Tomhomes33 wrote:As Raptors fan who comes in piece I find this hillariois (copy paste from Raptors board)
but half of it is true:)
The reasons Kawhi stays and does not join Clippers
- More money
True but negligible given AAV differential is at $2.75 million. Plus, the tax rate in Canada is still higher than California's.
- Clips don't have anyone as good as Siakam
True but Clippers also have flexibility to add another 1st-tier free agent like Durant.
- East isn't as loaded top to bottom
True but road to championship may be more difficult if KD goes to East and still have to deal with Bucks and 76ers, especially if Kawhi continues to single-handedly carry Raptors in postseason.
- Better fanbase
I'm not sure about that. Die-hard Clippers fans have been around for years even before the Raptors' inception. Having entire nation unite behind Kawhi is impressive but having true-blue, long-time fans in his hometown area is also appealing.
- Nobody cares about the Clippers in LA or the rest of the league
While that might be true in Los Angeles where Lakers fans severely outnumber Clippers fans, this regular season and postseason has opened up eyes on the Clippers among NBA fans across the nation.
- Raptors have one of the best training staffs in the league and will do whatever you want
I'll have to concede this point given our own possibly questionable staff and what the Raptors have done to cater to Kawhi's needs during his rehabilitation of the quad injury.
- Nick Nurse is a chill coach that won't yell at you or embarrass you and wants your feedback
Nurse has done an impressive job and, while I'm not exactly Doc's biggest fan, Rivers is actually adept at managing stars and getting everyone on the same page to win.
- You already live in SoCal in the offseason why not have the best of both worlds and have a 50/50 split
That might appeal to a free-swinging bachelor, but Kawhi is big on family and both his and his baby mama's family reside in Southern California. Having his family close by at all times for support would serve him well, especially in raising his children.
- You're already on pace of being the best player for a franchise ever and could break most of the franchise records possibly
Kawhi could do even more or have an easier time continuing on such a pace with more support with a team better equipped to provide him with such help in breaking records for the Clippers. And he could conceivably be the first player ever to have his jersey retired by the Clippers franchise.
- The media is chill and won't harass you or bug you
I'm going to concede this one even though coverage of the Clippers has not nearly been as much of a circus as it has been with the Lakers. Plus, having TMZ's headquarters in L.A. doesn't help our cause in that respect either.
- You have burgeoning friendships with Powell, Lowry, Ibaka and Danny Green if he comes back is a long time friend
I'm not familiar enough with Kawhi's relationships with those aforementioned Raptors teammates but it seems to me that Lowry is still mourning over the loss of his good buddy DeRozan. Ibaka is a weird dude with a phallic obsession feeding Kawhi bull-penis pizza when he's not punching opponents in their junk.
- Won't have police officers trying to shoot you because you're black
I might have to concede this one slightly but Kawhi is a celebrity and LAPD wouldn't dare risk laying a finger on him.
- Weed is legal
It's also legal here in Southern California now.
- Away from family and friends bugging you for tickets and you can only concentrate on basketball
That's not a selling point because all indications on Kawhi is that he is big on family with that being likely his top priority in determining his decision in free agency.
- Monas parties
I have no idea who or what this is. Also, if Kawhi is interested in partying, which I doubt he is, I don't think he could do much better than having access to the abundant Hollywood parties or the social scene in Los Angeles.
- Drakes parties
Drake seems a bit of a d-bag and/or overzealous fanboy. Dude sings about Lou Williams's two girlfriends, then proceeds to engage in an affair with one of them breaking up the amicable love triangle.
- Team is willing to go over the cap and spend on luxury tax
Have you met Mr. Ballmer? Clippers would be too for the right situation.
- We have the assets to trade for Anthony Davis
So do the Clippers and I would argue more so than the Raptors unless you're willing to give up Pascal Siakam.
- Lowry, Gasol and Ibaka are coming off the books next year and we can add some real talent beside you and Siakam
For whatever reason, Toronto has had problems attracting premier free agents in the past. Hopefully, that will change but not at the Clippers' expense. In any case, the Raptors can create salary cap space for the summer of 2020 but the Clippers can do so right now for the upcoming summer where there will be the most anticipated class of premier free agents available for quite some time. The Clippers are already considered by most to be the destination franchise for star players.
- No Earthquakes
True. Nothing we can do about mother nature, though there hasn't been any major instances for quite some time. Having said that, Kawhi should be well aware of the risks and used to them having grown up in So. Cal.
- To much exposure to sun can give you a greater risk at skin cancer
True but Kawhi should be able to afford the necessary amount of sunscreen needed to mitigate such risks and the benefit of more comfortable sunny climate outweighs the minor inconvenience of having to apply protection, which is exhibited by most people preferring to vacation in such climates over colder ones.
- Won't be playing in Lebrons shadow in the same city
Maybe but LeBron's shadow ain't what it used to be. King James is actually now a part of arguably the NBA's most dysfunctional organization in the Lakers and things don't look to get better for them at the moment. Plus, he's older and continues to age at 34 years old with 2 more years and an option for a 3rd on his current contract.
- They don't have Jurassic Park
I'm not entirely familiar with the Raptors' Jurassic Park but I'll concede this point given that the Clippers share the Staples Center with the Lakers and are currently dealing with legal issues with regards to their own stadium project in Inglewood.
- Don't have to wear the same jersey all the time
I'm not a fan of the Clippers' jerseys or sloppily constructed rebranded logo, so I'll concede this point for now.
- Don't have to deal with some crazy eccentric owner
Steve Ballmer may be excitable and demonstrably enthusiastic but he's the kind of owner most, if not every, team should want. He's the richest owner in North American professional sports and also engaged as well as willing to let top basketball people do their jobs and invest in the team's success. What exactly is the problem here?
- Better downtown core that has everything you need and is easier accessible
I'll take your word for it having ventured to Downtown Los Angeles myself and not being particularly impressed.
- Winter clothes expand your wardrobe and make your fashion more impressive
While I agree that tends to be true, it gets both cold and sunny in California so Kawhi's wardrobe should be even more expansive having to account for different seasonal weather. Plus, one can expand one's wardrobe through variances of style in similar articles of clothing.
- Toronto more diverse
I'm not sure about that. Los Angeles is one of the most diverse communities in the world given it's reputation for being a melting pot of culture and race.
- No Trump
Unfortunately true, but that should only be temporary with maybe a year or so under Trump influence.
- Next to no annoying Laker fans here
True but they're everywhere. The problem is Los Angeles is indeed ground zero for that particular affliction.
- Clippers best player is a 6th man in his early 30's
I've personally argued that Danilo Gallinari has been the Clippers' best player this season, but the point stands. However, that would no longer be the case if Kawhi joined the Clips and his arrival would increase the likelihood of bringing in more stars (likely better than Siakam) to join him in Los Angeles whether that'd be Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis or even the recently bandied about Klay Thompson.
- Doc Rivers has been rumored to possibly leave and could bail if things don't work
False. Doc just signed an extension after the Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs and stated, for the record, that he plans on being here until Ballmer tells him to get out.
- 1 less road game in front of those unruly Spurs fans in San Antonio
I don't know but I'll go ahead and concede that point.
