Changing of the Guard in LA

With the tentative agreement between Sam Cassell and the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling and Elgin Baylor have shown the NBA that "the other team" in Los Angeles is no longer Clipping costs for wins.

The NBA's 2005-06 season should be here-in dubbed "The Year of the Clipper." There was no more a dramatic turn-around from a historical perspective than what was done last year. For the entire season, the Clippers were in the hunt, made key midseason acquisitions, and showed the West there was a new gunslinger in town. Everybody started to listen, even the media.

Especially in the playoffs, almost everything that was written about the playoffs concerning the Los Angeles Clippers has had to do with their emergence as a contender. Doug Collins praised the efforts of Mike Dunleavy, saying that the make-over for this team started when Dunleavy was brought in (some, however, would opine that Dunleavy's choice to bring in Daniel Ewing in Game 5 cost the Clippers their season). Others looked to Elton Brand, the horse that led Los Angeles to the playoffs for the first time since 1997. I, on the other hand, have a different thought.

In October, during training camp, most of the media had the Clippers towards the bottom of the barrel. They had the horses, but years of Clipper futility had trained the media not to expect much from the Staples Center basement-dwellers. Sometimes when everyone expects so little of you, you start to believe it yourself. Cassell and Cuttino Mobley didn't.

From the first practice of the '05-'06 season, Cassell and Mobley orchestrated a plan to make sure this year's team knew what was at stake, an actual shot at a championship. When Dunleavy called water breaks in the middle of practice, everyone scurried over to the coolers for some mid-practice relief. Cassell and Mobley? They practiced free-throws. Every practice, every water break, there was Cassell and Mobley shooting free-throws during the break. By the end of training camp, it wasn't just Cassell and Mobley bypassing the hydration, everyone did.

Cassell brought an attitude. He came in with the mindset, you're either with making it to the playoffs, or you're not going to make it through the season (see: Chris Wilcox). He did it in Houston as a rookie. He did it in Milwaukee with Ray Allen. Cassell helped Minnesota out of the first round. But his biggest resume filler is what went on in Hollywood last year.

That's what makes this re-signing so special. Elton Brand may be the future of the franchise, its best player, the face of this basketball team — but Cassell, he's the engine.

In the first game of the 2005-06 season, Cassell made it clear what he was bringing to the table, a winner. He scored 35 points in his debut, including three three-pointers in the final five minutes, leading the Clippers' 37-point fourth-quarter charge and a 13-point comeback. He did it again a few games later against his old team Minnesota. During it all, he continued to tell everyone, this is not the old Clippers team. Yet still no one believed him.

It took a first round demolishment of a befuddled Denver team to get everyone's attention, the first playoff series win in California, and the first for the franchise since 1976. Thirty years! Then the acknowledgments started to come. The Clipper bandwagon became a Hummer limo. Even Jack Nicholson showed up at a Clipper game. Clipper Nation was in a state of flux. And after every clutch shot Sam I Am would do his gesticulator dance to show everyone that this team has marbles.

This wasn't a quagmire. Everyone in the NBA knew that the reason for the 10-game turn-around, and the deep run in the playoffs had a lot to do with Cassell being in red and blue. The big question was, would Sterling and Co. put up the money to see 'ol No. 19 back? As little as a week ago, when asked how important the Cassell signing was to the Clippers, Baylor said, "How important is breathing?"

He also said Vladamir Radmanovic and Cassell were the organization's top priority. On July 1st, the first day teams could negotiate with free agents, Radmanovic took the quick stroll across the hall to the Lakers. Clipper pessimists started to worry. Walking around Los Angeles, and talking to Clipper fans this summer, "The Nation" spoke like there was a perfect game in progress, no one wanted to speak about Cassell, no one wanted to jinx it.

The thing was, no one west of the Rockies saw this as an important signing. It was the Ben Wallace sweepstakes. Who would get the best one-sided player in the NBA? Can you tell me how a player who is the second coming of Dennis Rodman gets this much pub? But I digress. Clippers with Cassell, playoffs. Los Angeles with out the veteran point, lottery. That's what it comes down to and that's what everyone knew. What other player carries that much cred? Even in Michael Jordan's prime, the Bulls still made the playoffs the year after his first retirement. Now don't get me wrong, Cassell isn't in the same area code as Jordan, but in terms of winning, they share the same zip code.

