The team has won 55% of the games in which Cassell played and won less than 35% of those in which he has not played. Noah Graham (NBAE/Getty Images) Ralph's Mailbag

Ralph,

This losing streak is painful! Much is made about Brand's absence, which definitely hurts. But I think they really miss Cassell. Can you tell me what the Clippers record is with Sam Cassell vs. what it is without him since the trade for Marko Jaric? Thanks.

Kenneth,

You are on to something. During Sam Cassell’s tenure with the Clippers, the team has won 55% of the games in which he played and won less than 35% of those in which he has not played. You’ll recall that the Clippers started off 4-0 with Sam this year and were still 6-4 when the injuries started mounting.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Can we (Clippers Fans) expect another BUSTED season? Or is there still hope in sight?

Darrell,

I am full of hope. However, the sunshine is a little more remote than we’d hoped at the end of last season. Injuries have made the task this year very, very difficult. However, Chris Kaman has emerged as one of the top centers in all of basketball and that alone makes this season a success. Add Brand and Livingston to Kaman and you have the cornerstones of a truly top-notch NBA contender. The big picture remains bright. The little picture is a little out of focus because of the injuries.

- Ralph

Hi Ralph,

What do you think is the likelihood that Brand stays with us or extends this Summer?

What is the reason for the consistent third quarter drop-offs for the Clippers?

Also, Kaman has been logging 40 minutes lately, is the team worried about him logging too many minutes on a nightly basis?

Thanks Ralph!

Brand

Kaman

Jason,

1. E.B. and his agent will look at the NBA landscape after the season and decide what is best for Elton and his family. The level of his recovery will be a factor. The reality is that few, if any teams, will have significant enough cap room available this summer to make a creditable offer to him. I think he wants to return and I think he will return.

2. Clips have won three and lost five this season when they’ve led at the half. On the other hand, they’ve won nine of ten when leading going into the fourth quarter. It’s all statistical mumbo-jumbo. The bottom line is that the team has not played consistently well enough to win.

3. Chris Kaman is in the best condition of his life and that has allowed him to log large minutes. I think the coach would prefer to keep him under 40, but some nights the lights seem to go out when he goes to the bench and the temptation to get him back out on the court quickly is overwhelming.

Hi Ralph,

I know its early, but what type of player do you think the Clippers will consider drafting this year? I think it may depend on re-signing Maggette and the health of Livingston. Do you see any other ideas? What if OJ Mayo were available? I think he's terrific.

Robert,

It is waaaay to early to think about the draft. Too many variables to make a reasonable answer. However, it would clearly be attractive to draft a popular local star, if one were available.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Why are Quinton Ross and Brevin Knight starting every game? That is the worst starting backcourt in the entire league. Why aren't Cuttino Mobley and Dan Dickau getting the starting nod? I truly believe this is the reason why the Clippers are off to a horrible start.

Knight

Ross

Juan,

The reality is, Knight and Ross have started together in only six of the team’s 24 games this year. You will only see them on the court together when “match-ups" warrant it. They are both exceptional defensive players.

- Ralph

Where does the releasing of Ruben Patterson rank up there with Game 5 Daniel Ewing and the drafting of Korolev as Dunleavy's biggest blunders?

I've never really cared much for Ruben, but when he's on your team you realize how important of a player he is.

Scott,

Patterson

No blunder in this case. The team has played well defensively, for the most part, but has struggled at the offensive end. Ruben had proven to be an offensive liability. Furthermore, his release was the only way the team could have some roster flexibility that might be needed considering the length of Sam Cassell’s recovery from a calf injury. In the interim, the move allowed the club to add another shooter in Richie Frahm.

Ruben will catch on elsewhere in a situation where he is a better fit. We wish him well.

- Ralph

Ralph,

I have got a few questions for you. Is Tim Thomas hurt? Will Paul Davis get more minutes on the court? How is Q Ross' back coming along? Thanks for making all those games you call fun to watch even if you are working with MikeSmith.

Thomas

Colin,

Tim has back and ankle issues that he’s trying to play through. Davis’ minutes have increased and he has responded well and Q. Ross has recovered nicely from a hard fall in a game last week. Regarding mikesmith … we all have a cross to bear and he is mine.

- Ralph

Ralph,

Quinton Ross needs to shoot more. He has a nice jump shot and the Clips can’t afford to play three-on-five when he and Brevin Knight are on the floor at the same time. When he is open, he needs to let it fly and make the other team be honest with its defense.

Dave,

I agree.

- Ralph

Alright Ralph, I have to ask. Why don't the Clippers swing the ball more often like most good teams do? It needs to go to one side and then to the other. If we were to do this, I can guarantee we will be in the running for the eighth spot especially when Brand and Livingston come back to make that final run. Anyway, I would love to hear your comments. And by the way, you and Mike are hilarious.

Jorge,

No question that the team plays best when it moves the basketball. However, when a ball club struggles, some players often try to do a little too much themselves to help the team break out of a losing slump. It is counter-productive. Ball movement and ball reversal are key elements to this basketball team’s offensive scheme. Sometime they get it done and too often, they don’t.

- Ralph

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