NBA, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers had a pretty whirlwind, and uncharacteristic season. Uncharacteristic in that the organization actually made strides to try and create a winning lineup.
It all started when they acquired Chris Paul from New Orleans. That was a high point. Then there were lows, like when the team told long-time fan Clipper Darrell that he wasn't welcome at the games in the same capacity he previously was. Then there was a brief losing streak. It all ended, however, with the team making it to the playoffs and getting to the second round.
There are some definite areas where the team needs to improve drastically in order to make it further into the playoffs next season, if not all the way to the finals.
First, they MUST improve their free throw shooting.They were second to last in the NBA, just ahead of the Orlando Magic, making only 68 percent of their free throws. This has to get better if they want to win. It will not only help them win over the course of the game, but come up clutch at the end too.
Second, they need to have some offensive variety. Their go-to offense is the Chris Paul pick-and-roll. This is completely predictable and any halfway decent team can guard them. Coach Del Negro has got to get creative and really work with this squad to come up with some other options. They're got a lot of weapons, they just need to use them.
Third, they've got to get more production out of Blake Griffin. Even President Obama commented on this last season. From his mid-range shooting to his post game, Griffin needs some grooming. He's so big and athletic, which are things you can't teach. What he needs is some fine tuning, and maybe a bit of confidence in the paint.
