I feel like the Clippers are in the same state as the Bulls were a few years ago. The only difference is that coach Del Negro did not have Derek Rose during his time in Chicago, but does have Chris Paul in Los Angeles. After watching mostly every Clipper game last season I noticed that Del Negro would rely a little too much on CP3 making something out of nothing. That translates to a very optimistic offense when you’re relying on one player to carry the offense, especially in the fourth quarter.

Del Negro needs to teach a more efficient half court offense and it starts with Blake Griffin. Blake is arguably the most athletic player in the NBA, but his offensive game is overrated. If it was not for his spectacular dunks, he would just be another role player in the NBA. He needs to be better in the post and develop a more consistent 15 foot jumper. It starts with Del Negro and the rest of the coaching staff to develop Blake into an unstoppable force. As we saw in the playoffs, teams were daring Blake to shoot the 15 footer, showing him no respect.

The development of Blake can make the Clippers into a championship contender and make Del Negro a high caliber coach. I still feel someone like Jerry Sloan, with his experience, could make Blake into a power house. It could be Stockton and Malone all over again; instead it will be Paul and Griffin. I believe if the Clips get out to a slow start next season, Del Negro might be replaced during mid season.

The Los Angeles Clippers fall to the San Antonio Spurs in devastating fashion. It is a tough pill to shallow when your favorite team is swept out of the playoffs. But was it an unsuccessful playoff run for the Los Angeles Clippers? I do not think it was because the Clippers got pass a very good Memphis Grizzlies team. Going into the series many had picked the Grizzlies to win due to their size and the home court advantage. The Clippers were able to take a commanding three to one lead in the series with superb defense and shooting. The Grizzlies were able to push the series into a seventh game in Memphis; it looked as if the Clippers might have blown their chances. With their backs against the wall, the Clippers went into Memphis in game seven and left with a win. It was unexpected even to me; it is difficult winning a game seven on the road. I believe that series showed what the Clippers are capable of becoming.

The series against the Spurs was a learning situation. The Spurs are a veteran team with a great coach and players with championship experience. The Clippers were not ready for them. The Clippers organization have been a laughing stock for years and getting into the second round is a step in the right direction.

As I mentioned in a prior blog the Clippers need to find a way to acquire a big man that can hit mid range jumpers at a consistent rate. Two players I really like are Luis Scola from the Houston Rockets and Pau Gasol from the Los Angeles Lakers. Both players have been mentioned in trade blocks in the pasts and can hit the mid range shot. Scola and Gasol can make a very good Clippers offense. Remember guard Chauncey Billups wants to come back for another season. Can you imagine Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Billups, and Gasol/Scola on the same team?

Another move might have to be coach Vinny Del Negro’s departure. I believe he is a good coach, but he is having a hard time managing the talent that he has. This might be a long shot, but I heard in a television program mention that former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan would be a great candidate for the job. For years he had great teams with John Stockton and Karl Malone running the pick and roll. I can see CP3 doing the same with Blake or Gasol/Scola. He is a Hall of Fame coach that probably wants another crack of winning a championship.

The off season will be interesting for the Clippers. They need to make significant moves to improve the organization and as important; to keep CP3 happy. Next season could be the last season for CP3 in a Clippers uniform. Obviously the Clips need a big year next season to entice him to want to stay in Los Angeles. I am very excited to see what happens next for the Clippers. GO CLIPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!