Season Previews

Ranma · Post #1 » by **Ranma** » Fri Sep 28, 2018 10:30 am

Forte IV · Post #2 » by **Forte IV** » Fri Sep 28, 2018 4:08 pm

I've seen a lot of season previews with the mind set that we'll be bad because we'll end up trading everyone away. I find that very lazy.

Popovich · Post #3 » by **Popovich** » Fri Sep 28, 2018 4:28 pm

Quote from that season preview text : " Even if they fail to acquire Jimmy Butler, who reportedly requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves and would like to end up with either the Heat, Clippers, Knicks, or Nets, L.A. has assembled enough talent to potentially compete for a playoff spot, even in the stacked Western Conference."

For me this is too easily said than....I mean, guy who wrote it is really optimistic ,kinda.. ow there is that word "potentially" well that does give the author of the text so much room to speculate about LAC in PO's. If you know what I mean to say, like he said that they are good enough for PO's but then if it turns out that they are not even close in ever more stacked Western Conference than they just were, potentially before the season start. At least that is how I saw this preview in the prognosis aspect of it.

Post #4 » by **TrueLAfan** » Fri Sep 28, 2018 5:47 pm

I think the prognosis is pretty accurate. We don’t have a star driven team, so chemistry and team unity is much more important for us than for other squads. And since we’ve got a lot of new players, there’s no way to judge that. And since several of our top players missed a ton of time last year, we don’t know how well they’ll play for our coach, let alone with each other. And since some/most of the injured players have something of a history with injuries, we don’t know how long to count on them for. To top it all off, we’re likely to be trying to move players during the season. So, yeah, that.

Ultimately, I think one the thing that makes us weak makes us strong. We’re not star driven. I think that means our young players are going to get some run out there. Our veterans aren’t stars, but they’re playing for respect (and, ahem, contracts). They’ll play hard. And I think this folds into the narrative of hiring Lee Jenkins. We’re going for good team guys that are focused on the right things for the right reasons.

There are a lot of things that can and I’m sure will go haywire this year, but I’m looking forward to what we see and get from our roster.

Wammy Giveaway · Post #5 » by **Wammy Giveaway** » Fri Sep 28, 2018 7:11 pm

Forte IV wrote:I've seen a lot of season previews with the mind set that we'll be bad because we'll end up trading everyone away. I find that very lazy.

But it's easy, quick and to the point... even if they skimp around the actual saying. I hate it when beat writers have to dress it up. You have to willing to say the hard, blunt truth, even if feelings are hurt.

Anyway, here's my season preview contributions... from AROUND THE WORLD!

(Yeah, you're gonna need your Google translate or be fluent in provided languages)

NBA.com - Minnesota Timberwolves Season Preview: Los Angeles Clippers

Silver Screen And Roll - Pacific Division Preview: Los Angeles Clippers

Basketball Insiders - 2018-19 NBA Season Preview: Los Angeles Clippers

Def Pen - 30 Teams In 30 Days: Los Angeles Clippers

Basket USA - Les Clippers Ne Veulent Pas Retourner Dans L’ombre (French)

Gazzetta Dello Sport - Los Angeles Clippers Preview: Con Gallinari Leader Obiettivo Playoff (Italian)

YouTube Previews

Envyerz: 2018-19 NBA Preview - Los Angeles Clippers

Spoiler:

MDJ: 2018-19 30 Teams In 30 Days Preview - Los Angeles Clippers

Spoiler:

Red Samurai Sports: 2018-19 Season Preview - Los Angeles Clippers

Spoiler:

JT NBA Report: 2018-19 Season Preview - Los Angeles Clippers

Spoiler:

Basketball Analysis: What To Expect From The Clippers

Spoiler:

Forte IV · Post #6 » by **Forte IV** » Fri Sep 28, 2018 8:34 pm

My point Wammy is that it's lazy to assume things. Barely anyone is doing a season preview with the guys we have. They're making them with the lazy assumption we'll just trade everybody and be bad. That is what makes it lazy Wammy. The fact they aren't even trying.

Popovich · Post #7 » by **Popovich** » Fri Sep 28, 2018 9:05 pm

Well some of you here do remember when I openly asked here similar question, something like how will LAC look this season compared to previous and I think I did ask that question to a member "esqtvd" maybe openly to all, can't remember exactly. That was a way before we knew complete roster but I myself maybe have not gave an answer to it.

