Comments on: Clippers 2021-2022 Season Preview: Jason Preston

By: Oodypkt

Oodypkt — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:52:24 +0000

Also, this is our chance to build our own core from the players we draft.
T-Mann is already one of the foundational player on our team.
Personally, I think at least one of the rookies will join him.
I still believe we can build something special from these young guys.
Let’s see.

By: Oodypkt

Oodypkt — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:33:15 +0000

To this day, I still wonder what happen to Rome?
If I have to guess, he compare himself to Shai and he couldn’t get out of it.
Anyway, I think these rookies can escape that.
Like Lucas said, they need to show their strengths and just find the way to survive with their weaknesses.
For Jason, his passing should be his weapon and the floater will help him get out of some trouble.
As always, I will watch him grow.

By: G RAP OLD SCHOOL LIKE YOUR DAD

G RAP OLD SCHOOL LIKE YOUR DAD — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:15:02 +0000

Good post , and comp on Strickland

By: John Maclean

John Maclean — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 22:35:47 +0000

I’ve been stewing on the whole Wall thing for a few days and I just think there’s just too much risk in it. Too expensive, have to gut roster and although Wall may be a better alpha, Bled can probably bring most of what Wall could as a complimentary player. He’s also far more durable obviously. Wall reminds me of Rod Strickland from many years ago who was a breathtaking downhill player and floor general but his lack of a reliable outside shot kept him from superstardom. If this is a scratch season then there should be some better options next summer to add the third wheel.

By: G RAP OLD SCHOOL LIKE YOUR DAD

G RAP OLD SCHOOL LIKE YOUR DAD — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 21:44:16 +0000

Rational totally on point on rookie expectations .
But fact is : every year there are surprise rookies no matter where they’re drafted or even undrafted that show they can BE counted on to produce at the nba level on average and some cases even higher! These guys didn’t turn heads but Malachi Flynn showed A lot of promise last year and was not a high first rounder same with quickley and Maldeon . Some team/s are going to hit on some sleeper prospects for sure! Not saying it’s definitly gonna be us but you see my point. We do have 3 lottery scratchers, we don’t need to win a million dollars 50-100$ win is a win and not just a worthless ticket.
But yes I’m not counting on any of our rooks to show anything but I do have a good “feeling”2 out of the three by seasons end will show the flashes that Mann showed through/towards the end of his rookie campaign . Whether they have a sophomore type T-Mann year/flashes in the playoffs is obviously not even worth worrying about right . One step at a time!
Training camp, preseason ,
garbage minutes, injury/load management minutes, small spot rotational minutes if one of them get there.

I will say this, and it doesn’t take a genius for this take……
We didn’t go out and add 3 rookies
Plus give hartlestein/Giles a shot at a roster spot for no good reason.
The FO is hedging there bet that if for some reason we fall behind in the standings and/or it’s known kawhi will not be back for the playoffs that they have the option a developing these guys in the hopes of finding a diamond in the ruff for next season that will be a cost efficient productive player to add to a healthy kawhi led team.
I don’t think these rooks will get shit for time right away unless they show big things in camp and preseason. But the option for development is there if the time comes where we know we’re not a championship team. Other injuries/trades could catapult the direction quicker.
Now if our team is showing continuity/good health/competivetness then the rooks still get groomed but just at a slower rate/through practice g league whatever or also can be used at mini sweetners in the form of trade.
Lastly if for some crazy way the FO does trade for Wall the rooks grooming gets easier as they will be relied soon a lot more then usual.
If we trade for wall “imo” this signals a retool and development year almost completely for next season when kawhi should definitly be ready to go.
If the team were to over achieve after a wall trade and be a competitive playoff team great, but in a wall trade we give up depth for a possible injury prone wall, couple that with why we added 3 rookies and guaranteeing them years and the writing is on the wall.
Compete and develope !
I’m not advocating for either or any of these things to happen, just looking at the big picture and trying to think about what makes sense with these three rookies added to a wcf team?

By: chogokin

chogokin — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:28:39 +0000

I’m not here to rob anyone of their irrational love for unproven prospects

Good. Because you can't. I'm fully convinced Preston is going to be the next Jason Kidd, Keon Johnson is going to be the next Kawhi, and Boston is going to be the next KD. ...in all seriousness though, I'm looking forward to seeing what the young guys can do - even if all they do is have Mann-like rookie seasons where they hustle their asses off but contribute little else in their minutes I'll still consider that a success.

By: dhpat

dhpat — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:08:29 +0000

Hopefully, one or more of these young guys will develop into a NBA regular contributor.
OT, it truly is the dead season. Even my 5-year old daughter asked me when basketball season is going to start.