Team conflict?

[Roscoe Sheed]

As seen on the "wiretap"- I wonder who "doesn't like each other"

I wonder if it is still Blake and DJ feeling dictated to by CP3? Animosity toward Crawford for shooting too much?

[Sofia]

The "source" is Bill Simmons tweeting from the stands after the Raps game. Grain of salt.

[Roscoe Sheed]

Seriously? If so, why is Aldridge reporting on it. Irresponsible journalism if true.

[Ranma]

The "source" is Bill Simmons tweeting from the stands after the Raps game. Grain of salt.

The timing of the quote seems to suggest it is Simmons given the aforementioned tweet after the loss to Toronto. Aldridge may have just followed up with him upon seeing that tweet for more details.

However, Aldridge is a respected reporter with many connections and experience in the field. He noted the quote was from "someone who knows that team well". Does that apply to Simmons, who is connected himself but not to the same extent as Aldridge? Or is there another source Aldridge went to in and around the organization to follow up on Simmons' tweet? In any case, Aldridge deemed it as from someone with knowledge of the team's situation and worthy enough to be passed onto the public.

Could it be a case of the media goosing ratings and readership through sensationalism? Of course, it's possible but Aldridge doesn't strike me as one of those types of reporters who resorts to such tactics nor does it seem that he really needs to.

While Aldridge is just passing along the info and doesn't elaborate on matters, unfortunately, I think there is something to this, especially when the team collectively is not meeting expectations.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/BillSimmons/status/548977850305355777[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/BillSimmons/status/548978571570446336[/tweet]

David Aldridge, NBA.com (12/29/14)

10) L.A. Clippers (1-3) [9]: Is it personnel, or is it personal? Here's the unvarnished opinion of someone who knows that team well: "They don't like each other." FWIW.

What a year: Looking back on 2014 from around the NBA

[Wammy Giveaway]

Whenever there's a team conflict, it means somebody in the team is disgruntled and may want out. Besides the struggles of Jordan Farmar that may hint on disgruntled player, there's been nothing else within the Clippers camp.

But it could also means that there may have been a scuffle or a fight between two teammates that happened during practice. There were two reports of heated arguments during the season, in-game, and I remember that one of them involved Chris Paul and Matt Barnes, and DeAndre Jordan having to break it up (Ranma might be able to help me find that tweet in question). There have been no officials reports of players not getting along with each other or any internal fighting, and if it did happen, the reports would be withheld until the off-season or after the player is released/traded in the guise of anonymous coaching staff and employees (due to league and club rules).

The only way we'll know that a team conflict does exists is if the Clippers send out a press release regarding a player being suspended for "conduct detrimental to the team." Let's just see how this plays out before we jump to conclusions.

[mkwest]

As previously mentioned, Bill Simmons seems like the "source." He has been pushing the belief that the players hate playing with each other for the last 3 years. A few of the players have re-signed, extended, etc. as opposed to walking during that time. So if there were truth to this rumor, then I would think that it's not all bad as he has made it seem.

Could there be some disgruntled players? Sure. Lack of playing time and opportunity could that. I know that there are a few that frustrate me to watch, so I could imagine how it must be to play with them.

[og15]

Lol, Simmons isn't a source close to he team, it's one off those made up "oh I'm psychoanalyzing the players based on my vast knowledge" and them someone is making it into a legitimate source. Too funny.

Simmons has said this multiple times the last couple of years, just basically fabricating it from his own interpretations like mkwest said.

If there is one thing this team seems to do, it is like each other, it's been referred to as one of the strengths of the team, how close they all are. Defense on the other hand...

[Quake Griffin]

ZZZZZzzz


wake me up when they have something that sticks.

[nickhx2]

and it's no small wonder i don't read anything this guy writes anymore.

[Ranma]

But it could also means that there may have been a scuffle or a fight between two teammates that happened during practice. There were two reports of heated arguments during the season, in-game, and I remember that one of them involved Chris Paul and Matt Barnes, and DeAndre Jordan having to break it up (Ranma might be able to help me find that tweet in question).

