Blake Griffin Windmill Dunk

Yes, more Clippers highlights, but this time its Blake Griffin giving us a small preview of what we might see during the dunk contest:



Impressive. Word around town is that the dunk contest is Blake's to lose, so let's hope he doesn't disappoint.

-ALR

DeAndre Jordan Dunkfest vs Bucks

A lot of people forget that DeAndre Jordan is only 22 years old and only spent one year at Texas A&M before bouncing to the pros. Or maybe because he plays for the Clippers they just don't care. Either way, D.J. had himself a smashing good time last night against the Milwaukee Bucks front line:









You have to admit, the 2010-2011 Clippers are a lot of fun to watch. They won the game last night 105-98, with Jordan filling up the stat sheet with 16 point, 7 boards and 5 blocks. Jordan has done a solid job filling in as a starter and is making injured Chris Kaman look more and more expendable every month.

Oh and that Griffin kid pitched in 32, but we'll let DeAndre get his shine for the moment.

-ALR

Video: Clipper DeAndre Jordan as "Gordon Limbaugh"

THIS is why I roll with the Clippers. They're just a fun collection of players. Here's video of center DeAndre Jordan as "Gordon Limbaugh" and campaigning for your all-star votes...



The blonde wig was a nice touch. When Jordan pointed the giant finger at the camera I couldn't stop laughing. Both Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin have made strong cases for an all-star berth. You can vote for your favorite players here.

-ALR

Video: Blake Griffin's Career High 47 Point Performance vs. Indiana Pacers

Yesterday against the Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers rookie forward Blake Griffin (yes, THAT guy) put on a show against the Indiana Pacers, finishing with 47 points (28 in the first half) and 14 rebounds. Here's a video of every basket (courtesy of nba.com):



And the scary thing is, the kid is still getting better. They can go ahead and ship the ROY trophy on out to Staples.

And don't forget to check out this post with a prediction on how the rest of the regular season may play out for the Clippers (looking pretty accurate if I may say so myself).

-ALR

Video: Mario Chalmers And Chris Bosh Don't Want It With Blake Griffin

First off, Mario Chalmers is 6'2, maybe 190 lbs. Blake Griffin is 6'10, 251. Mario, you don't want that issue...



Then on the following play, Baron Davis drives and dishes to Blake for the double pump jam. See how quickly Chris Bosh backed up? He wanted no part of the Clippers poster child.

And by the way, the Clippers snapped the Miami Heat's 13 game road winning streak for their 3rd straight victory. Check here for our formula of how the Clippers can finish with 41 victories. You heard it here first.

-ALR

Why The Los Angeles Clippers Will Win 41 Games... Maybe



Clipper stars Blake Griffin and Baron Davis


First things first, yes I am a Clipper fan. And not just because Blake Griffin has declared war on rims all across the NBA (see here, here, and here and everywhere else on youtube). I've been a fan since the Larry Brown, Danny Manning, Ken Norman and Loy Vaught days. Witnessing the Clippers lose year in and year out has made me quite realistic with my expectations. So when the Clips stumbled out the gate to a 1-13 start I was a little disappointed but not surprised.

Ever since Griffin's 44-point, 15 board dunk fest against the Knicks, the Clippers have played much improved basketball, with a record of 10-11 going into today's game vs. Golden State. They have even notched impressive victories against the Spurs, Bulls, Hornets, and most recently a 13 point blowout against the Nuggets. The Clippers were even on the verge of a victory over the Lakers if not for the last second heroics of Derek Fisher. Not bad at all.



Eric Gordon



Part of the success can be attributed to the young core realizing their potential. Eric Gordon has developed into a consistent scoring threat on the perimeter, while Griffin has been an absolute beast in the front court. Young center DeAndre Jordan has shown nice potential while filling in for Chris Kaman  and compliments Griffin well in the post. Even veteran PG Baron Davis is rounding into form after reportedly coming into training camp overweight (pun intended) and is contributing 11.4 and 7 dimes as a starter.

