[Clippers 09, 38-17] LA rebounds Vs. Roy....

[Cartar]

Agreed with Andy, you should draft MacKenna, but it´s all your decision in the end. Good luck with the draft!

[Chaser7]

Ok well I'll release the next part, although this is sort of a mini-chapter. This could have been released with the first draft part but I wanted to build suspense. Anyways here it is!
___________________________________


Draft Night '08:

"With the first pick in the 2008 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks select Rik MacKenna out of Ohio State," the commissioner, David Stern announced. Jim Fayer groaned. Gone was his #1 pick. Essentially it was down to Erik O'Keefe, Dylan Lloyd, and Derrick Ferguson for the Clippers now. Fayer could see a tiny smile coming from Elgin Baylor. The chances of picking Ferguson (Baylor's personal choice) were growing now that MacKenna were gone. "New Orleans: Please don't pick Lloyd. Please don't pick Lloyd," Fayer thought to himself. 2 more minutes and the fate of the Clippers would either go his way with Lloyd or Baylor's way with Ferguson.

"...And it looks like the Commissioner is coming back on stage," Jim heard Stephen A. Smith say on ESPN. David Stern smiled for the cameras, Fayer 's palms were sweating. With the 2nd pick in the 2008 NBA draft, the New Orleans Hornets select Erik O'Keefe from Alabama-Birmingham," Stern said as O'Keefe got up to shake his hand.
"The Los Angeles Clippers are now on the clock," Smith said aloud.
"I think the Clippers should go with Derrick Ferguson, he'd be perfect for an uptempo team like the Clippers are trying to be," Tim Legler stated.
"No way I think Lloyd is their man. How many big men do you know who can shoot like that? That man can jump out of gym too!" Greg Anthony countered.
_________________________________

Fayer turned back to the Clippers draft room. Timing was ticking, they had to make a decision ASAP. "Well you all know who I want. The choice is clear. Lloyd has got to be who we choose," Fayer said boldly.
"I'm kinda with Jim on this one.. unless anyone can bring up a good reason why not.." Sterling agreed.
"WAIT! Baylor had finally returned to the room. His cellphone was in his hand... "What had he been up to?" Jim wondered.
"I just got off the phone with several teams. We should pick Ferguson. We can finally get rid of Corey Maggett AND his enormous salary," Baylor concluded with a triumphant smile on his face.
"NO! Don't listen to him. He's bluffing. We don't even know what we can get for Corey. Lloyd will actually help our team. He will actually be able to contribute immediately. We can worry about trades later," Fayer argued.
"Oh shut up," Baylor snapped. "Donald, you know who built the core of our team. The decision is really in your hands. You know both of our opinions, but please make the right one..."
"Let me review this for myself. I'll call the commissioner, everyone out of the room now!" Sterling shouted.
Fayer, Baylor, and the rest of the front office staff slowly got up and left the room. There was only 30 seconds left.. Who did Sterling choose?
"OK everyone back in here, I made our decision. Stern's going to announce it in a second," Sterling yelled as everyone re-entered the room.
"Who did you pick? Lloyd or Ferguson?" Baylor demanded.
"You'll see Elgin.." Sterling replied.
"With the 3rd pick in the 2008 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Clippers select..."
__________________________________________________

[homicide1550]

Dude! Awesome story there.. Can’t wait to see who the Clippers selected.. Good Job on this dynasty! Definitely looking good!

[BP8]

the story realy great. can't wait who you draft. i don't know why but i have goo fealing about Derrick Ferguson. i just have this fealing

[Lamrock]

I really hope you have some sit-esque conflict with Baylor. Nice story arch. I think you should select Ferguson.

[Pistol]

this looks great cant wait to see who you drafted!

P.S. About the pics you use like for titles, what program do you use?

[Chaser7]

Homicide1550 thanks man! Glad to see you enjoying it!

KobeTheBest Glad to see you back here, and thanks for checking in

Lamrock93 don't worry I'm not going to say murder Donald Sterling but there is a nice twist coming up I'd like to think... P.S. Have you noticed I've been updating my Warriors dynasty?

