Feb 10, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Ryan Gomes (15) wipes his mouth during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Clippers defeated the Sixers 78-77. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

As most of you already know The Los Angeles Clippers are unable to use the NBA Amnesty Clause in this years off-season or the next two off-season due to using it on Ryan Gomes before last season. The Clippers thought they had a made a great decision on amnestying Gomes to be able to sign Grant Hill to the “Bi-Annual Expecption”. Ryan Gomes didn’t suit up for a NBA team this season. Grant Hill played in 29 games averaging a measly 3 points per game.

“NBA Amnesty Clause”: Each team is allowed to waive a player without having their salary count toward the salary cap or luxury tax. One player can be waived prior to the start of any season from 2011–12 through 2015–16. It can be exercised during the seven days that follow the July moratorium. Each team is restricted to one “amnestied” player during that time. Only players signed prior to 2011–12 are eligible. Teams can claim an amnestied player at a reduced rate, with the waiving team responsible for paying the balance of the contract. The team with the highest bid acquires the player. If unclaimed, the player becomes a free agent.Teams over the salary cap can only acquire an amnestied player if he becomes a free agent, and the offer would be limited to the veteran’s minimum contract.

Teams that can’t use the “NBA Amnesty Clause”

Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards…

Teams that can use the “NBA Amnesty Clause” until the 2015/2016 season *Players Eligible for Amnesty*

Atlanta Hawks: Al Horford
Boston Celtics: Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley
Charlotte Bobcats: Tyrus Thomas
Chicago Bulls: Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah
Detroit Pistons: Charlie Villanueva, Greg Monroe
Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace, Steve Blake
Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Randolph (2014), Mike Conley
Miam Heat: Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony
Milwaukee Bucks: Drew Gooden, Larry Sanders
Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant, Kendrick Perkins, Thabo Sefolosha, Nick Collison
Sacramento Kings: John Salmons, DeMarcus Cousins
San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker and Matt Bonner
Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani, Amir Johnson, Linas Kleiza
Utah Jazz: Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward

Once teammates at Georgia, both Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie reunite as they were both drafted by the LA Clippers (Picture courtesy of Espn.com)

As I pointed out in my introduction to the site, we have a lot to talk about since this site has been inactive for around five months. One of those things that we need to talk about is the 2011 NBA Draft, reviewing and grading the selections that the LA Clippers made in that draft. So, why wait? let’s review and grade the selections that the Clippers made in the 2011 NBA Draft right now.

The Clippers did not have a first round pick since they traded it to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a package deal that included Baron Davis going to the Cleveland Cavaliers (THANK YOU) and Mo Williams along with Jamario Moon to the LA Clippers. Sadly that first round pick that was given to the Cavaliers was unprotected, which ended up turning into the first pick of the 2011 NBA Draft. Yes, there were some Clipper fans that were disappointed because they initially lost out on the opportunity to have both Kyrie Irving and Blake Griffin on the floor together, but most Clipper fans were content with the deal because it got rid of Baron Davis’s horrible contract, which will help a lot financially down the line. All wasn’t bad though because they still had solid second round picks (37 and 47). Speaking about those two second round picks, Let’s take a look at whom the selected with both of those second round selections and grade them on both of those selections.
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