Los Angeles Clippers

Per the Los Angeles Times article: Though he helped the Clippers to their best record in franchise history and back-to-back Western Conference playoff appearances, those weren't enough for Vinny Del Negro to keep his job as coach of the team. Del Negro said that being let go Tuesday was "hard to take," but that he understood how the business of professional basketball works. He said he was happy to help change the Clippers' culture. He also wanted to thank Clippers owner Donald Sterling, President Andy Roeser, Vice President of Basketball Operations Gary Sacks and director of basketball administration Eric Miller. "You try not to ever be surprised, but it is a business," Del Negro said in a phone interview from his home in Phoenix. "But I want to thank the fans, the organization and Mr. and Mrs. Sterling for giving me this opportunity.... I want to thank the players and my entire staff for their effort and support." Del Negro helped the Clippers to several historic marks during the 2012-13 season. The Clippers won their first first Pacific Division championship and had a franchise-best 56-26 record. They had a franchise-best 17-game winning streak, 16-0 during the month of December. Over three years as coach of the Clippers, Del Negro had a 128-102 record. "I'm proud of what we've done there, things that had never been done there before," Del Negro said. "But it's hard to take. I do think the organization is in a much better place. This is disappointing, but I also feel very fortunate. You move forward from here."

May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers fan holds up a sign to bring on the Miami Heat after the Pacers defeat the New York Knicks in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats New York 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports With two games have gone by already and one series yet to start, the Conference Finals are going to be exciting, yet again! Last year in the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder were able to beat the San Antonio Spurs in order to move on, but get their hearts broken by the lower seeded Miami Heat. In the Eastern Conference Finals last year, the Heat were able to knock off the Boston Celtics to get to the Finals, where LeBron James finally captured that elusive NBA Championship. This year, however, things have changed. The injury bug has always been there, but this year, is there in a huge way. The only teams that don’t have significant injuries, other than Danny Granger, are the only teams left in contention. It’s been an unfortunate year that saw many superstars out, but the show must always go on. And that, my friends, it will. Heat (1) vs Pacers (3): After knocking off the New York Knicks cleanly, the Indiana Pacers are going to Miami to face the Heat in Game 1 on 5/22. It’s going to be pretty intense, considering the exchange of “pleasantries” between Frank Vogel and Lebron. Now that these two teams are “rivals” it’ll make for a much more entertaining playoff series. As this series has yet to begin, fans are wondering who’s going to come out strong. Of course the prediction is that the Heat win, again, but others are saying that the Pacers are the only team in the Eastern Conference capable of taking out the Heat. I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Prediction: Heat win 4-2 Spurs (2) vs Grizzlies (5): As the lowest seed left in contention, the Memphis Grizzlies must have been feeling pretty good about themselves coming into the series. Not tonight, however. In Game 1, the Spurs absolutely torched the Grizzlies, and Game 2, although closer, saw the Spurs winning yet again, but this time in OT. They were able to fend of the Grizzlies 15-2 run in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter to gain themselves a victory. That’s a hard fought one if you ask me. For the Grizzlies, it’s heartbreaking, but they need to stay focused, and not allow the Spurs to take a 3-0 series advantage. Prediction: Spurs win 4-1

Writers Note: This isn’t exactly a story about the Los Angeles Clippers but it is a city of Los Angeles story. The Los Angeles Clippers have a new Mayor of their city and it’s Eric Garcetti according to the Los Angeles Times. Wendy Greuel conceded her Mayoral victory to Eric Garcetti, source say early this morning. ”Thank you Los Angeles — the hard work begins but I am honored to lead this city for the next four years,” Garcetti, 42, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday morning. “Let’s make this a great city again.” I bet you all are reading this wondering why I am writing this but here is why: Eric Garcetti on his Facebook Page: “Congratulations to the Los Angeles Clippers for clinching their first Division title.” Eric Garcetti - April 8 I know this is only one post but I take it he is a Clipper fan or just a man trying to get votes from the red white and blue of the Los Angeles Clippers…He did write this about the Los Angeles Lakers on this FaceBook page as well: “I hate to see players go down with career altering injuries. I hope Kobe has the best recovery possible.” Talking about Kobe Bryant. Eric Michael Garcetti is an American municipal politician. He is a member of the Los Angeles City Council, representing the 13th District. He served as Council President from 2006 to 2012. Eric was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley was a fan of the Clippers, Lakers, and the Dodgers growing up.

