Below is the first in a series of features previewing the 2012-13 season. I begin with a snapshot of the Clippers’ offseason, followed by four teams that I also consider offseason winners. In addition, I want to hear what you think about who made the best moves. Tweet me your top team in the West and top team in the East with a brief explanation. Use the hashtag #LACInsiderPoll. We’ll post the results, complete with a few of your comments Friday on Clippers.com.
In June when Chris Paul returned to Los Angeles after a brief respite from basketball, he was asked what he planned to do during the offseason. His answer was actually a pointed question: “What offseason?”
More than ever, Paul was right. The NBA has become a 12-month league. The Finals lead to the Draft to free agency to Summer League and so on. There is no longer time for rest.
Working with that state of mind, the Clippers got to work early in the process, acquiring Lamar Odom for Mo Williams and the 2012 draft rights to Furkan Aldemir, who was selected with the 53rd pick. Shortly after free agency began they added high-scoring wing Jamal Crawford and re-signed Chauncey Billups. Odom, Crawford, and small forward Grant Hill, who was introduced July 20, made up for the loss of key members from last year’s rotation (Williams, Randy Foye, Nick Young, and Reggie Evans). They also provide an element of experience, versatility, and leadership that help make the Clippers one of the league’s most dynamic rosters.
From there, the front-office triumvirate of Clippers President Andy Roeser, Head Coach Vinny Del Negro, and Director of Player Personnel Gary Sacks continued adding depth. They brought it Ryan Hollins, Ronny Turiaf, and Willie Green, giving the Clippers a veteran-laden 11-man rotation.