Kaman and aminu

[canucklife21]

As a Tmberwolves fan i LOVE the direction the clippers are going and will continue to support the positive moment in which you guys are going.


Just wondering what do the Clippers think of chris kaman and Al-Farouq Aminu?
Are these players in the future of the clippers and long term answers? i believe aminu has the ability to be a starting 3 in the league.
However i believe DeAndre Jordan is the future at the five does this mean kaman's a trade asset?

[mkwest]

Chris Kaman:

His name is constantly in trade rumors, which has got to be hard for him. He knows that we have a 23 year old that happens to be best friends with the face of the franchise. I'm sure that he knows that it is only a matter of time before he moves on elsewhere. He's much better than DeAndre in many aspects, but it's all about fit and what is best for the team (Griffin & Gordon) in the long run.

He's an interesting player in that he has a nice expiring contract heading into a heavily anticipated free-agency, plus he's a good player at his position (when he's healthy). With that he can be a target for teams looking to shed salary as well as teams that are looking to improve their front court. One of local writers makes mention of a Kaman for Ginobili deal. It's probably more suggestion than something that has actually been discussed. Ginobili is not a small forward, but could help this team in the short run. Kaman & Duncan together for the Spurs gives them an opportunity for a final push before needing to seriously reload their roster for the future.

I like Kaman even though he can so frustrating and would be sad to see him go, but I'd willingly do it if it makes the team better. If he is moved this year, it's going to be to improve the team at either small forward or by helping to bring in very good player (use your imagination ).

Al-Farouq Aminu:

Aminu is a player that will show you glimpses of the grace and elegance of a gazelle and then turn around the very next play to look like a deer in the headlights. Confidence is a huge factor into his success as a basketball player. He is our youngest player and is playing at a different position than he did in college. His vibe comes off to some as lazy and unmotivated. I think he's very laid back, but that his true personality is confusing to those that don't know him. By reports, he's one of the hardest working players on the team. He was also one of the players to stay in LA and put in a ton of work in the earlier part of summer when everyone else went back home.

He has the physical tools to succeed in this league, but has to develop the skill part of the game (e.g. shooting, driving and further developing his defensive awareness). Many of us wanted Paul George, so some fans are looking at what he did in the playoffs and Aminu spites them. I liked George and was torn on when they were both availble at the 8 spot. I'm hoping for the best and rooting for Aminu to make it. Even if George becomes the better player, I'd still be fine with Aminu if he showed himself to become a valuable asset to the roster.

The team is openly looking for a small forward despite having Aminu. He just turned 21 yesterday and is more than likely at least 3 years away from showing what he can truly be. I can see him being moved in order to improve the roster. I can also see him staying and developing off of the bench if he doesn't need to be moved. I'd prefer to see him stay, but I really just want to see this team turn the corner and become legitimate.

[canucklife21]

great responce!

[dukeknicksirish]

Kaman and Aminu for Beasly and Webster... helps both teams out...

[Ranma]

Kaman and Aminu for Beasly and Webster... helps both teams out...

Eric Pincus, who has some insight into the team's thinking, has reported that Neil Olshey doesn't think Michael Beasley would be a good fit for the team despite its need for a small forward, which makes sense given the organization's proactive focus on players who will add to the cultural emphasis on character and commitment. This is what prompted the priority to finally ship off Baron Davis. I actually share this sentiment even as I think it was long overdue.

With the Clippers' possession of Minnesota's 2012 draft pick, I'm of the personal opinion that the Clips would be better off having Beasley on the Wolves roster as long as possible. Sure, the guy scores points but is known to be lacking on defense. The Timberwolves may have the respected and accomplished Rick Adelman as coach, but even he couldn't turn things around for Golden State during his time there.

David Kahn's T-Wolves, much like those 95-96 and 96-97 Warriors teams with Chris Mullin, Latrell Sprewell, and Joe Smith playing under Adelman, have some talent but are also bereft of roster balance. Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Derrick Williams, and Ricky Rubio may represent a lot of potential but Kahn has put together a mish-mash roster that is unlikely to make real progress the first season they take the court together since PF is the only position stabilized in the form of Kevin Love.

Rubio will need an adjustment period to acclimate himself to the NBA game so Luke Ridnour looks to still handle a significant portion of the PG responsibilities in a solid if not spectacular fashion. There are plenty of wing prospects in Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster, Anthony Randolph, Williams, and Beasley but none are considered true shooting guards. Beasley's presence on the roster also keeps 2nd overall selection Williams from playing as much as he should.

Adelman, along with Kahn's eventual departure, will undoubtedly help the Wolves perform better than what they've been used to, but it won't happen overnight. Their long-term core will likely be comprised of Love, Williams, and Rubio so Beasley will have to be dealt one day, but as I illustrated above, the Clippers are unlikely to be involved in such a transaction. Besides, signing a FA like Tayshaun Prince or Shane Battier would be a better option than trading for Beasley.

[thanumba2clippersfan]

Beasley is talented, but I question where his head is at times. He really needs to mature and like Ranma said he wouldn't add to our culture.

