Los Angeles Clippers close to becoming a playoff team – NBA Feature
For years now, the Los Angeles Clippers have been overshadowed by the Los Angeles Lakers. However, in the last season they gave indications of a new era. The Clippers finished 32-50, which was good enough for 13th place
in the Western Conference.
Their number one pick of 2009 draft, Blake Griffin, displayed some good statistics in the season. Griffin scored 22.5 points, 3.8 assists and shot 50.6 percent from the field by playing in all of the 82 games of the season. He
was awarded the Rookie of the Year which is not a simple accomplishment for a player who had missed the entire season because of his knee injury.
He emerged as a mature player and will lead the team in the years to come. He has proved to be a fresh air for the unfortunate team which is considered one of the most disorganized franchises that mostly missed on number one picks.
Although he entertained the fans with his exceptional dunks and scores but there were other players on the roster too.
Their shooting guard, Eric Gordon’s had also turned heads by averaging 22 points. He missed 26 games in previous season and proved himself as a player who could lead in scoring for the team.
His combo with Griffin, which is quite good in the league, gives an added advantage to the team’s inside outside game.
Eric Bledsoe as a sophomore is still very raw though he struggled hard last season but still there is a lot room for improvement. He averaged 6 points, 3 assists and shot 42 percent.
Aminu was picked as a number 8 draft, to fill the hole at small forward position. His performance was random and averaged 5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 18 minutes.
Both of them are good athletes but they are unable to utilize their full potential and time is needed for their development. If improved significantly, they will probably enter the next season as starters but if failed to do so,
there will be a void in the small forward and point guard positions.
Chris Kaman is having injury issues which need to be sort out before he can be considered again.
Baron Davis may also provide a solution at the position but not in the long run. The Clippers are considering the Philadelphia 76ers’ forward, Andre Iguodala. This one of the top 30 players will make the team capable to rise in
Western Conference Standings.
DeAndre Jordan also made a perfect pair with Blake Griffin. Although he did not show an offensive game but he strived in last season to become an elite defender.
Currently he is still an issue at centre’s position but there was news that Jordan will work with Hakeem Olajuwon in summer so good game is expected from him on the field. He would be able to improve his shooting and will assess
the game in a better way which will help him to block more shots and avoid fouls.
There are questions whether Vinny Del Negro is the right choice as the head coach or not but that is not important. Overall the roster has talent and is capable of becoming a playoff team. They have a franchise player on board,
the roster has first round pick of the Minnessota Timberwolves and are planning to add an impact player soon.
The future of the team is bright even it may not make the post season or next season.
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