Trigger42 thanks and to answer your questions: photoshop

[Chaser7]

Los Angeles, CA. (AP Press) -- Meet Dylan Lloyd and Noble Robin- the Los Angeles Clippers newest members.

The two couldn't be more different, but Clippers GM, Jim Fayer believes that both can help the team in different ways.

"Lloyd might had been my favorite prospect overall, I probably would have picked him before MacKenne, and definitely before O'Keefe (no disrespect to those guys of course). He's so unique, he can shoot, he can run, he's going to be a key player for us this season. Noble is also going to be key for us, as he can play both guard spots, much like Iverson. We need someone like him to push the ball up the court," Fayer said after the draft.


Dylan Lloyd, after being selected #3 overall

Lloyd, 20, is a 6'8", 230 lbs power forward from Saint Johns. Ranked as one of the top 5 prospects in the 2008 draft, he is touted as the American version of Dirk Nowitzki. He led St. John's to an unbelievable elite 8 run in his final season, leading his team in points and rebounds. Although he is known as a great shooter he is also considered to be a monster in the paint. Lloyd's only criticisms were that at times he would force shots too much from the outside and that he is just a tiny bit undersized for a NBA power forward. Lloyd doesn't believe his size will be a problem, as he had no problem dominating the #2 overall draft pick, Erik O'Keefe and his 7'1 frame in the Sweet 16 of the 2008 NCAA Tournament. Lloyd led St. Johns to a 71-58 victory, scoring 27 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. O'Keefe managed just 11 points and 6 rebounds in a losing effort.

"I'm excited as hell to join the Clippers today. I can't wait to learn from a player like Elton Brand," Lloyd said after he was selected.

Robin, 19, is an undersized shooting guard in a point guard's body. He has much of the same characteristics as the Denver Nugget's guard, Allen Iverson. Both players are around 6'0, look to score first, pass second, and most importantly neither are afraid to take the "big shot". Many of have not heard of him due to him coming from a small Division II school, Wingate University, located in North Carolina. However, in the semi-finals of the NCAA Div. II Tournament, he and rival, Barton College's Anthony Atkinson got into an intense duel. Atkinson's team won 83-79, but Robin outscored him 34-29. Barton went on to win the championship over previously unbeaten Winona State. Sources say that Robin might be used later as trade bait, but only time will tell.

CLICK: SCOUTING REPORTS

_______________________________

P.S. Atkinson is not actually in NBA Live. He is a REAL player who actually does play for Barton. I just used him for story effects, but guys watch the video I'll post here. Barton actually does win the D. II championship, and this was like one of top 50 sports moments of 2007 ranked by Fox sports. Atkinson scores 10 points in the final 45 seconds to win the game. It's INCREDIBLE. Seriously WATCH this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0WzmQmz9Kdc

[Pistol]

GREAT pick up, this is going to be great seeing how the Clipeprs evolve as a team

[Lamrock]

Well, I wanted you to pick the other guy, but oh well. I think you should play Lloyd at SF. I wouldn't call him a GREAT pick-up, nor would I call anyone 6'8" an American Dirk Nowitzki, but either way, a good pick, and I look forward to the twist. (You and Elgin Baylor settle differences with a fight, followed by 1-on-1 b-ball match?)

[Chaser7]

Trigger42 Oh trust me you'll see how this team changes/evolves. Thats the whole point of the story-line so you guys can get an insider look at the team.

Lamrock93 Well
a) Lloyd is an 82 overall so he's a pretty good rookie...
b) I said he was an American Dirk Nowitizki because he is a perimeter-orientated power foward. Obviously he isn't as tall as Dirk, but he plays much the same way.
c) I'd say Elgin would probably beat Fayer in both of those regards, but the twist is pretty interesting I think, something I've always wondered that had occured within real teams.. anywyas keep following!

P.S. did anyone watch the video? Seriously for any basketball fan you should. It might be the most amazing sequence that I've ever seen, and believe me I've seen waaay too much basketball..

