I have so much (stuff) on that mikesmith guy. You wouldn’t believe what I could tell you about him. Andrew D. Bernstein (NBAE/Getty Images) Ralph's Mailbag

Hey Ralph,

I very much enjoy the opportunity to read your responses every week, thanks for doing so.

Got any good mikesmith stories (preferably of the embarrassing sort)? Don't hold out on us! Happy holidays to you both.

Jose,

To paraphrase Stephon Marbury: "I have so much (stuff) on that mikesmith guy. You wouldn’t believe what I could tell you about him."

- Ralph

Hey Ralph,

Nice job calling Clippers games. I know the Clippers share the same building as the Lakers; will the Clippers ever get their own arena?

William,

The team feels it has its own arena in STAPLES Center. It is simply the best arena in the world and there is no reason to dream of playing elsewhere.

With the new practice facility being built in Playa Vista, the Clippers will truly be working in World Class facilities that are second to none in the NBA.

- Ralph

Between Shaun Livingston and Elton Brand, which of them is expected to return earlier and in how much time?

Brand

Livingston

Diego,

They are on similar timetables with hopes of returning around mid-February.

In as much as Shaun is the younger of the two, I’d guess he might beat E.B. back, but not by much.

- Ralph

Hi Ralph.

I just moved to the Bay Area and I only got to watch one Clippers game so far this season (the loss to GSW). Do you and Mike have your live Clippers broadcasts online? I am going through Clippers withdrawals. The sports networks up here don't like the NBA, or thw GSW's aren't worthy enough for TV airtime...

Bryan,

The telecasts are not available online unless you subscribe to NBA League Pass. The radio broadcasts are available online at no cost. Go to Clippers.com and under the Clippers Central Calendar, click on the link to "Listen Live." (Picture at right)

- Ralph

When I watch the Clippers sometimes I can't really discern what kind of offensive strategy they're employing. I love the overall results, but at times I feel like they are just a bit loose in terms of running set plays and getting the spacing right in the half court offense. What is your assessment?

Also, I really love your play-by-play, and I love that you hold the microphone rather than wear a headset.

Kaman

Chris,

The club is trying to be less predictable and to run more this season in the absence of Elton Brand. Now, injuries have seriously hampered their continuity and it’s not going to be pretty sometimes. The plan was to run whenever possible while relying on Chris Kaman’s post presence in the half court set. They try to surround him with perimeter shooters to spread the court. In a perfect world the offense works great. This has not been a perfect world, so far.

- Ralph

I grew up in Peoria, IL and have known Shaun since he was nine. I now live in Florida, so I was wondering if you think he will be back by the Orlando game down here? If so, I plan to get tickets to go see him. If not, I don’t want to drive two hours to Orlando with gas prices being like they are.

Livingston

Jerry,

All I can tell you is the Orlando game is on March 12, 2008 and Shaun expects to be back playing by then. We hope to see you and him in Orlando that night.

- Ralph

Do you think the Mighty Clippers will make playoffs this year?

Jordan,

I think it will be a real challenge. It looks to me like six teams are virtual "locks" for the playoffs in the West: Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, Denver, Utah and Houston. That leaves two openings with New Orleans, the Lakers, Golden State and the Clippers in the mix. Bottom line, they need to finish ahead of two of the following three: Hornets, Lakers, Warriors. If they can get healthy, they’ll have a shot.

- Ralph

I think Brevin Knight should start the instead of Sam Cassell. Brevin is a good defensive point guard and a good ball handler. Sam should lead the Clippers' second unit! What do you think?

Knight

Eric,

You’ll see that a lot this year. It really comes down to defensive match-ups.

Against the likes of Ben Gordon, Allen Iverson, Tony Parker and Steve Nash, you’ll likely see Knight as the starter. In other cases, the coach will opt for Sam’s offensive firepower.

- Ralph

I know the season has just begun, but I was wondering if Baron Davis was not re-signed by the Golden State Warriors, is it possible the Clippers would sign him?

Geoffrey,

The salary cap would limit their ability to sign him as a free agent. The only way to get it done would be through a "sign and trade."

- Ralph

Ralph,

While watching the pre-game ceremony of the Clippers home game against the Bulls, I was amazed and mesmerized by the voice of the young lady who sang the Nation Anthem. She sang with such strength and power. What is her name?

Leslie,

The anthem singer’s name is Samantha Jade. She’s a 20-year old Australian model who has been singing since the age of six. Her debut album is due out early next year on Jive Records. To view the video for Samantha’s first single “Turn Around” and to hear additional music, visit www.myspace.com/samanthajade.

