These Clippers will dive, leap and out-work other teams this season. Stephen Dunn (Getty Images Sport) Ralph's Mailbag

Hey, love your work but I’m concerned about the identity of the team in the absence of Elton Brand. Who are these guys?

Howard,

They are going to be the hardest working team in the NBA. They’ll be diving on the floor for loose balls, leaping over the press table to save a ball in bounds, they’ll make steals in the passing lanes and surprise seemingly superior teams by being better prepared and simply out-working them. The Clippers were eliminated from the play-offs in the final game of the season last year. They now Know that Every game Matters. There are no meaningless games in the 82-game regular season. They’ll treat each night as if it were a Game 7 in the play-offs. This is going to be Fun to watch. Fasten your seatbelts!

- Ralph

Hi Ralph,

With The season kicking off … Who are our official starters?

How is it working with Brian Sieman? Clipper Nation was sad to see Matt Pinto leave, but Sieman seems to be pretty good.

Thanks again Ralph!

Sieman

Jason,

The coach will likely try to match-up advantageously with specific opponents, so we may see a variety of starting line-ups. Most nights I would expect to see Cassell & Ross as guards … Kaman at center with Maggette and Thomas manning the forward spots.

We all hated to see Matt Pinto leave, but the team came up with a coup in hiring Brian Sieman from the Minnesota Timberwolves. I think the fans are going to enjoy his work for many years to come.

- Ralph

Considering that Elton Brand won’t be back till after the All-Star break, do you have any idea if Thornton will be a starter or is he going to be the first forward off the bench?

Thornton

Sammy,

He certainly won’t be a starter early in the season, but he will be a part of Coach Dunleavy’s regular rotation. He scored 20+ points three times in the pre-season and I’ll think he’ll be an effective scorer during the regular season, as well. Al Thornton has the chance to be a special player. The fans are going to love watching him play.

- Ralph

I am a big fan of Corey Maggette and was wondering if you see him making the All-Star team this year, as he will carry a lot of the scoring load?

Maggette

Kolby,

I think Corey has a real shot at being an All-Star this year. He’ll likely score 20-25 points a game and if he can help the Clippers be in the playoff hunt through mid-season, I think he’d have a very good chance of being chosen.

- Ralph

What do you think will be the toughest challenge for the Clippers this year?

Derek,

They just have to stay in the hunt. Disregarding possible injury scenarios, I think there are six teams (San Antonio, Dallas, Phoenix, Houston, Utah and Denver) that are virtual "locks" for a spot in the playoffs. That leaves Golden State, the Lakers, New Orleans and the Clippers to fight it out for the two remaining play-off positions. I think they have a shot and then if Brand and Livingston return … watch out!

- Ralph

Do you think it was the right decision to waive Guillermo Diaz? Do you believe he will be part of another NBA team roster this season?

Diaz

Norbert,

I can tell you it was a painful decision for the basketball staff. They all believe the athletic player from Puerto Rico is good enough to play in this league. However, there simply was not a spot available on the roster. He reminded me of a more athletic version of Eddie House and Eddie has parlayed his ability to score the ball into an eight-year NBA career.

- Ralph

I have realized that most teams have basically the same rosters as last year, except Boston and Orlando. Given the relatively quiet offseason, do you expect to see more trades during the season?

Ryan,

Too early to tell. Mid-season trades are fueled by injuries or by teams that are under-achieving.

- Ralph

I've been reading all over ESPN and other sites that are saying the Clippers will be 14th or 15th in the conference. Do you believe we can still make the playoffs? I know I do.

P.S. Thank you so much for taking the time to take a picture with me and my wife during Friday's preseason game against the Warriors. Also, thanks for the autographs, and for telling Mikesmith that I wanted to meet him and get his autograph. That meant the world to me.

Migel,

Just imagine what it meant to Mike. Nobody had ever asked for his autograph before. It’s all he’s talked about for the past week!

Regarding the team’s prospects for the season, I think 14th or 15th in the West is under-estimating the talent and dedication of this club. I think they’ll finish somewhere between #7 and #10.

- Ralph

Ralph:

Should Q. Ross have his minutes limited and why is Coach Dunleavy infatuated with his play? I really enjoy listening to you and M. Smith; especially when you disagree (it's so funny!). You are one of the very best and a credit to your profession. LA is fortunate to have you. Keep up the fantastic work. Best wishes.

Ross

Laura,

Thanks for the kind words, although I’m not sure Q. Ross enjoyed them as much as I did. The reason the coach likes the player is because he does things that help the team win. You have to remember this is a "team" game. Not everybody gets to be the Star.

Quinton Ross knows his role and plays it well and there are very few better on the ball defenders in the entire league. Q is already a very good mid-range jump-shooter and he’s added to his shooting range this season. I think he’ll eventually become a threat from behind the 3-ploint line a la Bruce Bowen.

- Ralph

Do you think there is any chance of the Clippers coming to the Honda Center in Anaheim? I think being in the Lakers shadow has hurt them! What are the chances and how soon would it happen?

Max,

Not going to happen. The team has a long-term commitment to Staples Center and the city of Los Angeles. There was a time when Anaheim was given serious consideration, but that time has past. We love Orange County and the Honda Center is a great building, but sharing Staples Center with the Kings and the Lakers has been Win-Win-Win for all parties involved. It is simply the best arena in the world.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I know many of the so-called sports analysts say the Clippers will finish last this year. I have a feeling if Kaman plays well like he did in the past, Mobley puts up good numbers, Sam gives us great points and stays healthy and Maggette plays the lights out... this team should be in great shape for the playoffs! What do you think?

Mark,

I think you are pretty much on target. If they can keep the current group healthy, they’ll be in the fight for the playoffs. Other variables that you did not mention would be the athleticism and excitement that rookie Al Thornton will bring to the game … the competitiveness of Ruben Patterson and the versatility of Tim Thomas. Add the improvement of Paul Davis and the point guard depth provided by Brevin Knight and Dan Dickau and I like this team.

- Ralph

Brand

Hi Ralph,

I heard an interview with EB a few weeks back where he said that he wanted to play for a Championship, he didn't sound very sure that would be done with the Clips. With his contract/injury situation what they are, is he bound for a Championship contender that will pay him less money after this season?

Michael,

Please don’t try to read between the lines each time Elton Brand speaks. This will play out appropriately. Whether EB opts-out or plays out his contract, at the end of the day, the Clippers will be able to offer him more money for more years than any other team. With Brand here, there is no reason this club can not be a championship contender.

- Ralph

(A two-parter) With the state of Injuries that have hit the Clippers recently, do you think the team chemistry will be effected with the return of Brand and Livingston later this season? And, will the Clippers try to get Kobe, AGAIN?

Michael,

Part 1. Yes, I think it will be effected: POSITIVELY.

Part 2. The Lakers do not want to trade Bryant within the Conference, so I see little chance that they’d be willing to trade him within the City.

- Ralph

We reserve the right to edit your question for the sake of brevity or clarity.

Email:
Full Name:
Hometown/State:
Question:

By clicking on the "Send Message" button above, you agree that all materials you submit become available for unrestricted use by NBA.com and waive all rights to them. Submissions will not be returned. Please review the NBA.com's Terms of Use if you have any questions regarding making submissions.