Billups The Next Cassell?

[Sħãlïq™]

The big splash the Los Angeles Clippers made this summer was trading for Chris Paul. While it may not have garnered as much attention, the waiver claim of Chauncey Billups (who was amnestied by the New York Knicks) was a major coup for the emerging Clippers. LA has been a team through the years that has struggled to finish off games. For 36-42 minutes, the Clippers would often compete only to fall short in the end. That changed back in 2005/6 when the Clippers acquired Sam Cassell from the Minnesota Timberwolves (in return for Marko Jaric). It was also that deal that brought LA the Minnesota draft pick that helped land Paul. Cassell was immediately the team’s best closer in franchise history and the playoff run that nearly led to the Western Conference Finals was arguably the best year in franchise history. Unfortunately LA got Cassell on the tail end of his career.

 

“Well, you know what, that’s an interesting comparison that you make, I hadn’t thought of that,” said Clipper President Andy Roeser, “We are delighted that [billups] has joined us. He’s just done so many good things in the league, and we think he can really help us.”

 

“He does, in that regard, remind you a little bit of like a Sam Cassell,” continued Roeser. “[He's] going to be about basketball and winning, and that’s the focus we want to have. Billups has said he intends to play at least another few seasons and has indicated recently he may be open to finishing out his career as a Clipper. Vice President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey noted immediately after the acquisition that the team has Billups’ Bird Rights and the intention to pursue a long-term future with the former NBA Finals MVP. Olshey praised Billups IQ on the floor as a boon for the Clippers.

 

“You know, Chauncey Billups could probably coach or run this team right now, if that was what he really wanted to do,” said Olshey. “He’s that kind of guy, and at some point he’s going to run a franchise or be head coach in this league.”

 

The Clippers took their opening-day game 105-86 with an impressive fourth-quarter close-out on the Golden State Warriors. On Wednesday they were dismantled by the experienced San Antonio Spurs (115-90). While the Clippers have high expectations this year, it’s not going to click entirely overnight. Having a player nicknamed “Mr. Big Shot” as arguably the team’s third option will eventually pay dividends.

Source Edited December 29, 2011 by Šhãłïq