For the second entry in our Slack Chat series, it has been an eventful couple of weeks for the LA Clippers, so it’s time for us at Clipperholics to take stock, mourn the trading of favorite players, and look forward to the future, which is surprisingly bright.
For those of you unfamiliar with our Slack Chat series, Logan Rapp moderates a discussion regarding the LA Clippers. Contributors and Site Experts all join in to talk about not just the team, but the league as a whole. There is was a lot to talk about this time out, so without further ado, let’s jump into it.
Changes in the Roster
RAPP: Okay. We have, well, a helluva lot to cover, don’t we? Since our last Slack Chat, the Clippers had the biggest regular season comeback win in franchise history (25 point deficit), then a big change in roster starting with a blockbuster trade, and then followed that up with the biggest comeback in franchise history period (28 point deficit).
So let’s just start with this: Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott are with the Sixers now. How’s everyone feeling about that and all the changes in roster with the shock now worn off?
BRIAN CULLEN: First let’s pour one out for Bobi….
LOGAN RAPP: We’ll start with a little goodbye music.
RYAN SNELLINGS: I’m okay with it. It was more surprising than anything, but I like what we got back and rooting for Philadelphia is easy, especially when they go out and stomp the Lakers like they did today.
SETH KIMBRELL: I’m happy with it. It gives the Clippers more assets moving forward, and we sent Harris and Boban into a good situation where they can compete for the title.
MILO LOFTIN: Shouts out to Mike Scott, but the real story is Tobi and Bobi leaving. It was awesome to see how universally beloved they became during their time in LA. Also cool to see Clippers Twitter become de facto 76ers fans while we root for our boys in Philly.
CULLEN: The moves hurt because we all came to love those guys. But it makes sense. Tobias is going to demand a max contract, but unless he shatters through a ceiling I just don’t see him being the number one guy on a contender. The front office couldn’t have sent him to a better place fit-wise. Boban is a sweetheart and will get more minutes in Philly which he deserves and Mike Scott will add some length and streaky shooting to their second unit. We got younger which can not only extend a title window but the careers of an incoming stars.
Having seen the subsequent moves made the next day the initial trade made a lot more sense.
KIMBRELL: We got a pretty hefty return for an expiring Tobias Harris that we probably weren’t going to pay as much as he wanted.
RAPP: I will say it is very heartwarming to see how quickly Sixers fans have taken to Tobias and Boban specifically. They’ve almost immediately embraced them as their own. It takes the sting out of it somewhat.
CULLEN: Find me a Boban hater. I’ll be waiting…
SNELLINGS: Seth is right and why it’s so easily justified. We got two young guys, some nice bench pieces (if we keep them beyond this year) and two first round picks for three expiring players. That’s insane.
CULLEN: The front office did an excellent job of making moves for the future but also addressing the needs of THIS season. With perimeter scoring, rebounds, and rim protection.
MATT CHONG: The fact that a really strong Philly team with our old guys on it only increases the chances of Kawhi being pushed towards the Clippers definitely doesn’t hurt either, in the long-term.
RAPP: I haven’t seen any major outlet grade the Clippers trade deadline moves with anything other than top marks — with that kind of seemingly universal praise, you really have to take a breath and, ironically enough, trust the process.
KIMBRELL: Is one game in too early for a “Landry Shamet is the greatest Clipper ever” club? I’d like to start that one.
CHONG: Seeing Landry coming off of screens like J.J. Redick really does warm the heart.
CULLEN: It’s strange isn’t it? When was the last time anyone had faith in the Clippers brass? Even when they were winning 50 games a season they were still trading first-round picks for Jeff Green…for half a season.
LOFTIN: I’m just waiting for those Boban clearance jerseys to go on sale.