A Dangerous Team: The Clippers

Music CityMember

I do not expect the Warriors to collapse after last night’s upset, but the Clippers are certainly sending a message. Like the Bucks a year ago, a few pieces and they are suddenly very dangerous.

For the Bucks it was the coach and complimentary players to stretch the floor. For the Clippers, they have the coach (who deserves a ton of credit with this Clippers team’s play this year), and a gritty, tough team, but they’re missing a Star. Enter Kawhi Leonard and another all star, possibly Kyrie Irving, or even Kevin Durant.

They are wide open cap-wise to fit two superstars under max deals, and still have enough left for complimentary players. Beverly is a FA, and maybe his act will wear on the Brass, but he’s a guy you love when he’s on your team.

Ballmer is not scared... and after getting the albatross of Blake Griffin’s deal off the books, they could easily make a run with the cashe of LA to sell without the Laker drama. They’re going to be dangerous...

4/16/1912:52 PM

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TschmackMember

If I did my math correctly it’s possible the Clippers AND Nets could add up to 3 max players each. 2 for sure. If I am Kahwi and Kyrie and Butler and KD and Klay that’s something to consider.

As a crazy thought - given what a mess the Lakers are would they entertain dealing LeBron to the Clips?

4/16/191:43 PM

Music CityMember

I listen to Bill Simmons and he’s been on this for a while. The Clippers opened all of this up when they dealt Griffin, and they were ahead of the curve on Tobias Harris.

Heres what they got:

Los Angeles will also receive Philadelphia’s own protected 2020 first-round pick, the Miami Heat's unprotected 2021 first-round pick and the Detroit Pistons' 2021 and 2023 second-round picks. The Philadelphia first-round pick is protected Nos. 1-14 from 2020-22 and if it does not convey during that time, it becomes 2023 and 2024 Philadelphia second-round picks.

4/16/192:05 PM

TschmackMember

Sometimes it’s best to know when to course correct. Griffin is a decent player, but like Chris Paul is overrated. In the case of Paul, his best days are behind him. Had the Clippers kept both of them they would have eaten up almost 2/3 of their salary cap.

I also think both of them are a bit immature and passive aggressive. Not exactly redeeming qualities for being a good teammate.

The Clippers punted a few years knowing a couple of years ago they probably couldn’t legtimately compete with OKC or Golden State, and now they are in prime position to make a splash. Houston and OKC have topped out, Denver isn’t a real threat, and if Durant and maybe Klay or Green will bolt the Warriors so all of a sudden the door is open for the Clips in the West. If they can add two of those stud players they are automatic contenders.

4/16/192:38 PM