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BASKETBALL on InsideHoops.com
Clippers to Finally Gain Respect By InsideHoops.com staff
Before you laugh at us and shut this window down, chill for a minute and let me explain: It's common knowledge that the Clippers haven't been the model franchise. They made the playoffs in the 90's but quickly sank back into the depths of the league once again. Players didn't want to be in a Clippers uniform. Fans didn't support the team's losing and seemingly apathetic ways. The Clippers were a mess. We know this. This is the year a major change occurs in Clipperland. Not just because InsideHoops paid a visit to the Staples Center to catch a pre-season game, and not because we'll keep checking in on the team during the season as well. Though, clearly, we'll help. The magical positive vibe the lady on the psychic network phone line told me that I have is strong. I know the woman was telling the truth. Would the psychic lady lie? I was paying $7.99 a minute and stayed on for 4 straight hours and she kept repeating the same thing over and over like she really meant it, so I know she had to be telling the truth. Anyway... This year's Clippers have an infusion of talent. Young, athletic talent. And, these guys like each other. They love basketball, and their new family. New head coach Alvin Gentry is old and experienced enough to do a decent job as a teacher, yet young and cool enough to relate to the group of kids that now make up the team. Assistant coach Dennis Johnson has the basketball experience and smarts to help develop the skills of the players in practice, and the career memories to wow them with tales of playing with Larry Bird, and against Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and an absolute legend in the world of basketball, the amazing Kurt Rambis. Another key factor? Lamar Odom. A natural leader. He's cool. Charismatic. Enthusiastic. And genuine. He looks his teammates right in the eye, fires encouragement at them, and they feel him. They know he's talented, and their friend, and that he truly wants to win. Odom is a player-coach, upcoming star, and 12th man cheerleader, all wrapped into one. While pre-season games means little (notice the Lakers and Blazers are barely winning games - that's not going to happen come regular season), it's nice to win a few games. After taking care of the Grizzlies (fine, Shareef didn't play) and now the Blazers (a virtual all-star team), these young Clippers have tasted a bit of victory. Unfortunately, once the season starts and reality sets in, losing will hurt. And these Clippers will do their share of losing. But the difference between this year and the previous 800 seasons is that instead of a squad of players who can't wait to pull a Maurice Taylor (get the fluck out of town as soon as possible), these guys should be able to remain strong. As long as they're friends with each other and having fun yet working hard, and Lamar Odom continues the leadership role that comes naturally to him, they'll be able to handle some losing, stay positive, and give the fans a show. Oh yeah - the fans. Lets discuss the fans. When Lamar Odom slashes past a defender and dishes the ball outside for a wide open three-pointer, causing Clippers on the court as well as the bench to break out with smiles, the fans are going to notice. And when Keyon Dooling throws an alleyoop pass that Darius Miles catches and flushes on the head of a defender, bringing the whole bench to their feet in celebration, the fans will feel it. If the Clippers still lose the game, at least the fans can walk out to the parking lot having smiled a few times, bringing with them a few highlight reels to carry around in their minds for a while. "Did you see Corey Maggette sky up and punch the ball down off the defender's head? While glaring at him? Damn, I wish I could do that." How rare for Clippers fans to leave games with positive memories. Did they win the game? Don't worry about that right now. Winning can come later. Step 1 is gathering players and coaches with clear potential and future. Players who love basketball, love each other and besides doing their job are there to have some fun. The Clippers have done this. Step 2 is getting some fans. Fan support helps the players win games, which helps make it easier for the players to be happy and have fun, which in turn helps the fans. A positive cycle. Step 1 should bring these fans to the arena. Step 3 is winning games. The NBA is a business, but this business is about entertainment. Even if winning doesn't come just yet, as long as the players are putting on a show, working hard, having fun and giving the fans some memories of beautiful plays to hold onto after a game, I'd say they're doing their jobs. Are the Clippers going to drastically increase their winning percentage this year? Maybe. Maybe not. Don't accuse us of predicting that. Chances are they win about 10 more than last year. Not bad. Are the Clippers going to be a fun team to watch and support this year? Finally, the answer is yes. Keep your eyes open. InsideHoops.com [ InsideHoops Home | Discuss this on the NBA Message Board ] Sign up for a free web-based email account @InsideHoops by clicking here. Basketball fans who don't use InsideHoops
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and take up gardening.
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