The Clippers are limping into the 2007-2008 season after narrowly missing the playoffs last season. Elton Brand will miss several months to a ruptured Achilles tendon and point guard prospect Shaun Livingston is out for even longer. Brand underwent successful surgery, but will wear a cast for six weeks and a walking boot for six weeks after that.
Moreover, Sam Cassell will be turning 38 years old in November and Corey Maggette and Chris Kaman are both injury prone. If Maggette can stay healthy, look for him to carry much of the offensive load.
The good news is that rookies Al Thornton and Jared Jordan both looked great in summer league play. Thornton is a freak of an athlete and should be able to contribute right away, while Jordan might be the best passer in the 2007 NBA Draft. The addition of Brevin Knight will also help secure the point guard spot.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Chris Kaman 12.7 ppg, 9.3 rbpg (back up: Aaron Williams)
- Power Forward: Tim Thomas 13.5 ppg, 6.1 rbpg (back up: Josh Powell)
- Small Forward: Corey Maggette 20.8 ppg, 5.6 rbpg (back up: Al Thornton)
- Point Guard: Sam Cassell 12.4 ppg, 5.3 apg (back up: Brevin Knight)
- Shooting Guard: Cuttino Mobley 14.2 ppg, 3.6 rbpg (back up: Ruben Patterson)
Key Losses
Losing Elton Brand for several months due to injuries will really hurt the Clippers' chances of making the playoffs. As for significant personnel losses, there aren't really any to speak of.
Key Additions
With Shaun Livingston's career in question and Sam Cassell turning 38 this year, there were significant questions about the point guard spot. The Clips did a good job responding to those concerns with the additions of veteran Brevin Knight, rookie Jared Jordan and Guillermo Diaz. Also, signing Josh Powell and drafting Al Thornton could help pad a lineup that's facing significant injuries.
Team Rumors
There are rumors that the Clippers are looking to replace Brand as best as possible. Top candidates include Cleveland Cavaliers' Anderson Varejao, free agent P.J. Brown and free agent Brian Skinner.
Prediction
Losing Brand for so long is a huge blow. Expect a big drop for the Clippers, much like last season when the Memphis Grizzlies went without Pau Gasol for much of the season. The Clippers will win 14 fewer games this season than they did last season, finishing with a record of 26-56. Only one other team will be worse in the Western Conference. However, that will allow them to get a high draft pick in the 2008 NBA, which promises to be a strong draft. They'll bounce back in 2008-2009.
Fantasy Spin
With Elton Brand out for several months, keep a close eye on who steps up for the Clippers. Corey Maggette is the logical choice to carry the scoring load, but with his own injury proneness to deal with he might not pan out like some expect. The same goes with Chris Kaman with rebounds.
Sam Cassell's numbers continue to decrease, as do Cuttino Mobley's. So, look for Brevin Knight to contribute assists and steals like he typically does.
Rookie Al Thornton has a chance to really make some noise right away. Also, don't count out Tim Thomas in the later rounds of your fantasy drafts. He'll step in for Brand until they find someone better at the four spot.
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