Blake Griffin can add NBA All Star to his list of accolades for his first NBA season. He was selected as a reserve after the coaches of Western Conference voted him in. He will be a busy body during the weekend, now participating in two days of All Star Weekend activities.

Griffin will participate in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, which he is the favorite to win, and then play in the All Star Game on Sunday. He joins the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook as the only other first timer for the Western Conference.

In a season where other  noteworthy candidates like double-double machine Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, super scorer Monta Ellis, and the Western Conference assist leader Steve Nash cannot find a spot on the roster, it makes Griffin’s accomplishment that much more astonishing. Yahoo! Sports’ Marc J. Spears has a great article on the all snubbed team here.

Of all these players whom are stars on teams with losing records, Griffin is far and away the most worthy candidate, as he did something none of these other players have for their respective franchises: he has restored hope and forced his fans to believe in a future. Griffin has been posting 23 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, and doing it in monster fashion.

Griffin is well on his way to the path of NBA greatness, and has even made this writer forget about the woes and curses bestowed upon the Los Angeles Clippers during the past. That alone is a feat deserving of an All Star selection.

It will be sad to not see Steve Nash there, as he posting unbelievable assist totals working in the Post-Amare-Stoudemire-Era in Phoenix. I could see him making the roster as injury replacement players begin joining the roster.

Chris Kaman told the L.A. Times that Baron Davis is not the only Los Angeles Clipper whom was the recipient of a Donal Sterling taunt. But unlike Davis, whom many sources have reported that the taunts are taking a psychological toll on the overweight and oft injured point guard, Kaman takes all of Sterlings verbal lashings in stride.

Which is probably the best way to take anything Donald Sterling has to say.

The man is wealthy, but he is an absolute moron of an NBA franchise owner. At least the former owner of the New Orleans Hornets George Shinn never stooped to this level. Sterling broke the cardinal rule to being in sports in the first place. You never go against your team. Ever.

This recent news about Sterling taunting his employees raises a more prevalent topic for discussion. I know it sounds stupid because we are talking about a basketball game, and Sterling is the boss, but where does the scope of what an owner can and cannot do to his players come into the scope of Commissioner David Stern?

World's Worst Franchise Owner in the History of Sports

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made some headlines and paid some fines in the past for the way he and Kenyon Martin feuded in the playoffs. When I reflect back on those events now, and compare them to what Donald Sterling has done, I view Mark Cuban in an entirely different light. Borderline saint-like in comparison.

Mark Cuban might behave in a fashion I do not personally have a taste for in general because he often seems to project an image that makes him come across like he actually helped decide the outcome of the game. He roots, he screams, he gets fined. He is without a doubt a passionate owner.

Cuban provides the best technology and science available for his team. He loves his players, and cares or them like family. Who ever has anything bad to say about their time playing for Mark Cuban?

Donald Sterling, in comparison, is a classless moron, self centered egotist who thinks it is ok to berate his player simply because he is the boss. He has a long past trying avoid making payments to his employees, accusations of racism, and a reputation as being anything but concerned with winning.

Would Mark Cuban ever throw his players under the bus like this? For god’s sake man, if Stern can help get rid of the New Orleans Hornets crappy owner, can’t they aim to do something about the Clippers crappy boss?

Blake Griffin, the “rookie” with the Los Angeles Clippers, simply put, is on fire. He is averaging 20.2 Points and 11.6 rebounds a game. It’s as if he came out of the NBA Jam video game, and has flames coming off the ball. The man-child’s ability to pluck missed careens and stuff them back into the cup with one hand are breath taking to watch.

Although he is working extremely hard, Griffin makes it look easy. He’s so dominant and unstoppable in the paint that the only player I can compare Griffin to is Shawn Kemp. I believe Griffin will prove to be far better than Kemp ever was. I know that is a huge statement to attempt making, but believe it is crystal clear for anyone to believe just by watching Griffin play.

I do not want to make this a statistical comparison arguing this average and that adjusted etc., eventually somehow proving I can conclude that Kemp is better pre-alcohol abuse days, and that Griffin would be at level Z had he not attended college, etc. I am going to come right out and say what I believe is clearly the most obvious reason:

Griffin is a smarter basketball player than Kemp ever was. Period. He is likely smarter then LeBron James too.

Unlike Kemp (a player whom was kicked out of college, and played some a year of community college ball – hardly a monicker noteworthy of inclusion due to such a low level of competition), or LeBron, Griffin has legitimate college education on his resume. It is also safe to consider that Griffin outworks both of them.

