if you are a 'rockets' fan and hate these guys, then you should swim with the fishes. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/13209524.htm
Cassell, IMO, has always been one of the most underrated NBA stars I have ever seen. That man changed the T-Wolves and got carried them in the playoffs with his clutch play to the Western Conf finals two seasons ago, and last season they struggle because of his injuries and of course the whole chemistry/contract thing. But there is no doubt that he's as clutch and "winner" as they come in the league today. His IQ level is off the charts, and his game is very refined and he knows how to pick and choose his spots (when to shoot, when to pass, where to shoot from, etc.) He's easily the best mid-range shooter in the league, and one of the few people who will actually settle for that high-percentage shot instead of a fallaway three. I wish there were more guards like him in this league, but there ain't. Every winning team needs a guy like Sam, and it's no coincidence whatsoever that he has changed their fortunes up there in Clipper-land; the man has won everywhere he's been, and when he leaves teams they all of a sudden struggle to win (T-Wolves latest example).
It's funny that a lot of people labeled Elton Brand as a "loser" because he had never been on a winning team. Well, I guess having some good talents on your team would do wonder to win-loss records.
I believe that Sam and Cat still believe that they are wearing "ROCKETS" on their jerseys instead of Clippers. The Rockets are wearing the Clippers jerseys now.
The Clippers have been as talented as they are now for years, the big difference this season is that they finally have a leader. Go SAM!
The Clippers never had veteran talents. Sterling always let their high draft picks go after their rookie contracts. Brand was the only good talent they retained. And they kept Maggette. Now, they added Cassell and Mobley. They still have no bench. But the starting lineup is very good.
You have to say JVG knows talents. The Alston and Anderson duo is the best guard combo in the NBA. I don't miss Cat and Casell one bit.
and Brand isn't one. let's not even talk about the talent he played with in clipper land. Maggate and Simmons just last season.
I agree that Brand isn't a leader. That doesn't mean he's not talented or a "loser." Being a leader and being a winner are two different things. Simmons was the Most Improved Player last season, which means he had sucked before that. You think a good PF with Maggette and Simmons and scrubs is enough to make the playoffs in the West?
I'm happy for both Sam and Cat. "No excuses" is a good way to describe the Clips. Livingston's injury may have helped their team chemistry in the short term because Sam becomes their full time PG without any doubt. Let's see what happens if he comes back. Livingston is so talented they can't keep him off the floor if he's healthy. Maybe he could be their first guard off the bench and play either PG or SG. Sam's durability is also a big question for later in the year and the postseason. I still say to this day his bad back cost the T-Wolves a place in the NBA Finals two years ago. If Sam is healthy for 75+ games and no major injuries hit the Clips, pencil them into the playoffs. But Sam's health is a HUGE if and I don't expect him to hold up. Not too many 36 year olds can do 35 MPG for an entire season.