I think Clippers will be slightly worse than previous season and that is just record wise, I am not sure about actual game style which by the way did not looked bad for me. Here is why I think so, and I will simplify this as much as I can. First I will divide season in three but unequally long segments. I expect that LAC will have much worse start of the season this year as there are a lot of new faces, specially young ones + those old who missed a lot of games previews year, well it's like that, they did not played together a lot and I don't see any advantage this year just because they are all ready to go currently. Than in this which I will mark as a second part, a crucial and larger period of time let's call it middle of the season with lot of games. Here I guess team will be more stable and will not fall into those bigger series of losses like last year. Nevertheless there is that trade period during season and I don't know what to expect at that point just I guess it will be a lot of activity as Clippers will at that point know where they are and what goals to set. Will it be gradual buildup or maybe going for PO spot and bringing some real star. You do understand that LAC is without real star player and I don't see such a teams too much in a nowadays NBA. So this could be a double blade sword. Yet team might be able to start to find standard rotations and all that stuff, stability and all. Then at last 3rd part I would mark as near the end of the season or let's say period which will begin couple of weeks after All Star weekend , there I again see this team doing slightly less compared to what we saw how Clippers did play not bad near the despite the fact of numerous players absences and lot of misfortune. I think because of lack of experience and a true leader finish of the season would be below in comparison to what healthy guys showed us. I don't say Lou Williams could not become a leader but I question this because of his age. Than add again lack of experience, young core + supposed and yes I have just failed to mention that departure of a team core is not a minuscule deal at all.Add supposed Clippers curse to that pot and when all is stirred slowly ...there you have my prognosis. Of course it is extremely hard to go into the future so far but at least I stand beside my argument of bad season start, preseason is not counted.
One thing that I do not share in opinion with some here is that option of who knows maybe all this mixture can positively surprise us. I am not pessimistic, I think I am relist ,not too optimistic for sure. I mean I have no reason to be optimistic. However personally as a basketball fan and Serbian national team follower I am excited about NBA games which are to come soon and of course my eyes will be on Clippers particularly. I hope for the best possible outcome.

Forte IV · Post #8 » by **Forte IV** » Sat Sep 29, 2018 4:02 am

I just don't understand how we can be worse than last year if we are even remotely healthy. We were devastated by injuries last year and won 42 games.

Popovich · Post #9 » by **Popovich** » Sat Sep 29, 2018 8:51 am

I have explained why I expect they will be only a slightly worse. I am not alone in this view. Did you watch or read all those previous from that great post above? ; I did. And majority of previews are negative. I must say that I gave my opinion before reading anyone's professional preview.

esqtvd · Post #10 » by **esqtvd** » Sat Sep 29, 2018 6:48 pm

Popovich wrote:Well some of you here do remember when I openly asked here similar question, something like how will LAC look this season compared to previous and I think I did ask that question to a member "esqtvd" maybe openly to all, can't remember exactly. That was a way before we knew complete roster but I myself maybe have not gave an answer to it.

Yes, I opined we're gonna miss DJ's D more than anyone would like to admit. I believe I said something around 35-37 wins, which turned out to be exactly where the Vegas line ended up coming out [currently 35.5-36.5].

It's also hitting me that Lou had an insane career year last year, and it's unrealitic to expect him to be as ungodly [or play as many minutes]. The only veteran still on an upward swing is Tobias, whom we all hope will cross the 20 ppg threshold. Otherwise, I don't know where the points will come from. At best, we can only look for Avery and Pat Bev to replace Austin's production, not top it. A healthy Gallo would help, but... :dontknow:

Popovich · Post #11 » by **Popovich** » Sat Sep 29, 2018 9:02 pm

esqtvd wrote: I believe I said something around 35-37 wins, which turned out to be exactly where the Vegas line ended up coming out [currently 35.5-36.5].

Do you gamble? If not, maybe you should consider to start putting some bets. It is amazing that you picked the same line as the bookies.

