Bighead734

In '03 the Clips will have many players eligible to become free agents, either unrestricted or restricted, but either way the Clippers need to choose which ones to really build around.

1.) Wave bye-bye to Olowakandi. He doesn't want to be a Clipper and he isn't the best player to put max money on.

2.) Give Elton Brand what he wants. This guy is a double-double every game. Plays well every game. I witnessed it when he was in Chicago. If they lose him and Kandi they lose their post game.

3.) Give Andre Miller Bibby-type money. Good point guards don't come around that easily, especially one that can average 16 ppg and 11apg on one of the worst teams in the NBA.

4.) Try to keep Q-Rich happy. The kid's got great talent. He's upset he's not teammates with Miles anymore, don't piss him off anymore. He's got the ability to put up 20ppg someday.

5.) Let someone else spend on Corey Maggette. Great talent, but not a need.

6.) Lamar Odom - I would offer him a contract for about 5 years - $30-35 mil after season, IF he gets all his **** together and plays like we all know he can (16ppg, 7rpg, 6apg).

__________________
"If I can remember
To know this will conquer me.
If I can just walk alone
and try to escape into me."
- "Remember" Disturbed

RD

Kandi does want to be a Clipper. He has repeatedly stated that. If the Clips offer him the money, he will sign.

With that said, they should not overpay for him. Do not overpay for him. I'd rather go with ZhiZhi, Ely, and Parks at C than overpay for Kandi. He isn't that good. I would have no problems seeing him walk if it is going to take huge money to keep him.


You want to try and keep every player on your team happy, so Im not sure why Q gets singled out. Who cares if Q is upset Miles is gone - He's a man, he better deal with it. They aren't going to try and piss him off - Why would they? But, they are not going to overpay(and shouldnt) just to make him happy. Give him what he's worth. If he doesn't like it, ship him out. Q is good, but he isn't the key to this franchise.


How generous of you. You can talk about numbers all you want, but there is no way in hell Odom accepts a deal like that. If that's all the Clippers offer, say goodbye to Mr. Odom because he'll head to Miami and Pat Riley who will at least double that cash amount to get Lamar's services.

The team should build around LO, EB, and Miller. That is if Odom regains the form from his first 2 years. Those are the key pieces. Kandi would be nice to have back if it's at a fair price, but he can be replaced. Same with Q - I think Q is going to be a fine player, but he is not a cornerstone of the franchise.

Build around LO, EB, and Miller and I think the Clips can contend with the Lakers and any other team for years to come. You can rotate in veterans and rookies around that trio and they'd still contend, even if they lose the likes of Maggette, Q, etc.

Odom is the key to this franchise. Neither Miller or Brand are superstars that can carry a team. Odom is the only player on the Clippers that has that type of ability. He must regain his form if the team is to ever take the next step up.

kingofkings

My opinions only:

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michae...ame_stats.html

Check out the game stats against the Spurs and the Jazz down the stretch. Kandi really put down some numbers for the Clippers.

I remember watching that game against the Spurs and Kandi was putting some moves on David Robinson. I remember watching that game and wondering that he really stepped up his play. The thing that I remember about that game, was that he was able to go hard on David Robinson and just lay it up hard, at his body.

Duncan was guarding Brand and boxing him out, allowing Kandi to go one on one with Robinson. I remember Kandi scoring off hooks and also 10 feet jumpshots. Robinson coincidently ended that game with only 5 rebounds and in early foul trouble.

I know that I just highlighted one game, but against one of the best defensive teams, Kandi was able to flourish.

The thing that surprised me, was that Kandi and Brand were able to coexist. I for one, thought that when the trade for Brand went down, both Brand and Kandi would not have enough space to operate in the blocks. For some reason, Gentry, was able to design sets, on offense,whereby screens were set up high, using one of them, allowing the other down low to post up.

That was one thing that surprised me, the way that they worked effectively together. Or, how about this, in the future, how many teams will have 2 big solid defenders in their front court, to cover both Kandi and Brand?? With Robinson retiring after this year and Divac getting on in age, the lack of big man depth in the West, just might fall in the Clippers favour. Kandi really started to develop some moves and looked to be more aggressive.

Centres of the West:

Jerome James, Calvin Booth, Jarron Collins, La Frentz, Bradley, Ming, Cato, Nesterovic, Big Jake, Dale Davis,Lo Wright

Man, I like Kandi's chances against all of these guys, to be honest.

Interesting to note, how both Kandi, Brand and Odom will coexist this year. I often like to talk about spacing in the offense and hope that when Odom returns, that he will not be forced to primarily be perimeter based, due to both Brand and Kandi down low.Odom, is most effective working both inside and outside and getting the mismatch on offense, with his height. Hopefully, he will be free to create, with both Kandi and Brand around him.

But, I cannot see many double teams being utilised by other teams, as it appears that the Clippers just have too many options on offense. But, if anyone gets doubled, I bet it will be Q-Rich, Brand or Odom ,leaving Kandi free.

But, I would really not be surprised at all, if the Clippers offer Kandi a sizeable deal this year, IF he is able to add on to the signs that he showed in the closing stages of last season. If they make the playoffs and he is a big factor in that, yes he just might deserve a 70 million contract, maybe??

Will be interesting to see how things play out down in LA this year though.