There has been mention made that Orlando is a more favored location than Chicago for free agents. Various reasons are cited with location and weather among them. With some astute dealing and drafting, the LA Clippers have gotten positive comments from many observers. If the Clippers continue to make forward progress in turning the team into a winner, would it eventually become a favored team for free agents? 1. Same venue as the Lakers (new building) 2. LA location and lifestyle 3. LA weather How much of a negative impression do the Clippers have to overcome? Mango ------------------ 1. Put new topics in the proper forum 2. Use clear wording for new threads 3. No duplicate threads 4. Conduct yourself like an adult The Serious Police are watching All will be assimilated.
They could start by firing their owner (I forgot his name) and GM (Elgin Baylor). No offense to Mr. Baylor, he is the best power forward to ever play the game, but he doesn't know nuts and bolts about being a GM. Their owner is the king of mismanagement. ------------------ "One who conquers others is strong; One who conquers himself is mighty" - Lao Tzu
I wouldn't call their draft day coup astute. Orlando was clearing cap space and had to give someone a present. It had to be someone else with cap space, so it was going to be LAC or Chicago. Orlando wouldn't have done Chicago the favor of giving them all those guys because they are in the same conference and because it would make Chicago more attractive to the marquee free agents. Also, Chicago wouldn't have done them the favor of clearing their cap space. Besides, the Clippers are harmless no matter how much you give them. People are saying what a good move it was and how the Clippers are more respectable, but no one is predicting that they'll be champs seven years from now. No one is because we all know the Clippers suck and they can't sustain this kind of improvement. In fact, I'd surprised if their new team ever fires on all cylinders. Ever. So, my answer to this questoin should be fairly obvious now. I don't think the Clippers will ever be a FA draw. The owner isn't willing to put up the money necessary for big FAs. The team will never look like they can win. The whole organization is poisoned and they poison everyone that comes in contact with them. As long as Sterling owns them, they will be mediocre at best and bottom-dwellers most seasons. They will continue to suffer from talent flight. I suspect in a year or two, Miles, Richardson, et al., will be looking forward to the ends of their contracts. ------------------ http://www.gaffordstudios.cjb.net/