[Pistol]

Just watched the video...HOLY HELL, that was sweet, whoever the idiot was for Winona state to make such a lazy pass probably hates his lfie right now...Atkinson = unbelievable

[Andy92_man]

Wow, that was a great video. It was an amazing 45 seconds, and great play from Atkinson.

[Chaser7]

I guess this is a bit short, but the big action is coming soon! Anyways enjoy the update!
____________________________


Trades..

Fayer was pleased with himself. He had won another battle with Baylor, as Sterling had decided to go with his pick rather than Baylor's. Still Fayer knew there was still a lot of work to do with the roster, and that the offseason was only 1/3 of the way over. Fayer settled back into his plush leather chair and thought for a second. Baylor was right actually. It was time to trade Maggette. Maggette had been on the market for so many years, but the Clippers had never pulled the trigger. Fayer wondered what he could get for Corey. He certainly was a unique player. Then again, Fayer was trying to build a team with his name on it, and one player represented Fayer's view more than any other- Many Ginobili. Fayer immediately reached for office phone called up Spurs GM, R.C. Buford.

"Hello?" Buford said.
"Hey Mr. Buford its Jim, from the LA Clippers."
"Oh hi Jim, how are you? Pretty excited with Lloyd I'd imagined."
"Yeah, he looked good out there during workouts huh? Anyways, I'm calling to see if you would have an interest in trading Manu Ginobili."
"Wow. OK. We're not against trading him necessarily, but you'd have to actually impress me with an offer. Look, I know where you are starting with this. We're not going to trade Manu straight up for Corey."
"Corey is younger, and even cheaper and.. for one less year too."
"Manu is doing fine, and he's one of our most popular players, we'd need more than Maggette."
"Well what can we add in for you then?"
"You know who we also want..."
"Noble? Yeah, we did draft him because of how badly other teams wanted him...Why do you guys want him so much, he's not really a passer, not really a 'Spurs' type player."
"So what you are really trying to do is trying to not trade him huh?"
Jim held the phone away from his face for a second cursing silently. Wow he can really read me like a book. I guess this is why San Antonio is so good he thought.
"Hello? You still there?" Buford said. Jim snapped out of his day dream.
"Yeah, hey sorry...So are you saying Maggette + Robin works for you,"
"Eh... we might need some cash too.. Manu is getting older, and we really need some more depth with Finley, Barry and Bowen all retiring.."
"Let me get back to you," Fayer said as he hung up.
___________________________________

"We can get Ginobili for just Maggette and Robin?! Are you kidding lets do it!" Sterling said.
"Yeah that's what I thought. They do want $3 million also.." Fayer replied.
"Thats fine! I'm really liking where your going right now... We can now really push the ball with Ginobili, Mobley, Livingston, and Thorton!"
"Robin also would had been helpful, but I guess we're going to have to give him up. I really saw him as another Monta Ellis type player, but thats ok,"
"I mean the only bad thing is that the Spurs might have seen something in him that we haven't. I mean he's solid. Certainly a steal in the 2nd round.. Buford does have a good eye on getting talent late in the draft. Ah well, we can't win 'em all. Make the trade."
___________________________________

[Pistol]

Manu? and Thornton...this keeps getting better, lol...Also, great job getting rid of that fat conract of MAggette's

[Lamrock]

Wow... great trade for you. How did you pull that off? Although the Spurs would never trade one of their big 3 for a mediocre player and a 2nd round pick, interesting twist.

I'm glad you didn't acquire Arenas. Everyone does that these days. (I started the trend)

[Pistol]

You know Lamrock...that you did, lol...I remember that Warriors Association as a matter of fact

[Chaser7]

Trigger42 Thanks man

Lamrock93 I disagree. Yes I definitely got the better end of the deal, but the deal isn't as bad you would think at first glance. First off, keep in mind, Manu will be 31 years old in the summer of 08 (Remember I simmed a season). Maggette is 2 years younger, something that will be beneficial for the Spurs considering the amount of veterans on the team.

