Baron Davis; The Leader of the Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers lucked out this year. While the team didn’t have the worst record in the NBA last season, they were pretty downright bad. This was pretty surprising considering the fact that the team had signed both Baron Davis and Marcus Camby – two very big names.
My verdict so far is that he can. In preseason games, he has played with a definite chip on his shoulder. He came to Los Angeles with the goal of resurrecting a franchise in desperate need of success.
Often times, who to select at number one may depend on a team’s needs or preferences. The choice was clear this time around. Blake Griffin had established himself as a dominant player in college basketball, and the overwhelmingly obvious choice at number one.
An extremely versatile player, Griffin’s power and forcefulness are the type that can positively impact any team. He’s a franchise player in the mold of a Tim Duncan.
Being picked number 1 overall doesn’t mean success for example – 98′ Michael Olowokandi draft by Clippers, 01′ Kwame Brown drafter by Washington Wizards, and 05′ Andrew Bogut drafted by Milwaukee Bucks. There have been many number 1 draft picks that have found success, its not a guarantee a player drafted number 1 will be great.
The Clippers have a very long history of failures and never found that core group of players that meshed long enough to make a serious playoff run. The leading scorer on the Clippers last season Zach Randolph, who isn’t on the team anymore. They only won’ games with him as the leading scorer so it was time to make a change one would assume.
Griffin’s presence in the middle should easily free up the lane for Baron Davis, and create additional opportunities for players like Al Thornton to shine. He’s one of the strongest players coming out of college I’ve seen in a long time. Give him some time and he should be a stud.
It can be another long and painful season – or it can be a season where the Clippers change their culture and win some games.
For the most exciting NBA forums online, check out RootZoo Sports. Continue this conversation on their Los Angeles Clippers forum with other Clipper fans.
Write a comment