BREAKING: Jason Williams Retiring

[JJ LoDuca]

From FSN reporter Michael Eaves:

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Jason Williams announced his retirement from the NBA today, ending his 10-year career. Signed by the Clippers as a free agent on August 7, 2008, Williams did not appear in a game for Los Angeles.

http://michaeleaves.blogspot.com/2008/0 ... unces.html

What does this mean for our team? Does this give SL14 another shot?

[chrbal]

What happened? Why did this decision happen? This makes no sense.

[Nolan]

Well this is kinda weird for him to just up and retire like this does anyone know why? Was it injuries or what?

[CelicaLuva]

Very interesting development. We knew it was going to be a short-term loan but reckon he would at least play a handful of games for us. While White Chocolate himself has to be the one who makes the ultimate decision, I wonder who/what initiated the notion - was it something he was considering before, during, or after the contract negotiations?

Anyhow, here are the three likely scenarios in order of personal preference based on recent news:

1) Clips are making a bid for Starbury
2) Jason Hart playing 2nd-string
3) SL signs

If the Clips go with #2 it would imply Mike Taylor has made enough progress along with demonstrated promise to garner some emergency minutes, which is actually something to be happy about considering how we fared with 2nd rounders in recent years (J. Jordan, Diaz, and of course playoff villain Daniel Ewing). I'm placing the SL scenario as #3 primarily based on Pritchard's decision to pass on SL w/o even giving him a spot on the training camp roster. But then perhaps SL's party is persistent in terms of getting minutes and a promised spot in the rotation which Portland obviously shouldn't commit to. Also, the manner in which SL cut ties with our organization makes it more the less likely that he will get another shot.

Here's hoping that we're not giving Smush Parker another shot..

[jflipclip]

CelicaLuva pretty much nailed what happens next. As for his retirement, wow, that was really out of the blue. I heard it on AM570 on the way home and they were really surprised too. Wasn't he looking to play in Europe before signing with the us? Either way, kinda shocking in a way, but perhaps the injuries he's had these past few seasons have taken a toll on him.

If the Clippers are going to get Starbury, I can see a lot of Clipper fans getting upset.. (not me though, I'd actually welcome the dude, even if he is semi-crazy)

[GuyverX]

We are now officially gunning for Starbury I think. Say you what you want about him but he'd a be a top back up PG.

Livingston must be seriously considering that guaranteed contract from the Clippers right now also after the Blazers passed on him.

[mj_shoefanatic]

Livingston or Starbury or BUST

[JJ LoDuca]

Jflip, I'm one of those who would be upset of Starbury ended up here...he hasn't been officially bought out yet, has he?

I'm rooting for the SL signing.

[dockingsched]

after being turned down by portland and miami, liv should re-sign. there really is no reason for him not to. i mean, minny? he'd really go there over the city he's been at his entire career that is already willing to sign him?

[Benjamerica]

Marbury just said, in an interview, he wasn't about to come off the bench in NY. It was about him not getting bought out and he won't accept anything less than all of the money NYK owe him. And he said wouldn't play a bench role behind Duhon if they keep him. He pretty much said play him as a starter or give him every penny haha. so. . . . . Unless he'd be willing to play second fiddle because he knows Baron is a beast (Though Steph is dumb enough to probably think he is better than baron) I don't see him working out.

[loflin3hree5ive]

Confirmed by ESPN. Like everybody else said, Livingston/Marbury or bust. I really hope Dunleavy isn't crazy enough to trade Thomas for Tinsley's awful contract.

After thinking about it... the timing is strange. Just so happens to be days after Portland publically announced they won't sign Livingston and days after the Marbury buyout talk. I wonder if the Clippers pushed him to retire or what. Very strange. I believe Dunleavy is confident enough in Hart not to blow 2010 cap space on acquiring Tinsley. Dunleavy has also coached Damon Stoudamire on a couple of very successful Portland teams. I'd say either Livingston/Marbury/Stoudamire are the likely targets. Tinsley too if he's bought out, but I don't think Dunleavy will trade for him.

[shortfuse3]

no way starbury would work on the clippers. theres no way he'd handle being baron davis' backup.

[TheNewEra]

Damn I get off of work and read this.