The Clippers currently sit at 11-24. They would need to finish 30-17 to reach 41 victories. So how can they finish at .500? Taking a look at the remainder of their schedule, the Clippers have 26 games against sub-.500 teams. I won't go as far as to say that they win all of these games, but they can easily take 20 of them. So that leaves 21 games against teams with winning records. Looking back at the recent 10-11 stretch the Clippers are currently on they have gone 4-7 against winning teams (.363 winning percentage). If you apply that percentage to the remaining 26 games against winning teams, you get about 9-10 victories for the Clippers. So by my calculations that would get them to 30 wins over the final 47 games in their schedule.

It may be a bit of a stretch but it's feasible and gives us Clipper faithful something to get excited about (besides Griffin of course). Now if we can only find a way to get Donald Sterling's foolishness out of the way...

-ALR

Blake Griffin Named Western Conference Rookie Of The Month

The beast known as Los Angeles Clippers PF Blake Griffin was named Western Conference Rookie Of The Month by the NBA today, the second consecutive month. Unless you have been in a cave since October you have seen tons of Griffin monster dunks all over youtube and Sportscenter. For December, Griffin averaged 23 ppg, 13.1 rpg, 3.9 apg and shot 52% from the field. He also racked up a double double in all 15 games in Dec. The Clippers finished the month with an improved 7-8 record, including victories over the Spurs (31 & 130 and the Bulls 29 & 12).

NY Knicks swingman Landry Fields was named rookie of the month for the Eastern Conference.

Here's another look at some of Griffin's amazing highlights:



And here is a highlight of an insane alley oop Griffin caught yesterday in a close loss to the Hawks:



My personal favorite is still the fast break spin move and slam over Galinari, but there really are too many to choose from. Keep it up and stay healthy, Blake. The W's will come soon.

-ALR

#LTSB Video: Today's Edition Of "Blake Griffin Did It Again..."

I'm going to continue to post highlights of the Los Angeles Clippers rookie sensation for a few reasons. 1.) The kid is a BEAST. 2.) I'm a long time Clipper fan (save your jokes; I'm heard them all). 3.) We haven't seen a player this young, this size and this explosive since maybe Shawn Kemp; and I think Blake is already better than the Reign Man. Here are some highlights from the Griffin Show last night against the Timberwolves:



The Clippers are on a 3-game winning streak and Griffin posted his 16th srtraight double-double last night with 22 and 10 (and threw in 7 assists for good measure). In December he is averaging 21.7ppg, 13.3 rpg and 4.3 asts. Say it with me; ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. 'Nuff said.

-ALR

Video: Blake Griffin Dunks vs. Spurs

Has there been any other player is recent memory with more highlight dunks so soon into their NBA career than Los Angeles Clippers rookie Blake Griffin? The kid is good for at least 2-3 jaw-dropping slams a game. As was the case in tonight's Clipper 90-85 victory (yes, victory) over the San Antonio Spurs at Staples. Here are some highlights:





Even had to include this missed dunk attempt...



This guy is an absolute beast. Griffin, who was also named Western Conference Rookie Of The Month earlier in the day, finished the game with 31 points and 13 rebounds. Despite the Clippers 4-15 record Griffin gives fans something to cheer about and hope for the future. Keep the highlights comin'!

-ALR

Why Rashard Lewis Is The NBA's Most Overpaid Player

Numbers often don't lie, but if I told you that a player who is averaging a paltry 10.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg and shooting only 38% from the field was making $19,573,711 this season alone would you believe me? What if I told you that same player still has two more seasons and $43.8 mil left on his contract? You would think I was joking, right? Well the player just described is none other than Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis, who is in the fourth year of a 6-year, $112.7 mil sign and trade deal that was negotiated back in 2007. Someone give his agent a raise.