- Ralph

Sorry to bug you with this question Ralph, but I really hope I get an answer. I was watching the Clippers game today and something was mentioned about free Clipper tix through Barrystickets.com yet I did not find anything on their site. I hope you can help me and thanks.

Javier,

That’s a special promotion only available during our KTLA telecasts. Watch the games and follow the game-time instructions and you’ll have a chance for the free tix. Good luck.

- Ralph

How come Donald Sterling doesn't get recognized for his charitable efforts? And did the really talented Matt Pinto get fired?

Isa,

DTS is one of the city’s great philanthropists. I think that is well known.

Matt Pinto did not get fired. He got a job offer from the Seattle Sonics that he thought was too good to turn down. We miss him but feel very fortunate to have hired Brian Sieman away from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

- Ralph

I have always loved the Clippers. So I ask: with the team always starting off hot and then going cold, it seems to me that they’re not headed for the playoffs again. I've been a fan since '88 and I'm getting to the point of jumping ship and going across town. The Clippers need a young point guard (i.e. Deron Williams) and a shooting guard (i.e. Michael Redd). What do you think? Having Sam Cassell and Cat Mobley is not going to take us to the playoffs. See you in the lottery.

Cassell

Mobley

Kevin,

It’s a little early to jump ship. Sam and Cat got this team within a game of the conference finals just 18 months ago. The big problem this year is injuries. They have to get healthy so that they can compete in this very tough league.

- Ralph

Hey Ralph,

Big fan of both you and the Clippers. I truly believe that the Clippers can make a run and surprise the league, just like the Chicago Bulls did last year. Other than staying healthy do you think the Clippers can achieve this goal?

Second, if the Clippers don't make the playoff or have a winning record, do you see coach Dunleavy coming back next season?

Dave,

I can’t answer without the "health" factor being a part of it. Check the standings now or for any recent year and you’ll find the teams with the best records have had very few injury problems. It is a fact of life in the NBA. With Brand and Livingston out for the first half of the season, the Clippers simply could not withstand further injuries. Hopefully, the recoveries will be quick and they’ll still have a chance to stay in what is certain to be a very tight playoff race.

And yes, I certainly expect Coach Dunleavy to return next year and for some years after that.

- Ralph

Why why why why does Tim Thomas keeping shooting three's? I understand he does make some, but please tell me why he shot so many against the Warriors. We are a much better team than they are. We just handed them the game.

Thomas

Derick,

Tim is a very good three-point shooter. Granted, he took a franchise record 13 "threes" against Golden State, but he did make six and that’s a very effective 46% from long range. Anything over 33% makes the three an efficient shot.

With regards to your suggestion that the Clippers are a much better team than Golden State… Well, even with Brand last year, the Clips finished two games behind the Warriors. They’ve split their first two games this season and remain quite evenly matched. The Warriors are one of the teams the Clippers will be battling with if they are to make it to the 2008 playoffs.

- Ralph

As a fan of the Clippers living overseas, I would like to know where you think Clippers would place in the European league and has Donald Sterling ever thought of moving the team overseas?

Matt,

The NBA is a long ways away from having teams in Europe. Any NBA team would do very well playing in the Euro-league. None of the 30 existing teams will ever consider relocating outside of North America.

Aside from travel concerns, the other reason that Europe is not ready for entry into the NBA is the lack of NBA quality arenas. Once six to eight such venues exist, we might see the league at least have a Euro-division.

- Ralph

Dear Ralph,

I have loved and rooted for this team since I was about ten years old, only to see loser after loser. It is ridiculous. Elton Brand is a "B" player. He is good, not great. Also, I am not questioning his character off the court. I am sure he is one of the finest human beings around. However, this team will NEVER win a championship with Brand as the focal point. I could not commend him more for the work he does in the community and for his philanthropic ways. I must say, however, that this is not what makes a great basketball player. He does not have the killer instinct needed to lead a team. Deep down I know you know I am right. You are too smart and too good of an announcer to say otherwise, but we both know the truth.

Mike,

Brand

You truly are the only Elton Brand "basher" on the face of planet Earth.

We all define "great" differently, but no way you can call E.B. no more than a "B" player. Can he win as championship by himself? Of course not. Shaq needed Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade… Michael needed Scottie – Tim Duncan needs Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, etc., etc., etc. He was good enough two seasons ago to get his team within one win of the Western Conference finals. His will to win is second to none. That’s why he’s one of the hardest workers in the entire league. Deep down I know that you don’t know what you are talking about when it comes to Elton Brand.

- Ralph

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