Friday, March 23, 2007
Online Chat With Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor
Vice President of Basketball Operations and 2006 NBA Executive of the year Elgin Baylor chatted online with the members of Clipper Nation on Friday, March 23rd on Clippers.com.
Elgin Baylor: Welcome to everybody who has joined in on today's chat. I'm ready to start, so go ahead and submit your questions.
Denise (Ventura): Mr. Baylor, what are your thoughts about the Clippers' current position versus a possible 6 or 7 position?
Elgin Baylor: Our goal has always been to get to the playoffs and go as far as we can. At this point, we can only be concerned about winning ball games and, at least, maintaining our position in the race.
Tim (Whittier, CA): Elgin, I'm a season ticket holder and huge fan of the team and your moves. What do you think your greatest accomplishment in the sport was?
Elgin Baylor: First, thanks for your support. If you mean my greatest accomplishment as a player, I really don't place individual accomplishments at a high priority, but I am very proud of what our team accomplished when I was a player. If you mean since I've been a player, I think last year's season and play off run was the best, because it was such a team-related accomplishment.
John P (Santa Ana, CA): How is Shaun Livingston's recovery? Is it better than expected? Do you guys feel he will be back some time next season, or is it to early to tell.
Elgin Baylor: I spoke to Shaun just a couple of days ago. He's still in Birmingham, Alabama where his surgery was done. The surgery went extremely well and his spirits are very high. He's doing everything he's supposed to do, and he'll return to Los Angeles next week to continue his rehab program. I know that everyone involved will do everything possible to get him back to where he's supposed to be.
JJ (CulverCity): Hello Elgin, Really confused about our draft situation in the coming months...Can you elaborate on our pick from Minnesota for Sam Cassell? How do we fare in the draft lottery if (when!) we make the playoffs this year? Will we look for a point guard in this draft or look through free agency? Thanks.
Elgin Baylor: Here's the facts on the Minnesota draft pick: if their position is lower than 10th, we get it. If, between now and 2011, they never finish lower than 10th, we get it then. When we make the play-offs this year, we won't be in the lottery. Only non-playoff teams participate in the lottery. It's way too early to tell what our specific draft strategy will be, but either through the draft or through free agency, we're perfectly positioned to take advantage of any opportunities .
Kenneth (San Diego):Hello. I'm sure this question is wanting to be answered by not only myself but the rest of the clipper nation. A lot of outside sources have catagorized this season for the clippers as "disappointing". What do you feel about the clipper team THIS year that is different from LAST year? I'm always optimistic and say that sooner or later they will return to last year's form, but the season is winding down and i'm sorry to say i'm worried.
Elgin Baylor: We've all worried a little more this year than last year, that's for sure. It's hard to put your finger on any one thing that has been different. What I can say right now is, we're still in this thing, and we're playing better now than at any time during this season. We've really had to grind it out, but that may benefit us in the post-season. Remember, it's how a team is playing when the play-offs roll around that is most important.
Gary (Los Angeles): Hey Mr. Baylor will the Clippers retire a jersey for the MVB (most valuable broadcaster) and the voice of the Clippers Mr. Ralph Lawler?
Elgin Baylor: Ralph should and will be appropriately recognized - but not until he actually retires, which should be sometime this century, I would guess. Not any time soon, I don't think.
Kman (Los Angeles): Heyyy Elgin Baylor will the clippers bring Sam Cassell to be an assistant coach or have anything to do with the coaching staff??
Elgin Baylor: We'll look at that when Sam's focus actually shifts to his post-playing career. If you ask me, Sam could be a very good coach some day.
Dean (South Pasadena): Mr. Baylor, do u believe that shaun livingston's basketball career is over?
Elgin Baylor: No, I really don't think his career is over. I'm very optimistic about his future. He did have a serious injury, but his youth and his attitude about his rehab are both factors in his favor. He'll have the best guidance available and he's a hard worker. I feel good about his chances.
Vigen (Glendale): What are you guys looking to do after Sammy retires and that Shaun is now out? I know you have Daniel Ewing, but what else?
Elgin Baylor: Slow down, you're getting a little ahead of yourself. Sam plans to play again next year, and we can't know now what Shaun's situation will be. We may have as many as two first round draft picks, and some flexibility in the free agent market. Whichever way it goes, we'll be monitoring our opportunities constantly, and we'll exploit all the options that come our way.
Tony (Atascadero, CA): Hi Elgin, do you think the Clippers can seriously contend for the Western Conference Championships this year?
Elgin Baylor: Once you get to the playoffs, anything can happen. We just have to concentrate on what's in front of us right now, and at least maintain our position - or even improve on it. If we play well enough to accomplish that, we'll be pretty tough in the post-season.
Columbus : Hi Mister Baylor. I hope all is well. Your team is such a delight. I follow it because your team allows my favorite players from college (i.e. Kaman/Bowling Green). Please if you could, take a look at an Ohio State player, Ron Lewis. I followed him through high school, and at Bowling Green. He was there with Kaman. They had a nice team. Chemistry there was tremendous. So if you could find it in your heart to help this young man, Please help. He will not disappoint the organization.
Elgin Baylor: NBA rules don't allow for me to talk about specific college players, but I will say this: we will evaluate every eligible player out there, in college or out, in the US or abroad.
Gary (Los Angeles): Hey Mr. Baylor, at the end of last season you said that the Clippers weren't trading Corey Maggette, what happened?? I think you and Mike Dunleavy were trying to trade him, you have any reason why?
Elgin Baylor: You've been listening to too many rumors which emanate from other teams and players' agents. We've said over and over again that we weren't going to trade him, and we didn't.
Elgin Baylor: This has been fun. I really appreciate everybody taking the time to post your questions. Again, thanks to everyone for all the support. Keep it going as we make a drive for the post-season.
