A quick glance at the NBA standings reveals somethings that’s all too familiar to Los Angeles Clippers fans – they have the league’s worst record at 3-15.  But that glance at the standings might also lead you to believe that – just as was the case in previous seasons – there’s no hope for L.A.’s second-tier team. 

That belief would be far from the truth.

Despite a league-low three victories, the Clippers play an intriguing brand of basketball.  More importantly, they finally have ‘pieces.’  What’s meant by the term ‘pieces’ is that they have players who could become a solid part of a playoff-contending team.  Some years back, there was some excitement surrounding the combination of Elton Brand and Corey Maggette with the young, promising Shaun Livingston – but the Clippers suffered a bad break – literally - with the former #4 draft pick.  Otherwise, Los Angeles has continually lived up to its lack of annual hype.

However, there’s a lot to like about L.A. now.  And most of the club’s likability can be credited to their inside-outside, one-two punch with unlimited potential: Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon.

Blake Griffin's NBA career will see its fair share of slam dunks.

In a year in which all of the rookie talk was supposed to be about John Wall, Griffin started the campaign as the forgotten ROY candidate.  After all, the Sooner stud had just come back from missing a full season due to a stress fracture (and the accompanying surgery) in his left knee.  But Griffin quickly squashed all doubt regarding his NBA future, posting at least 14 points and 8 rebounds in each of his first seven games of the season.  Then he hit us with the fantasy league line of the year (to date), accumulating 44 points, 15 boards and 7 assists versus the New York Knicks.  The power forward is clearly in the mold of the NBA’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Orlando’s Dwight Howard, with his raw ability, off-the charts athleticism and unrefined back-to-the-basket game.  With less than 20 games on his professional resume, Griffin is the NBA’s supreme highlight package.

When it comes to Griffin’s ability, perhaps Deron Williams said it best:

“He doesn’t even know how to play basketball yet…”

And that, my friends, is a true testament to how good Griffin is, and to how much better he can be.

But let’s not forget about the player who is the best player on the team at this point – combo guard Eric Gordon.  Landscaping the Western Conference, it is a perennial nightmare to be an All-Star caliber guard who is not named Kobe Bryant.  There’s a handful of star status guards who are consistently in the running for All-Star consideration – Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Brandon Roy and Chris Paul.  This year, Paul and Williams should be locks to make it to the midseason showcase, while Nash’s and Russell Westbrook’s performances should merit strong consideration.  If the coaches decide to limit the West’s roster to three point guards, that should run the guard count to four (including Mr. Bryant).  Assuming the roster will contain five forwards and two centers (which, by the way, would be a stretch given the lack of impacting pivot men in the league), there should still be room for one additional off-guard.

Could Gordon and Bryant be playing for the same team on February 20?

Normally, considering a Clipper for the All-Star Game would be a laughing matter.  But Gordon has been one of the few consistent forces at the shooting guard position.  The former Hoosier would probably be in a dead heat with the Warriors’ Monta Ellis for perhaps the final spot, however, Gordon should get the edge.  Gordon’s ppg is slightly lower than Ellis’ (24.2 to 24.9), and he has struggled with the long ball so far this season.  But Gordon is traditionally a much more reliable shooter from deep, and does a better job of drawing fouls on the opponent and getting to the free throw line.  And due to Baron Davis’ injury, Gordon has been able to expand his game and become a bit more of a playmaker than before. 

Rounding out the current starting lineup are three youngsters who fit nicely into L.A.’s schemes – point guard Eric Bledsoe, small forward Al-Farouq Aminu and center DeAndre Jordan.  The trio does a good job of playing with pace and playing within their roles.  Bledsoe is the ultra-athletic, jet-setter that every team needs; Aminu is a do-it-all type with true NBA length; and Jordan is more than capable of posting ten boards and two rejections a game.

Add to this the potential of Chris Kaman’s return, as well as the return of a level-headed Baron Davis (coach Del Negro may just have to settle for whatever head Davis brings to the table) and the Clippers have the makings of a team that may be ready to make some noise…

…two or three years down the road.

Such a statement wouldn’t sound so good to most NBA fans out there.

But then again, most NBA fans aren’t Clipper fans, either.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author