anthony. Bucks basically got him for free. Would have been a great backup
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45726950/cole-anthony-agrees-buyout-plans-join-bucks

[MartinToVaught]

I mean, I'd take Anthony over CP3 just because he's 25, not 40, but he's not really that good. He's a glorified Jamal Crawford type and we've already seen over and over again what that gets you when it matters.

Doc will enable him all season and then be oblivious as usual come playoff time when he's chucking bricks and getting torched on defense.

[Roscoe Sheed]

I get people being somewhat opposed to bringing CP3 in at age 40, but I think they probably should if possible because they still have no reliable ball handlers or play-makers besides Harden. They need somebody to take the burden off of Harden for 15-20 minutes a game. I wish it were a younger and quicker player, but I don't see anybody available that fits that bill.

[Ballings7]

I get people being somewhat opposed to bringing CP3 in at age 40, but I think they probably should if possible because they still have no reliable ball handlers or play-makers besides Harden. They need somebody to take the burden off of Harden for 15-20 minutes a game. I wish it were a younger and quicker player, but I don't see anybody available that fits that bill.

I like TrueLAFan's Jared Butler idea.. but doesn't seem like the FO would be that granular on a player like him.

Also Malcom Brogdon is still out there.. injury prone indeed, so maybe a wash.

Cory Joseph. 3/D hard nosed PG. Came into the league with Kawhi and won a title together (Spurs).

Monte Morris.

De'Anthony Melton would be ideal, though has had a couple decent injuries recent seasons... probably going back to the Warriors, though from what have read.

Seth Curry.. not sure how decent of a ballhandler he is, but his shooting is pretty high level, and gets after it defensively.

Not all those guys are "younger" persay in general, but definitely more than CP3 . Melton would be the best if somehow could get him.




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Just saw this.. Clips apparently called on LeBron

I mean.. why not? ; )