So when Sunday came and this flashed across my screen: Cassell reportedly agrees to re-sign with Clippers for two years $13 million. My first thought was that Baylor and Sterling showed the NBA this team is for real, and the Western Conference better watch out. L.A. brings almost the same team to the table next year, barring something drastic in the offseason or regular season, and a Finals appearance isn't completely out of the question.

They have the experience of last year, they have the talent, the depth, the length, size, speed, and shooting to do it, and they're getting better. It's just a matter of believing. And as long as Sam Cassell is leading the offense, Donald Sterling, Elgin Baylor, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Sprit Dancers, the media, and all of Clipper Nation are able to believe, and finally after years of torment, breathe.

Comments and Conversation

July 11, 2006

Anne P. Rauh:

that was a very interesting article by Wailele Sallas. He has a great take on the new emerging Clippers, from the basement to the top! Thanks for printing his informative insight

July 11, 2006

jon daly:

this guy is better than the guys at most new york rags…accurate..colorful…amusing..and best of all he really knows what hes talking about. the clips r for real now that they got “the mouth” re signed..good for elgin..and good for u to have such a talent writing for u

July 12, 2006

Susan Cappeletto:

Enjoyed reading this article … the writer has a unique refreshing style…hope to be hearing more from him in the future…and more fom the Clippers !!!!

July 12, 2006

Cathy Swanson:

Great article by Wailele Sallas on the Clippers. His colorful commentary held my interest. I particularly liked the thorough background he provided on the emergence of this new Clipper team. I hope to see more from this commentator.

July 12, 2006

Blake Gilmore:

Great story! Great insight! Someone in the media is paying attention and getting it right!

Go Wailele!!

July 12, 2006

Patty Everett:

Wow! Having followed (albeit quite lamely) the same lame team for the past several seasons, I, too, began to breathe quickly as I witnessed the Clippers rise from the dead this past season. How refreshing, then, to read such a wonderful take on the team’s performance! It not only crystalized some of my thoughts on their record this year, but it did so in a way that provided keen insight, originality of thought, and last, and perhaps most, a rollicking good read. What a voice this writer has! He (or she) ought to be in the spotlight! Keep the goods coming. Sportswriting can use a few more just like this.

July 12, 2006

Dennis Kaleiwohi:

It is refreshing to see that someone out there knows sports. It’s to bad that we always tend to ride the bandwagon of champions. Watch out everybody there’s a new champion in town. Move aside whoever you think is going to make it to the top and make room for the Clippers. (P.S.) I don’t even like the Clippers, but I know sports and this commentator knows his job. Is there anybody else out their willing to pick as they see it. Good job Wai let me know who else is out there so I can make some money.

July 12, 2006

Allison Baker:

Wow. Even I could call myself a Clipper’s fan after that story. So clever! Thoughtful detailing as well.
Thank you for sharing something so worth while.
Would love to read more from this writer.

July 13, 2006

Ruth Sease:

Look out LA, the Clippers are a living breathing machine! Wailele captured the essence of what could happen in season 2006-07 by evaluating the past. I’ve got my eye on the LA’s changing of the guard and looking forward to more indepth sport chatter from Wailele. Way to go!

July 13, 2006

Jacob Bryson:

as many of the commentors of this article have said this, writter knows how to tell it how it is! I just might have to watch the Clippers this season, Wai, i must say this is an excellent article, good job. it was very insightful and interesting. keep it up

July 13, 2006

Fletcher Smith:

Its about time a sports writer get something right! I’m a fan of L.A.’s other team, but like this read, the Clippers are a breath of fresh air. Hope to see more of this writer in the future.

July 13, 2006

Jose Ramirez:

Finally the Clippers can hold their heads up. Always the disgrace to LA, they are proving they are now worthy of respect.

July 13, 2006

Joseph Giardullo:

Mr. Sallas’s article on the Clippers was the type of commentary we need to see more of in the sports world. His article was informative without any spin. I appreciate his perspective and hope to read more from this writer. Thank you.

July 13, 2006

Kane Ng-Osorio:

Great article from Wailele Sallas about the Clippers. They had a great season and he touched some of the points I haven’t heard about from other sports media writers. I’m not a fan of the Clippers but I hope to hear other insightful points from him in the future.

