LA Clippers - Season 2 - BACK!

[yeahnah]

THE CLIPPER REPORT

The LA Clippers have made a small signing ahead of the All-Star Weekend, signing D-Leaguer Drew Cook for 5 years at the league minimum. The Clippers were reportedly impressed with the big man's potential and the 23 year old's size - a casual 7'4! He will be made active for at least one game and will make his debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

[yeahnah]

THE CLIPPER REPORT
The All-Star Review

Two men represented the other LA with pride, dignity and honour. Blake Griffin for the Sophomores and Chris Paul for the West All-Stars. Both men won.

Blake Griffin has a solid twelve points and nine rebounds in the Sophomores easy twenty eight point victory, and Chris Paul as named Player of the Game for the All-Star matchup with his sixteen points and twelve assists in the low scoring 84-78 victory over the East. The fans at Staples Centre on the night were pleased to see both Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and CP3 dominate in a great display.

So congratulations Chris Paul, the first Clipper to receive All-Star MVP

THE CP3 SAGA

One day until the trade deadline. One year player option. One year with his current team.

It's a year of one's for Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers as the biggest speculation on deadline day is if Chris Paul will be dealt. The ball is in Chris Paul's court over what he wants to do at the end of the season, one source saying that he intends to stay, the other saying differently.

One rumour suggests the Clippers are attempting to trade for Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook.

All that matters is that Clippers management claims to not trade Paul. It's a similar circumstance to that of the Hornets faced last season.

The Clips are currently sitting 2.5 games out of the playoff race and need to make a HUGE splash in the playoffs for Chris Paul to consider staying. No other trades are in the works from LA.

[yeahnah]

THE CLIPPER REPORT
End of Season Review

The Clippers have missed out on the 2012 Playoffs, finishing 10th in the Western Conference. Throughout March and April the Clippers played very uninspiring basketball, going 3-6 for the two months. The failure has strengthened Chris Paul's desire to leave LA after just one season, which is a massive dent to the Clippers' future.

On a lighter note, the Clips' led the league in FG%!

Here are the final standings:

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1 - Thunder (22-7)
2 - Spurs (20-9)
3 - Trail Blazers (20-9)
4 - Warriors (19-10)
5 - Lakers (18-11)
6 - Mavericks (18-11)
7 - Rockets (17-12)
8 - Suns (15-13)
-------------------------------
9 - Kings (13-15)
10 - Hornets (12-17)
11 - Clippers (12-17)
12 - Nuggets (12-17)
13 - Grizzlies (11-18)
14 - Timberwolves (10-19)
15 - Jazz (9-20)

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1 - Celtics (22-7)
2 - Bulls (19-10)
3 - Pacers (19-10)
4 - Heat (18-11)
5 - Hawks (17-12)
6 - Bobcats (15-14)
7 - Magic (14-15)
8 - Bucks (14-15)
-------------------------------
9 - Raptors (13-16)
10 - Knicks (10-19)
11 - Cavaliers (10-19)
12 - Pistons (9-20)
13 - 76ers (9-20)
14 - Wizards (9-20)
15 - Nets (8-20)

AWARDS:

Most Valuable Player
Kevin Durant (OKC) - 29.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.0 bpg

Durant takes home his first of what will probably be many MVP awards. He led the Thunder to the best seed in the West, and will definitely make major noise in the playoffs. Look out for KD to double up and take out the Finals MVP - hey, it's not unlikely!
Unlucky: Dwight Howard (ORL)

Rookie of the Year
Kemba Walker (CHA) - 15.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.7 apg, 1.2 spg

Kemba Walker helped spark a big turn around for the Bobcats this year, giving them the 6th seed. A solid, consistent scored, Walker had a season that many vets would be proud of; his stats showed a lot less than what he actually did. The ninth pick in the draft showed the PG's picked before hime (Kyrie Irving, Brandon Knight) how to get it done.
Unlucky: Derrick Williams (MIN)

Sixth Man of the Year
Ramon Sessions (CLE) - 16.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.9 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.1 bpg

