Clippers caught in Wetern Conference blockade
After a 105-92 loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, the Los Angeles Clippers are all but out of the playoff race. After a promising start to the season, the young and upbeat Clippers have been overwhelmed by a tough and experienced Western Conference. Currently, Los Angeles stands 4.5 games behind Utah, and judging by the consistency of John Stockton and Karl Malone, it is unlikely the Jazz will falter.
Many were hoping to see an all Los Angeles opening playoff round. However, it appears the Lakers will not be able to live up to their own end of the bargain either. They are currently seeded 3rd in the playoff picture. The Clips spent most of the season this year without pre-season MVP candidate Lamar Odom. Playing in only 29 games all year due to injuries and a drug suspension, Odom has become the talk of trade talks as he is eligible for a contract extension. Corey Maggette and Elton Brand are also eligible for extensions. Michael Olowokandi is a restricted free agent at the end of the year, while Jeff McInnis is an unrestricted free agent.
Refusing to be ignored: Seattle
Gary Payton has been known as a whiner for the past few years. Allegedly, he even helped get current Pepperdine head coach Paul Westphal fired. Now, apparently GP is changing gears and showing his softer side. Or, he’s just shutting up if you want to keep it at that.
Payton and the Sonics could be seeded as high as #5 when the playoffs start if a recent win over Portland and a struggling Minnesota team are indicators of things to come. Only two games separate the three. Brent Barry has stepped up his game and despite injuries to Vin Baker and the enigmatic Calvin Booth, Seattle has maintained both its consistency and composure in late-season games. European import Even Vladimir Radmanovic is drawing praise, being compared to Sacramento King All-Star Predrag Stojakovic.
Detroit bringing back “Glory Days”
Those days of Isaiah Thomas running the floor and dishing to Joey D. for a three are long gone. However, there is a very similar brand of basketball being played in the Palace of Auburn Hills as a surprising Pistons team is attempting to finish atop the Eastern Conference. Jerry Stackhouse has played the unselfish type of basketball to make others around him great. The shooting guard is averaging seven less shots per game this year.
In addition, Ben Wallace is opening up eyes everywhere with his tough inside presence, game in and game out. Sparking memories of Bill Laimbeer, Wallace had two 20+ rebound games in the past week. Wallace is also averaging close to 3.5 blocks per game. The Pistons also have a deep bench sparked by journeyman Jon Barry. In fact, head coach Rick Carlisle has so much confidence in Barry that he rarely leaves him on the bench for the final five minutes.
Jordan unsure about 2003
Michael Jordan has recently stated that he will not return next year if his knee does not respond well over the off-season. In an interview with Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon on ESPN’s PTI, head coach Doug Collins stated he doubts Jordan will return for another season. Wizards’ management will have its hands full if that is the case. While Richard Hamilton, Popeye Jones, and Brendan Haywood have been pleasant surprises, Kwame Brown has been a bust.
Jordan has promised the Wizards he will let them know of his decision prior to the draft so that the team can draft accordingly. At least one major free agent will have to be added for the team to compete next year. And that’s with Jordan on the team.
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