CLIPPERS MUST BE BOLSTERED SIGNING FREE AGENTS CRITICAL TO EQUATION.Byline: Joe Stevens Staff Writer The Clippers improved by nine victories from last season and appear to finally be heading in the right direction. The big question is whether they'll be able to improve their roster this offseason. As general manager Elgin Baylor Elgin Gay Baylor (born September 16, 1934 in Washington, D.C.) is a retired American basketball player who played 13 seasons as a forward for the NBA's Minneapolis Lakers/Los Angeles Lakers. Baylor was a gifted shooter, a strong rebounder, and an accomplished passer. , coach Mike Dunleavy Mike Dunleavy is the name of two notable persons in basketball, father and son:
Simmons played three years of college basketball for DePaul University. tops the list of what the team hopes to accomplish. ``It's a very high priority, as far as I'm concerned,'' Dunleavy said. ``But he's unrestricted. He can do whatever he chooses to do. If he feels there's a better situation for him, I'm hoping he understands that he's happy here, has enjoyed playing here and wants to stay.'' Dunleavy said losing Simmons ``would set us back. Anytime you lose a good player for nothing, it sets you back.'' Baylor, Dunleavy and Roeser were optimistic and pleased with the team's 37-45 finish. The offseason presents multiple question marks. The team's unrestricted free agents are Simmons, Kerry Kittles Kerry Kittles (born June 12 1974 in Dayton, Ohio) is an American professional basketball player who last played with the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association in 2004-05. He was raised in New Orleans and attended St. Augustine High School. , Zeljko Rebraca, Mikki Moore Clinton Renard "Mikki" Moore[1] (pronounced "Mikey") (born November 4, 1975 in Orangeburg, South Carolina) is an American professional basketball player, currently with the NBA's Sacramento Kings. and Rick Brunson. Marko Jaric is a restricted free agent, meaning the Clippers have the right to match any offer the guard receives. Baylor and Dunleavy said there is a chance all could return, including Kittles, who had a nightmare of a season, playing in just 11 games because of injuries. ``We certainly have an interest in having him back,'' Baylor said. ``With Kittles, it depends on his health.'' Beyond potentially re-signing their players, the Clippers also will have ample salary-cap room to sign a top- level free agent. The pool will include Ray Allen, Michael Redd, Larry Hughes and Joe Johnson. Baylor and Dunleavy said their team's biggest need would be shooting and defense on the perimeter, where those free agents play. --Sources say Simmons to win award: Simmons has won the NBA's Most Improved Player In some sports, a Most Improved Player award is given to players who have improved the most over the year.
Neither the NBA NBA abbr. 1. National Basketball Association 2. National Boxing Association NBA (US) n abbr (= National Basketball Association) → Basketball-Dachverband (= nor the Clippers would confirm the award, which is expected to be announced To be announced (TBA) A contract for the purchase or sale of an MBS to be delivered at an agreed-upon future date but does not include a specified pool number and number of pools or precise amount to be delivered. Thursday. Sources said the Clippers forward earned the honor after averaging 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and a team-high 37.3 minutes per game. Simmons averaged 7.8 points and 24.6 minutes last season. Simmons, who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, is the first Clippers player to be recognized with a leaguewide honor since Michael Cage won the rebounding title in 1988. Joe Stevens, (562) 499-1338 joe.stevens(at)presstelegram.com |
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