That is not easy at all. I would like that this year LAC turn into unpredictable team, at least for bookies but predictable for their fans, wouldn't that be great if that could be possible

esqtvd · Post #12 » by **esqtvd** » Sat Sep 29, 2018 11:00 pm

Popovich wrote:
esqtvd wrote:I believe I said something around 35-37 wins, which turned out to be exactly where the Vegas line ended up coming out [currently 35.5-36.5].

Do you gamble? If not, maybe you should consider to start putting some bets. It is amazing that you picked the same line as the bookies. That is not easy at all.

Well, I'd rather be the bookie, setting the lines and skimming my 10% vig. But thanks. :-)

I would like that this year LAC turn into unpredictable team, at least for bookies but predictable for their fans, wouldn't that be great if that would be possible

You rather hit the nail on the head about the win total--if after the All-Star break we start getting offers you can't refuse for guys like Lou, not to mention Pat Bev and Avery, who are expiring, it's gonna affect the bottom line. And ironically, if Gallo steps up and becomes a factor in us having a good first half, we might be able to not only get out of the last year on his contract but get some value for him in a trade. In one door and out the other.

I wouldn't really want to bet the win total because the better we do, the more we can get in trade for the guys responsible!

esqtvd · Post #13 » by **esqtvd** » Sat Sep 29, 2018 11:21 pm

Popovich wrote:I have explained why I expect they will be only a slightly worse. I am not alone in this view. Did you watch or read all those previous from that great post above? ; I did. And majority of previews are negative. I must say that I gave my opinion before reading anyone's professional preview.

I appreciate all the repostings of other so-called 'experts' from around the internet, but I like people going for it on their own, and without the weaseling.

It was time for DJ and Austin to go, but the fact is that they--and WeJo, LOL--were the continuity with the Golden Age around here. Including our remarriage to Luc, this squad is more a Rockets team than Clippers!!

As much as Pat Bev is pushing "Clamp City," last year was about offense.

https://www.nba.com/clippers/inside-numbers-2017-18-season-was-all-about-offense-clippers

the most telling stats from the Clippers’ 2017-18 season:

Dunken Dave · Post #14 » by **Dunken Dave** » Sun Sep 30, 2018 1:30 am

As currently constructed, we lack interior defense and rebounding, those things will hurt us a lot. With the backcourt leading the way, we'll be fine defensively on the perimeter. What we really lack is enough 2-way players. I think we'll battle every night and even win some games we shouldn't, but the PO are a long shot at this point. This season is more about evaluating what we have and determining who we plan on keeping long term. The Clippers will still be fun to watch this season as a lot of questions will be answered.

Popovich · Post #15 » by **Popovich** » Sun Sep 30, 2018 9:09 am

A lot of things will be different this season, it is a completely new team and as someone said to me in another thread Doc will test fresh ball handling tactic. Everyone excepts the centers will have freedom to bring the ball across a half court after securing rebound.

From all these key stats that "esqtvd" pulled out on table here one surprises me the most. LA finished second in the NBA in points in the paint (4,282) and points in the paint per game (52.2). I just did not know that or I totally forgot Clippers were so efficient in the paint area. This is surely because LAC guard tended to feed both DJ and Harrell down low where Harrell did exceptionally well and maybe because most of the other teams already switched to small ball and that "move ball around perimeter and gun" tactics. My point is that this year I can't see these stats repeating. Again and again, this year will be totally different. Let me mention another category which is also kinda surprising for me. Doc said that they were the last in transition last year so improving here is number one priority.

You know what would be awesome? Since improved defense is expected , it would be great if Clippers could hold those offensive stats from the last year. What do you think, is that possible? It will be hard for sure. On one side it is totally new team and on the other same coach with his recognizable plays and drawings.

Ranma · Post #16 » by **Ranma** » Wed Oct 3, 2018 4:54 am

Read on Twitter

Ranma · Post #17 » by **Ranma** » Fri Oct 12, 2018 4:58 pm

Popovich wrote:

Watch on YouTube

Ranma · Post #18 » by **Ranma** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 3:41 pm

Read on Twitter

Ranma · Post #19 » by **Ranma** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 4:07 pm

Read on Twitter

wco81 · Post #20 » by **wco81** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 4:26 pm

Do the Clippers have a first round pick in the next draft? Is there any value in trying to position for the best pick?

Otherwise, they'll just count on signing at least one max-level FA next summer?