2005 Los Angeles Clippers Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Los Angeles Clippers.

2005 Los Angeles Clippers Team Preview

The Los Angeles Clippers are a tough team to figure out. On paper they can score, rebound, and run. Forwards Corey Maggette and Elton Brand are talented guys. The team has a good mix of veteran and young players. And coach Mike Dunleavy, who has two more years on his contract, seems to be able to make the team play to its strengths. Still they have not seen a playoff game in 8 seasons.

Many are saying that this year will be different. Why? Partly it’s because of Dunleavy’s intelligent coaching decisions, game insight, and diligent discipline. Dunleavy, a former point guard, has brought stability to the team. But will the Clippers, the “other team” from LA, revert to its old ways this season? Will it suddenly buckle under the grind of a highly competitive division, the battle of egos, and its traditional late season malaise? That depends on a few things.

Here are the few things—Shaun Livingston, Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, and Chris Kaman. Livingston, a second-year point guard, is talented and aided by good basketball sense. Unfortunately the twenty-year-old, who starts this year, has had a basketful of physical woes, missing 52 games last season. To be effective he must stay healthy and prove his durability.

Last season Cory Maggette led his team in scoring. The odd thing is they had a better winning percentage when he wasn’t in the line up. Maggette can turn it off, as quickly as he can turn it on and when he doesn’t want to play hard, he doesn’t. He has to play hard every night and every minute.

Elton Brand is a blue collar, hard-nosed player who can score and rebound. Unlike Maggette’s, his play is consistently defined by commitment and drive. Look for Brand to step up more this season when the game is on the line and the clock is ticking down. He may be the factor in one-point games.

Center Chris Kaman can make a huge difference on this team. Last year, his second, he improved greatly as a scorer and rebounder. The 7-foot Kaman moves well for a big man and possesses both quickness and dexterity. If he can make an even more impressive leap this season, the Clippers will too.

Do the Clippers have the playoffs in their sights? Four major players need to really be major players in order to make that happen. The potential is there.

For more information on the 2005 Los Angeles Clippers Team, click here to visit their official team website.