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| Monday, October 16 Enough talent, but not enough wins | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
By Dr. Jack Ramsay Special to ESPN.com
In 1977 Snider sold the team to John Y. Brown, who then "traded" franchises with Celtics owner Irv Levin, a native Californian who moved the Braves to San Diego where they became the Clippers. Donald Sterling acquired the franchise in 1981 and moved it to Los Angeles in 1984 over the protests of commissioner David Stern. The current Clippers have a nice roster of young, high-potential players. It remains to be seen whether Sterling will spend the money to keep the core players together. History shows that he is more concerned with holding on to his property assets than retaining a nice array of talent that has passed through his organization. In their 28-year history, the Braves-Clippers have made the playoffs only six times, and have gotten past the first round only once. Trades, Free Agents and Draft Picks
Analysis The team also needs to show its players that it's a first-class organization. That starts with providing an updated, attractive, convenient practice facility as well as other amenities that are common in the NBA today. The Clippers don't have Shaquille O'Neal, but they have a true star in Odom and others with the potential to contend with the Lakers for popularity in Los Angeles. Right now, it's no contest. Courtside seats for Lakers games are $1,150; the same seats for Clippers' games are $350.
Status of the team I see nothing but an upside for the 6-10 Odom. He has a complete game, is unselfish, competitive and wants to improve. He also has good leadership qualities. Olowokandi needs to get in better physical shape and toughen up his total game. Those two qualities go together. Anderson is a fine two-guard and should only get better if he stays injury-free. Taylor has a ton of offensive skills, but must become a stronger defender and rebounder as well as a better team player. Nesby and Hudson have nice talent and are learning how to put it together in the NBA game. They're both improving. Skinner is a perfect sixth man for the front line -- he runs the floor, scores and rebounds in bunches; and Piatkowski should be good off the bench with his effort play and perimeter shooting. Eric Murdock can lend his veteran experience to his young teammates. The Clippers should score enough to win most games. That means their defense has to tighten up (they allow just under 100 points, 46 percent opponent shooting, and are weak on the boards) to improve the record.
Future
Don't mess it up, Donald. | ALSO SEE Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Kings Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Trail Blazers Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Pacers Dr. Jack's Team Spotlight: Hawks |