Clippers 1981 Presser

[JNR]

The JNR is too tired to do a big presentation. So instead he stands at a podium, rubbing his temples as if he has a migraine, which he probably does.

The JNR: All right, all right. Let's recap. We started off the season hot. We cooled down severely. James Edwards got hurt. We didn't get any lottery luck in the traditional sense, but we did get some in the form of Rolando Blackman slipping to 8th. We decided our roster was full enough as is, so we didn't make any key signings. And where has that left us?

He looks behind him at his head coach Rathan Naby, who shrugs.

The JNR: Who really knows? The talent in this league is expanding. The focus on the league is shifting. We have very talented young guards -- but does that matter here? Should we have gone all size? It's a fair question. Luckily, our biggest player had a very good training camp. In fact, most of our players did, including Ron Brewer. I believe he saw the drafting of Rolando as a personal challenge, and he put in the work to get better. And while that was a pleasant surprise, it has left me with a few questions on how to build this team going forward.

As I said, we are a talented backcourt team. Reggie Theus is a phenom, and continues to improve. Blackman and Brewer are talented scorers. Ballard is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. But we feel thin in the frontcourt. George is a great player, but he's getting older. I have ideas on how to minimize that gap, but is it too outlandish for the world we live in? Would a starting lineup of Ballard at the 4 work in the land of the giants? I have a lot to think about.

For now, we intend to keep Theus starting at point guard, and Brewer has solidified his claim to the 2 guard spot. Ballard will slot in at 3, and George will be the 4. Edwards, old reliable (he's 25) will be our center. And we expect great things from Phil Smith, Blackman, and Lionel Hollins.

We should try to contend for a playoff spot, but we will keep all options open. We now open it up to questions.

[Eazy P]

Will Blackmon play a significant role in the success of your team?

[JNR]

The JNR: I think he will be very important offensively. My initial plan is to have him play the 2 and 3 off the bench as a supersub.

[greepleairport]

What kind of aspirations do you hold for this team build? Do you anticipate any major changes, or are you going to ride this team through their prime?

[Darth Vegito]

Is Reggie your PG of the future? He seems like a big PG with all the right "stuff", is he the center piece of this team and do you mold everything around him going forward?

[JNR]

What kind of aspirations do you hold for this team build? Do you anticipate any major changes, or are you going to ride this team through their prime?

The JNR: I'm sure things will change. I have a few ideas, but I want to see how it works this year. As far as aspirations, I mean, I want to win. The whole thing, if I can!

[JNR]

Is Reggie your PG of the future? He seems like a big PG with all the right "stuff", is he the center piece of this team and do you mold everything around him going forward?

The JNR: He's our centerpiece. I want him to be the face of the Clippers going forward.