Hollywood’s New NBA title contenders
Lakers loss was Clippers gain!
That sums up the cause for the Clippers becoming the new kings of the NBA in tinsel town. Chris Paul eventually did make it to LA in 2011 prior to the lockout, but to the surprise of many to the Clippers after NBA President David Stern had vetoed his trade to the Lakers.
Since, Clippers have made it to the Playoffs of the next two seasons with a record of above .500 and have clinched their franchise’s first ever Pacific division title this season.
What can we expect from a constantly improving Los Angeles Clippers?
Coaching Change:-
Los Angeles Clippers introduce new head coach Doc Rivers
This offseason on June 25th, Clippers traded two future first round draft picks in addition to an anti-trade clause with the Boston Celtics to allow Doc Rivers to leave his contract and head to LA.
Slowing the pace the team plays is an essential quality Rivers would add to the team. Having Rajan Rondo a similar point guard in Boston, Rivers would be used to having a point guard who can be an excellent floor general. So probably you will see a Clippers team playing with a slower tempo settling down and allowing the Paul to make the decisions and run the offense.
An aspect of Rivers’ coaching is his ability to draw out effective plays out of time-outs to leave the opponents defense reeling and he would consider himself fortunate to have a talented roster at his disposal this season. This would help the Clippers’ effectiveness in clutch situations whether in the Playoffs or in the regular season.
Defense has always been a vital part of River’s coaching philosophy. Under his coaching, Clippers won’t crash the offensive glass as much allowing them to recover and not allow their easy outlet passes in transition.
His playoff tested coaching career is bound to being positive vibes not just to the locker room but also to the front office and most importantly the fans.
Off-season:-
Ever since the arrival of Chris Paul, the Clippers management has been unable to pair a shooting guard along with him to complete the back-court.
J.J. Reddick, a great perimeter shooter was acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three team trade which included the Phoenix Suns. His shooting ability is one which the team desperately needs and also it would not allow the opponent’s defense to sag of him, allowing Griffin more space to operate with in the post.
Jared Dudley was acquired in the same trade from Phoenix Suns. A career 40.5 shooter from beyond the arc, Dudley would add power to the Clippers outside shooting at the Small Forward position. A key asset when the Clippers look to stretch the floor.
The Clippers management filled the void of a backup point guard which Chauncey Billups left by replacing him with talented Darren Collison acquired from the Dallas Mavericks. Prior to the start of training camp, they acquired another great shooter in Antawn Jamison.
Their busy offseason has not only addressed their weakness by making it their strength but it also added crucial depth on the bench.
X-Factor: – DeAndre Jordan
Clippers’ 7-foot X-factor this season DeAndre Jordan
The athletic ability he possesses is incredible for a 7-footer and Rivers would want him to use size and make an impact on the defensive end come opening night against neighbors Los Angeles Lakers.
He, without doubt is going to be Clippers defensive anchor and his communication from the back line to the rest of the team on defense is something he would have to improve. He would have to step-up his game against opponent’s center in the Playoffs. Given the futile task of guarding Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol in the Playoffs past season his defensive rating jumped to 111.6, two points higher than the team average.
DeAndre Jordan has often been a liability to the team, come fourth quarter when opponent teams would use the tactic of intentionally fouling him to make him shoot from the charity stripe. Of players who had attempted at least 100 free throws during the course of the season DJ averages second worst in the league. In the playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies he averaged 22.2 from the free throw line. Even if he could convert half of his shot attempts, Jordan could see more minutes on the floor in the fourth quarter.
Doc Rivers, often known as a player’s coach, has already heaped praise on DJ saying that he is the captain of the team on the defensive end and is a probable candidate for NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Such statements from his coach would certain give DeAndre Jordan incredible amount of confidence to take his game up a notch.
Clippers fans and management could have their own Big 3 to boast about if DeAndre Jordan can take his game to a higher level.
Final word:-
Clippers have a deep and talented roster with a coach who can make full use of it. Provided key players can stay clear of injuries (Griffin was injured in consecutive years in Playoff series against the Grizzlies) they could be strong title contenders for the jewelry, come next June.