If you have seen any Orlando Magic games this season, you'll notice that Lewis has looked every bit of lost out on the court. He has scored less than double digits in 5 out of the Magic's 11 games so far this season. His worst performance might have been when Oct. 29th against the Heat, where Lewis was 0-9 from the field and fouled out in only 25 minutes of play. The Magic lost that game by 26 points. Ask yourself, is that worth $19 mil?

So far this season Rashard Lewis has made Albert Haynesworth look like Charlie Hustle. There has been little effort and also what seems like a lack of focus. Some would argue that decline in play would be because Lewis has played more power forward this season which puts him in tougher match ups, but I don't buy it. Lewis has played a flex forward position since back in his all-star days with the Sonics so that point is moot. Lewis' production has been on the decline every year he has been in Orlando, from averaging 18.2 in 07-08, to 17.7, 14.2, and 10.5 so far this season (respectively). His shooting percentage has also been on the dropping every season which is definitely a cause for concern.

From my perspective, I think Lewis' reduced role has played the biggest factor in his decline in play and effort. Lewis is part of a deep forward rotation that includes Quentin Richardson, Mickael Pietrus, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson and sometimes Vince Carter when the Magic go to a smaller lineup. Lewis is the type of wing player who needs touches to be successful and in the current Magic system he is expected to be more of a spot up shooter, which doesn't really utilize his full potential.

So how do the Magic fix this issue? Trading Lewis is pretty much impossible with that much money and years left on his deal, unless they find a taker in a team who needs a scoring swingman and would be willing to trade large deals. A team that would fit this description: the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers could trade Baron Davis and a throw-in like Rasual Butler (who's contract is up after this season) and they also have the cap space to afford Lewis' contract. Lewis is only 31 (same age as Baron) and the swap would fill needs for both Orlando and Los Angeles as the Magic need point guard depth and the Clippers need a 3. A change of scenery might be just what both players need to jump start their careers. Tell me that doesn't work... I thought so.


Maybe I should get Orlando GM Otis Smith and Clippers GM Neil Olshey on the horn and make this happen. Fans of both teams can thank me later (no Drake).


Just a thought.
-ALR (follow me on twitter @a_ramseyLTSB)

Clippers Stay Losing

One win in their first nine games, being outscored by an average of ten points a night? Call that par for the course in Clipperland.

Starting center Chris Kaman goes down with an ankle injury, and is expected to miss two weeks? Yawn.

Point guard Baron Davis make $13 million this year, averages 8 ppg, 4 assists, and shoots 32 percent from the floor? No need to stop the press.

And now, after being baptized in the Los Angeles Clipper funk by missing his true rookie season to injury, former first overall pick Blake Griffin has been videotaped as the world's most recent Shake Weight victim.

The "rookie" power forward for the Clippers is averaging a double-double this season (16 ppg, 10 reb) and has quickly become a fan favorite for his reckless on-court play. However, this showing of off-court recklessness is sure to have the Clipper faithful resorting to the same head motion they've grown accustomed to watching the team play for the last 30 years, the head shake.

You may now resume not giving a d--- about the Clippers.

Western Conference Preview : Pacific Division

The Pacific Division of the NBA is the home of fast paced basketball, no real defense and the simple fact that the O'Brien Trophy is resting within the division with possibly the best team in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers. With that said, I actually think the Pacific is going to shock the NBA world with the possibility of sending 3 teams to the playoffs!!! Wanna hear it, hear it go... * I will also keep with the Vegas odds theme * (good call @marcusjnorris)


5) Sacramento Kings 100-1

I honestly think positions 2-5 will be a toss-up in the Pacific Division, but the Sacramento Kings could hold down the last spot. Led by last season's Rookie Of The Year, Tyreke Evans, the Kings are going to push the pace of the game and try to out gun teams. The keys for success here lie with how DeMarcus Cousins evolves in his rookie season and if Omri Caspi can be a consistent threat. The L's will fill up in the record column until they learn how to close teams out. The Kings were in a lot of games last year, but could not seal the deal. Again, the 2-5 slots are up for grabs, but I think end of game scenario's will end up hurting the Sacramento Kings.