Sessions had a solid season with the lackluster Cavs, and probably should be starting in Cleveland. Not a very surprising choice, was a lock for the award all season.
Unlucky: J.J Barea (MIN)

Defensive Player of the Year
Dwight Howard (ORL) - 24.2 ppg, 13.8 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.8 bpg

Dwight had an MVP caliber season with the unexciting Magic who scraped into the playoffs. He's in his contract year so it will be a massive effort getting Howard to resign. DH12 is a massive presence in the paint, no easy buckets when he's in town.
Unlucky: Andrew Bogut (MIL)

Most Improved Player
Shannon Brown (PHO) - 15.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.6 spg

Not too much to say, Brown flourished after Steve Nash was traded to the Pacers
Unlucky: No one really...

Coach of the Year
Doc Rivers (BOS) - 22-7, No. 1 in East

With the 29 game format, the aging Big 3 helped take the Celtics to a league best 22-7. Rivers is in the twilight of his career; stating he intends to retire soon to spend time with his family.
Unlucky: Scott Brooks (OKC)

[yeahnah]

THE PLAYOFFS
3-5-7-7
2012 Edition

WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND - 3 GAMES

1) Oklahoma City Thunder - 2
8) Phoenix Suns - 0

4) Golden State Warriors - 1
5) Dallas Mavericks - 2

3) San Antonio Spurs - 2
6) Los Angeles Lakers - 1

2) Portland Trailblazers - 2
7) Houston Rockets - 0

EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND - 3 GAMES

1) Boston Celtics - 2
8) Orlando Magic - 1

4) Miami Heat - 2
5) Atlanta Hawks - 1

3) Chicago Bulls - 2
6) Charlotte Bobcats - 1

2) Indiana Pacers - 1
7) Milwaukee Bucks - 2

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS - 5 GAMES

1) Oklahoma City Thunder - 3
5) Dallas Mavericks - 0

2) Portland Trailblazers - 1
3) San Antonio Spurs - 3

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMI FINALS - 5 GAMES

1) Boston Celtics - 3
4) Miami Heat - 0

3) Chicago Bulls - 3
7) Milwaukee Bucks - 2

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS - 7 GAMES

1) Oklahoma City Thunder - 4
3) San Antonio Spurs - 1

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS - 7 GAMES

1) Boston Celtics - 4
3) Chicago Bulls - 3

-----

So that leaves the league best Thunder and Celtics in the NBA Finals. The Thunder are making their first appearance since moving to Oklahoma City, and the Boston Celtics are going for their 18th title, which could be the last for the legends Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

My Prediction: Celtics in 7 - MVP - Paul Pierce

[yeahnah]

THE CLIPPER REPORT
Off-Season Part One



1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs 1) Boston Celtics

The Thunder have come back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics in seven games to win their maiden NBA Championship. Led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City pulled off a great 106-100 win away from home. Against all odds after the Thunder were blown out in the first two games, they swung the momentum in their favor when Durant hit a buzzer-beating three to take game three at home. Easy victories following in games four and five before Boston tied the series up at home. However, the might of the young guns was too much for the aging C's who couldn't win their 18th franchise champion ship.

Congratulations to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 2012 NBA Champions
Finals MVP: Kevin Durant

RETIREES

76ers - Tony Battie (C)
Cavaliers - Anthony Parker (G/F)
Celtics - Ray Allen (SG)
Heat - Juwan Howard (PF)
Hornets - Francisco Elson (C/PF)
Jazz - Raja Bell (G/F)
Lakers - Derek Fisher (PG)
Nuggets - Marcus Camby (C/PF)
Pistons - Ben Wallace (C)
Raptors - Anthony Carter (PG)
Trail Blazers - Kurt Thomas (C/PF)

Headlining the list are three point record holder Ray Allen and NBPA President Derek Fisher. Pistons big man Ben Wallace also hangs up the high-tops after a great 16 year career. Here at The Clipper Report we wish all of the retirees the best in their future endeavors. Wizards' coach Flip Saunders is also calling it quits.
Youngest Retiree: Raja Bell, 35
Oldest Retiree: Juwan Howard and Kurt Thomas, 39
Hall of Fame Inductees: Ray Allen

