Clipps PC on the Upcoming Season

[MikeNY711]

Hello, I am Mike the Los Angeles Clippers General Manager and Coach. Today, I'll be answering any questions regarding season expectations, plans, and the like.

[Commish]

O yea...me? O ok......uh....Yes, Mike....or Mr. NY i hear you go by, how do you feel about the most recent additions your team has made via Free Agency? And do you feel they are enough to make you a contender in the west>

Also can you shed some light on the Maggette/Mobley trader umours?

[MikeNY711]

Well, Mr. Traves, I think signing Sean is a big impact because he is our immediate starter but will split time with Tim Thomas. We want to prepare May very fast and show him how much we need him. Dee won't come into play much of this year because we have 5 Point Guards right now - Sam Cassell, Shaun Livingston, Jared Jordan, Brevin Knight, and Dee. However, we won't shy away from playing Dee if injury hits the position. I can't say we are big contenders in a very talented West Conference, but hopefully with the right moves we can get there.

As for rumors of trading Maggette and Mobley, those issues are disclosed for Team Morale sake, but I will tell you all this - we are only listening to offers, NOTHING is finalized. We're looking to go for a youth movement, so these guys could move despite all they've done here in Los Angeles.

Ok, you, in the back!

[monster]

Umm yes Mike.

I just wanted to know if it was true that you want to trade Elton Brand for new young blood because you are rebuilding. I jsut wanted to now why because isn't your team a playoff contender right now. All you need is a good SG and you can get that with one of your PGs can't you?

[MikeNY711]

Yes, that's why I'm holding off more on a Brand trade. I have a possible confidential deal for Iggy, and if that goes through Brand will immediately be listed as not for trade.

[monster]

Will you fill in on any detalls or news about that Iggy deal. Will it involve your main guys? Will Thornton be involved? Is your team leader Sam Cassell going to leave the team? Is this trade going to include draft picks and potential stars?

[MikeNY711]

The answer for all of is no for now, and I'd prefer to leave it that way. Sam and Al are NOT going for sure, as well as picks and youth. That''s what I'm looking for.

[chipperboy1]

This is Sekou Smith of the AJC. My question for you is, why are you revealing all this to the press? Won't this affect team morale greatly?

[Dynodamon]

What are your thoughts about Brand being cited for public intoxication yesterday? What about the plans about destroying the Hollywood sign?

[MikeNY711]

Mr. Smith, it was a good point and I mentioned it before, but I need to answer questions to get a good Press Conference grade, and also none of these problems will be present during the regular season.

Uh.. ok well not sure how to answer the second part, but Elton is a good guy. He understands that he's a role model and what he did was wrong. He will receive no suspension, but if he makes the same mistake - which I doubt - expect punishments.

[chipperboy1]

So, basically, you are just making up answers for us, then? Just to please the head brass? That's just wrong man.

[MikeNY711]

I guess, sort of but if nothing happens after Sim 1 I'm probably not making a deal and my team can focus on winning rather than be distracted about who's packing their bags next.

[chipperboy1]

Hmph. OK. That's an alright answer.

Question, where do you see your team ending up this year in the standings?

[MikeNY711]

I think we're a bubble team right now for the playoffs, but we'll see how we progress during the season,

[MikeNY711]

You, in the back!