Bloggystyle -- The Greatest

I'd almost have some faith in their playoff chances.

Last year, the Clippers played Marko Jaric, an inconsistent 6'7 Euro who could put up 18/6/8/3 one night and 5/2/5 the next. But, no homo Juelz Santana, since he's lengthy , a good defender and a ballhandler, he was actually a hot commodity as a restricted free agent this offseason, flirting with a number of teams like the Cavaliers and Heat.

One thing was certain; Jaric wasn't going back to Los Angeles. Which is why it's surprising that the Clippers not only got something for him, but they actually robbed the Timberwolves, trading Jaric and no name Lionel Chalmers for a lottery protected first round pick (which could easily become the next Marko Jaric), and Bloggystyle's favorite baller, Sam Cassell.



Had this trade been made straight up, the Timberwolves would have been getting the shaft. Clearly their window had closed after the conference finals loss to the Lakers two seasons ago, and being from Milwaukee makes it easy to understand the level of Cassell's headcase issues, but this trade certainly doesn't propel them forward or even help them rebuild.

The Clippers have had bad luck in the past two seasons, or they would have been on the cusp of the 8 seed both years. Clearly they want to win now, which would be the first time in forever, and Cassell will instantly help them. With the loss of Bobby Simmons to the Bucks, the acquisition of Cassell will make it possible to slide Livingston and Maggette to the 2 and 3 respectively. And while Cassell may be 34 or 35 already, his game is methodical, ploddingly slow and based on perimeter accuracy. I still believe him when he talks about longevity (nhjic), because those traits are not going to fail him in a year or two.

I think the trade will make the Clippers leapfrog the Timberwolves in the conference standings next year. Barring any major surprises, transactions or injuries in the West (and no, Michael Finley signing with a team like Phoenix or Denver will not make a big enough difference), here is how I think the West seeding will shape up.

1 - San Antonio
2 - Phoenix
3 - Denver
4 - Dallas
5 - Houston
6 - Sonics
7 - Clippers
8 - Grizzlies