[tweet]https://twitter.com/BA_Turner/status/538889779799007232[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/melissarohlin/status/539274929313947648[/tweet]

Coincidentally enough, the incident happened during the previous game against the Jazz.

Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times (11/30/14)

The Clippers' tri-captains started the pointed conversation on the court and continued it during a timeout while they were on the bench, forcing their teammates to play peacemakers.

In the end, Griffin, Jordan and Paul all viewed it as a healthy talk they needed to have in an attempt to find common ground.

Clippers have heated exchange over defensive strategy

[Forte IV]

Chris and Blake can't hate each other. What about BGCPTV in HD!?!

[LACtdom]

Clippers have heated exchange over defensive strategy,

These sources are obviously fake! We don't have a defensive strategy

[Ranma]

Dan Woike, Orange County Register (12/31/14)

DO THEY LIKE EACH OTHER?

A kind of throwaway line in an NBA.com column by longtime NBA writer David Aldridge quotes a source familiar with the Clippers claiming the team doesn’t “like each other.”

The notion was refuted by multiple players and Rivers on Wednesday, but even if it was true, it shouldn’t be a factor on the court.

“I’m not getting into all this stuff. I’ve had teams that have won that haven’t gotten along,” Rivers said. “That’s why it doesn’t matter. Really, it’s so silly.

“It just gives people something to write about. So, go write about it. That’s what I’m saying.”

Paul said he doesn’t think there are issues in the locker room, and Redick cited the Clippers’ “togetherness” after Wednesday’s win.

Clippers' Redick gets party started again in win over Knicks


[tweet]https://twitter.com/Chrisclipsla/status/550750687811100672[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Chrisclipsla/status/550751555637751808[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/Chrisclipsla/status/550752853942632448[/tweet]

[Ranma]

The Clippers segment starts at the 28-minutes-15-seconds timestamp. Touchpoints of discussion:

* Simmons criticizes Doc for choosing Hawes over Pierce with MLE
* Rose counters stating that Clips anticipated getting Hawes and Marion
* Simmons notes his assertion that Clips don't like playing with each other is based on his observations with how they interact with each other; ignores question if he is Aldridge's source
* Rose states part of Clippers' problem is that both superstars--Paul & Griffin--need the ball
* consensus that Griffin should be rebounding more
* question posed whether Griffin is hurt

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYQK3VAUN9Y&feature=youtu.be&t=28m15s[/youtube]

[Wammy Giveaway]

More Clipper talk through Matt Moore and Zach Harper of CBS Sports (I think Harper has beef with me, my first ever with a guy on Twitter).

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-bas ... ing-places

One big talking point: trade for Zaza Pachulia.

[Roscoe Sheed]

Zaza is not the answer. He is a barely serviceable big man. They need to flip any of Hawes, Farmar, Barnes, maybe even Crawford (one of my favorites- but if trading him improves the team- you have to do it I guess) for a quality small forward.

[Sofia]

More Clipper talk through Matt Moore and Zach Harper of CBS Sports (I think Harper has beef with me, my first ever with a guy on Twitter).

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-bas ... ing-places

One big talking point: trade for Zaza Pachulia.

I like Harper, but he can get pretty defensive if you ask questions or he disagrees with any suggestion you have.

[Ranma]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/billoram/status/552544330670686208[/tweet]

[Quake Griffin]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/billoram/status/552544330670686208[/tweet]

Why was this necessary? He spent a total of what….3 months with the Clippers? Why does he continue to take these shots?

He's almost 30 years old and have only played in 15 total playoff games. 11 of those were with the Clippers and, no, that number isn't changing this year or for the foreseeable future. He can kill the "atmosphere of winning" crap.

The Lakers have won. Kobe has won. He hasn't done a damn thing.

and worse….he thinks the world is laughing with him with this Swaggy P gimmick.
a 30 year old man….being called Swaggy P…lmao ok.

[KyletheDingbat]

I will forever love Swaggy P not just for his personality but because he was key player in the most entertaining game I've ever seen, and you all know which one I mean.