He arrived as the Clippers 'highest paid free-agent ever' and the people had big expectations. He came as Bobby Simmons replacement and the people had big expectations. He came to a franchise with a dogged history and said he wanted to play there. He did not only come because he saw five years and a clean $42 million pay day ahead of him but because he actually liked what the franchise was doing. This should've been the moment that all Clippers fans were ecstatic and forgot about any flaws in this man's game. It was Cuttino Mobley who joined the Clippers in the off-season prior to 2005-06 season and Cuttino Mobley who initiated the revival of the franchise. Cuttino Mobley swallowed his pride and played for the
Clippers and in the beginning of the season laughed at but those people are no where to be seen anymore. Cuttino Mobley joined the Clippers and helped rally them as much as anyone else on the squad. He is the Cat who was at practically every battle of these season and deserves no bashing in regard to the season he has produced.
Cuttino Mobley has always been seen as a shooter. Often said to have "never seen a shot he hasn't liked". Cuttino ideally would've fit perfectly into the Dunleavy system. He would've been a fourth option in the starters, or on the nights he felt it even a third. He would sit in the corner draining threes shooting them at 43% like he did at Sacramento last year. Things did not turn out how the Clippers would've hoped though in 2005-06. An injury to Corey Maggette crippled the offensive potency of the squad and everyone had to fill new roles. The man effected the most by Corey's injury (other than Corey himself), Cuttino Mobley. The Clippers lacked (at the time) any decent Small Forward to start games. Despite Dunleavy's attempts to find new rotations things never seemed to work out and after rotations of Ross, Singleton and even McCarty in the starters, eventually Dunleavy decided upon running a small line-up of Mobley, Livingston and Cassell.
Mobley played out of position and had to step up his defence. On a team bagged for its slow back court defence Mobley had to face Superstars every night from opposing teams and attempt to shut them down. He admirably worked tirelessly to achieve the goals set for him. When injuries were all around the Clippers team Mobley fought through injuries of his own that would've normally forced him to sit out for a number of games. His shooting wrist, some would say his only weapon was dibilitated but he endured because the Clippers needed him. He played 79 of the 82 matches of the marathon NBA season it was (two of which were missed as precautionary prior to the playoffs). He led the team in scoring 12 times during the season (once in the post-season) despite the fact that he was a fourth option.
Cuttino Mobley recorded a career high in rebounds in an OT win V Minnesota early in the season which in followed up with another career high in New Jersey later on. He chimed in 36 in a loss to the Lakers and equalled a career high 11 assists V Miami. His 14.8 points per game, although not amazing were vital in the Clippers success this season. Mobley played out of position providing gritty defence and selfless play in an attempt to do whatever it takes to win. He played 37.7 minutes per game this season, over 79 games, and yet, he still goes strong, deep into these playoffs.
Although his stats have dropped come these playoffs (13.5ppg) his leadership in general has been important and the return of Corey Maggette has seen him fall nicely back into his natural position, Shooting Guard. He finally gets to play in a position which he was brought to the team to play. One where he isn't relied as heavily upon.
Cuttino Mobley is here for one reason. And he's almost halfway there. Cuttino Mobley wants a championship. He wants to show the world that the Clippers can win a championship. This man has been nothing short of comendable this season. Any talk of his departure is ridiculous- Mobley has four years left on, well, a generous contract but next year, with hope of more settlement Cuttino Mobley will fit in way better.
Remember as much as Cassell has led this team, all leaders need followers. And Mobley was the initial follow the one who initiated the following of the others. In training camp it was Cassell and Mobley who did not have water breaks. Mobley deserves no flack. Mobley was the start of this. This amazing Clipper revival.
Thank you Cuttino.
Cuttino Mobley
uh...ok
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