Kaman and Aminu for Beasly and Webster... helps both teams out...

I think Kaman to the Twolves benefits them more than Beasley to the Clippers.

[Ranma]

Seems like I'm not alone in thinking Beasley is not the long-term answer in Minnesota:

Royce Young, Eye on Basketball (9/24/11)

Minnesota Timberwolves: Here's what David Kahn's to-do list looks like: 1) Hug Ricky. 2) Hug Darko. 3) Overpay a questionable free agent at a position you already have three guys. What it should look like: 1) Convince Kevin Love somehow to sign an extension. 2) Get rid of Michael Beasley and let Derrick Williams have the starting small forward spot all to himself. 3) Tell Rick Adelman to do his thing.

First up for each team in a post-lockout world

By the way, here is what Mr. Young had to say about the Clips:

Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Gordon is ready for an extension, but the Clippers better be ready to match any offer DeAndre Jordan gets. You might not think that's a big deal, but forget Chris Kaman. The future of the Clips frontcourt is Blake Griffin and Jordan. You seven-footer from Texas A&M finally started figuring himself out a little last season and he's not far off from becoming a major defensive impact player.

[mkwest]

Beasley not on our FO's radar. I think things are going to be interesting between Beasley and Minnesota if he's not traded sometime soon. Adelman doesn't like to play rookies, but he's not fond of knuckleheads either. I don't think that Beasley is a bad person, but he has some maturing to do on and off the court.

Adelman and Kahn don't have the greatest history, and I'm wondering if there's going to be some tension between the two. In the long run, the organization will side with Adelman, but for the time being they have to work together. They have cap space and assets that can be moved in hopes of acquiring a better fit for their roster. I believe that teams will be willing to take a chance on Beasley, but more than likely won't be willing to offer all that much. He's talented, but is a bit of a tweener with baggage. He really needs the right environment and situation to really succeed and realize his potential.

[DangerCurtis]

I agree with all of you. The goal and forward thinking of the Clips FO has no intention of trading for Beasely. For me personally, I'd much rather be patient and see how Aminu develops than trading for Beasely.

You do have to admit though, with Beasely's talents, there is a bit of interest. Yet, I'd much rather see the Clips go after a guy like Prince or Battier via free agency or try to work a trade for Iggy.

It's kind of funny how the Wolves and Clips are so deeply tied together. Though I'm no Wolves fan, everything they do I'm deeply interested in.

[jgustav1]

This is an interesting thread. Minnesota has too much invested in Milicic and Pekovic at this point to be willing to add Kaman, without removing one of them from their roster, although he could help them out and be a significant upgrade at C. Also Kahn seems to be a big fan of Darko, making some future all-star selection prediction, so I doubt they would be interested in buying him out if the amnesty provision is passed. Darko is overpaid, but not enough for a team that is losing close to 20 million per season to be able to afford to buy him out in the hopes of adding a better roster fit through free agency.

The roster Kahn has put together still has too many significant holes, such as lack of low post defense and below average guard play to have this team project to any more than a win total in the low 20's even with Adelman as coach. I'd suspect they have a slight improvement over last season, which could give Adelman the opportunity to move into the GM role as a Kahn replacement since he can blame another poor season on the roster Kahn has assembled for him. There is no Chuck Hayes defensive specialist on this roster, the type of overachiever that seems to thrive under Adelman's coaching.

[Krapinsky]

Kaman

for

Pekovic/Webster/Randolph or Tolliver

Pekovic gives you a back up center that you can run the offense through when Blake isn't in the game. He's still figuring out the NBA game (mental turnovers, high foul rate), but he can score when given the opportunity.

Webster had back troubles all year last year and was asked to play out of position at the 2 guard spot. His back troubles are supposedly behind him. If healthy, he'd be a great spot up shooting SF to put between Griffin and Gordon. he's still young and a great character/lockeroom guy. His deal is only minimally guaranteed after next season, so even if he doesn't pan out his contract will become a trade asset.

Randolph or Tolliver. Do you want a solid veteran back up, a guy that will help you win games next year or be the next team to roll the dice on Magic Randolph? We consider both a trade asset in their own right. Tolliver would be best on a team that's ready to win. He's your typical lunch pail guy, a guy that will take charges and do the dirty work. Randolph -- well you guys all know his story.

[jgustav1]

Kaman

for

Pekovic/Webster/Randolph or Tolliver

This just doesn't do much for the Clippers and affects their available cap space in 2012 with Pekovic's contract. If Webster gets bought out after 2012, the Clippers may take a look at him then depending on what their roster looks like after the draft. Foye can fill the spot as a backup SG to Gordon and played pretty well after the all-star break last year. The Clippers would rather let Kaman play out the season and see what they can do with the cap space in 2012 rather than make this deal.

The Clippers added Thompkins in the draft and don't really need either Randolph or Tolliver as a backup to Griffin with Gomes, Cook and Thompkins already on the roster as potential backup PFs.