Germany Looking to Adopt Chris Kaman

Post #1 » by **mkwest** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:10 am

No, this is about Germany - and a real possibility for the national team after the Clippers forward recently said he had German roots and had been thinking about playing for Deutschland.

National team coach Dirk Bauermann admitted the national federation would be foolish not to try and get the big man a German passport.

"Of course, maybe we get lucky," answered Bauermann to questions if he would like to have Kaman control the blocks for his side.

"He's a great player. He has a lot of energy and has a great knowledge of the game," said Okulaja, who competed against Kaman when he played in Russia and the Clippers had a training camp there two summers ago.

" It would be great to have him. He would be a great help for us, especially under the boards.If it works out, that would be great.

FIBA

Post #2 » by **Manhattan Project** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:54 am

While I think its a nice notion that he is trying to do, I just dont want him to do it. If he is serious about this he needs to talk to Elton Brand and talk about the wear and tear on the body.

PlinkingPanda · Post #3 » by **PlinkingPanda** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:30 pm

Manhattan Project wrote:While I think its a nice notion that he is trying to do, I just dont want him to do it. If he is serious about this he needs to talk to Elton Brand and talk about the wear and tear on the body.

I feel the same. I think it would affect him during the season. He has already said this year that being the go-to guy this season has worn him out a bit. So doing this wouldn't really help his body prepare for the next season. :-?

Post #4 » by **thanumba2clippersfan** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:34 pm

Agreed, Chris doesn't need to be playing any extra basketball in the off season. Also I had no idea that Kaman had German roots. This would be like any player having roots back to Europe or Africa.

Post #5 » by **mkwest** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:32 pm

I agree with all of you that the toll of international play is taxing on the players and EB knows first hand. Right now being the main the guy has finally caught up with Chris, and having the flu hasn't helped. It would be nice to see him have that opportunity as it was with EB, but I'd rather our guys have the rest. I was glad that EB was going to not participate last summer, but little did I know that his Achilles was going to blow anyhow.

Post #6 » by **mkwest** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:29 pm

Now, reserve point guard Dan Dickau said the Polish national team has contacted him after learning his great-grandparents are from Poland.

"They found that out and it kind of progressed," Dickau said. "It would be a great experience and another chance to play a high level of basketball in a different setting."

LA Times

PlinkingPanda · Post #7 » by **PlinkingPanda** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:08 pm

Damn you foreigners. Trying to take our players away!

*shakes my fist at them*

Who's next though. Is Korolev still on the team? :lol:

I could have swore the Clips signed a new contract with him or something?

Post #8 » by **mkwest** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:20 pm

Fishy~McFish wrote:Damn you foreigners. Trying to take our players away!

*shakes my fist at them*

Who's next though. Is Korolev still on the team? I could have swore the Clips signed a new contract with him or something?

lol he got his chain yanked by us. Dunleavy promised to sign him but Brevin Knight was added and then Big Rube. Elton getting injured killed Korolev's chances. Hopefully one day he'll make it back to the league in some capacity.

Post #9 » by **Tommy Udo 6** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 6:43 am

The Brits are trying to get Ben Gordon to play for them. he was born in London.

Deng played major minutes for the British team in the off season & has missed most of this NBA season with a variety of injuries. However, Deng says he intends to keep playing for Britain in the future (where he is idolized in the press). the Bulls should consider this when they offer a contract in the off season

Post #10 » by **mkwest** » Sat Jul 5, 2008 7:50 pm

Kaman will be joining Dirk and the German national team as announced a few days ago. I would still prefer that he stay away from international play for health concerns. At the same time, it can be beneficial for him to be strictly focused on playing basketball (and staying in game shape) this summer.

Post #11 » by **thanumba2clippersfan** » Sat Jul 5, 2008 11:09 pm

I hope this doesn't add fatigue to Chris this season.

JJ LoDuca · Post #12 » by **JJ LoDuca** » Sun Jul 6, 2008 1:40 am

It'll be kinda awkward to see Chris suiting up for Deutchland. There are the health concerns, like yall have mentioned...but not only is he representing the NBA and the Clippers in a foreign land, but he's representing Americans in general. I love Chris, but dude is a lil crazy. Lovable, but crazy. Just do good buddy...do good.

Det the Threat · Post #13 » by **Det the Threat** » Sun Jul 6, 2008 8:25 am

JJ LoDuca wrote:It'll be kinda awkward to see Chris suiting up for Deutchland. There are the health concerns, like yall have mentioned..

Yeah, but those health concerns are also there every time he works out, plays a pick up game, trains with the team or plays in the league.

Of course teams are nervous about players getting injured, but you just need to look at Nowitzki, who's been playing both in the NBA and for his country for the last decade and hasn't really slowed down at all.

All i can say is that i'm happy about that and that i hope that Chris can help us reach the Olympics, which would mean a tream come true for Nowitzki and the rest of the team.

Post #14 » by **mkwest** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:33 pm

Kaman suited up for the first time in international play earlier today. Germany beat Cape Verde 104-68. Chris finished with 10pts, 10rebs, 2blks and only 5to's :wink:

in 20 mins of action. It's a solid debut. Just stay healthy.

Athens Qualifier

mj_shoefanatic · Post #15 » by **mj_shoefanatic** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:40 pm

This actually might help Kaman stay in shape over the summer if he doesn't get hurt in the process. On that note, I hope his German team is eliminated right away. :lol:

Det the Threat · Post #16 » by **Det the Threat** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:48 pm

mj_shoefanatic wrote: On that note, I hope his German team is eliminated right away.

Dirk and Chris need to help Germany to finally reach their goal ----> :olympics:

GuyverX · Post #17 » by **GuyverX** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:53 pm

Det the Threat wrote:
mj_shoefanatic wrote: On that note, I hope his German team is eliminated right away.

Dirk and Chris need to help Germany to finally reach their goal ---->

I'd rather they didn't and Kaman gets some early rest.

Point forward · Post #18 » by **Point forward** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:15 pm

Just FYI, Dirk himself has played for Germany in EVERY major tournament since 1999 and has nothing but positive things to say. It only made him better as a player b/c FIBA ball does wonders for your fundamentals. Dirk repeatedly said that his passing, mid range game and ability to get out double teams all got better while playing FIBA ball.

BTW, Kaman/Dirk is doing very nice atm. Kaman is a beast on the boards.

Det the Threat · Post #19 » by **Det the Threat** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 5:39 pm

Point forward wrote:
BTW, Kaman/Dirk is doing very nice atm. Kaman is a beast on the boards.

Pretty much.
So far Kamans is having 19 points during the 3rd quarter against New Zeeland.

madmaxmedia · Post #20 » by **madmaxmedia** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:54 pm

http://www.fanhouse.com/2008/07/10/chri ... f-mystery/