Despite Billups' injury, there's a different feeling now...

illastrate · Post #1 » by **illastrate** » Tue Feb 7, 2012 10:13 am

...I know Chauncey's potential season-ending injury has put a damper on the win tonight and just the season in general, but let's look at the last couple of season-ending injuries.

- Shaun Livingston breaks kneecap: there was a collective gasp throughout Staples Center that night. It was a feeling I couldn't describe, I wanted to shed a tear. The Clippers never recovered and ended up barely missing the playoffs in '07

- Elton Brand ruptured his achilles' tendon and missed nearly the entire '07-'08 season: when that happened, I knew immediately that our season was over. There was no way around it, it was terrible.

Which leads to Billups' injury. As bad as it is, there's a different feeling this year. We're loaded at the guard spots. We're going after JR Smith. Kenyon Martin will suit up any day now. We have the best PG in the league and one of the best PF's in the league. DJ is the anchor in the middle. Caron is a super solid swingman. We have the assets to obtain a SG. Simply put...this team is built to win. My optimism remains high. I still think this team will get a top 4 seed and can make a lengthy run in the playoffs. I believe we are THAT good.

So please, pray for Chauncey. He's a true pro who's accomplished so much in his storied career. I hope he will play again soon. But at the same time, don't be so down right now. We have much to look forward to. We still have the best Clipper team in history. This is a special unit right here and I would hope for everyone to enjoy the ride.

RiversideClips · Post #2 » by **RiversideClips** » Tue Feb 7, 2012 1:23 pm

I agree 100 % w/ your take!
When Livingston went down & you could hear him screaming in pain, there was a pang in my stomach. When Brand got injured, I felt tense. Last night, I was so concerned for Chauncey and what it would mean for his "playing days," but at no time did I feel despair.
If Chauncey can't play, he can coach (such an asset) and w/ Bledsoe coming back, the team gelling, I still think we can win over 43 games.
I want Chauncey back, but I have confidence in what our team can do (just ask Caron !)

Kyle · Post #3 » by **Kyle** » Tue Feb 7, 2012 3:19 pm

One man goes down, another man needs to step up. Thats what great teams do! Lets keep it rolling & get well soon Billups!

illastrate · Post #4 » by **illastrate** » Tue Feb 7, 2012 6:09 pm

Kyle wrote:One man goes down, another man needs to step up. Thats what great teams do! Lets keep it rolling & get well soon Billups!

Exactly! Memphis didn't make any excuses when Rudy Gay went down last year and he was their 2nd best player. Billups is probably our 4th or 5th best player.

Post #5 » by **mkwest** » Tue Feb 7, 2012 7:05 pm

This opens a door for someone to step in and step up. That opportunity may go to Foye, Bledsoe or someone that is currently not on the team. Mo will be needed more now than ever, but I believe he needs to maintain the 6th man role. We need bench scoring and he does it like noone else can.

I'd like to see us acquire that swingman that we've been needing. The season is still long from over. Butler has been a blessing, but he may occasionally miss a game or two as he has earlier this season. At the very least, we need someone to fill in that gap. I don't care if Gomes comes off of the bench, but I don't want to have to count on him as a starter at all.

wallsfamily · Post #6 » by **wallsfamily** » Wed Feb 8, 2012 2:26 pm

I totally agree! One great thing is that Chauncey is a leader on and off the court! He will keep the team positive and understanding that they have a winning culture now. This would also be a good time to develop Leslie as a spot minute guy behind Butler. He would be awesome on the break with Paul and would definitely fit in with Lob City. Foye and Bledsoe will step up as well!!!!

Axel · Post #7 » by **Axel** » Wed Feb 8, 2012 6:53 pm

Chauncey is a great leader, and we all know what he brings to the table. Still, I don't think the Clips or fans should worry. I think Foye can be really productive in Billups' absence. He has never been on a team this talented, so I expect him to do pretty well. He won't be asked to do too much, and it's not as through Billups has played at his usual standard. I think having Mo as the 6th man is still the best option for the team.

Post #8 » by **mkwest** » Thu Feb 9, 2012 12:12 am

Billups Interview (Video)