mkwest wrote:[tweet]https://twitter.com/SLAMonline/status/623578075389767680[/tweet]
[tweet]https://twitter.com/RowanKavner/status/623581132647366656[/tweet]
Marcus Camby was in the locker room with the guys before the press conference. He's pretty close to DJ and his family, so it's cool to see that kind of support.
Ranma wrote:JayClips92 wrote:I find it interesting when talking about the 2nd unit, Doc and Austin didn't mention Jamal, guessing he'll be moved before the season starts or riding the bench
Yeah, I noticed that too. With the exception of the brief screen graphic of the roster's depth chart, there was nary a mention of Jamal Crawford. Of particular note was Doc's comment about how he wants both Austin and Lance to think of themselves as point guards in sharing ball-handling duties while they're on the court together since it makes it tougher for the defense to focus on one player primarily bringing the ball upcourt. I've been a big advocate of such an approach where both backcourt players have the capability to handle the ball and run an offense similar to Stockton and Hornacek of the Jazz back in the day. Doc also went on to reiterate how effective Lance is as a "downhill" player and that he should be pushing the pace when he's in the game.
Also, with a team full of competent ball-handlers and passers, I'd like to see us emulate a little bit of what the Sacramento Kings used to do with Bibby, Divac, Webber, and Stojakovic fluidly moving the ball around. Unfortunately, we're probably lacking in the passing ability to play such a style at the 3 and 5 spots. Still, with CP3, Blake, J.J., J-Smoove, Stephenson, and Junior Rivers, we do have plenty of good passers who can work that style with lineup variations.
Going back to Jamal, it seems clear to me that his omission from the conversation during the press conference indicates that he's on the way out. Doc did say that, while he valued roster flexibility (for late additions), he will keep an eye out for other moves to materialize towards the end of the offseason as free agency closes out.
_IGNORED: Max Headrom-esqtvd-QRich3-EBledsoe12-alon8882-45clip
mkwest wrote:
mttwlsn16 wrote:mkwest wrote:
I like Austin's capri pants
He looks like a little kid here
Blogtable: Biggest impact for Clippers?Steve Aschburner, NBA.com:Lance Stephenson, because he has the most to prove. I’m an admirer of Paul Pierce, but enough already with the “He’ll show them how to win” claims — the Clippers’ main guys shouldn’t need those lessons or a motivational coach at this point. Josh Smith sounds like he’s bummed that his semi-redemptive stay in Houston didn’t pay off bigger and might start rationalizing his downward career arc. That leaves Stephenson, who is hitting his prime and desperately needs to put last year’s Charlotte embarrassment behind him. If Doc Rivers, Chris Paul and Pierce have the patience, and Stephenson finds the dedication, there’s remarkable talent there in need of focusing and tapping.John Schuhmann, NBA.com: Stephenson could have the biggest negative impact if he shoots as poorly as he did last season in Charlotte and becomes a locker room distraction like he was two years ago in Indiana. But though he’s also a poor shooter, Smith could help the Clippers where they need it most: on defense. The Clips had the No. 1 offense in the league last year, but ranked 15th defensively. And the defense was at its worst with reserves on the floor. So if Smith can help shore it up in key moments, that could go a long way in helping the Clips contend for a top seed in the West, while keeping the starters fresh.Sekou Smith, NBA.com: While I believe both Josh Smith and Lance Stephenson will average more minutes than Paul Pierce, I don’t think there is any doubt that Pierce will have the biggest impact on the Clippers next season. His leadership skills and the things that he brings to a team, both tangible and intangible, far outweigh whatever the other two guys will bring to the situation. Just look at the tone he set in the locker room in Washington if you need proof. Pierce is the ultimate competitor and still has enough left in the tank to serve as a crunch-time assassin. He’s fearless, even in the twilight of his career. And with a three-year deal, he knows he’s in this for the duration and not just a one-year rental. His impact could be the difference between a Clippers team that falters in the conference semifinals and one that finally breaks through to the next level.
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