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Will cornerstones Elton Brand and Corey Maggette return next season?

This page is maintained by Kevin McCarthy

2008-09 CLIPPERS

There is much uncertainty surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers going into the 2008-09 season their two marqee players (Brand and Maggette) although under contract could possibly opt out and go elsewhere. Will Shaun Livingston be healthy and be able to contribute this season? The Clippers can't rely on these cornerstone players to be here when they draft later this month. Many draft experts suggest the Clippers will pick Eric Gordon. But no one knows who will be available come the 7th pick in the draft. Lets take a look at some possible picks and how they would fit with the Clippers.
Eric Gordon- G- Indiana - Gordon can hit the 3 well and has NBA range, a good perimeter shooter and pull up jumper would fit well in a Clippers offense that was desperate for a good shooter last season. Also has excellent lateral quickness and always plays with intensity on defense. However at 6'4" is considered undersized for a shooting guard in the NBA.
Russel Westbrook -G- UCLA - not a true point guard and also considered undersized for a SG. He has a lighting quick first step can really take the ball to the hole. He is an outstanding defender with a huge upside who understands his role with the team.
Danilo Gallinari-F-Italy- Believed by many to be the most talented player in europe. He has amazing fundamentals and possesses great court vision. Has the ability to create his own shot. He seems to be very NBA ready. whoever gets this guy will have a superstar for years to come. his quickness and defense are big question marks.
OJ Mayo -G- USC- Most likely won't be available at the 7th pick but theres still a possiblity. Mayo is an incredible talent with the ability to shoot well from any where. Great scoring instincts and can create his own shot. decision making abilities have been questioned.
other possible picks(though unlikely)- Jerryd Bayless, Kevin Love, Anthony Randolph, DJ Augustin

CURRENT ROSTER
Are they staying or going?
Elton Brand-The cornerstone of the franchise, with the option to leave the clippers and he definatley will get a lot of calls from GMs around the league looking to bolster their front court. And Elton is going to listen to what they have to say, but with a $16million check coming to him next season and the dedication he has made to turn the clippers around its hard to see him leaving.
Corey Maggette- The Clippers need maggette in order to succeed next year and there is no doubt whatsoever that he will terminate his contract and become a free agent. Maggette says it will be up to the clippers to keep him around. Maggette is expected to get a lot of attention from other teams this offseason so if the Clippers want him back next year they are going to have to pay.
Key returning players
Chris Kaman- had a career year. hard work in the offseason proved he was worth the big deal the clippers just signed him to. if brand stays, Kaman and Elton should be one of the better front court duos, maybe even the best in the league.
Brevin Knight- logged major minutes last season because of the many injuries to the clips. If livingston is heatlhy, Knight will be a solid backup point guard and veteran leader the clippers need.
Cuttino Mobley- In the fourth year of the five year $42 mil deal he signed in 2005. Mobley has regressed during the last two seasons since the clippers made the playoffs, will likely come off the bench this year if the clippers keep maggette. he needs to get more involved in the offense, he seems to just slow the clippers down when hes out there. neared most of his career low last season
Josh Powell- depending on who stays and goes and who the clippers draft will affect how much time he sees on the court. however he does provide quickness and athleticism whenever hes in the game, has the desire to prove he's worthy of more minutes. solid backup to have.
Tim Thomas- after burning the Clippers in the 2006 playoffs, Thomas appeared to be the missing piece to take them deep into the playoffs the next season. however he has hardly been that. the clippers expected thomas to step up in wake of all the injuries that have occured last season but he was pretty much a dud. will have to shoot better than 30% of his 3's if he wants to help the clippers win some games.
Al Thornton- The Clippers didnt need another forward in last seasons draft but when Al Thornton was available at the 14th pick in the draft in 2007 Dunleavy didn't hesitate to grab him and after the rookie season Thornton had we all now see what Dunleavy and the Clippers management saw. A matured rookie with a polished game. Expect Thornton to log major minutes this upcoming season and continue to turn heads in his second season.
Restricted free agents Shaun Livingston- so much potential still surrounding this almost 23 year old, The clippers will have to resign him to the one year qualifing offer, so no question that livingston will be here at least one more year. but the big question is will he be able to stay healthy. before the devastating knee injury that knocked livingston out the entire 07-08 season he was starting to leave no doubt in everybodys mind that he was the future point guard of the clippers and he was destined for good things. after a year of rehab, livingston is out to prove that he is still that player... the player we all know he can be... if only he can stay healthy...
F-C Paul Davis- injured most of last season, the clippers should give him the one year qualifying offer to keep him around another year. Before the injury early last season he started to show signs of being a solid big man in the NBA, but will have to prove that in training camp in order to be a contributor this season
Nick Fazekas- when given time, he as shown he has what it takes to be an effective back up. the clippers will probably resign him to a one year deal. Marcus williams- signed by the clippers late last season, he still remains a resticted free agent for the clippers. he didnt see the court much last season, so he will have to prove himself in the summer pro league and in training camp to earn a spot on the roster
Unrestricted free agents
Quinton Ross-A key member of the clippers the last few years saw his role decrease this past season but Dunleavy still loves this guy and wants him around next year. A solid defender with a nice baseline jumpshot Ross can expect to hear from a few teams this offseason, so it will be up to the clippers to resign him.
Dan Dickau- ideally he would be the clippers 3rd point guard but saw a lot more minutes than expected due to injuries last season. a good backup to have, he is a smart player with a good shot. unknown whether the clippers will keep him around next season.
Smush Parker-Good bye smush, I know the clippers were desperate last season but when they signed Parker, things went from worse to shit hit the fan. good riddance smush.

Final Score 95 105
Location Pepsi Center in Denver
Attendence 18,142
High Scorers Corey Maggette - 22 points, Carmelo Anthony (DEN) - 35 points
Next game November 27, 2005
Opponent
Location Staples Center
TV/ RADIO NBA TV/Fox Sports 1150am
Clippers record 9-3 FIRST PLACE PACIFIC DIVISION!