Los Angeles Clippers Tickets

The Los Angeles Clippers are hoping that a re-energized and rededicated Baron Davis and the arrival of Blake Griffin will pay big dividends in the 2009-2010 season.

There was a lot of hope heading into the season, but Clippers fans have quickly been brought back down to Earth by a slow start that has the team in fourth place in the Pacific Division.

Head coach Michael Dunleavy has taken a lot of criticism over his time management and the way he uses his players, yet somehow has kept his job. Owner Donald Sterling is one of the worst in sports and only seems concerned with making money, so he will just let Dunleavy continue to coach until his contract runs out.

Los Angeles signed guard Baron Davis last offseason after failing to bring back Elton Brand, and a lot of fans got excited over his arrival. He struggled much of last season and vowed to lose weight, get more focused and return this year better than ever.

So far, the results have been shaky. He is averaging more than 16 points and seven assists per game, but much more is expected out of a player the caliber of Davis.

Surprisingly, center Chris Kaman is leading the team in scoring at more than 19 points per game. He is also pulling down nearly 10 rebounds per game, and probably would be averaging well over a double-double if it wasn't for the acquisition of Marcus Camby.

Camby is averaging almost nine points per game to go along with his 11 rebounds and is really taking some of the weight off of Kaman's shoulders in the low post. Kaman no longer has to do it all by himself, and it has definitely been a benefit for the Clippers.

One other positive has been the play of guard Eric Gordon, who is blossoming in his second season in the league. Gordon is third on the team in scoring at more than 17 points per game, and it would be interesting to see what happens when Davis is gone and it's his show to run. For now, Davis plays alongside Gordon, which might be the best way to bring the youngster along.

Sebastian Telfair is also on the roster, although he pretty much spends all of his time sitting on the bench. The Clippers are probably holding out some hope that Telfair will eventually develop and can play alongside Gordon as part of a young backcourt that can grown and play with each other for a long time to come. It's a great idea, but probably just a dream.

The Clippers certainly have the talent to make a run at one of the final couple of playoff spots in the Western Confence, but I'm sure it won't happen. The entire franchise just seems cursed, and it's hard to envision that changing anytime soon.