I respect J-Will did this prior to the season and before training camp to give the team a chance to recover. I have as much faith in Mike Taylor but he is not ready, he needs at least half of the season to develop before I trust him with mintues. I like J-Hart more as a scenario PG. J-Will and J-Hart gave you options you pick which PG best fit what you needed at the moment.

We have to sign another PG that gives us the high pace action J-Will was suppose to give us.

1)Nooooooooo to Tinsley.

2)Livi is not ready for what we need of him. We need to run the fast break and get the ball out on the move. This is what we need right now and I don't see Livi helping at the moment in this area.

3)No trades, we finally got a roster set I'm not open to anything other than the offers for a low-post scorer for TT.

4)Marbs would be a strong pick but if he leaves NY he will most likely go to the Heat. I really don't think he is willing to play back-up.

5) Free agents, lets look around for a younger, health strong, and ready to go now version of J-Will.

[YiYaoYue]

i think williams is mentally challenged... it looks that way on the court and now this... well good riddance for clippers... he was cancer anyway.

[TheNewEra]

The messed up part is we have little money to work with. We have to find a guy that is willing to play in hopes for a larger deal next year. Not impossible now that I think about it.

A Lakers I know we have had our differences but let us borrow Farmar for a season (with low-pay). We'll give him back as soon as the season is over. Hell give us Sun Yu with the herpes outbreaks we'll throw in a pick.

LMAO I feel a little better I'm only messing with you guys.

[mkwest]

I was shocked to read the headline earlier, I was hoping that it was Jay Williams. I don't know what the issue is, but if he's not healthy then it's best to not have to deal with nagging injuries throughout the season. If it was some other reason, then I just wish him the best. We sorely need another pg now. I wouldn't be mad if we brought back Livingston, but it's unlikely that he will be able to be relied upon to really contribute. As long as Baron is healthy then all is well. If he were to miss any significant amount of time it would be a disaster with the points that we have now.

[JJ LoDuca]

I'm disappointed about J-Will leaving, but I'm content with Baron-Hart-Livingston going 1-2-3 at the PG spot. It definitely would be a step back from our previous setup, though...

[loflin3hree5ive]

I can see some circumstances in which the Clippers get Marbury. Clips will have to probably guarantee Marbury the starting SG spot, while Cat moves to the bench and Marbury fills in at PG when Davis sits. Clips will also have to let Knicks know they will make a serious push for Marbury. I really don't think Walsh wants to let Marbury go to Boston or Miami where he can haunt the Knicks 3-4 times per year. Like I mentioned in another post, Dunleavy and Marbury are both born and raised Brooklyn natives. Somebody else mentioned Marbury liking LA and owning a home there. If you can guarantee him a starting SG job, because we all know Cat is unselfish enough to accomidate that, I think there's a chance Clips could land Marbs. This retirement announcement is just too strange for me not to think something might go down, especially when the Clippers were mentioned as possible homes for Marbury earlier this week.

[mj_shoefanatic]

Let the "Clipper killer" come to LA please Mr. Sterling

[cinnamon]

I am absolutely stunned.
I hope we find out why this has happened.
I was just checking out the Clippers board after watching the presidential debate, and almost fell off my chair at seeing this thread.
With all due respect to those of you who think Marbury is the answer, I personally believe he is pure poison. I think he would work rather like a curse would on the team. In fact, maybe he is doing this already
There must be some credible alternative, although I can't think of one off the top of my head. If Shaun were truly ready to contribute, the Blazers would have signed him. In fact, his agent has surely shopped him from one end of the league to the other, with no takers as soon as everyone had time to check out at what point he is functioning now. Much as I loved having Shaun on the team when he was playing well, I have serious doubts about the Clips taking that risk now.
I felt so good about the Clippers' point guard situation, and I was so looking forward to seeing it all unfold this season. Aargh.
Baron is amazing but because of his physical problems in the past, it's kind of unnerving to have to cross our fingers and hope that he stays injury free all season to keep the floor from dropping from underneath the team.
I'm hoping for two things in the immediate future: 1) an explanation of this, and 2) the signing of some very good point guard to take J-Will's place on this team. Lucky for me, it's not my job to find him and sign him.