por Mr. Cátering »
13 Jun 2008, 23:21
Vuelven los rumores sobre un posible traspaso Brand-Arenas:
One player who has no baggage, apart from health concerns, is Elton Brand -- a player who would give the Wizards inside scoring they haven't had since Chris Webber was in D.C. Brand has yet to opt out of his current deal, and the Clippers have dreams of re-signing both Brand and Corey Maggette, adding an impact player through the draft and signing another free agent to get back to where they were two years ago when they were one win from the conference finals.
Though Arenas spurned the Clippers for the Wizards a few years ago, sources here in Los Angeles indicate the Clippers are interested in making one more run at Arenas. It makes sense, provided the Wizards could find a sign-and-trade to their liking.
Siguen los rumores sobre Maggette, aunque la cosa me sigue oliendo a que se larga a Orlando:
Now that the Clippers have accepted the unfortunate truth that Shaun Livingston is not going to be ready to resume starting - or maybe even playing - next season, they're starting to look in other directions. Naturally, every team that needs a starting point guard is on the phone with either the Raptors, who have TJ Ford to offer, or the Memphis Grizzlies, who have a stockpile of young floor leaders. The Clippers are no different, and have been linked to talks regarding both of the Raptors' point guards.
Last week we heard that the Clippers had interest in Ford, and might be willing to work a deal to send Corey Maggette to Toronto in trade. One way or the other it sounds like Maggette is leaving town, and as many as six NBA teams inquired about him last summer and again at the trade deadline. He brings a wide array of skills and would look good next to Calderon and make life easier for Chris Bosh with his ability to create a shot from anywhere. Now, however, the LA Times is reporting that the Clippers might prefer to make a run at Calderon.
Calderon is a restricted free agent, but both he and the Raptors have been open about their intention to re-marry as soon as players can be signed in July. The Clippers would have to make him a pretty impressive deal to get him away from the Raptors, who can ultimately offer him more under the CBA. It seems much more likely that the Clippers make a deal for Ford, but we'll continue to follow this story as it evolves.
Livingston habla, entre otras cosas, de su futuro:
Clippers guard Shaun Livingston said Thursday that the day is coming very soon when he will be cleared to have basketball-related activity.
“It could be within 2-3 weeks, it could be less than that,” Livingston said. “But it’s definitely right around the corner. It’s definitely on deck. Everything’s cool and we’re sticking with the game plan.”
It seems like eons since the last time Livingston has been on the court. His recovery and rehabilitation from a devastating left injury now is in its 16th month.
“I’ve been putting all of my strength work and all of my exercises and putting that into basketball-related form. So, it’s looking real good.”
Livingston said his initial contact work would consist of playing one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three and finally five-on-five.
“It will be some one-on-one, full court, where I’m bringing the ball up the court under pressure,” Livingston said.
Los Angeles is a mecca for off-season pickup games, involving NBA players, and Livingston said he hopes to be able to play in those games, without any restraint.
But first things, first. The Clippers have until June 30 to tender the 22-year old Livingston a qualifying offer of $5.8 million. Otherwise, he would become an unrestricted free agent, the following day.
“I’d like to have my contract situation worked out, before I do anything, as far as any five-on-five, open gym stuff,” Livingston said. “But if not…hey, I’ve been sitting out too long.”
Livingston said his agent, Henry Thomas, and the Clippers are not actively negotiating but discussions are certain to resume soon.
“Really, I know (the Clippers) want to wait and see what I’ve got and what I’m going to be able to do, and my limitations and restrictions,” Livingston said. “But I think people are going to be fairly surprised.”
Livingston said he does not know what the Clippers’ decision would be, in regards to the June 30th deadline.
“They could pick it up, they could let it go, to see what’s out there for me,” he said. “All I can do is to be here every day, working out, getting better, and getting ready for next season.”
Obviously, Livingston would like the Clippers to tender him the qualifying offer.
“Definitely,” Livingston said. “But I anticipate being back with the Clippers, regardless if it’s with the qualifying offer or whatever the deal is. I look forward to being back, because I’d like to stay in L.A. But it’s whatever direction they decide to go in. I’m on board to be playing, wherever that is.”
There are clear indications from Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy and vice president of basketball operations Elgin Baylor that they want Livingston back, only not at $5.8 million.
Including the entire 82-game season he missed this year, injuries have cost Livingston 181 games out of a possible 324 games since his rookie season in 2004-2005.
“I would definitely understand but on the other hand I know that I’m competitive and I know what I’m going to bring to the table,” Livingston said. “It’s going to be an asset and assets aren’t necessarily free.
“On the other hand, I’m not out here asking for Gilbert Arenas money. I recognize the situation. I’m not naive. I understand that it’s a business. But I’m out here to play ball and make teams better. That’s what I look forward to doing for the Clippers.”
Livingston said at times it has been mentally excruciating, not being able to play the game that he has loved for so long.
“That’s why when I get back, it’s going to be even more of an anticipation,” he said. “I’m going to have an even more harder drive and a deeper hunger.”
Repescaremos a Korolev para las ligas de verano:
After spending this past season getting sporadic playing time with the Russian professional team Dynamo Moscow, Yaroslav Korolev, the Clippers’ former first-round draft pick, is back in Los Angeles and working out for what he hopes is a return to the NBA.
Although his two years spent with the Clippers were far from fruitful in establishing him as a solid NBA player, the 21-year old Korolev said it was a great experience.
“I learned a lot and I’m sure that I’m a better player,” he said. “I still appreciate everything that happened and I don’t have any bad feelings. Right now, at my age, I’m still young. I know the kitchen now. My goal is to get back to the NBA.”
The first step, according to Korolev, is to try to attain a spot on one of the NBA’s summer league teams that will be playing next month in Las Vegas.
The road back, however, will be difficult. After being a lottery pick of the Clippers in 2005, selected 14th overall in the draft, Korolev languished on the bench. He played a total of only 34 games in two years and the Clippers declined to exercise the third-year option of his rookie contract, which made Korolev an unrestricted free agent.
The 6-foot-9 Korolev was 18 years old, when the Clippers drafted him, on the backing of Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, who had scouted Korolev in a junior European tournament, and felt he had a tremendous upside.
However, Korolev failed to develop as rapidly as Dunleavy had hoped.
After not having the third-year option on his contract exercised, Korolev did not receive any promising offers of a guaranteed contract from another NBA team. As a result, accepted a partially-guaranteed offer by the Clippers to come to training camp last fall. He was the team’s final cut and when no other team picked him up, Korolev signed with Dynamo Moscow, in December 2007.
Although career-wise, Korolev’s stint in the NBA did not pan out successfully the first time around, financially he did fine, getting paid $1.4 million his rookie season and $1.52 million his second year. Korolev bought a house in Los Angeles’ south bay area, which he still owns.
