Clippers Press Conference

[aburns211]

Hello and welcome back to the Los Angeles Clippers Pre-Season Press Conference. I apologize for our lack of communication the last couple years. Apparently, we have been trying to juggle too many things at once. Anyway, lets get started.

Last year was disappointing to say the least. We had high expectations but a slow start plus some injuries sent the team in a spiral. By trade deadline time, I had an offer to basically sacrifice the season to try to build for the future. So I jumped on that opportunity and we sent McGrady and White away to bring in the young talent of Bismack Biyombo. Biyombo didnt perform great last season but we are excited about his potential as a defensive stopped and rebounder.

I was pleased with our draft; as we pulled in Jay Adkins and Herbert Burgos. Jay projects to be a solid interior player with high potential in both inside offense and defense. He is only 20 years old and has some room to grow. Herbert has to develop some before he sees playing time, however, I am do think we got a solid draft pick in the middle of the 2nd round. I could see him becoming a solid backup point guard in this league if he can boost his quickness.

In free agency, we were happy to bring back some important pieces, most notably, Delonte West, who was been a fan favorite hear for many seasons. Training camp went well, despite not seeing any major strides from our young players. However, our star, Kevin Durant, came out feeling better than ever. In fact, he said, " I feel like I am back in MVP form".

We feel we have a good squad this year and like in years past, we will go as far as Kevin can take us. I feel like the players around him complement him well and we can make a good run this year. The competition in our division will be tough and seems to only be getting better as the years go on; but I feel we can compete with the best of them.

At this time, I will open up the floor for any questions you may have...

[false9]

How concerned are you with Kevin's impending free agency?

[aburns211]

How concerned are you with Kevin's impending free agency?

It is not a concern right now. We are just focused on this season. But obviously at the end of the year; that will be our #1 priority.

[JNR]

GWR: Over the past two offseasons you seem to have a focus on improving Jordan Adams. What do you see in Adams that gives you confidence in him?

[WigNosy]

Age appears to finally be catching up with Delonte. How important has he been for your team and how do you expect to replace him?

[aburns211]

GWR: Over the past two offseasons you seem to have a focus on improving Jordan Adams. What do you see in Adams that gives you confidence in him?

It comes first of all from a need at SG. Then he came in with some great defensive potentials. And I really don't need somebody scoring 10+ a night at this position. I just need somebody to stop the opposing SG and get the ball to KD. Unfortunately, it has been slow growth but he is still a young guy.

[aburns211]

Age appears to finally be catching up with Delonte. How important has he been for your team and how do you expect to replace him?

Delonte has been huge for us. He has been a rock solid two way player for about 8 years. I couldn't have asked for more when we signed him all those years back. Replacing him will be tough but we are not there yet. He may have slowed down a bit but he is still Delonte.

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; The Advocate: Does bringing back Biyombo, ease the role of Roy Hibbert? Are you expecting two to share the court at the same time together a lot this year ahead?

[aburns211]

Nick Melon; The Advocate: Does bringing back Biyombo, ease the role of Roy Hibbert? Are you expecting two to share the court at the same time together a lot this year ahead?

I think it does ease the role of Hibbert. Especially with rebounding; Biyombo should be a huge help to cleaning the boards. And yes, I am excited to see them work together and hopefully terrorize so of the opposing big men.

[kucoach7]

A recent article noted that most stellar interior players are All-Star caliber players, especially when they are as strong as Adkins. Do you expect Adkins to develop into an All-Star?

[aburns211]

A recent article noted that most stellar interior players are All-Star caliber players, especially when they are as strong as Adkins. Do you expect Adkins to develop into an All-Star?

I would say that he definitely has the potential to develop into an all-star. But he has a lot of development to come. And I think that is all up to Jay Adkins and how hard he is willing to work. He has the raw ability but he is just that, raw. So, if he is determined and busts his butt to get there; he can be an all-star.

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: You've spoken about Delonte West a bit already. His contract seems to me to be more of a lifetime achievement award than anything else. Were there other point guards you had your eye on in the off-season that didn't pan out?

[78#]

Were you worried that Biyombo might have received max offers or do you think what you kept him for was expensive as well?

[aburns211]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: You've spoken about Delonte West a bit already. His contract seems to me to be more of a lifetime achievement award than anything else. Were there other point guards you had your eye on in the off-season that didn't pan out?

Not really. We wanted Delonte back and thats why we offered him the money we did. I did make a good bit of minimum offers to point guards; seeing if we could get lucky and snag one but that did not work out.

[aburns211]

Were you worried that Biyombo might have received max offers or do you think what you kept him for was expensive as well?

I was slightly worried that someone would slap a max on him. Although he has some good potentials he really has never performed up to the caliber of a player deserving a max contract. I wanted him back so I was happy no one maxed him and put my feet to the fire to make a decision. The contract that he did sign was fair; I actually offered him a very similar contract minus the player option.

[Xist2Inspire]

Who will be starting alongside Delonte in the backcourt? You seem to have a few options, but no standout favorite.

[aburns211]

Who will be starting alongside Delonte in the backcourt? You seem to have a few options, but no standout favorite.

Jordan Adams will get the first crack at it. But if he doesn't perform, we can go to McLemore or even Brewer.

[Inner_GI]

aburns, you may claim 5 points for your presser.