NBA Preview: LA Clippers In Search of Playoffs

By Mike Spain
Associated Content

The Los Angeles Clippers finished last season 40-42, failing to reach the playoffs by 2 games and finishing ninth in the Western Conference. They also finished fourth in the Pacific Division. The Clippers hope to improve on last year and make the playoffs.

In the draft the picked Al Thorton in the first round, the 6'8 220lb 14th overall draft pick out of Florida State University gives the Clippers a big forward. In the second round the Clippers drafted 6'2 guard Guillermo Diaz out of the University of Miami. Another key addition is free agent point guard Brevin Knight from the Charlotte Bobcats. The 10 year veteran and former first round pick averaged 9.1 points per game and 6.6 assists per game in 45 games in Charlotte. Knight hopes to be the number 2 point guard for the Clippers behind Sam Cassell.

Seven footer Chris Kaman (10.1 PPG 7.8 RPG) appears to be the starter at center. Fox sports reports "Kaman has a sore lower back that is hampering him in training camp." "The severity of the injury is unknown, but it is not believed to be serious." This could open up more playing time for second year center Paul Davis.

The starting forwards appear to be Eltan Brand (20.5 PPG and 9.3 RPG) and Corey Maggette (16.9 PPG and 5.9 RPG). Tim Thomas (11 PPG 5 RPG) should see the playing time off the bench in the forward position followed by rookie Al Thorton. Two other forwards on the Clippers roster to watch out for are Ruben Patterson (14.7 PPG 5.4 RPG) and Yaroslav Korolev, the 20 year old Russian was the Clippers first round pick in 2005. Corey Maggette can also play shooting guard, which would open up more playing time for a reserve forward off the bench.

The starting shooting guard appears to be Cuttino Mobley (13.8 PPG 3.4 RPG and 2.5 assists per game). He will be backed up by Quinton Ross (5.2 PPG 2.3 RPG 1.1 APG) and Corey Maggette (2.8 APG). The starting point guard appears to be Sam Cassell (12.3 PPG 2.9 RPG 4.7 APG). The 37 year old guard will be backed up by Brevin Knight and rookie Guillermo Diaz. Another point guard on the roster to watch is Shaun Livingston (9.3 PPG 3.4 RPG 5.1 APG).

Every game is critical to the Clippers if they want to make the playoffs. They will need to be a .500 or better team to have a decent shot of making the playoffs. The Los Angeles Clippers open the season Friday, November 2nd against the Golden State Warriors. They play the defending NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs Saturday 12/22 in San Antonio, Sunday 1/6 at home, and Wednesday 3/26 in San Antonio. They play the cross town rival Lakers Sunday 12/16, Saturday 2/23, Friday 3/7, and Thursday 4/10. Where the series winner could take a playoff spot along with bragging rights.