Robin is also not a typical 2nd round pick, he's already a 74 overall. Manu is an 87 and Maggette is a 79. The Spurs lost Finley, Bowen, and Barry to retirements, so they definitely were thin on guard/small forward depth. This trade gives them 2 starters, Robin is playing shooting guard for them, and Maggette is starting at Small Forward. Maggette is not "mediocre" either (he's average 20 points right now..), I don't get where you get that from. Sure he isn't an All-Star like Ginobili, but he's a very solid player. He can drive, shoot, dunk, play defense. I

So yes, while I did somewhat take advantage of the CPU, I didn't DESTROY them like you think at first glance...

[homicide1550]

That video was awesome! Atkinson was huge! Great find there dude!

[Chaser7]

The Climax of the Offseason

Yes! The Manu Ginobili deal was done. Jim had already sent his secretary, Jane to send the paperwork to the league to get final approval. Fayer became more and more excited about the team. It was his- from resigning Livingston, to drafting Lloyd, to trading for Manu. THIS was going to be an exciting team no doubt. Jim could picture it now:

"...And a steal By Ginobili... Livingston scoops it up down lane.. OH A BEHIND THE BACK PASS TO GINOBILI FOR THE 2-HANDED SLAM! Looks at this crowd, Billy Crystal and Co. just won't sit down.."

Wait- there was just one small problem. How could the Clippers play a fast tempo, Phoenix Suns type game with 2 slow-footed big men. Chris Kaman and Elton Brand were both great player, but Fayer didn't think LA could use both of them at the same type if they were running up and down the floor. Hm... what to do, what to do?

*Snap* Jim had it.

He slowly reached for the phone. This was a HUGE phone call. It was also a major gamble. But, Jim knew this would be extremely beneficial for the team.
_____________________________________________________________

"Uh.. Hi. Could I get connected to Billy Knight please?" Jim asked.
"Sure, could you please tell me who this is?" a woman's said over the line.
"Jim Fayer. I'm the GM of the Clippers."
"Ok, one moment please."
Jim just hoped that his plan would work.
"Hello?" Knight said.
"Hey, Billy it's Jim,"
"Of hi, what can I do for you," Knight said in a business like tone.
"Well I was wondering if you had any interest in Elton Brand?"
"Are you kidding me of course we do! We need a legitimate low post scorer besides Horford,"
"That's great news, what can you offer?
"How about Joe Johnson?"
"Hmm.. thats not really what I had in mind,"
"Why not, you guys could Manu at Small Forward and have Lloyd play power forward,"
"Wait how did you know about the Manu deal, it hasn't even been announced yet!"
"Clearly you haven't been in the business long enough, you'll learn soon enough, but these things spread quickly within the league's front offices," Knight said with a smirk.
"Oh, ok.Anyways, I'd be willing to deal Brand for Josh Smith and Marvin Williams."
"Nah, I don't think we can do that. Who would play small forward for us now? We'd basically only have Johnson, Brand and Horford."
"You guys could shift either Josh Childress or Johnson to Small forward then, its not that big of a de-"
"Listen I know the deal is pretty fair right now, but with our team's position, I'm going to need a little bit more."
"Let me think then for a second. I didn't expect this. I thought you would have loved to receive an All-Star power forward/center for Williams and Smith."
"The offer for Johnson is still on the table.." Knight's voice began to trail off as Jim pulled the phone away from his ear.

Jim looked down at his desk. In front of him was the team's roster. Who else could he offer without sacrificing too much? The only candidates that would keep the rosters matched were Al Thorton and Paul Millsap. But the Hawks wouldn't want Millsap, they'd have enough big men. Plus who then would play backup center?

"Ok I'm back. What about Brand + Al Thorton for Smith and Williams then?"
"Done. That sounds very fair and it works very well for both teams."
"I'll fax you the paperwork soon, so you can sign off on that and then send it to the League,"
"Sure thing," Knight said before hanging up the phone.
______________________________________________

Wow, Had he really just traded their star player, Elton Brand? Fayer couldn't believe how big of a move he had just completed, he was extremely proud of himself. This year is going to be amazing. Kaman -Williams/Lloyd - Smith - Ginobili - Livingston. Williams and Smith could run up and down the floor like no other. Kaman would prove solid rebounding.