DRAFT LOTTERY

The LA Clippers' chances at number one look like this:

Clippers - Expected 10th, 1.1% chance at 1st pick
Clippers via Timberwolves - Expected 8th, 2.8% chance at 1st pick

Here are the results:

14) Kings
13) Raptors
12) Nuggets
11) Kings (via Hornets)
10) Clippers
9) Grizzlies
8) Knicks
7) Cavaliers
6) Pistons

And the top 5:

5) 76ers
4) Jazz
3) Nets
2) Wizards
1) Clippers (via Timberwolves)

So there you have it, the Los Angeles Clippers have stolen the 1st overall pick in the 2012 draft with a 2.8% chance. Get ready for a mock draft very soon.

PLAYER/TEAM OPTIONS

The Clipper Report understands the Mo Williams has accepted his player option and will play on for another year, the Chris Paul situation looks like this:

HE DECLINED LIKE THE LITTLE BITCH HE IS! FUCK THE DUMB PRICK!

Dwight Howard and Deron Williams both accepted their options and Andrew Bynum's team option was declined, as were Lamar Odom's and Metta World Peace's.

Note:
Last chance for any NLSCer who wants to take part in the draft.

[yeahnah]

(computer crashed twice while typing up a mock as well as the real thing. so pissed off.)

THE CLIPPER REPORT





1st Pick Ovr: SG Angelo Catinella (Italy) - 6'7 218lbs, age 22

Angelo Catinella was the consensus #1 pick in every credible mock draft. He possesses amazing talent at both ends of the floor. With limitless potential, there is no doubt that "A-Cat" will be a perennial all-star for many, many years to come. He has a great shooting game from all over the place and is one of the most athletic guards to come out of the draft ever. Angelo will be a massive player for the Clippers this year.

TRADE:
Utah Jazz Trade: 1st Round Pick #3
Los Angeles Clippers Trade: Eric Bledsoe, 1st Round Pick #10

3rd Pick Ovr: PG Nate Gray (Washington State) - 6'2 179lbs, age 22

By far the best point guard in the draft, when the Jazz offered a trade for the #3rd pick, the Clippers were leaping for joy. Gray was drafted as insurance in case Chris Paul does not resign, which is a very likely prospect. Like Catinella he has limitless potential and a great shooting game, though he can throw some sick dimes when he is needed. If CP3 resigns, there has been talk of the Clips trading Gray for top SF's Shawn Lowe (6th overall) or Nikita Titov (5th overall)

TRADE:
Oklahoma City Thunder Trade: Thabo Sefolosha
Los Angeles Clippers Trade: 2nd Round Pick #10

The Clippers made this move as there was really no talent left at this stage. Instead of taking a much needed big man, they made a risky move taking Sefolosha, causing a three man log jam at the 2 guard involving Angelo Catinella and Randy Foye.

NLSCER REPORT

Jim Nettleton

Drafted 9th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies

DaVonte Hughes

Drafted 11th overall by the Sacramento Kings

Fab Hodges

Drafted 13th overall by the Toronto Raptors

Ray Cer

Drafted 14th overall by the Sacramento Kings

C-Black Clutchdaddy

Drafted 16th overall by the Washington Wizards

[yeahnah]

THE CLIPPER REPORT
Free Agency
- Clippers are biggest losers in free agency period

They thought they resigned Chris Paul. He rejected for Denver at the last minute. They had Kevin Love in the palm of their hands. The Timberwolves matched the offer and he went with them. Just about every other big name such as Russell Westbrook and Michael Beasley came close to joining the Clippers but backed out at the last second. The Clippers squad has taken a step back since last season and will rely on big numbers from their young talent.

LA re-signed big man Drew Cook for another year at the minimum, as well as adding former D-Leaguer PF Jeff Adrien to the squad. 2012/13 will most likely be a transition year for the Clippers after a very disappointing 2011/12.

Refer to the first page for the starters.

[KidJustin]

wow this sucks for the Clippers...what happen?

and the Kings...mannnnnnnnnn. i might have to request a trade demand. plus i'm not sure how Sac-Town can handle the egos of Reke, Cousin, AND Ray Cer...LOL

would be an interesting team...but probably hell for any coach hahaha

[Radioman]

Thats tough man.