Hello. I just wanted to introduce myself to this forum. I'm excited to be a part of it. I have been a clippers fan for quite a while. ITs been a challenge being a fan, not because of the reasons many people believe or expect me to say, like ...this team is historically horrific or the ownership simply doesn't care or something of that nature. I think its hard being a Clippers fan simply because Los Angeles (the area i reside in) is dominated by the Lakers and the fans of Lakers. Everything in Los Angeles is Lakers this, Lakers that. ..And this is not to say that don't nor haven't rooted for the Lakers. ..because I have and I will. I think its time for the media-ites and individuals of LA to give this organization its due respect. For example, after the Clippers completed a season any franchise would be proud of (including the LAkers), all the media talked about was how the LAkers were going to beat the Spurs in the opening round of the playoffs. That was denial at its best. The LAkers barely made it into the playoffs and they just lost their egomaniacal superstar to a career ending injury ....and suddenly they had the ware with all to beat the West's best? ...yeah right! Regardless, the Clippers ending up losing out in the same round as the Lakers did, but IMHO this season's end put the wheels in motion that will spin for a long long time! I'm saying get ready LA because the LAkers are becoming less and less significant and the Clippers more and more. Clippers are working with a young and up and coming nucleus of players and management, and the LAkers are trying to figure out what to do with their overpriced and older aged superstar who is holding the organization hostage. Well, that should do it. Here's to many years of Clippers success and endless drabble from a mindless poster. Hello. I just wanted to introduce myself to this forum. I'm excited to be a part of it. I have been a clippers fan for quite a while. ITs been a challenge being a fan, not because of the reasons many people believe or expect me to say, like ...this team is historically horrific or the ownership simply doesn't care or something of that nature. I think its hard being a Clippers fan simply because Los Angeles (the area i reside in) is dominated by the Lakers and the fans of Lakers. Everything in Los Angeles is Lakers this, Lakers that. ..And this is not to say that don't nor haven't rooted for the Lakers. ..because I have and I will. I think its time for the media-ites and individuals of LA to give this organization its due respect. For example, after the Clippers completed a season any franchise would be proud of (including the LAkers), all the media talked about was how the LAkers were going to beat the Spurs in the opening round of the playoffs. That was denial at its best. The LAkers barely made it into the playoffs and they just lost their egomaniacal superstar to a career ending injury ....and suddenly they had the ware with all to beat the West's best? ...yeah right! Regardless, the Clippers ending up losing out in the same round as the Lakers did, but IMHO this season's end put the wheels in motion that will spin for a long long time! I'm saying get ready LA because the LAkers are becoming less and less significant and the Clippers more and more. Clippers are working with a young and up and coming nucleus of players and management, and the LAkers are trying to figure out what to do with their overpriced and older aged superstar who is holding the organization hostage. Well, that should do it. Here's to many years of Clippers success and endless drabble from a mindless poster.