4) Phoenix Suns 50-1

Bold prediction here, but I have a theme working for my 3 team playoff prediction. The Phoenix Suns cannot be that bad when you have a Steve Nash that can make the worst of players look and play better. The question here is who will replace the dominating presence of A'mare Stoudemire. Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson will more than likely take on the bulk of the scoring for these Suns, but generally speaking, jumpshots may end up being the achillies heal. The X-Factor will be Robin Lopez, if he can average anything close to a double-double the Phoenix Suns could be in good shape.


3) Los Angeles Clippers 75-1 (Playoff 8th Seed)

Yea, I said it, the Los Angeles Clippers will be the 8th seed in the West this year. I think Eric Gordon will be much improved after his experience with Team USA and quite possibly lead the Clippers in scoring. We are all excited to see if Blake Griffin is going to hold up for the season and what he will produce. Judging by the pre-season, Griffin is a double-double waiting to happen. Chris Kaman is solid on the block and can give good production. The X-Factor is Baron Davis. Baron Davis is an all-star caliber player, when he wants to be. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Baron becomes the leader the Clippers need and gets them to that 8th seed.



2) Golden State Warriors 150-1 (Playoff 7th Seed)

Bold prediction on the 7th seed, but here is what I see. The Golden State Warriors are going to live and die by the decisions of one Monta Ellis. Monta can score the ball with anyone of the top scorers in the league. The problem is that Monta is a volume shooter/scorer and that can be what puts the Warriors in the 7th seed of the playoffs or with one of the worst records in the league. Stephen Curry is the other shooter/scorer and his experience with Team USA will help him improve this season. Curry has one of the purest shots in the league and can put up good numbers, if he is on. Jumpshots are clearly up in Golden State, which is why the addition of David Lee will pay off royally. Lee is a hard working rebound machine and you have to believe some of those will come on the offensive end, he also has post game which is needed. Two X-Factors here... First, can Monta and Stephen become a dynamic scoring duo? Second, will Reggie Williams get a chance to do what he can do? Williams is a good scorer that can definitely add an extra threat. With that said, I think the Golden State Warriors will sneak into that 7th spot in the Western Conference Playoffs.


1) Los Angeles Lakers 7-2 (Playoff 2nd Seed?)

The reigning and defending back to back NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers are looking to send Phil Jackson off into the sunset with an unprecedented 12th championship on 4 3-peats. It's no secret the Los Angeles Lakers will go as far as Kobe Bryant wills them to go, but health will be a concern for this season's Laker team. Kobe is coming off knee surgery and that needs rest, but Kobe is going to play and I will not count out the best player in the world if he wants to play. We know how Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Ron Artest and Lamar Odom will fit within the offense and clearly it equals championships. Not to be a broken Laker record, but the concern is the Laker bench. I think additions of Matt Barnes and Steve Blake will add good defensive depth, so it just depends on how they fit in the offense. Let Shannon Brown dunk and maybe Sasha Vuacic can re-discover his confidence and jumpshot after his recent engagement. The X-Factor is Andrew Bynum and how soon will he be back from yet another knee injury. My advice is to sit Andrew until January and let him get back to speed from there, because the Lakers do not need him in the regular season. They do however, need to let him get some time in and get re-adjusted to the speed of the game and Lamar Odom back to leading the bench. So health concerns and re-adjustment will probably put the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2nd seed of the Western Conference, but I do see them with the 3-peat. The Champs are here again!!!

Oh and by the way, the theme I mentioned for playoff positioning is "improvement by playing for Team USA Basketball." Which is why I think OKC and Kevin Durant will take the 1 seed...

- @lostherod