[Solaris Phase Two]

Me and ray cer on the kings. Awesome man!



Hope A-cat does welll for your team man

[KidJustin]

Me and ray cer on the kings. Awesome man!

LOL...what position do you play?

if DMC gets too crazy we might have to both leave for a better team.....or persuade the GM to trade DMC and make this our team
Reke-Speed-DaHughes

you need a nickname man if your going to hang!

[Solaris Phase Two]

Kid Justin i play SF/PG


Reke-Speed-Grimey(nickname)

id be up for a DMC trade as long as it helps are team get better.

[yeahnah]

Haha, yeah I was spewing after free agency. I'm happy to here your trade requests but I'll give it time. I assume you want to stick together now? I actually laughed when I saw the Kings took both of you. Unstoppable NLSC force is Sac-town yewwwwwwwww!

[Solaris Phase Two]

Well see how it goes with demarcus maybe i can trick him into not having an attitude

Nlsc Sac Town Lets get ready to rock!

[yeahnah]

Haha, by the way, how many posts constitute a page? I'd like to start season to on page 2.

[KidJustin]

we are going to change the name to the Sacramento NLSCers!

[JNett]

I'm taking the Grizzlies all the way this year

[Radioman]

Haha, by the way, how many posts constitute a page? I'd like to start season to on page 2.

50

[yeahnah]

That's shit.

[yeahnah]

[yeahnah]

THE CLIPPER REPORT
CLIPS' START YEAR WITH A BANG
- Griffin and others sign contract extensions

After the free agency disappointed of Chris Paul walking away, the Los Angeles Clippers have made three big extensions. The first is with forward Blake Griffin, he was locked up for another 6 years worth $102.92M. This certainly makes things better for the Clip Show as the new, young core should be held together for years to come. Mo Williams also signed on for another 4 years for $28.33M, and if he isn't traded he may very well end his career in LA. Ryan Gomes also extended for another year for the league minimum.

Even after these moves the Clippers still have $8.48M in cap room, so there is a lot of flexibility. After the horror performance in the free agency period, it's almost safe to say that the Clips are back.

[Radioman]

Nice to hear. Good Luck for season 2!

[yeahnah]

I've been inspired after reading X's T'Wolves again. We're back. But I'd like to get to page two before updating if that's doable?

phpBB [video]

[yeahnah]

Excuse the double post, but 14th pick in the draft, Ray Cer of the Sacramento Kings, has been sent to the D-League! The other NLSCers aren't setting the world on fire however a full update will be up at a later date.

Other NLSC rookie with the Kings, DaVonte Hughes, is still on the active roster.

[yeahnah]

(Trying a bit of a different layout to the ugly season one layout. Please give feedback etc. I'm going to do big recaps every two months, like New Years, Trade Deadlin and so forth)

CLIPPERS ACQUIRE 2012 6TH PICK
- November 30, 2012

The battling Clippers have made a large move today, acquiring forward Shaun Lowe from the Detroit Pistons. Lowe was picked 6th overall and the Clippers were always rumoured to make a move for him. In exchange for Lowe, the Pistons receive Caron Butler, Mo Williams and a 2014 2nd Round Pick. The Pistons also threw in undersized power forward Jason Maxiell and their current 1st round pick.

This is a very good move by the Clips, who are currently coming last in the Pacific Division with a 3-5 record. November saw a poor month by LA and they look to improve drastically. The Pistons made a poor move, gaining veterans Butler and Williams, however had to give up a potential star and a highly-likely lottery pick in order to gain them.

CLIPPERS TRADE GRADE: B+
PISTONS TRADE GRADE: D

Projected Rotations:

LA Clippers: Deandre Jordan|Blake Griffin|Shaun Lowe (R)|Angelo Catinella (R)|Chauncey Billups|Nate Gray (6th)
Detroit Pistons: Greg Monroe|Tyrus Thomas|Caron Butler|Jake Robinson (R)|Mo Williams|Brandon Knight (6th)