AHouston20: I have watched a decent amount of Clipper games and I think they are legitimately improved a lot from last year.Their defense is much better, Jordan and Griffin in particular have improved in their help defense and comprehension of team defensive concepts.And if they ever started playing Bledsoe more than 19 minutes a game, they could be even better, he’s averaging 1.5 spg in less than 19 minutes a game.But of course VDN is their coach so who knows if that will ever happen

Agreed. He is averse to even attempting to have Bledsoe and Paul share the same backcourt, though I’m not quite sure why. VDN is a truly awful coach. It amazes me this guy still has his job.

Juany8: I’m more curious about how Chris Paul acts this off season. I think the Clippers are a bit overrated, but I admit I haven’t watched them enough to tell for sure. Don’t think they’ve caught up to the Thunder or Spurs though, and they were virtually even with Memphis last year and are probably in the same spot this year. Going to be an interesting year, there’s more parity in the league than I can ever remember

I have watched a decent amount of Clipper games and I think they are legitimately improved a lot from last year. Their defense is much better, Jordan and Griffin in particular have improved in their help defense and comprehension of team defensive concepts. And if they ever started playing Bledsoe more than 19 minutes a game, they could be even better, he’s averaging 1.5 spg in less than 19 minutes a game. But of course VDN is their coach so who knows if that will ever happen

Juany8: Artest always guards the opponent’s best offensive player

so Artest on Chandler then? :)

Frank O.: I have every confidence that both Kidd and Felton will make Amare and Melo into a devastating pair.

Amare could really help himself if he really dedicated himself to learning the 3 point shot (in addition to defense, etc.). If he could just shoot even 33-35% from 3 point range, he could play stretch 4 when Tyson’s on the floor, then beast in the PNR when Tyson sits. And the ability to play pick-and-pop in in addition to the dive would make him even harder to defend on those possessions during which he’s the primary option.

jon abbey: it’s a no win position for those guys, the rules make it so they need to wait until after their contracts expire to get max money and they get endlessly badgered until then.

that being said, I’ve been betting ATL for a while for Howard along with his BFF Josh Smith.

I’m more curious about how Chris Paul acts this off season. I think the Clippers are a bit overrated, but I admit I haven’t watched them enough to tell for sure. Don’t think they’ve caught up to the Thunder or Spurs though, and they were virtually even with Memphis last year and are probably in the same spot this year. Going to be an interesting year, there’s more parity in the league than I can ever remember

jon abbey:
Gasol is out again tonight, yay. Jamison will start at PF against Melo.

Artest always guards the opponent’s best offensive player, even if it’s Kyrie Irving and he stands no chance of keeping up with him

Frank:
Lost in the awesomeness of our shellacking of Miami and the great wins over Denver and BKN is the fact that our defense has been quite ordinary lately. Our opponent expected eFG% (based on shot locations) is 4th worst in the league – mostly on the basis that we allow the 7th most shots at the rim per game and 9th most 3 pointers per game. Our actual opponent eFG is 8th worst in the league.We’ve allowed 9 out of our last 12 opponents to post an off-eff of >103, which is sort of the line for worst 10 defenses in the league.The schedule has been a little tougher but this is a problem.Hopefully the eventual return of Shump will help that a little.

Brewer has been less effective, as has Wallace. Both have bad wheels – Brewer’s knee, and Wallace’s foot.
Camby has been out, and Felton has been less aggressive defensively with his hand. That leaves Tyson alone in the paint, and this is where Melo at the four is a bit of a detriment at 6’8.
Shump should help, and while Amare is no defensive savant, he at least gives Wallace fewer minutes, and perhaps fewer dings as the season progresses. As Amare at 6’10 is a dangerous weak side defender, as we have seen from time to time.