Clip City Presser #49

[MexicanMamba]

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Last season started with high hopes but ended in disappointment and a high tax bill and a sweep at the hands of a Canadian broom. It was an unfortunate mix of ill-fitting pieces that just never clicked. So, instead of just running it back again, I knew it was a good time to reset again. Out went Stoll, Cobb and Leonard and in came a mix of faces, new and old. We're happy to welcome back Jaren Jackson Jr. and Michael Garvin, who we never stopped appreciating from afar. Grayson Allen and Cam Reddish are veterans added to the collection that we feel still has plenty of juice left. It was also important to us to bring in some young legs to test out and possibly give some meaningful minutes to. Enter : Aaron Nesmith, John Fraser, Jere Ratliff and Harland Cain. All of them are 25 years old and younger with upside that we appreciate.

The thing that will be most vital to any success that we may have this season, and beyond, is the internal growth of Terry Sterner and Marcel McAlister (fresh off a new contract). We were thrilled with their performances in camp and can't wait to see if they can translate that energy into the games.

Also want to tip my cap to a few ex-Clippers who took home a championship last season with the Nuggets : Glen Sabo, Samuel Adams, Zeke Nnaji and Colby Lopez. Congratulations fellas!

And now, hit me with any questions if ya got em.

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[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Just a general question on team philosophy. Would you rather have a season where you win the championship without making a single trade or a season where you don't win the championship, but you pull off three trades that you are excited about? And, of course, why?

[K-100]

As you start to build around Sterner/McAlister where do you think you need to focus next to make the Clippers contenders again?

[MexicanMamba]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Just a general question on team philosophy. Would you rather have a season where you win the championship without making a single trade or a season where you don't win the championship, but you pull off three trades that you are excited about? And, of course, why?

Gimme the championship. Because even if they weren't made that particular season, almost guaranteed that you had to take big swings prior to winning that championship. I know I'd certainly like to not be stuck at 1 forever. Trades, which you know I like to pull off, are great fun but the luster wears off real fast if they don't pan out like you hoped. A terrible lesson I learned last season.

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[MexicanMamba]

As you start to build around Sterner/McAlister where do you think you need to focus next to make the Clippers contenders again?

There are two things that come to mind, and both could be pulled off in one move if everything aligned perfectly.

1. I'd like to find a young big man on the same path as Sterner, McAlister (age wise). I've actually recently given up a couple of those in trades while swinging for the fences elsewhere. Just to balance out the roster I think a big would be great help.

2. Need a bona-fide stud. Perhaps McAlister can become that (hes only 23) but if not, you just don't seem to get the chip without the kind of guy who can dominate his position. They're rare, hard to find, or create, but I gotta get a Boban or Sabo or Q-Kidd or BDJ. Without them, its going to be an uphill climb.

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[greepleairport]

After scoping your trade block you seem less confident this year before sim 1 than last year. You’re also a young but very savvy gm who could make a few quick moves and become a contender. If you were going to go for it, what would it take?


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[greepleairport]

I like this question more: what would it take to sell sterner or McAllister? You say you’re always listening...


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[MexicanMamba]

I like this question more: what would it take to sell sterner or McAllister? You say you’re always listening...


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First note is : I'm not interested in moving them and McAlister can't be moved yet. Those things out of the way, it actually ties into my answer to K100's question. If I were to be swayed to move these guys now, it would have to be as part of a package that brought in a game changer that can single-handedly lift everyone else up and make you a force to worry about. Considering I have a bunch of cap flexibility now and in the coming seasons plus Sterner and McAlister are on reasonable contracts, wouldn't make much sense to move them for younger parts that I'd just be hoping got to the level they're at now.

But to upgrade? You may get me to raise an eyebrow

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[NOLa.]

Is this team good enough to beat the Bulls for the division? What are the goals this season? Is there a big move to be made that would help get the Clippers back into the conversation as a championship competitor?

[MexicanMamba]

Is this team good enough to beat the Bulls for the division? What are the goals this season? Is there a big move to be made that would help get the Clippers back into the conversation as a championship competitor?

To the first and third questions, I'm confident the answer is NO. If the Bulls don't win the division, injuries must have ravaged them because they're stronger and deeper than anyone else in the division. While I respect and love my guys, Terry and Marcel in particular, they are a missing piece or 3 away. Which leads into the trade question. Looking at my assets currently, I'm guessing it's not enough to take a huge swing like I often like to do. It certainly depends on the way the other team in any potential deal values assets, but thats just my thought.

And that leads me to expectations. Really, I just want to see growth from Sterner and McAlister. Marcel is stepping into the starting lineup for the first time so its new territory for him. After a solid camp and additional training, I think he is primed to be incredibly efficient offensively. Sterner is taking the controls at PG after a brief stint there last season.

The team around those 2 is interesting and currently I believe we will be in the playoff race. That being said, if offers come to help future seasons by moving my win now pieces, ill explore it, but they have to be intriguing enough for me to be willing to likely ensure I hand over a lotto pick since it belongs to Detroit.

So, I expect to be flexible, most of all

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[AngryBanana]

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News: With so many GMs, including yourself, opting for quick builds over a long build, do you see yourself attempting to go with a longer plan this time around since McCalister is only 23?

[MexicanMamba]

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News: With so many GMs, including yourself, opting for quick builds over a long build, do you see yourself attempting to go with a longer plan this time around since McCalister is only 23?

I'm honestly not 100% positive ill ever be ready for a long rebuild. These seasons take too much time off my life to commit to that. If it happen organically, so be it but I feel like I'll always have an eye on a win-now move if they present themselves.

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[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: While it's plain to see that you've been intending to build around Sterner for a while now, he's currently 26. So as a follow-up to your answer to the previous question, do you see yourself maybe having to move McAlister for a win-now piece in order to get the most out of Sterner's prime?

[MexicanMamba]

Random Reporter: While it's plain to see that you've been intending to build around Sterner for a while now, he's currently 26. So as a follow-up to your answer to the previous question, do you see yourself maybe having to move McAlister for a win-now piece in order to get the most out of Sterner's prime?

No, because McAlister is now a win-now piece. That said, if its a win much more now piece, preferably one who isn't a geezer, I'd certainly look at it.

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