subject: Clipper Nation Rises up in 2012? [print this page] Clipper Nation Rises up in 2012? Clipper Nation Rises up in 2012?
Year after year, I hear disgruntled Clipper fans saying "Next year is our year". And this season was no different from any others. But is there any validity to this statement, especially with the emergence of superstar Blake Griffin and supporting cast? I believe if Clipper Nation wants to be in the playoffs for next year, they must do a few things.
For one, Blake Griffin MUST stay healthy. With his high flying style, it's only a matter of time until he lands the wrong way or gets pushed too hard.
The second item on the list for the Clippers to do well is to keep Chris Kaman as the starting center. Sure, Deandre Jordan is a Beast and can block a comet heading into the Earth's atmosphere, but he's still too raw and needs at least two more years to become a well rounded and up his basketball prowess. Not only that, Kaman can provide a solid 18 points and 10 rebounds on a nightly basis.
Probably the most important gear in the Clipper machine is Eric Gordon. After an unbelievable season and some hiccups along the way such as two injuries on his right wrist, he should be the demanding captain of the team next year and the offense should run through him.
None of this would be possible though of course, without the leadership of Mo Williams. Picked up by Cleveland before the trade deadline, he has fit in well with the run and gun style of the Clippers and puts up very good numbers on the offensive end. But, for the team to have a better season next year, he has to work on his defensive abilities and be able to shut down powerhouses of point guards in the league such as Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook.
Next, I believe with the salary that the team has right now, they can pick up a desperately needed good 3 man. The missing piece in the puzzle is a good small forward - no disrespect to Ryan Gomes.
Lastly, the role players need to step up and perform just as well as the starters. Randy Foye has shown that he can put up great games while Eric Gordon was out. Eric Bledsoe sometimes shows glimpses of greatness, when he's not turning the ball over. Vinnie Del Negro will have his hands full transforming him into a well rounded player.
