Video: NBA TV previews the 2005-06 Clippers

"I think with his size, he has a huge advantage, and he has a great feel for the game" said reigning MVP Steve Nash. "I'll be interested to see what he does with it."

Livingston could be the reason that, despite the departure of Bobby Simmons, the Clippers improve on their 37-45 record from last season.

The Clippers replaced Simmons with Cuttino Mobley, who will give them more of a long-distance threat and will allow Corey Maggette to move back to small forward. Maggette is one of the most athletic players in the league and could certainly benefit from having Livingston around for a full season, but he needs be more fundamentally sound in order to realize his potential. The always steady Elton Brand anchors the front line. Brand had another solid season in '04-05, averaging 20.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per contest, while missing just one game. Brand may seem like he's been around for a while, but he is still just 26 years old. His best basketball should be ahead of him.

The other key components of the Clippers' frontline are even younger. Both Chris Wilcox and Chris Kaman are just 23 and each has nice potential. Kaman needs to get tougher though and Wilcox needs to be more consistent and improve defensively in order to stay out of Mike Dunleavy's doghouse.

In order to give full reins to Livingston, the Clippers shipped out Marko Jaric and got Sam Cassell in return. Cassell should give them some instant offense off the bench and could provide some veteran leadership if he's willing to accept his role. With the No. 12 pick in the draft, the Clippers selected talented but inexperienced Yaroslav Korolev from Russia. Somewhat surprisingly (he is only 18 and has played mainly against junior competition) , Korolev signed and will be with the team, but don't expect him to contribute much this season.

Mobley

X&O WEAKNESS
Sam and Mobley are very weak defensively and you can beat them off the dribble. Are there any shot-blockers on this team? Chris Wilcox can get into it. I think their defense is limited. When it comes to inside play, Sam won’t throw it in unless something good can happen. He won’t throw it in there like he did with Kevin Garnett in Minnesota. He’ll use them but won’t be confident in them unless they do something.

HEAD COACH PHILOSOPHY
I have found Mike Dunleavy to be more of a set guy, a control guy, let’s them go out once in a while. With Sam there, and Mobley running down one side and Livingston or Corey Maggette running down the other side, there could be an opening up of this game a la Phoenix. It certainly has signs of a push-push game. They can be a playoff contender . -- Don Casey (courtesy of the National Basketball Coaches Association)