July 13, 2006

daniel:

well written article, me being from san diego i still keep up with the clips and hold no hard feelings. go to see a writer taking time out to write about them as well. the lakers aren’t the only show in la (though many think that way.

July 13, 2006

Jon Osorio:

E Wailele

Great story on the Clippers. You have a great writing style with just the right kinds of metaphors that keep your prose from being phony and stale. That’s rare in any kind of writer.

But I also like that you set up your points really well and did the kind of research that good reporters do. I don’t give a damn about the Clippers (or any LA team) but you made me wonder if I’ve overlooked this team, and I’ll probably tune in to their games next year because of you.

Jon Osorio

July 13, 2006

Lauren Susman:

Great article on the Clippers and I’m a Lakers Fan! You’ve peaked my interest and I look forward to reading more as the season conitnues.

July 13, 2006

Jill Bos:

This article is spot on! I tip my cap to the writer. I’m looking forward to seeing more from this guy. Nice work Waiele!

July 13, 2006

Rachel Newmann:

Great article. If more sports articles were written in this interesting manner, I would likely be a greater fan of spectator sports. Mr. Sallas’ perspective makes me want to watch this team more closely and see what they are able to achieve next year.

July 14, 2006

Duncan:

good article…I was accually really suprised that the clippers went through with signing of Cassell. They’ve finally shown they’ve commited to winning. Lets not forget that in recent years the clippers have shown spirts of improvement, but the management continuesly shipped out their upcoming talent for cheaper alternatives, the fact that they were willing cough up the cash to resign Cassell is a great sign for their franchise

July 14, 2006

Russ Sease:

A concise and comprehensive summary of the Clipper year! From beginning of season to current status. No easy thing to do by even the very best of sport writers. A very well done and professional job. Wailele has a true talent. Looking forward to reading more articles on sports by Wailele. .

July 14, 2006

Scott Rabon:

Very informative and well put argument from this writer. Glad to know there are still well informed NBA journalists out there. Hope to see more articles from him, maybe a Lakers article (my team). It’s only July and he’s got me fired up for the upcoming season!!

July 14, 2006

Toots Mahorn:

Wow Wailele! You sure do have a lot of fans. And they all have the same thing to say, like there were instructions or something.

Anyway, great article. Your points were well-stated and thought-provoking. I love you!

July 15, 2006

Gail Watson Omura:

This is truly a great sports article. The writer uses just the right amount of sensationalism to hold you in captivity while he while he tells his exciting story.

The content was facinating, entertertaining, and informative. The spirit of competition was easy to feel due to the creative skills of the writer.

I write children’s books, and unfortunately do not have much time to follow sports. The well planned details, and interesting format of this article kept my attention from the first paragraph.

I will look forward to more articles from this talented writer!

Sincerely,
Gail Watson Omura

July 15, 2006

Sophia Shaw:

An interesting, exciting, and colorful article by a guy who clearly knows his stuff. I can’t wait to hear his detailed analysis on the upcomming season.

July 15, 2006

Mark Crowley:

Great article by Wailele Sallas! Tells it like it is. Great insigt. Hold your interest. Hope to hear more from this great Sportswritter.

July 15, 2006

Tobias Manuputy:

Great article by Wailele Sallas! Insightful, colorful, and obviously well informed. The kid knows what he’s talking about and gives a refreshing opinion without being opinionated. Lets hear some more!

July 16, 2006

SQUEEZE:

EXCELLENT ARTICLE ON THE CLIPPERS…I THINK I JUST BECAME A CLIPPERS FAN!!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK WAILELE.

July 16, 2006

Nate:

thats the truth.

July 17, 2006

Todd:

Wai, I enjoyed reading your article about a team on there way to the top.
Clipper’s are for real !

July 19, 2006

Kaleo Futuristo:

Great article Mr. Sallas. Being a Los Angeles Native all of my life, it’s good to finally see someone putting the Clippers franchise in the right perspective.
Thanks!
LET’s GO CLIPPS!!!

July 29, 2006

maia:

Very insightful and well written article. Learned a little about Sam. Great job Wai!

August 9, 2006

Harry Maurer:

I liked this article a lot, and I’m an East Coaster who doesn’t know a thing about the Clippers. It made me interested in following their fate this season. Thanks for publishing it!

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