you bet Deuce, even worse when they on a road-trip with not many days rest... team trainings on off days aren't very taxing... which makes it even tougher for guys with limited minutes to increase their playing time
Lots of coach killers on Clips. I fearlessly predict Pike will reemerge and be a fearless 3 pt force for this team this season.
There was one game earlier where Pike was in and playing ok then he got a nice steal... he took off on an open breakaway, then looked around at the crowd and blew the dunk. He immediately fouled the opponent getting the rebound. Van Gundy scowled. I think he had 2 or 3 more minutes in there where he did other stupid stuff trying to redeem himself. I don't think he's played well since.
His ankle injury hurt his shot, and he blew his PT when JVG activated him and gave him a 'shot'. He'll get another.
Was Pike part of a CD deal that Van Gundy did not buy into or approve of?? If that is the case-Van Gundy never wanted him. I think Pike will get his shot back - he was a team player for the Clippers who never complained...
How about this minor trade? Eric Piatkowski to LA Clippers for Peja Drobnjak Both are making $2.5 million this year but Eric is signed for 2 years while Peja is signed for 3 (which the Clippers are probably regretting) Rockets need another player over 6'10 as we only have Yao and Cato at the moment and both are starters. Spoon has been playing well but is too short to guard centers. Good outside shooting big man. Clippers have Brand and Kaman as their starters. Peja's minutes should belong to Wilcox and Ely to see what they are worth. Pike would be valuable in case Quentin Richardson and/or Bobby Simmons leave this summer as free agents. Piatkowski liked living in LA so he gets to go back home.
QUOTE]Eric Piatkowski to LA Clippers for Peja Drobnjak[/QUOTE] I think that you mean Pike to the Kings for Peja?
I think that you mean Pike to the Kings for Peja? [/QUOTE] No, he meant Predrag Drobnjak http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/roster?team=lac
If Pike is not going to get any minutes under JVG we have to look to move him. We owe that to him for coming here and signing with us. Pike has been a total professional about this, he hasn't complained and still gets up and cheers for the team. You got to respect that.
I think that you mean Pike to the Kings for Peja? [/QUOTE] There's 2 Peja's. Drobnjak and Stojakovic.
Yeah, I noticed Pike still gets off the bench after a nice play. I guess that after that many years on the Clippers, he likes being on a winning team, even if there's no minutes for him.
The Sonics still have Peja's page up http://www.nba.com/sonics/drobnjak/manjaks.html watch his commercials: http://www.nba.com/sonics/drobnjak/commercials.html "Don't probe my body!"
I think losing takes a toll on your mentality.. especially for competitive players. Pike is a proven vet and his shot will come around again, I think JVG should give him another shot and earning minutes. Our rotation is too small right now with people logging way too many minutes. Funny how he is a starter on the Clips and a bench warmer on our team. Then JJackson was on the bench for the Kings and a starter on ours.. hmmmm... makes you wonder how deep their bench really is to let him go. I hope Pike can get some minutes back I think he has been a total professional and will important come playoff time. Go ROX! J
I was a big fan of the Piatowski signing. We all know about his outside shooting, but one of the Rox brass said he was agood passer to the post, certainly a skill we can use. The first time I heard from Pike he was braging on his fast break ability. Clearly his defense is a liability, which has to be a problem on a JVG team. Pike has skills, he is a professional. I agree with those who say he will contribute tot he Rox yet. I do wonder if the injury is a part of the problem. They always seem to take a lot longer to come back from than I expect. Mo Taylor and Kelvin Cato both took over a year to get back to full streangth. I know Pikes was not as serious, but still I wonder.
I hope Pike's shot comes back, not only is a he a good guy and hard worker, but a 3pt shooter like that, especially one who is about 6-7, is always a threat, and gives the Rockets another weapon off the bench. I kind of wonder if Pike's ankle injury is still nagging him. Pike has waited a long time to get on a winning team like the Rocks so I know he's working hard to get out there and have fun and contribute. I hope he returns soon to the line-up!
That could be the worst thing to happen to anybody. After leaving the pathetic Clips, he signs with a winning team, only to get benched and traded to the Clips again.....what a nightmare
