NBA JAM: L.A. CLIPPERS

In our continuing rundown on the NBA season, Neate looks at the Pacific Division, specifically the Los Angeles Clippers.

Last season: 47-35, 6th in Western Conference, lost 4-3 to Phoenix in second round of playoffs
Coach: Mike Dunleavy Sr.
New faces: Tim Thomas, Aaron Williams
Funny-looking white guy: Chris Kaman, by far
Blogs: ClipperBlog, ClipsNation

No longer just El Lay's other team and the Lakers' tenant at the Staples Center, the Clips had the franchise's best season since its days as the Buffalo Braves.

The rap on this year's bunch is that the Clippers are basically the same bunch as last year. That's not entirely true. Tim Thomas, signed as a free-agent from division rival Phoenix, adds another element with his outside shooting (41.4% on threes last season). They should have a full season of Corey Maggette, their all-around star forward. Plus, as this season goes along 37-year-old Sam Cassell, who taught a lot of the younger Clippers how to win last aseason, is probably going to cede more and more of the point guard duties to the quickly emerging Shaun Livingston.

L.A.'s frontcourt, between Maggette at the 3, Elton Brand -- who put up close to 25 points and 10 boards a night last season -- at power forward and Chris Kaman at centre, is probably the Pacific's best. That trio is the Clippers' big hole card, since it can make Mike D'Antoni's Phoenix Suns think twice before playing small-ball against them.

Throw in Cuttino Mobley, who'll probably be more effective coming off the bench than starting, and defensive specialist Quinton Ross, and that gives L.A. the makings of a solid nine-man rotation.

If the Clippers can check their egos and avoid any resentment over playing time at the point and the 2 and 3 spots, they should be a 50-win team, easy.

Also in Pacific Division: L.A. Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.