When Baron Davis signed with the Clippers, it was supposed to be the deal that took them from irrelevance to contention. The combination of Davis and Brand, along with Chris Kaman and a few other quality young players was supposed to give them a chance to win.Unfortunately, Brand bolted for Philadelphia, and the Clippers were only able to replace him with Marcus Camby, who is an older, less offensively productive, softer version of Brand. After that, the best they were able to come up with was Ricky Davis.
The lack of talent isn't the only thing hurting the Clippers right now. Davis, their best player, is having trouble adjusting to Mike Dunleavy's playbook, as well as his coaching style.
"There's definitely a disconnect there. I've never had so many plays in my entire career. I have to figure out how to fit more into his system, and he has to figure out how to relax his grip."
Bill Plaschke questions the judgment of both parties in this one, and it's a fair question. Davis should have known that Dunleavy wasn't the same kind of coach that Don Nelson is, and that it would be an entirely different system. At the same time, Dunleavy should have had scouted Davis a little better, before just going after the biggest name available, when he wouldn't be able to conform to Dunleavy's coaching style anyway.This is a prime example why the Clippers have been the doormat of the league for years. Even when it looks like they're doing it right, there is still a lack of key information and leg work done by upper management. This franchise has some talent in Al Thornton, Davis and some other guys. Will they be able to utilize it properly? Not likely.
Sorry Clippers fans, but you are probably looking at another 4-5 years of ineptitude, at least. Good luck.
So Eight Games And Baron Davis Already Isn't Fitting In With The Clippers [Larry Brown Sports]
more