Not only does Griffin possesse the athleticism and quickness of LeBron, but unlike LeBron, Griffin is unafraid to earn his nightly contributions to the stat sheet by working deep within the paint. While LeBron has the build and stature to make a living in the paint, he doesn’t seem to have the balls to do so the way Griffin does. LeBron prefers to stay outside, slash around, and jack up threes far too much for someone with the build of NFL tightend. Maybe if LeBron played a buit more like Griffin, the Heat would currently have a better record.

I believe Griffin is more Kemp-like than LeBron-like because he rips the ball out of the air, or someone’s hand, and proceeds to capitalize with his athleticism and strength by attempting to bring the entire roof down with powerful moves that take direct aim at the rim. Regardless of who or what interferes with his intended trajectory, Griffin is coming at you, and through you, if you are in his way.

That is how Griffin plays. He will not whine like a LeBron, he prefers to beast his way to the cup like Kemp did. You remember the Kemp who was in shape, throwing down ridiculous dunks, playing in the NBA Finals against Michael Jordan? If not, I demand you to attend the online courses of Shawn Kemp on youtube.com immediately. The comparison to Griffin and Kemp becomes clear cut after dong so.

Expect Griffin to continue his course into the being premier dominant power forward in the NBA. His raw aggression and hustle will outshine the finesse and wit of an aging Pau Gasol over the next few seasons, and with Tim Duncan obviously nearing retirement with every passing second, the spotlight as the best power forward will rest in Griffin’s strong, yet gentle hands. It’s a safe bet that Griffin’s beastly style of basketball will take him to the top with the same swiftness that he attacks the rim.

The Los Angeles Clippers have created enough salary cap space before the trade deadline that pursuing a max contract player next season is now a reality.

GM Mike Dunleavy made waves this week by shipping Marcus Camby to Portland, making off with $3 million in cash, and dumping the contracts of Sebastian Telfair and Al Thornton.

Hypothetically speaking, the Clippers can initiate a legitimate run at LeBron this summer.

Dunleavy is coming after LeBron this summer. (Credit: picapp.com)

It’s absolutely insane if they didn’t. They have to. There is no doubt in my mind they will. If not, Dunleavy should fire himself again.

If LeBron wins the Championship this year it should assuage the pain of leaving Cleveland.

Why would he remain in Cleveland? He will have appeased a 46-year drought of championships in Cleveland. He will have made his mark in sports history, Right?

Wouldn’t the fans at least forgive him then?

Here are a few factors he would have to contemplate. After all, Money talks. You know what walks.

First and foremost, the remaining Clippers are young and gifted. The exception being Baron Davis, but he can still play, so he remains gifted. They have every position other than small forward (LeBrons’ position) equipped with legitimate NBA starter-grade material:

• Baron Davis, PG
• Eric Gordon, SG
• Blake Griffin, PF
• Chris Kaman, C

Secondly, the global marketing and endorsement opportunities readily available to James in Los Angeles dwarf those in Cleveland. LeBron can grow his global brand in Hollywood, start accepting acting roles in film and television, and make meeting “big wig” Hollywood producers a habitual daily luncheon.

The New York Knicks or New Jersey Nets could try to compete with Los Angeles in this capacity, but their rosters are abysmal compared to the Clippers. I can’t actually fathom I just wrote that, but I did. It’s true.

LeBron claims he is about winning and the money is not most important, but can we really take him at his word? He has made plenty of statements he has later rebuffed. The dunk contest being the most recent, highly-publicized, snubbed promise. Is this just another false promise?

Los Angeles will be fumbling for a new coach this summer which gives LeBron the option of influencing Dunleavy on a decision. Another factor for heavy consideration. Choice of coach? Who would not want that?

So, lets recap shall we? The factors favoring LeBron’s consideration of signing with the Clippers during free agency include:

• James has free reign to hand pick a new head coach. Dunleavy would do anything to swoon James, period.
• A talented young core featuring Blake Griffin whom combined could be the best forward tandem ever.
• Direct access to Hollywood’s entertainment industry and global marketing domination.
• The opportunity to be the King of the Staple Center. Having Los Angeles fans defecting to LeBron does an ego good, and would help squash disputes over who is the best.

Detracting factors detrimental to serous consideration :

• The “Curse of the Clippers.” Season ending surgery is a realistic possibility upon signing. Ask Griffin.
• Donald Sterling, known racist owner who considers winning turning a profit.

If James signs with the Clippers he could draw many Laker defectors into seats. NBA fans in Los Angeles could then polemicize for years about who is better.

