Los Angeles Clippers 2009-2010 Preview

By General
for NBA-Basketball.org

Published: October 21, 2009

Background of 2009-2010 Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers are commonly known as the laughing stock of the NBA. Year after year (except for one), they fail to make the playoffs and the height of the excitement for Clippers fans is which number 1 pick they will select and completely screw up. This season, the name they have chosen is none other than Blake Griffin. He’s a smart, athletic, driven, and skilled player that could be the first actual Clippers high profile draft pick that ends up not sucking. The Clippers made the smart move of shipping Zach Randolph out of town, and have added complimentary pieces such as Rasual Butler and Sebastian Telfair. Add to that a healthy and motivated Baron Davis, and this could be the best Clippers team yet. Fans have finally something meaningful to get excited about.

Clippers additions in 2010

Blake Griffin

Rasual Butler

Sebastian Telfair

Clippers departures in 2010

Zach Randolph

Probably Starting Lineup for the 2009 2010 Los Angeles Clippers

PG – Baron Davis
SG – Eric Gordon
SF – Al Thornton
PF – Blake Griffin
C – Chris Kaman

Los Angeles Clippers Guards

Baron Davis has long been a favorite player of mine, and I still think that when he’s at his best, he’s the best point guard in the league. Having said that, B. Diddy hardly every plays to his potential whether it is his myriad of injuries, or just personal motivational factors. This season however he finally seems to to have his mind back in the game, and will be looking to become once again a top NBA point guard. If not then the pressure will be on Sebastian Telfair to pick up the slack and contribute to the levels that he’s been expected to as a Coney Island legend. Eric Gordon impressed coach Mike Dunleavy last year at the shooting guard spot, but the addition of Rasual Butler could provide interesting competition at the shooting guard spot. Butler last year was one of New Orleans’ lone consistent contributors and his strengths shooting the 3 and defending the perimeter will complement well alongside a Baron Davis that can create open shots for teammates and not exactly being a force on the defensive end. Perhaps Eric Gordon at 6’3 can play the role of combo guard to make some more room for Butler.

Los Angeles Clippers Forwards

The small forward position is cause for concern for many Clippers fans in the 2009-2010 season. Al Thornton is a promising player with the right skill set and athleticism to match, but his game decisions and performance on the court is not something you would bank your kids’ future on. Ricky Davis similarly is as skilled as backup SG/SF’s come, but he has too much interest jacking up shots and not enough interest playing a complete game. At least the Clippers can call upon Steve Novak if they need another 3 point shooter on the floor with both Griffin and Davis capable of commanding some extra attention on defense. The power forward position that previously belonged to team chemistry killer Zach Randolph, will now go to a complete opposite type of player in Blake Griffin. Griffin is the type of player who will play team basketball and will be a welcomed addition to a team that could use some more hustle and team chemistry.

Los Angeles Clippers Centers

The center position for the LA Clippers is among the best in the league. Chris Kaman is a double double machine and a workhorse to boot. Putting players like that next to a motivated Baron Davis could definitely be a recipe for success. Backing up Chris Kaman is now NBA veteran Marcus Camby. Let’s not forget that Camby is a previous All-Star and Defensive Player of the year, and fantasy basketball gurus will know exactly the type of impact that he’s capable of across the board. It seems like the Clippers front court is as strong as ever despite recent losses of Elton Brand and Zach Randolph.

Best Case Scenario for the LA Clippers

I’m sure there’s a joke somewhere with the title “Best Case Scenario for the LA Clippers”, but I think this season this is a team that will command some respect. The Western Conference is shaped that, this team has what it takes to make the playoffs. If they manage to get that 7th seed, then whoever is at the 2nd seed could feel some pressure akin to that Dallas Mavericks vs Golden States matchup first round matchup some years ago. This will be a promising year for the Clippers , and the beginning of their rise into significance.

Worst Case Scenario for the Los Angeles Clippers

Let’s not forget that we are talking about the Clippers for a second. Is the addition of a rookie and two backups enough to flip this team on its head and suddenly become a dynasty. Not exactly, and the rumors of Baron Davis being motivated and all that still remains a big IF. The Clippers will see another year in the lottery if this team doesn’t come full circle and start geling from the get go.

Clippers 2010 Outlook

The LA Clippers will sneak into the playoffs as the eight seed and face off against their neighbor and defending champion LA Lakers. It will be a short, albeit entertaining, series that can give this team in development something to motivate themselves for the years ahead.

LA Clippers 2010 Predictions

Record: 41-41

Surprise Player: Rasual Butler becoming an integral part of this Clippers team and filling the gaps at the 2 and 3 spots.

Key Player: Baron Davis and if he can get back to the form that helped carry the Warriors to that special post season run

That wraps up the Los Angeles Clippers 2009-2010 season preview and our detailed look at the Clippers in the 2010 NBA season.

Author:General

General has written 32 articles for us.

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