Fayer quickly ran down the hallway to Sterling's office. Now he just had to get his boss' approval, but he was sure he had made the right move. Jim opened the door to find Sterling eating lunch.

"Hey boss, sorry to disturb you but I have big news," Fayer began.
"Sure, no problem, what is it?" Sterling responded as he put down his sandwich.
"OK well, this might sound crazy at first, but hear me out: I just agreed to a deal with Atlanta. Elton Brand and Al Thorton for Josh Smith and Marvin Willaims."
"WHAT?!"
"No, listen. This is going to be great for us. Livingston and Ginobili will be racing up the court, but then you have Brand and Kaman just chugging up the floor. We need to push the ball and our guards need forwards to fill the lanes."
"Ok... but Elton is the face of our franchise.. Don't you think we could have gotten more?"
"Yeah, but he's getting older, and Lloyd and Williams will more than certainly be able to fill the voi-..."
"Hm.. you do raise a fair point..."
"PLUS," Fayer started as a new idea popped into his head, "Marvin Williams $5 million plus salary is expiring after this season. We can then re-evaluate whether we want to resign him. Smith just signed a new contract starting at about $7.5 million a year, but thats fine. He's still really young, only 23 years old! Think about it, although Manu is a bit on the older side, we will have Shaun, Smith, Williams, Kaman, Lloyd all under 26 years of age. Our core will be together for years to come!"
"I'm trusting you here, you better hope this works. I like that you are coming up to actively change this team, but let's hope this gamble pays off," Sterling said as he got back down in his seat.
"Trust me it wil-.." Fayer said before he was cut off as Baylor had just burst into the room..

"Donald! I just made a deal!" Baylor shouted.
"Oh no.. you too... Who did you trade? If you made another block buster I might got into shock..." Sterling responded.
"What do you mean another blockbuster? Anyways, I just traded Elton Brand to the Nuggets for Kenyon Martin and a future 1st round draft pick," Baylor continued.
"WAIT! WHAT?!?" Fayer and Sterling screamed simultaneously.
"HOW THE FUCK COULD YOU TRADE BRAND FOR MARTIN?" Fayer yelled in disgust.
"OH MY GOD! BOTH OF YOU JUST TRADED ELTON!! NOW WHAT THE HELL ARE WE GOING TO DO?" Sterling pointed out.
"Huh? Who did Fayer trade Elton for?" Baylor said with a confused look on his face.
"Josh Smith and Marvin Williams," Fayer said quietly.
"Wow this is terrible. Whichever team we have to pull the trade back from is going to hate us for a while," Sterling said somberly.
"Well its a good thing we don't really need the Hawks," Baylor replied.
"Haha, good one," Fayer said sarcastically.
"ENOUGH- from both you. Clearly you two can't work together. Both trades are weird, but make some sense for us.." Sterling said as he was cut off.
"How does Martin work for us? He's old, makes ton of money, he's injury prone.." Fayer began.
"...And athletic, fits the fast break scheme YOU'VE been working on. And we get a first round pick. Plus think of all the trouble Smith got into in Atlanta! Can you imagine living in LA?!?" Baylor argued.
"SHUT UP, BOTH OF YOU!" Sterling yelled like he had never had before. "We're taking this to the rest of the board. THEY will decide which trade to make, and more importantly for you too, they also decide who gets to keep him job."
"Wait so you're saying whoever's deal is rejected, also is out of a job?" Fayer asked.
"Yes. I can't believe I gave each of you negotiating power. You are never suppose to get into a situation like this. You can never trade the same player twice, I'm disgusted right now," Sterling started. "Mary, call a board room meeting, we have MAJOR problem right now, everyone in the conference room in 10 minutes!"
________________________________________

"OK everyone listen. We have a pretty big issue on our hands, and there is no way to really fix it. The best we can do is make the right decision for our team right now, but we can't undo it completely," Sterling announced. "Jim and Elgin both traded away Elton Brand, we're going to vote on which deal to make, but keep in mind, whichever offer we pull, may offend the other team's front office."