I don’t think it will happen, but there are more positive factors outweighing the negative.

Antawn Jamison has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster three way trade involving the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers. Sebastian Telfair is also heading from the Clippers to Cleveland.

The Wizards receive Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and Al Thornton while the Clippers receive Drew Gooden, who was acquired last week in the Dallas trade. According to Adrian Wojnarowski’s story, the Clippers plan to buyout Gooden.

LeBron James must be ecstatic right about now, as well as every Cleveland Cavaliers fan.

Jamison will help the Cavs past Boston come playoff time. (Credit: picapp.com)

If Ilgauskas is waived, as it is rumored he will be, he should return to Cleveland upon clearing waivers.

The biggest thumbs up goes to Danny Ferry, who orchestrated this deal to obtain Jamison without having to give away talented J.J. Hickson. It is borderline genius.

This trade swings the door wide open for the Miami Heat at landing Amar’e Stoudemire prior to the February 18th trade deadline at 3:00 PM EST tomorrow. It remains to be seen that Miami wil land Stoudemire, as negotiations are still far off from pleasing Phoenix.

Jamison is a gem in the locker room, a fierce competitor on the floor, and one of the founding fathers to the term “stretch 4″ due to his long range shooting, knack for rebounding, and inside scoring.

He brings career 19.9 scoring and 8.1 rebounding averages to the Cavs roster.

Jamison’s skills and veteran leadership makes the front line in Cleveland the best in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James and Antawn Jamsion? Come on, who could possibly be better than that?

Sebastian Telfair is a solid reserve but it’s unclear how he will be utilized, if at all, behind Mo Williams, Daniel Gibson and Delonte West.

My heart goes out to Al Thorton, who went from bad to worse by being sent from a “what went wrong” Clippers team to a “let’s blow this sucker up” Washington Wizards team. Hopefully he can get the minutes to find a way out of the season-long funk he has been in.

It is nice to see the Wizards do Jamison right by sending him to a team where he has the chance to contend for a title. There is no doubt in my mind that Cleveland gets to the finals now, and are poised to win it all.

The Portland Trail Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard pulled off another masterminded trade, sending Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Marcus Camby.

After injuries to both of Portland’s centers Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla, the Trail Blazers have been staying afloat with the elder statesman Juwan Howard. Howard turned 37 earlier this month. It was obvious a move would be made, but this move is a potential season-saver, and will benefit both franchises.

What this trade represents for the Clippers is the opportunity to capitalize and get some talent before Camby skips town.

Outlaw and Blake fill needs left vacant by the injuries to Sebastian Telfair and Blake Griffin, but are by no means capable of helping the Clippers reverse the course of this travesty of a season. It does give GM Mike Dunleavy more pieces to further perplex his long term puzzle.

For Portland the move opens up minutes for Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez while stabilizing the middle with a strong defender, Marcus Camby.

Camby will undoubtedly accelerate for a playoff team and with stars like Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, likely making the Blazers improved and tougher defensively.

The Clippers can afford to trade Camby as they have depth at center with All Star Chris Kaman and young and athletic DeAndre Jordan.

I can’t see this trade hurting either team in the short or long term.

]]> http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/15/nba-trade-rumor-marcus-camby-for-steve-blake/feed/ 0 http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/05/los-angeles-clippers-should-hire-jeff-van-gundy/ http://protectthepaint.com/2010/02/05/los-angeles-clippers-should-hire-jeff-van-gundy/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:03:14 +0000 Adam Sedie http://protectthepaint.com/?p=3786

With the recent resignation as head coach, Mike Dunleavy and the Los Angeles Clippers will be seeking a new coach in 2010-11. There is a short list of high quality coaches out there whom the Clippers should focus on immediately: Jeff Van Gundy, Byron Scott, and Avery Johnson. I say go with Van Gundy!

Even drunk, I am better a better coach than Dunleavy. (Credit: picapp.com)

Jeff Van Gundy would be the best coach, in my opinion, to garner the best results. Byron Scott has a great track record, but was canned after not being able to succeed with Chris Paul, David West, and (this year) Emeka Okafor.

Avery Johnson was lucky enough to inherit an awesome Dallas Mavericks team and brought them to the finals in 2006. He then proceeded to fail to stop his team from imploding, and lost 4 straight after winning the first 2.

Van Gundy also has a weak record in the finals, but I believe is the best suited out of the three candidates I mention whom could function successfully within the Clippers organization.

