Off-Season Mock: Los Angeles Clippers
While everyone likes to dump on the Clippers, they aren't in a bad position. It sounds like Shaun Livingston is done but Elton Brand should be healthy and Al Thornton has a year under his belt so they team should definitely be improved next season even if they stand pat.
1. Sort Out The Roster
A lot of people act like Chris Kaman and Al Thornton make Elton Brand available but I think Brand is still hands down the best player on the roster. The only way I deal him is if I'm getting a top 2 or 3 pick back in return. I could see the Heat possibly moving the pick so they could team Brand with Wade and Marion. But if those offers don't come, the Clippers have Kaman, Brand, and Thornton to build around. Corey Maggette is a wild card since odds are that he is going to opt out. If he doesn't, he should be the team's #1 trade asset. Odds are they'll had to give up Maggette and the pick to make any big moves because, to match salaries and get a max player, they'll have to include Tim Thomas or Cuttino Mobley who have negative trade value right now.
Other than that, there's really not much on the roster worth discussing.
2. The Draft
The Clippers are in dire need of someone to fill the 1 and 2. Depending on Shaun Livingston is ridiculous because the kid wasn't even holding down the point when he was healthy. Relying on potential is one thing but relying on potential after a devastating knee injury is a recipe for disappointment. Sitting at the #7 pick, the Clippers choice will likely be between Eric Gordon or Russell Westbrook. DJ Augustin is a dark horse but I don't think I'd pass on Westbrook or Gordon for him. As of now, I'd go with Gordon. OK, actually I'd trade the pick but if Elgin Baylor can't find a good trade partner, then I go with Gordon.
With their second round pick, the Clippers should hope that a guard like Mario Chalmers might fall to them. If not, a backup big man like JJ Hickson, Joey Dorsey, or DJ White might not be bad picks.
3. Trade Market
The Clippers might just have a chance to make a Celtics-like push this offseason. They can build around Brand and move Maggette and the pick and then Kaman or Thornton for another veteran. Whether Elgin Baylor can get it done is the real question.
The first thing the Clippers need to do is check the availability for two LA-bred guards: Baron Davis and Gilbert Arenas. Getting one of them could be difficult since the Warriors or Wizards would have to bite the bullet and take Cuttino Mobley or Tim Thomas but either trade would be worth it. If they can't get either of those guys, they might want to make a push for TJ Ford. I'm not sure if Toronto would be down for a Ford for Maggette swap (or if Donald Sterling would allow it since Maggette is his favorite player) but it could work. Another option might be Michael Redd, if the Bucks are indeed looking to move his contract.
On the other hand, if the Heat or even Wolves come through with an offer of the #2 or #3 for Elton Brand, you'd have to consider it. One issue, however, might be how one thinks Beasley complements Kaman and Thornton. If Anthony Randolph falls to #7, I'd almost be willing to take Beasley at #2, Randolph #7, and look to move Thornton for a guard.
The Clippers are going to be one of the more interesting teams to watch this off-season, both because of the strides that they could make and the fact that historically they always make the most confusing, ill-advised moves.
4. Free Agency
Until they sort out their roster, I doubt many people will be interested in becoming a Clipper unless they overpay them ala Tim Thomas. This could be where old friend Gerald Green ends up (New York also being a good possiblity if they have roster space). If the Clippers do make a big splash with a trade, then they could be able to snag guys like James Posey and Eddie House.
5. Summary
This is a make-or-break year for the Clippers. They are either going to make a push to become a contender or dump Brand and start with the youth movement yet again. While I'm usually a fan of the youth movement, Elgin's already proven that he's not adept at that so it is about time that they make a real run at making LA a two contender town.
Possible Final Roster
Starters: Baron Davis, Q Ross, Al Thornton, Elton Brand, Chris Kaman
Bench: Eddie Jones, Kurt Thomas, Cuttino Mobley, Joey Dorsey, Brevin Knight, Keyon Dooling, Paul Davis, Nick Fazekas, Marcus Williams