"Ok I'll go first.." Baylor started. "I traded Brand to Denver for Kenyon Martin a future 1st round draft pick and $3 million,"
"OH RIGHT NICE PICKUP!" board member, Ben Weaver exclaimed.

"Shut the fuck up Weaver, we all know you suck up to Baylor big time," Fayer interrupted.
"Woah, woah, Sterling see, Fayer won't let me finish," Baylor complained innocently.
"Jim- let him finish.. oh god this is just like settling a fight between 6 year olds..." Sterling commented as he rolled his eyes.
"The way I see it, Martin will fit in well with our new up-tempo offense. Remember what he did in New Jersey? Plus he had a pretty decent year last season.. let's see.. He average 16.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocked shots. And don't forget that 1st round pick too.." Baylor finished.
"Yeah, that player we can get with the 30th pick is going to be really helpful... Do you just want to hand Denver the championship? Brand + Anthony + Iverson + Smith?? Wow, good job Elgin..." Fayer said sarcastically.
"I agree with Fayer right now, that first round pick is going to be useless..." board member, Mike Torin, stated.

"What deal did Fayer make?" Tim Lee, another board member asked.
"My deal was Brand and Al Thorton for Josh Smith and Marvin Williams. Please keep in mind Williams has an expiring contract so we don't have to resign him. Also I told Donald this already, but if we complete my deal, besides Manu, the core of our team will all be under 26. We'll be exciting for years to come,"
"But couldn't we have gotten more for Elton? Did we really have to give up Thorton too?" Torin asked.
"I tried not to, but they wouldn't give up Williams and Smith then. They only offered Joe Johnson for him, and I thought having Johnson would be a little repetitive, since we just got Ginobili," Fayer answered.
"Yeah but, Elton is a star, we definitely could have gotten more..." Lee interrupted.
"It's too late now. Plus he had a major injury last year, teams aren't as high on him as they used to be.. Trust me guys, this deal is going to be great for us. Am I the only that is drooling over Livingston leading a fast break with Smith, Williams and Ginobili as possible alley-oop recipients?!" Fayer exclaimed.

"Well I think we take an official vote now guys, Jim and Elgin leave the room please" Sterling said.

Jim's heart began to beat fast as he left, his palms were sweating. This might be it he thought. If people actually thought he was getting ripped off, he might have blown the best opportunity he had in his life. He had his dream job and it be taken away from him. Please vote for me he thought silenty. Jim didn't even look at Elgin, and he knew that Elgin wasn't looking at him either. One of them would be out of a job in just a few minutes.

Sterling came out of the room. "Jim, Elgin, it was a close decision, but we decided to do the Atlanta trade. I'm sorry Elgin, you had good run here. I know this is bitter for you, and I apologize. I shouldn't have put you in this situation, but what's done is done,"
"Fuck you Sterling. After all these years, you're firing me!" Baylor screamed as he stormed away.
"Well.. uh.. great I'll go get that paperwork done then.." Jim said as he tried to act cool.
"You do that, I hope you're doing the right thing," Sterling said as he turned away.
__________________________________

[jonthefon]

Well, I got tired of the Warriors winning games with a bloated lineup plus I've been generally lazy recently reading dynasty stuff.

However, this thing is great. The story side of it is what makes it so good, and the lineup is looking exciting as well.

The only suggestion I'd like is for some way to make those screenshots (maybe just those which look too blurry) look sexier, like the X did in his CH 2K7 dynasty here, but that's probably too time-consuming and feel like a chore.

[deihatein]

Wow what a storyline i like it i was surprised that they both traded Brand at once but wow this is a great dynasty keep it up bro you have a follower like your dynasty right now.(So the new rookie will be starter or williams? at the PF position?)