Van Gundy got more milage out of his 1998-99 New York Knicks compared to any of the rosters either Scott or Johnson had. The 1998-99 Knicks had a broken down Patrick Ewing, a grounded (due to back surgery) Larry Johnson, no real quality point guard, and basically had to ride Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston.

Can you blame Van Gundy for Houston’s playoff woes? I think that blame gos to Tracy McGrady.

It is no surprise that they lost to the overpowering San Antonio Spurs, but the fact that the Knicks got there proves to me that Van Gundy is more capable of maximizing the performance of his talent more so than the pool of available coaches.

With Blake Griffin back next season, and the Clippers looking like they are heading back to a lottery pick again this year, it is quite easy to speculate that Van Gundy would quickly mold and unite the Clippers into a serious title contender.

Unfortunately, this is the most cursed team in sports, and because of this curse alone, the Clippers will likely end up with Avery Johnson, and they will stay mediocre until Dunleavy fires him, after years of over paying him, and then resume coaching the team again. I feel your pain Clipper nation. I will cross my fingers and hope you land Van Gundy.

You deserve a coach that will fight for his teammates, even against someone like Alonzo Mourning. That is what I am talking about!

Jay Leno featured NBA Hall of Fame Legend Michael Jordan on The Jay Leno Show last night to participate in his “10 at 10″ segment. Jordan’s job was simple: answer 10 questions via a satellite feed from a resort in the Bahamas. Jordan looked healthy, and in great spirits.

Asked if he can still dunk, Jordan asked Leno "Are you stupid?"

During the show open Leno incorporated current stormy weather in the Los Angeles area into a nifty joke gearing towards Gilbert Arenas:

Later in the same opening segment, Leno discussed the recent report of former Cleveland Cavaliers coach John Lucas  admitting the Cavs intentionally lost games in order for a chance at the #1 overall draft pick in the 2003 NBA draft. He then compared that tactic to the method used by the Los Angeles Clippers and the 2009 #1 pick:

Eventually Michael Jordan comes on for the “10 at 10″ segment. Jordan is as entertaining on the segment as his game was during his career. He shows us that his fiery competitive demeanor is still alive and well, asking Leno “Are you stupid?” in response to Leno’s inquiry as to whether or not Jordan can still slam dunk.

Jordan admits he has never asked for anyone for autograph his entire life, Charles Barkley is such a terrible golfer that he no longer bothers to invite Barkely to his golf tournaments, and much much more. Check it out:

Tonight is the battle of Los Angeles, speaking in NBA terminology. The Los Angeles Lakers, showing signs of being mere mortals lately due to injuries to Pau Gasol and the further deterioration of Kobe Bryant, “host” the Clippers at the Staples Center. Ironic, when you realize the Clippers home games are in the same arena. The game broadcasts regionally on the Fox Sports Prime Ticket and the NBA League Pass.

Can the Lakers stop Baron? (Credit: picapp.com)

The Clippers must squash the blues of finding out Blake Griffin is done for the year, and must try to push past being without Chris Kaman, who is out with a sore back. Baron Davis has been on fire of late, playing some of the best hoop of his career. Marcus Camby is quite possibly the league’s best defensive player, at the age of 35. Will wonders never cease?

Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, and Ron Artest will need to produce tonight for the Lakers to beat the Clippers. Yes, I said it.

Bynum tends to thrive with Gasol out of the lineup, and can overpower Camby. What will DeAndre Jordan bring against Bynum?

The Clippers have the advantage at the point, and the Lakers had no answer for Boom Dizzle as he scored 25 points and dished out 10 assists in a 102-91 victory over the Lakers on January 6th.

The Los Angeles Clippers announced today that Blake Griffin will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his fractured patella. Griffin was slated to return this month but after increasing his rehabilitation workload he experienced pain, and it was then discovered that his knee cap was not healing as well as first anticipated.

Blake Griffin will have to wait until next year (Credit: ESPN)

Griffin had been running on an anti-gravity treadmill and using other sorts of futuristic rehabilitation devices, but unfortunately invasive surgery will be the only way to heal his ailing knee.

Griffin showed major promise during the preseason before succumbing to injury, but now joins the list of #1 draft pick disappointments for the Clippers. Perhaps the “Clippers Curse” is alive and well in this new decade. Griffin unfortunately also joins former #1 draft selection Greg Oden as recent #1 overall picks not playing in their first season due to injury.

The Clippers have been managing to play well without him this year, so at least he will not be bearing the brunt of bust chatter as Oden did. Besides, Clippers fans are used to this sort of thing by now. It is not like they passed on Michael Jordan, and drafted Sam Bowie.