Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
In two weeks the Los Angeles Clippers will take to the court in a preseason match-up against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers are coming off a disappointing 2012-2013 campaign plagued with injuries, youth, and the wrong Lopez twin. Although surprise rookie standout point guard, Damian Lillard, gave the Trail Blazers optimism despite ending the season with a lottery worthy record.
NBA preseason is not easy on the eyes even for the biggest basketball junkie, but it’s necessary for veterans to shake off the summer rust and for coaches to kick the tires on the newcomers. As for the this year’s Clippers, there’s much more at stake. Many additions have been added to the team this past offseason, and though they’re mostly comprised of role players and specialists, it’s uncertain if these additions make the team better or just better looking.
Also, it shouldn’t take many games this preseason to determine if the Clippers’ front court stars, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, are fit to be running mates with point guard Chris Paul or for a team looking to be in contention for the conference title and more. Their talent has been well documented, but a disappointing 2013 playoff exposed their limitations and raises the speculation if five months is indeed enough time for the two athletes to embrace the monotony of sound fundamentals.
Preseason games don’t count. In most cases there’s little need to panic if a team is lacking chemistry. But in the case of the Clippers, there’s a real possibility that a change will have to be made, and that change will have to occur while the market value of their young players is still very high.
ChistopherBrown is an NBA writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @whatrockschris. Like him on Facebook.