[BP8]

you're really doing nice job here. you have a very young team. i hoped you didn't pull of the Matin trade and you didn't. thanks god.
nevermind i have couple of questions.
what was this draft very strong, strong, avrage, weak( i doubt)?
how do you scout players? How many times you scout every player? And how many players do you scout?
i just think it is amazing you got a 74ovr. in the second round. you really know who to pick. i am usually happy if i get 74 ovr. with my 1st round pick( usually somewhere from 12th to 20th pick).

This dynasty is really awesome. Kepp up the good work man.

[Chaser7]

JTF, Thanks dude, Oh don't worry I'll work on screenshot when I start recapping the games.

Narutoaddicted, Thanks for checking in the first time. I don't know who the starter will be yet, but I'm leaning torwards starting Martin and bringing Lloyd (the rookie) off the bench. Lloyd is a better overall, but I've been a lot of exhibition games with Williams and I like it a lot.

KobetheBest, To answer your questions:

a) yes It was a very strong draft
b) I scouted the entire projected first round. With Xbox 360 scouting works a bit differently. You can select more than 5 players for instance and then you select how many days you want (maximum of 5 eacb) you want the scout to focus on Offense, Defense, and Athleticism. the scout was gone for bascially the entire year.
c) Keep in mind, that I had the 3rd overall pick in the 2nd round, and also this draft was a bit ridiculous. Everyone was really really good. I didn't know Robin would be that good, but I'm glad he was otherwise I couldn't do the Manu Deal. The Spurs wanted him REALLY bad...

[Chaser7]

BRAND AND MAGGETTE TRADED, BAYLOR FIRED
By Mike Bresnahan, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
August 22nd, 2008

LOS ANGELES, CA. -- In a wild thursday, the Los Angeles Clippers have announced two stunning blockbuster deals, and the departure of a former executive of the year. Team owner, Donald Sterling, and General Manager, Jim Fayer, held a press conference explaining all the moves to the media.

"The Clippers today welcome, Manu Ginobili, Josh Smith, and Marvin Williams, as the newest members of the team," Fayer said. "Although we are losing the services of Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Al Thorton, and rookie Noble Robin, we felt it was time to reshape the team's identity. We feel that these moves will be beneficial for the organization in both the short and long term future."

With the new players, Fayer has said the Clippers will now play a Phoenix Suns- type game. Coach Mike Dunleavy Sr. has shared Fayer's opinions and will mold Shaun Livingston into a 'Magic' Johnson-esque point guard. Livingston, like Johnson, stands tall for a point guard and has knack of finding open teammates. However, Livingston is coming off a major knee injury dating back to February of 2007. Livingston has said that he feels better than ever and that his game has improved while he had been rehabilitating.

Ginobili, Smith, and Williams, the 3 newest Clippers

A source close to the team says that deal with the Spurs had been completed at least a day before the Brand trade. The person goes on to say that there was some major friction involving the latter transaction. Allegedly, two separate deals were made, both involving the Clipper's lone All-Star, the other one involving the Denver Nuggets and Kenyon Martin. Baylor, apparently had independently traded Brand to the Nuggets while Fayer was finalizing the deal with the Atlanta Hawks. The front office board then voted on which deal to complete and which deal to retract. Sterling then decided to relieve Baylor of his duties as Vice President of Basketball Operations, almost one year after he had hired Fayer. An immediate rivarly began between the two men when Fayer was hired, and Sterling was forced to somehow settle the conflict.

"Elgin did a great job here. He slowly built up the team, and in 2005-2006 we had a major break through. Unfortunately, with our regression in each of the past 2 years, it is time to move in another direction. We wish him the best in the future," Sterling said at the conference. "At the same time, Jim and I could not be more excited for the upcoming season."

The Clippers will now probably start Shaun Livingston, Manu Ginobili, Josh Smith, Chris Kaman and either Marvin Williams or rookie Dylan Lloyd. The team is now much more athletic than before, could regularly be part of Sportscenter's Top 10 highlights. Season tickets are still available at 1-800-Clippers. Visit http://www.nba.com/clippers/ for more information.