Clippers Preseason Presser

[aburns211]

Last season was gut-wrenching. Mid-season we traded away young prospect Shane Battier in an attempt to make a run at the playoffs. We picked up some much needed frontcourt help with veterans Vin Baker and Bo Outlaw. It took some time for the new guys to gel, but once we figured it out the team got hot. Unfortunately, it came just a game or two late. We finished the season on a 9 game win streak, yet still fell 1 game back for the 8th spot in the tough Western Conference. It was the first time in PBSL history that a 47 win team did not make the playoffs. It stung even more when the Mavericks, who claimed the Western Conference's final playoff spot, made it all the way to the Finals. Enough sulking in last season's woes, let me tell you how this season will be different.

All of the key members of that team that finished last season 24-7 are back and hungry for more. Plus we added sharpshooter, Rasual Butler in the draft. Rasual impressed us all with how hard he worked in training camp and he has quickly put himself in the running for a starting position. Between offseason workouts and preseason practices, the players are very optimistic about the upcoming season. We expect big things from this group; I feel like we have the most talent here since my first season as GM. We also have a veteran team that has one, uniform goal, to win.

I've brought in the heart of our team, our leader, our captain, Nick Van Exel, to answer any questions you may have for him. Nick was honored last season to receive his first selection as an All-NBA 1st team member. I am so excited that the NBA recognized Nick and I am super proud of him. The guy has led the NBA in assists for 5 straight seasons, I think the award was long overdue. So without further ado, I will open the floor for questions. If you have any questions for myself or for Nick, fire away.

[NickMalone77]

This is to Mr. Van Exel... With all of your individual achievements, does it eat away at you to see this veteran squad underachieve and miss the playoffs in the highly competitive Western Conference? Do you dream of playing on the East Coast where your talents may be more appreciated and a tad easier on the road of success?

[kucoach7]

You added some seasoned veterans in Dennis Scott, Jon Barry, and Mike Iuzzolino. What roles do you see those guys playing this season?

[aburns211]

Nick: (chuckles) Everytime I talk to my boy Penny on AOL Instant Messanger, he ribs me about how easy he has it in the East. But nah man, I love it here in LA and I've never been a man to back down from a challenge.

[logpmess]

Through preseason, your team posted the second best points allowed in the league. Do you think your success this year will come through a focus on the defensive end, or do you chalk up that statistic to simply playing the preseason?

[aburns211]

aburns: Thanks for the question Ku. Dennis Scott is a guy I was really excited to pick up in free agency. We could only offer min contracts and we had a gaping hole at SF. Dennis will likely start for us and split minutes with Rasual at the 3. His all around ability and leadership will be a big boost to our team. Jon Barry was a big contributor to our team last season, his role will diminish a bit this season, but he will be counted to be a spark off the bench. I picked up Mike because I wanted to find someone similar to Nick, to keep the continuity within the team for the entire game. Mike's ability gives us comfort when we have to sit our leader.

[42PhD]

Dr. Rocker from the Cleveland Rocker:

You added Rasual Butler, but your salary spiked. Outlaw and Barry are aging and expiring, but you won't have significant money next season to replace them if you let them go. If you make the playoffs, you won't have a lottery pick.

So, who do you think comes out of the West playoffs for you to go in, and how are you going to improve next season regardless of the outcome this one?

[RPF]

Mr Van Exel, is it true that you have given the franchise a timeline before you ask to be traded elsewhere?

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: Are there any plans to upgrade your frontcourt? Aside from Baker and Outlaw - who seems to have taken a step back in training camp - your front line seems to be filled with journeymen and projects.

[Bowtothebill23]

You talked about going 24-7 to close the season. That's a 63-64 win pace if extrapolated over a season. That's a sure fire championship contender if you would continue to win at that pace. Do you view that 31 game finish as a bit of a fluke or is this a legit championship contender ready to explode onto the scene?

[aburns211]

Dr. Rocker from the Cleveland Rocker:

You added Rasual Butler, but your salary spiked. Outlaw and Barry are aging and expiring, but you won't have significant money next season to replace them if you let them go. If you make the playoffs, you won't have a lottery pick.

So, who do you think comes out of the West playoffs for you to go in, and how are you going to improve next season regardless of the outcome this one?

The West is highly competitive, so it is hard to say who I think will drop out. Regardless, I feel confident that we can fill one of those spots.

Next season seems so far away; who knows what will happen to the development of our players between now and then; or what moves will be made. We'll cross that bridge when we get there.

[aburns211]

Mr Van Exel, is it true that you have given the franchise a timeline before you ask to be traded elsewhere?

C'mon man. Obviously, I want to win. But, to answer your question, No, I have not given any timeline nor do I plan to. I like this team, I like this city.

[aburns211]

Random Reporter: Are there any plans to upgrade your frontcourt? Aside from Baker and Outlaw - who seems to have taken a step back in training camp - your front line seems to be filled with journeymen and projects.

I am never opposed to finding ways to improve our team. However, I am not currently in any negotiations. I expect Baker and Outlaw to be solid starters for us. Tony Battie is better than his numbers show; he will be able to come off the bench to effectively play either the 4 or the 5 for us.

[aburns211]

You talked about going 24-7 to close the season. That's a 63-64 win pace if extrapolated over a season. That's a sure fire championship contender if you would continue to win at that pace. Do you view that 31 game finish as a bit of a fluke or is this a legit championship contender ready to explode onto the scene?

I surely do not think it was a fluke. Obviously, our veterans are a year older and maybe a half step slower, but I am hoping that the strides made by our young players can negate that. I don't want to go out and say we are a legit championship contender, but I will tell you that I like this team and I expect great things from them.

[aburns211]

Through preseason, your team posted the second best points allowed in the league. Do you think your success this year will come through a focus on the defensive end, or do you chalk up that statistic to simply playing the preseason?

I would say it is more of a product of the preseason and the small sample size. Our defense will be just fine, but our strength is our quick moving offense.

[WigNosy]

You handed Ricky Davis a huge contract this offseason - do you feel this is the year he takes the reins of the franchise from Nick Van Exel?

[aburns211]

You handed Ricky Davis a huge contract this offseason - do you feel this is the year he takes the reins of the franchise from Nick Van Exel?

No, Van Exel is still our leader. We are very excited with Ricky's progress; he is a hard working kid and at some point he will "take the reins". But there is no doubt that Nick is our leader on and off the court.

[IamQuailman]

Awarded 5 pts!