2006 Los Angeles Clippers Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Los Angeles Clippers NBA Preview from Maddux Sports. The regular season opens up October 31st and now is the time to study up on this years teams. If you regularly wager on the NBA our handicappers for Expert NBA Picks and check out the NBA Spreads page to compare odds and increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Los Angeles Clippers Basketball Season Preview

There’s another team in Los Angeles and last season people noticed. Not only did they make it into the post-season, the Clippers beat the Nuggets easily in round one (4-1) and lost to the Suns in a hard fought seven games series in the Western Conference semifinals. The 2005- 06 season was a breakout year for this team.

Point guard Sam Cassell ( 17.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.3 APG, 44.3 FG%, 86.3 FT%) may be 36 years old, but he’s still got pop. Backed up by the talented but inexperienced Shaun Livingston ( 5.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 42.7 FG%, 68.8 FT%), he’ll serve as a mentor to the kid. Shooting guard Cuttino Mobley ( 14.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 42.6 FG%, 83.9 FT%) plays fine defense and is a good scoring threat.

Two seven-year players man the forward positions. Power forward Elton Brand ( 24.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.6 APG, 52.7 FG%, 77.5 FT%) has developed quickness and toughness over the past few years. His got a fine inside shot and is solid on the boards. Small forward Corey Maggette (17.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 44.5 FG%, 82.8 FT%) missed 50 games last season. He can score in a variety of ways but must be tougher on “D.”

After three years, Chris Kaman (11.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 52.3 FG%, 77.0 FT%) has become a force at center. At 7’ and 265 pounds, he works the inside for rebounds and shots. There’s depth off the bench with Zeljko Rebraca and Aaron Willams ready to step in.

Coach Mike Dunleavy emphasizes hustle and defense. Last season the Clippers led the NBA in blocked shots. On offense, he has them work the ball inside and, if double-teamed, kick it back out for the open shot. Dunleavy is one of the most prepared coaches in the league and his highly competitive personality has helped make this team a winner.

The Los Angeles Clippers are poised to have another winning season. Second place in the division is achievable and a playoff run is not unreasonable.

For more info on the 2006 Clippers basketball team visit the Clippers official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Suns, Kings, Warriors, and Lakers.