NLL Insider - Team by Team: Los Angeles Clippers

by vt, updated on Thursday, October 09 2008, 02:28 pm EST

Los Angeles Clippers Review

2007-2008
Finish: 34-48
What went well
After making the playoffs for the first in NLL history, the Los Angeles Clippers seemed poised to continue on the 2006-07 success as the season began. But shockwaves spread through LA faster than an earthquake when well-regarded GM Reiner stepped down before the opening game. Lured away by a European competitor, Reiner decided to leave the NLL, leaving the Clippers with a gaping hole in the front office.

Not much changed after Reiner’s departure. Both Lebron James and Kendrick Perkins re-signed with the team and everyone wanted to start the season on a high note, except veteran Grant Hill. After spending most of his NLL career injured on the Clippers bench, he hightailed for the sure-thing New Jersey Nets. But that didn’t stop the Clips from attracting some decent (albeit older) free agents. Morris Peterson, Chucky Atkins, Royal Ivey and Troy Hudson all came on board to help the team make the playoffs again.

The biggest news of the season was the return of Kenyon Martin. He did not play the entire previous season while he recovered from surgery. While many in LA resented him for his inactivity, Martin returned to play in a strong 78 games, averaging 17.3 points and 10.5 rebounds. We need to look for victories anywhere we can find them.

What went worse

Tends the end of the season, already woefully out of the playoffs, the Clippers inked GM Lee. Though many were happy that the position was filled, GM Lee did not make many friends during his first weeks as the Clippers GM. He did not follow basic league protocol and was even suspended for some mismanagement. Worst of all, he moved starter Lebron James to the bench. Why move the league’s best player out of the starting slot? Many scratched their heads as the Clippers once again did not make the postseason

The Star

Lebron James, GF -
Why the heck is this guy on the bench? There are already rumors of James wanting to play in NY. Is this anyway to treat a star? His numbers, though still great, suffered from his lack of PT. Hey, Lee! Start this dude next season!

The Goat

Chucky Atkins- G
He took a huge salary and then got injured. Don’t you love players like this guy? The good news is he will miss another six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday. Atkins felt pain two weeks ago while playing pickup games, and an MRI on Monday revealed an operation was necessary. The team orthopedic surgeon repaired torn cartilage and cleaned out loose bodies, the team said. Last season it was a hernia. Maybe he’ll top his 36 games from last season. The clock is ticking.

Looking to the future

The Clippers will need to make some changes before the season begins. James is the only solid player on the roster. Everyone else is just a role player. They need to get some more guys with pizzazz. Sure, Peterson and Jarrett Jack are decent but these guys should really be the 6th and 7th man on most teams. Also, the decision to re-sign Martin is approaching. If they do, they will eat up the rest of their salary cap on someone who is very often hurt. On the other hand, the team has a lousy record and an unpopular GM. Attracting FAs may be difficult.

So some big decisions loom for the Clippers. If they plan on rebuilding, they need to move out players like Peterson, Atkins and Greg Buckner and let Martin walk. If you want to win it all, they need to give James a supporting cast that plays to his strengths. Either way, James should be the fulcrum of the team.

The Clippers selected Eric Gordon at the 8th slot in the draft. He may be just the catalyst the team needs. He can start at shooting guard next to James at SF. He is strong, explosive and dynamic. He is a proven scorer. The team may also want to consider developing him as a point guard. In the second round, the team selected Turkish Omer Asik. He is a good defender but really raw. He will probably stay in Europe for now.

NLL Insider - Team by Team: Los Angeles Clippers

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