Death, Taxes, and the Los Angeles Clippers

[Ramcus]

There are only 3 things certain in life. Death, taxes, and another season of Clippers basketball being woeful. Unsurprisingly, there are many things to be excited about in LA. The food, the culture, the stardom, the excitement, all things that people look forward to in LA. Surprisingly, one of those things is the LA Clippers basketball team. After finishing yet another season with a negative record, 35-47 at that, onlookers and passersby may feel that it's just another poor performance that has epitomized the last decade of Clipper basketball. Yet, Clippers fans are not despondent about this team at all. In fact, things are looking hopeful in the sunny city of LA.

The Clippers may have played themselves into another draft lottery position, but the season was not without positives. Nikola Topic, the 2033 CSL All-Rookie, has continued to grow into the capable CSL point guard that many pundits expected at his draft night. He finished his season with 17/3/4 averages on less than 30 minutes a night, expanding his shot profile and becoming an elite shot maker from all-around the floor. He has cemented himself as a quality CSL point guard, and has a bright future in the league. Vince Williams Jr., the sharpshooter from VCU, has had a quiet role off the bench. Despite the poor box score numbers, he's played himself into a healthy TS% and will likely see his role continue to grow as he grows as a player. Jeremy Sochan, the all-round swingman, has posted the best season of his career thus far. Posting career highs in FG%, TS%, total points, and becoming one of the best distributors in the entire league, Sochan has continued his elite all-round play. Jalen Duren, last offseason's big free agent signing, has performed exceptionally in his role. A go-to scorer on this team that's heavily lacking scoring, Duren has upped his numbers across the board and has quietly become a reliable scorer from all-around inside the arc. Keon Johnson has spent the last couple seasons toiling in the G-League, and has finally been given the chance to showcase his talents on the big stage. He's been a capable spark plug off the bench, keeping opposing teams on their toes with his ability to shoot and create with a live dribble. The additions of Robert Franks and Jarrell Brantley have not gone unnoticed either, as they have been consummate professionals who do their job perfect. Go stand in the corner and shoot the ball when it's skipped over to you, and they do that impeccably. Jalen Williams as well, more on him later, has seen his numbers go up across the board, with his increased responsibilities. The starters have posted a positive +/- for the first time in years, and are giving teams a run for their money more often than expected. The team shoots and makes the 2nd most three's per game in the league, and are a nightmare for teams to contain on any given night. If it wasn't for their lackluster bench and lack of a top-tier scorer for when games get close, fans would've seen their 1st winning season in about a decade.

Sigh... Jalen "J-Dub" Williams. The only real negative of this young and growing team. The only individual casting a shadow down on what seemed to be a real step in the right direction for this franchise. And what is this shadow specifically? J-Dub has been demanding a trade since March 2035, and has reiterated this to the front office on every night that he's stepped foot on the court. The consummate professional has not let this affect his on-court production, for the most part, but his drive to play winning basketball and lack of loyalty has really put a dampen on this season's growth. The front office has stayed strong, telling Williams that he is not going to be traded. But that has not kept Williams from consistently reiterating his wishes to the organization. He wants to win, and he's letting everyone know about it. If it were up to Williams, he would be in Sacramento, making the best team in the league even better, and gathering a trophy case even Michael Phelps gets jealous about. But it isn't up to Williams, and the team doesn't care of he wants out. We're of the type to make things better from the inside out, and that starts with the front office. This front office has set the team up for long-term success, and they are not about to change things because the best player they've had in a while wants out. In fact, the team is on the cusp of making some real noise in the league. Just 1 more season, and we'll prove to Jalen Williams and the league that the LA Clippers are a real threat once again.

So the season came and went, and the Clippers missed the post season by just 1 game. The Denver Nuggets beat them out with 36 wins, just barely making the play-ins. This would be fantastic news for the LA hopeful, however, as they managed to stay within a good range to draft some quality talent this upcoming draft class. There was news going around of the team making some changes, but come draft lottery time, they stuck to their guns and prayed with the LA faithful. Their prayers would be answered, as the team jumped from the 9th best odds to the 3rd overall pick. This was great news for LA, as they had been missing some true star talent. Someone who would take the ball and just make plays happen when they needed it most. And although the Clippers would have to continue waiting for that, they drafted someone with real star potential. Someone who could make things happen. Someone who could change the trajectory of this franchise, from middling young team who could make some noise, into a true potential powerhouse. Welcome, Scoot Henderson, to the Los Angeles Clippers. A raw prospect coming straight out of high school, Scoot is brimming with talent and potential. Only time will tell how he fits into this team, but one thing is for sure, the kid's got potential.

We're well in to the offseason now, with free agency and training camp just around the corner. But finally, the sun is up in Los Angeles. Here's to making this team relevant again.(almost)

[Flaming Homer]

Slowly but surely the roster comes together for the Clippers.
Picking up Scoot was nice, he and Clingan were the two guys I would haven been interested in the most from the last draft class. And his camp promises some quick progress.

Unfortunately Sochan decided to wait out another season before committing long term. It didn't seem that he was that feed up with the team but still went for the QO. Which makes the the Williams situation even more interesting. Can the team get off to a good start and and please their two stars?

[mgtr81]

Henderson is a franchise changing talent, that was a great selection. Some good talent already there, too, in Jalen Williams.

[GreenBear]

Loved the Scoot pick. You guys are right there already. He should help get you guys into the postseason so J-Dub rescinds his trade request.

[bt]

This team is getting ready to start winning some games but the Jalen Williams thing is a big issue. He'll force the QO and leave at this rate.

I've never known what a low organisation relationship means though. Like I get the coach one, team is pissed at players or issues with players? A player pissed at the organisation though? Through what means in game terms?