Byron Scott Prior Jobs: Sacramento Kings assistant (1998-2000), New Jersey Nets head coach (2000-2004), New Orleans Hornets head coach (2004-2009), Cleveland Cavaliers head coach (2009-2013) Head coaching record: 416-521 (.444), 2 NBA Finals Appearances Scott, a former NBA player, is perhaps one of the least popular candidates among Clippers fans. Chris Paul's old head coach from New Orleans, Scott is perhaps drawing the most interest due to his connection with the All-Star point guard. While he won 3 NBA championships as a player, he's been less successful as a coach, winning less than half of his games in 11 full seasons and 2 partial ones. He won coach of the year in 2009, but was fired by the Hornets 9 games in to the next season. Brian Shaw Prior Jobs: Los Angeles Lakers assistant (2004-2011), Indiana Pacers assistant (2011-present) Head coaching record: 0-0 Shaw, another former player, has had his name thrown around by the mainstream media quite a bit during this process. The reason for it is unclear to me. He's a 3-time Champion as a player and a 2-time champion as an assistant coach, all with Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant, and the Lakers. I don't know a lot about Shaw, but I'm wary testing out an unproven rookie head coach who used to be a player. You know, like the Clippers did last time. Mike Malone Prior Jobs: New York Knicks coaching associate (2001-2003), New York Knicks assistant coach (2003-2005), Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach (2005-2010), New Orleans Hornets assistant coach (2010-2011), Golden State Warriors assistant coach (2011-present) Head coaching record: 0-0 Another rookie head coach, Mike Malone has made his rounds in the last decade as a well respected assistant. He's currently the highest paid assistant in the league for the Golden State Warriors. Malone is given a lot of credit for the Warriors' offensive and defensive improvement this season, as well as the improvement of the Hornets when he was an assistant there under Byron Scott. Again, it's risky to hire a first-time head coach, but at least Malone isn't a former player-turned coach. That means that he had to earn his way up the ranks based on coaching ability- evidenced by his rather hard-to-track resume. If Chris Paul recommends Malone (he played under Malone in New Orleans for a season), I wouldn't have a hard time seeing Mike get serious consideration from the Clippers. Mike Budenholzer Prior Jobs: San Antionio Spurs video coordinator (1994-1996) San Antonio Spurs assistant coach (1996-present) Head coaching record: Unknown (He's filled in for Popovich for a few games at a time but I can't find his record) Budenholzer is one of the most widely respected assistant coaches in the league- actually, probably the single most highly respected assistant. He's been in San Antonio under one of the greatest coaches ever in Greg Popovich for nearly 20 years. He's interviewed for head coaching positions before, but for whatever reason he's never taken a job. Maybe he hasn't been offered or maybe he's turned some positions down. If he likes this Clippers team, and the situation is right for him, and the team decides to offer him the job, I could see him as a good option. Stan Van Gundy Prior Jobs: Miami Heat assistant coach (1995-2003), Miami Heat head coach (2003-2005), Orlando Magic head coach (2007-2012) Head coaching record: 371-208 (.641), 1 NBA Finals Appearance Stan Van Gundy is an accomplished coach who would probably still be in Orlando if it wasn't for the Dwightmare. Unfortunately, it seems like he won't be a candidate for the Clippers job, as he's announced that he's going to take at least one more season off of coaching to be with his family. If that changes, I would hope to see him get an interview. Jeff Van Gundy Prior Jobs: New York Knicks assistant coach (1989-1996), New York Knicks head coach (1996-2001), Houston Rockets head coach (2003-2007) Head Coaching

May 16, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Glen Rice Jr is interviewed during the NBA Draft combine at Harrison Street Athletics Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports Since we are no draft experts over here at Fully Clips, I’ve decided to throw together excerpts from several mock drafts that hint at whom the Los Angeles Clippers are going to take with the 25th overall pick in this years NBA Draft. Based on need this team either needs a shooting guard or a center. Here you go: NBADraft.Net – SG Allen Crabbe CBS Sports: Matt Moore: SG Kentavious Gladwell-Pope Jeff Goodman: C Jeff Withey NBA.com’s Scott Howard Cooper – SG Glen Rice Jr. The long road back (D-League stop helps college washout revive his NBA dream) for the son of the former All-Star small forward includes playing for the Rio Grande Vipers after being kicked off the team at Georgia Tech. He will get a lot of tough questions from executives trying to determine if he has learned from past mistakes. Sheridan Hoops’ Joe Kotoch – C Jeff Withey Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan were among the best big duos in the league this season, but the Clippers played them heavy minutes due to a lack of options off the bench. Withey would provide the Clippers with a valuable reserve big who could pick up right where Jordan left off; blocking shots, rebounding and getting easy buckets underneath. He may not be an athlete, but the way he contested shots in college illustrates how he can help Los Angeles. As a team that aspires to contending for titles, Los Angeles wants players who can contribute. Withey will do that. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix – C Jeff Withey The Clippers could sorely use a more offensive-oriented option at center. Withey isn’t it, but he is a big, skilled defender who can fill in at either frontcourt spot and provide protection for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan in case of foul trouble. Withey isn’t the type of player who creates offense for himself, but he’s athletic and a good finisher, and playing alongside Chris Paul would undoubtedly jack up his production. Draft Express/Yahoo! Sports Jonathan Givony – SG Allen Crabbe Clippers’ No. 1 priority this summer will be to re-sign Chris Paul, which could give them the flexibility to use the highly coveted Eric Bledsoe as trade bait to improve their roster over the summer. Bledsoe is actually the only non-starter with a guaranteed contract next season, meaning the front office could have plenty of holes to fill on the wing and in the frontcourt. Since its unlikely the team will find a point guard ready to play a real role with what’s available on the board in this current scenario, adding a knockdown shooter like Allen Crabbe could be attractive.He has the length to play either wing position, giving him the flexibility to play alongside Jamal Crawford or Caron Butler, depending on the situation.

Always love seeing KA's perspective on big Clippers news. Some good inside info here, as well as his usual keen analysis. It's not all Vinny love or Vinny bashing but a good honest look at his strengths and weaknesses and the factors that played into the decision. For my money, the best part is what he says about Vinny's schematic shortcomings and Chris Paul's feelings toward VDN's "system" (i.e., lack thereof). Says KA: "Paul certainly appreciated his coach’s sentiment, as Del Negro happily ceded most of the play calling. It was also nice to have Del Negro go to bat for Paul’s personnel causes -- free-agent signings, potential trades and the like. But having never reached a conference finals eight years into a Hall of Fame career, even Paul realizes he needs a little help in the final five minutes of a basketball game." To me that's really the crux of the issue. Vinny (or really any trained monkey with good hair) can win 56 games with a team this talented as long as he doesn't get in the way. But things are different in crunch time, meaning the last 5 minutes of regular-season games and pretty much throughout the playoffs. That's why Vinny HAD to go. For the rest of KA's piece, click here. Always love seeing KA's perspective on big Clippers news. Some good inside info here, as well as his usual keen analysis. It's not all Vinny love or Vinny bashing but a good honest look at his strengths and weaknesses and the factors that played into the decision. For my money, the best part is what he says about Vinny's schematic shortcomings and Chris Paul's feelings toward VDN's "system" (i.e., lack thereof). Says KA: "Paul certainly appreciated his coach’s sentiment, as Del Negro happily ceded most of the play calling. It was also nice to have Del Negro go to bat for Paul’s personnel causes -- free-agent signings, potential trades and the like. But having never reached a conference finals eight years into a Hall of Fame career, even Paul realizes he needs a little help in the final five minutes of a basketball game." To me that's really the crux of the issue. Vinny (or really any trained monkey with good hair) can win 56 games with a team this talented as long as he doesn't get in the way. But things are different in crunch time, meaning the last 5 minutes of regular-season games and pretty much throughout the playoffs. That's why Vinny HAD to go. For the rest of KA's piece, click here.

With the draft lottery happening today, its going to be interested to see what happens with the teams picks. I know a few of us were interested in trading DJ for varejao but considering they land the first pick, do they take Noel? It seems like they would want to trade varejao for a player at a different position or could draft him anyways and trade varejao at the deadline. Portland got the tenth pick, Is this a possible destination for Deandre? With the draft lottery happening today, its going to be interested to see what happens with the teams picks. I know a few of us were interested in trading DJ for varejao but considering they land the first pick, do they take Noel? It seems like they would want to trade varejao for a player at a different position or could draft him anyways and trade varejao at the deadline. Portland got the tenth pick, Is this a possible destination for Deandre?

Jan 26, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated LSU 75-70. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports The Cleveland Cavaliers, for the second time in the last three years, win the number one  pick in the NBA Draft lottery. The Orlando Magic get the second pick followed by the Washington Wizards. The NBA Draft Lottery is an annual event held by the (NBA) in which the teams who had missed the playoffs in the previous season, or teams who hold the draft rights of another team that missed the playoffs in the previous season. The Los Angeles Clippers will not have a pick in the first 14 picks but will select 25th in the June 27th 2013 NBA Draft. Draft Lottery Results: 1. Cleveland Cavaliers 2. Orlando Magic 3. Washington Wizards 4. Charlotte Bobcats 5. Phoenix Suns 6. New Orleans Pelicans 7. Sacramento Kings 8. Detroit Pistons 9. Minnesota Timberwolves 10. Portland Trail Blazers 11. Philadelphia 76ers 12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto) 13. Dallas Mavericks 14. Utah Jazz Possible Players at #1 PF Nerlens Noel – Kentucky/PF SG Ben McLemore  - Kansas/SG PG Trey Burke – Michigan/PG My Top 5 Mock Draft 1. Cavaliers, Nerlens Noel, Kentucky, PF, 6-11, 220: The Cavaliers’ medical staff is now on the clock. Cleveland won’t have Noels until at least Christmas 2. Magic, Ben McLemore, Kansas, SG, 6-4, 195: McLemore is the second-best prospect in the NBA Draft. Have another bad season and draft top 3 next season with a much better draft. 3. Wizards, Otto Porter, Georgetown, SF, 6-8, 200: Porter is coming off a season as the Big East Player of the Year. 4. Bobcats, Trey Burke, Michigan, PG, 6-1, 175: Best PG in the draft hands down, it’s a no brainer for MJ. 5. Suns, Anthony Bennett, UNLV, PF, 6-7, 240: An undersized power forward who can play some small forward. He is also dealing with injury. 25. Clippers, Erick Green, Virginia Tech, PG, 6’3, 180

Owner Donald Sterling says Vinny Del Negro is a wonderful man and he's sad about the coach's dismissal, but he has to keep his players happy.Why mess with success when you have known only defeat previously?